PW 1995 10

THE UK'S BEST SELLING MAGAZINE FOR AMATEUR R
Nit p34°
to,3p,
Dual Band Mobile FT -8500
Never before has Yaesu technoloq Specifications
. Frequency Coverage:
changed an industry so dramatically. 2m RX: 110-174 MHz

TX: 144-146 MHz
70 cm RX: 420-500 MHz
With the Smart Controller Mic. Spectra -Analyzer lets me TX: 430-440 MHz
all the radio functions are in check out channel activity in Spectra -Analyzer's w/adjustable
your hand." UHF, VHF and keep track of my signal width, spacing 6 span
favourite repeaters. too: markers
"And. look. the digital voltage .6 -Character Alpha -Numeric
Display
display monitors my car
battery voltage!" "Yaesu did it again!" 110 Memories (in 5 memory
banks)
Omni -Glow's Display
Digital voltage display
. Selectable 1200/9600 baud
.3 -Level Auto -Mute w/Mute Timer
. V+V. U+U, V+U Dual Receive
. 3 Power Output Levels
Rotary Dial Selector Knob 2m 50/10/5 Watt
Se-ect memories aria 70 cm 35/10/5 Watt
other settings aCConding to . Built-in Auto Power Off (APO)
Rea -panel aata lack for the current mode functions .
Packet with 6 -pin connections and Time-out Timer (TOT)

tor Data Input. PIT 9600 bps MIL -STD 810/C Rating
and 1200 bps Receive Data. . 9 Memory DTMF Autodialer
Squeich Status Ground.
: t754 n n SI 2- C ; . Handy Cloning Feature
"-et &a ti LI '-' _DO titriel .3 Scanning Modes w/ Clear Scan
ACTUAL SIZE MGIIII7I Adjustable LCD Contrast/
140x40x160mm (5.6'x1.6"x6.41 L'IL VOL T cy3E ,
_narIllta.... Brightness Control
i :::: 7 . Accessories:
Consult your local Yaesu dealer.
Omni -Glow"" LCD Dual -Band Display
MONI Button
REV Button RPT Button
LOW Button
VHF&VHF, UHF&UHF, VHF&UHF MUTE Button
Joystick -type lever (A) & (B) Keys
Select three dual band configurations. (A) for Upward. or
Menu loop contains 13 headings and (B) Downward scan-
53 transceiver settings. Shown with LOCK Switch ning, and memory
custom 6 -character alpha-numenc code. selection (A) 8. (B)
are "4th column"
SQL Dial e 07- DTMF control tones
oo 0/tDO,
dunng TX.
Keypad
VOL Dial
o 0_ (C)SKIP
Spectra -Analyzer" displays station
activity above and below the current ©tDO0 00M -TUNE
(')PRI
operating channel. In Memory Recall. D/MR Button 1-0 for numeric
display signal strength of programmed settings. All keys can
channels. CO transmit DTMF tones
Spectra -Analyzer during TX mode.
SPA and "D Buttons
ENT Key
MNU/wHirE Button MSG Button

Built-in digital voltage display monitors
PAGE Button
automobile battery voltage. Menu - HOME Button
Selectable Packet Baud Rate. Choose TONE Key
SCAN Button
1200 or 9600 bps.
isn't the only engineering advancement.

The FT -8500 and Smart Watch the unique Spectra Analyzer`" this and more in the deluxe, compact
Controller' Microphone demonstrates exhibit station activity above and below FT -8500.
Yaesu's world leadership position in your current operating channel, and the The extraordinary FT -8500 Dual
2 -way radio communication again! With digital voltage readout monitor your car Band Mobile is at your N'aesu dealer now
just four simple flicks of the Smart battery voltage big and bold in the Find out how this dramatic change will
Controller" Microphone' oystick"-type Omni -Glow" display. In V+V, U+U or affect mobile technology for you from
lever, you command over 50 separate V+U view frequencies and custom this day forward.
functions from the palm of your hand! alpha -numeric messages at the same
The FT -8500 defines "high-tech" in time. Other features include hands'
mobile radio engineering. cloning, selectable 1200/9600 baud, and
The Smart Controller' Microphone a rear -panel data jack for packet! All of Perlininunce without compromise.'"
YAESU UK LTD. Unit 2. Maple Grove Business Centre. Lawrence Rd., Hounslow. Middlesex. TW4 6DR
Specifications subpect to change without ',dice Speoticabcre guaranteed only vothin amateur bands. Some accessories and Or oobons are standard n certain areas. Check with your local Yaesu dealer for specific Celan
EDITOR'S KEYLINES
Wireless
OCTOBER 1995 (ON SALE SEPTEMBER 14)
9 The Editor raises topical amateur news and
views.
COMPETITION CORNER
9 If you enter our Spot the Difference
VOL. 71 NO 10 ISSUE 1063
competition this month you could win a
NEXT ISSUE (NOVEMBER)
prize subscription.
ON SALE OCTOBER 12
EDITORIAL & ADVERTISEMENT

RECEIVING YOU
10 Readers' letters.
OFFICES
Practical Wireless
Arrowsmith Court
NEWS '95
12 A round -up of the latest new products and
Station Approach
radio related news.
Broadstone
Dorset BH18 8PW
IT (01202) 659910
CLUB SPOTLIGHT VALVE & VINTAGE
(Out -of -hours service by answering machine)
16 The 75 year success of the Southend & 42 Charles Miller takes his turn to look after the
District RS Is 'spotlighted PW 'wireless shop'
FAX (01202) 659950
17 SUBS CLUB VHF REPORT
['(Vs Internet address is:
@pwpub.demon.co.uk You can send
Become a PW Subscriber and save money 45 David Butler G4ASR has some theories for you
on a copy of The Superhet Radio Handbook. regarding the recent 50MHz transatlantic
mail to anyone at PW, just insert their
openings.
name at the beginning of the address,
e.g. [email protected]
RADIO DIARY
17 Radio rally dates for your diary. ANTENNA WORKSHOP
Editor
48 Gerald Stancey G3MCK looks at coaxial lines.
Rob Mannion G3XFD

NOVICE NATTER
18 Elaine Richards GrILFM has hints and tips for HF FAR & WIDE
Technical Projects Sub -Editor
NG ("Tex") Swann G1TEX
Radio Beginners of all ages. 50 Leighton Smart GWOLBI invites you to join
him on the h f. bands.
Production/News
Donna Vincent G7TZB
REVIEW -
Editorial Assistant
20 THE ICOM BROADCAST ROUND -UP
Zoe Shortland
IC -W31 E 53 Peter Shore brings you the latest broadcast
Art Editor Steve Hunt
DUAL - programme schedules from around the
Page Layouts Jon Talbot, Marcus Hall
BAND world.
HAND-
Advertisement Manager
HELD BITS & BYTES
Roger Hall G4TNT
Richard Newton 54 Mike Richards G4WNC reports on the latest
GORSN takes a look developments In the Computing in Radio
PO Box 948
at a hand-held world,
London SW6 2DS
which he found
IT 0171-731 6222
Mobile (0585) 851385 could fight off SCENE USA
FAX 0171-384 1031
computer 56 From 'across the pond' Ed Taylor WT3U
Interference reports on American Field Days.
easily
Advert Sales and Production
(Broadstone Office)
Lynn Smith (Sales),
REVIEW - ELECTRONICS
22 WORKBENCH
Ailsa Turbett G7TJC (Production)
Mike Rowe tests out an electronics
12 (01202) 659920
simulation package to see If it will help him
FAX (01202) 659950
design his next PW project.
CREDIT CARD ORDERS
ir (01202) 659930 IT'S A CLASSIC - THE RCA
lout -of -hours service by answering machine)
24 AR88D RECEIVER
Ben Nock G4BXD says despite being large
FAX (01202) 659950
and heavy, the AR88D is a joy to operate.
Front Corer Photograph: Craig Dyball FOCAL POINT
THE PW DAVENTRY 7MHz 58 Andy Emmerson G8PTH updates you on the
26 RECEIVER PART 1 latest developments on the amateur
Dave Howes G4KOH shares his design for a television scene.
superhet receiver to take the fear out of
Caleriglit tt PW PUBLISHING L17). 1995 Copyright in all drawings.
photographs and articles published in Practical Was( ess is fully protected operating on 'forty'. BARGAIN BASEMENT
end reproduction in whole or part is espressly forbidden All reasonable
Pres eituons are taken by Peaces -al Wirekastu ensure that the advice end 59 Readers buy, sell and exchange their radio
data given to our readers ere reliable We cannot however guarantee it and
we cannot accept legal responsibildy for it Prices are those current as we
DESIGN DILEMMAS equipment.
go to press.
Published on the second Thursday 01 each month by PW Pubhshong Ltd.
31 Ian Poole G3VWX considers some of the
Arrowsmith Court. Station Approach. Broadstone. Dorset BH18 8PW Tel practical design considerations and BOOK SERVICE
10121321 659910 Printed in England by Souther npunt IWeb Onset! Ltd.
Distributed by Seymour. Windsor House. 1270 London Road. Norburry, London dilemmas In today's communications 63 Place a book order over E25 this month, and
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publishers first hawng been aven, be lent, re -sold. heed out or Otherwise
disposed 01 by way of trade at mate than the recommended sailing price Mike van der Westhulzen ZS6UP looks at 67 News of what's coming in the UK's best
shown on the cover. and that a shell not be lent, re sold hued pa or
011talana deposed elm a mutilated collation or in any Lineation:led covet
effect of external noise on the sensitivity selling radio magazine next month.
by way of Tiede. or affixed to a as part of any publaahon or adverasin figures of modern receivers.
literary or crateful miner whatsoever PISCI+Cod Witless.
LISPS No 0070/5. a published monthly lor 545 per year by
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Broadssone, Dorset 8/118 11PW Second Class Postage paid REVIEW - THE ICOM IC-
at South Hackensack Postmastef Send USA address
changes to Royal Mad International. cro Yellowstale
39 ZlE DUAL -BAND HAND-
International, 2375 Pion Boulevard, EDI Grove Village. IL
N237.593/
HELD
Kevin Nice G7TZC tries out a hand-held with
a detachable front panel.
68 ADVERTISER'S INDEX
Practical Wireless, October 1995 1

SMC, ARE & REG WARD
- ,
, . ; .
.77
Latest models from

THIS MONTHS SPECIAL Yaesu & Kenwood
Yaesu FT -900 ONLY £1069 TS -870
Kenwood HF base station
igritF T- 1 0 0 0 MP
Yaesu FT-900AT ONLY £1199 Yaesu mid -priced HF
base station
HF VHF/UHF
TRANSCEIVERS HANDI's &
PORTABLES FT -10R km
4:3>
KENWOOD
TS-950SOX list £3995 our price £3495
YAESU FT -40R 70cm
TS -850S list £1809 our price £1579
VHF FT -11R list £324 our price £275 Two new "Ultra Compact"
FT -41R list £369 our price £315 handies from Yaesu -
TS-850SAT list £1959 our price £1699 offering a choice of four
FT -51R list £529 our price £449
O
TS -450S list £1499 our price £1299 keypads and many new
ICOM FT -416G list £369 our price £249
TS-450SAT list £1649 our price £1439 features.
IC -820H list £1795 our price £1569 FT -290R2 list £599 our price £509
TS -50S list £1059 our price £929 IC -275H list £1495 our price £1395 FT -690R2 list £649 our price £549 PHONE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION
IC -281H list £449 our price £399 FT -790R2 list £749 our price £625
BRAND NEW YAESU UHF COMERCIAL
IC -2000H list £369 our price £329
TRANSCEIVERS SUITABLE FOR
IC -2340H list £689 our price £599 ICOM
CONVERTION FOR PACKET
IC-Z1E list £529 our price £459
KENWOOD IC-2GXE list £255 our price £225 Single channel ONLY £79
TS -790E list £1959 our price £1699 IC-2GXET list £279 our price £229
YAESU TM -255E list £949 our price £829

IC-T22E
IC-T42E
list £259
list £269
our price £229
our price £269
FT -1000 list £3999 our price £3399 TM -455E list £1059 our price f925
IC-W31E list £469 our price £419
TM -733E list £739 our price f645
FT -990 list £2399 our price £2039
TM -251E list £419 our price f359
FT -990/0C list £2099 our price £1779
TM -702E list £579 our price £519 KENWOOD SmC-54m im
TH-79E list £479 our price £419
list £1599 our price £1359 2 channel ONLY £89
FT-900AT

YAESU TH-22E list £254 our price £219
FT -736R list £1999 our price £1699
O FT -8500 list £749 our price £659
ICOM FT -5200 list £729 our price £619
IC-775DSP list £3699 our pnce £3239

IC -736 list £1969 our price £1719 FT -2500M list £399 our price £339
IC -738 list £1649 our price £1439 FT -2200 list £419 our price £355
I ANDARD SMC-10451_?f,31
C188 sale offer price £169 Matching base station power supply £29.
IC -729 list £1325 our price £1175
All sets supplied W/0 mics. Mics are normally
IC -706 list £1195 our price £PHONE priced at £29. However, these are available for
On some items supplies are limited
IC -707 list £889 our price £775 at our offer prices £10 if purchased with the transceiver. All sets
supplied with converlion details XTAL specs.
All discounts are based on recommended retail prices.
CARR A = £2.50 CARR B = £5 (Handi's) CARR C = £9.50 (Mobiles) CARR D = £13.50 (Base Stations) CARR E = £16.50
2 Practical Wireless, October 1995

lUIPMENT*
TOKYO HY-POWER HF TRANCEIVERS:AMPLIFIERS
PX AT5OS Auto ATU Matching TS50 £225 00
PX 1C728 HF 100W Gen Coy RX £899.00
Inky, 1-1-Posser. One can out) describe their products
CORPORATION PX
PX
IC735
F11000
HF 100W Gen Cow RX with PSU
HF Transceiver with additional Sub RX
£675.00
£2,595.00
as "Japanese design and build qualiq at its set.) best"
PX FT757GX11 HF TXRX Gen Gov RX.... £675.00
PX TS130S HF 100 Watts with Ext VFO £395.00
HF Antennas t INFARS PX FTONE HF Transceiver Gen Cov RX
f Carr £750.00
R5 10/12/15/17/20 vertical £279.00 PX F1980 HF 100W gen RXITX ham sh £925.00
011008.10 10M Linear. 10W in 100W out PEP HT180
PX HF 10W 80mtr mobile SSISCW sth £289.00
R7 10 thru to 40m vertical £369.00 Suitable tor 21/2478MHz ... ....... . 210 C BX FT747GX HF Transceiver £449.00
01100870 20M Linear. 10W in 100W out PEP ...... 210 C
BX FT9OtDE HF Transceiver £449.00
AV -3 14-21-28MHz vertical 4.3m long £$5.00 LX FT1018 HF Transceiver. £275.00
K 1008180 BOM Linear, 10W in 100W out PEP 210 C LX FT1O1E HF Transceiver 6 Band £325.00
AV -5 3-5-7-14-21-28MHz vertical 7.4m long £149.00 LX FL7000 HF linear boxed £1,650.00
O 1660 6M Linear, 10W in 50-60W out Rx Preamp 169 C
LX FT890AT HF Transceiver, boxed . £1,250.00
AP8A 8 Band Vertical £199.00 011660 6M Linear, 3110W in Auto select 80/160W nut LX FT757GX HF Transceiver £575.00
APR18A. 299 C LX 10-721 HF 6m Transceiver £665.00
Radial Kit £49.00
11137050 2M Linear. 0.5-5W in 20-35W out variable LX F1747 HF Transceiver £475.00
40-2CD 2-ele 40m Yagi £439.00 LX TS820S HF transceiver, no WARC bands £400.01
gain preamp 109 8
LX TSI40S HI Transceiver £595.00
A3S 14-21-28MHz Yagi £349.00 0162050 2M Linear. 5/10/25W in 50W out preamp 235 C LX FT767GX HF Transceiver £1,450.00
LX TS850SAT HF TX;FIX with internal ATU £1,350.00
A3WS 12/17m 3-ele Yagi £275.00 HL36U 70cm Linear, 6/10W in 25/30W GaAs FET
LX F175700 HF Transceiver Gen Coy Rx £575.00
Preamp 155 B
AX IC720A HF Transceiver £400.00
A103 30m Extension A3WS £115.00 AX FT902DM
HL630 p7OreacmmspLinear, 10/25W In 50W out GaAs FET HF Transceiver Valve PA. £450.00
AX LA -120 HF 100W amp E125.00
204CD 4 ele 20m Yagi £439.00 259 c
AX FT102 HF Transceiver PA - 3 x 64166 s £475.00
011800 2M Linear. 3/10/25W Vp auto select 170W out AX FT747GX HF 12 v Transceiver £499.00
154CD 4 ele 15m Yagi £249.00
Rx Preamp 399 C AX TS430S HF Transceiver £650.00
D4 Dipole 10/15/20/40m £229.00 HC1300
AX TS830S HF Transceiver £575.00
70ems Linear. 3110/25W Vomit° select 120N out
AX IC725 HF transceiver, boxed £624.99
D3W Dipole 12/17/30m £169.00 415 c AX IC726 HF & 6m transceiver, boxed £699.00
AX TS430S HF TX,RX FM, CW lifter £650.00
MS 3-4 ele Yagi 10/15/20m £425.00 AX FT890AT HF Transceiver with ATU £1,199.00
00240 Alto HF 80.40.20.15.10M 2 5110W Drive RX FT102 HF Transceiver £450.00
30-40W otp RX F1707 HF Transceiver E260.00
VHF Antennas . . 299 B
FT1012
FIX HF Transceiver £325.00
HX5411 6M to HF Specs as above 299 B
AR -270 2/70 Dual Band Vertical 1.13m long £60.00 RX TS530 HF Transcever. . £395.00
RX FT1000 HF Transceiver 200 Watt Dual RX £1.950.00
AR -270b 2/70 Dual Band Vertical 2.3m long £89.00 RX FT757GX HF Transceiver with 6 mtrs tined E975.00
RX TS450SAT HF Transceiver with Auto ATU E1.025.00
AR2 2m Vertical 1.2m long £35.00 RX TS530SP HF Transceiver £360.00
RX TS670 6mtrs Gen Coverage RX £595.00
AR6 6m Vertical 3.1m long £48.00 RX 30L-1 HF lin amp £425 X,
RX C735 HF TXtRX £695.00
A148 -10S 2m 10-ele Yagi 13.2 dBd £59.00 RX FT1OIZ HF transceiver £425.00
A144 -20T 2m 10 -el e Cross Yagi 12.2 dBd £99.00 RX F1277 HF transceiver £250.03
RX 58104 Transceiver £225.00
1362 13-ele 2 m Yagi £99.95 RX JST100 HF TX H £595.00
1762 17-ele 2 m Yagi £169.00

A50 -3S 3-ele 6m Yagi £75.95
4246 24-ele 7 Ocms Yagi 2115.00
PRICE CUTS
WITH EVEN MORE branch outside 01SW:sill).
MOVE create the largest retail
SMC ON THE
our Northent
shosiooms are being
amalgamated. To 111111in tille; Northern".
more eperlise on hand Ids team at SW, Northern.
hairt:31RO and With*.
"Greater. OW1 special offers1 on
Vi Irani 12111September stocks to %rds means October. Come in and inert Roger ted prices Incept
the transfer of staff and
caller.: during.
September & further 70 oft allies of 11.R: f.
eening 7pm ormrds. technical editor
Special offers for personal Nod Item open consultant
our diar - 2111
September SW', ms tt Chris lore1.6411C1,.
date for lecture on equipment rtli on offer plus FREE refreshments
flans ha1d11
VHF UHF TRANSCEIVERS

PX FT2500 Dual Band Mobile Detatchable Head £559.00
mPECIAL OFFERS WHILE PX TM251 2m 5Owan Mobile E329 00
PX FT815 70cms Hand Held £239.00
mr."..ian Serene STOCKS LAST Carr

PX
PX
FT51 R
FT290R
Dual Band Hand Held
2m Multimode Portable
£37500
£249.00
SMC 12040 13.8V 4/6A max PSU £1000 PX FT736R 2m 170cm All Mode Base Station TYJRX.E1,195.00
MOBILE ANTENNAS
FS 7110 Hansen SWR meter 2-30MHz 20/200W £35 00 PX FT415 70cms Handheld £169.00
TSM-1 005 2m 7/8 1.89m £29.50 FS 711V Hansen SWR meter 50-150MHz 201200W E35 00 PX FT530 2m 70cms H: Held £375.00
TSM-1316 2rn/70 0.44m FS 711U Hansen SWR meter 430-440MHz 520W £35.00 PX IC2SET 2mtr Handheld £195.00
£18.00
Aft FS 711 have remote display heat PX C500 2170cm Mield transceiver £245.00
TSM-1339 2m/70 0.89m £22.50 PX DJ590E 270cm HandHeld
FS20 DL Hansen SWR meter 3-150MHz 1.110W £35.00 B £249.00
TSM-1312 2m/70 0.89m £23.00 FS 200 Hansen SWR meter 3.150MHz 5120W £35 00 B
PX DJF1E 2m blield transceiver, boxed £235.00
PX FT203R 2m handheld transceiver, charger
TSM-1309 2m/70 0.93m £25.00 FS 200 8 DL have Witt In dummy leads
& antenna E120.00
FS 710V Hansen PEP SWR 50-150MHz 151150W £75.00 B
TSA-5004 Mirror/8 rack mount £16.00 PX FT530 270 Handheld £359.00
HT 180 Tokyo 80m SSBICW OR 8 transceiver 10W PEP 1279.00 C
BASE ANTENNAS PX TH205E 2m Hand Held £139.00
HT 106 Tokyo 6m SSEVCW transceiver 10W PEP E319.011 0
PX IC900E 2mlr : 70cms I Head Display complete £475.00
TSB -3301 2m170 G/Fibre 3.18m £68.00 HP 100S Tokyo matching PSU for HT transceivers £69.95 C
BX FT203R 2m Hand Held £119.00
432,170 Met 34 ele crossed 70cm Yag; £59.00 C
TSB -3302 2m/70 G/Fibre 1.79m £59.50 BX TS700 2m All Mode base TX/RX £289.00
70.3 met 3 ele 4m Yogi £35.00 C
LX 04580 VHF,UFIF Handheld -i-M4c,DC,Mount £380.00
TSB -3303 2m/70 G/Fibre 1.15m £42.50 144-4 Met 2m 4 vay power spinier £29.00 8
LX DJ580E 2m70cms Hand Held £350.00
TSB -3603 2m/70/23 G/Fibre 3.07m £85.00 UGP.,2m 2m grand plane antenna £15.00 B LX FT2500AI 2mtr Mobile £295.00
TSA-600/C Duplexer 2/70 'N'-N/PL leads... £25.00 9523 Channel master offset support bear nil £14.50 B LX TH21 E VHF HandHeld £100.00
SO 144 2m Swiss Ouad antenna £39.00 LX FT727R Hteld transceiver dualband £260.85
TSA-601/E Tmplexer 2/70/23 'N'/PL.N,N... £43.00 88F 2m 8/13 wave high gain mobile £15.00 8 LX FT2200 2mtr FM Transceiver £275.00
TSA-6601 2/70 mini PWR/SWR meter £29.00 GP 23 2m 3 x%colinear base antenna. £39.011 C LX IC2SET 2mtr Handheld E176.00
'Used equipment index: PX = Shouthamptom BX = Birmingham AX = London RX = Axminster LX = Leeds

Showroom/Mail Order 9 30-5pm, 9 -fpm Sat Tel (01703) 251549 Spares Dept 9-5 Mon -Fri Tel. (01703) 254247
SMC Ltd HQ Southampton: S M House. School Close Chandlers Ford Ind Estate, Eastleigh, Hants S05 3BY. Tel: (01703) 255111 Fax (01703) 263507
ARE Communications: o Royal Parade Hanger Lane, Ealing, London W5A IET. Tel. 0182-997 4476 9.30crm - 5.30pm Monday -Friday 9.30am - 1.00pm Saturday
Reg Ward & Co: I Western Parade, West Street. Axminster, Devon EX13 5NY. Tel. (01297) 34918 9.00arm -5.15pm Tues-Sat
SMC (Northern.): Nowell Lane Ind. Estate, Nowell Lane Leeds. Tel. (0113)235 0606 9.30am - 5.00pm Monday -Friday 9.00am - I.00pm Saturday
SMC Birmingham: 504 Alum Rock Road Alum Rock Birmingham B8 30X Tel. 0121-327 1497 9.00c1m - 5 00pm Tuesday - Friday 9 00am - 4.00pm Saturday
Carr A = £2.50 B = £5 (bandies) C = £9.50 (mobiles) D = £13.50 (base stations) E = £16.50

SUMMER 1995
CATALOGUE
ir tcs, equip,..., kits
FEATURE PROJECT:
Multi Function_
EPROM Progransoss
SG -230 Smartuner
Antenna Coupler
SSB, AN I, IV& DATA
You can't buy a smarter tuner than this.
An automatic antenna coupler so intelligent it
precisely tunes any length antenna -8 to 80 ft -in
the HF band.
The Smartuner automatically evaluates and
iiTilit1111(16 switches 64 input and 32 output capacitance com-
binations, plus 256 inductance combinations in a
"pi" network. The amazing result is over a half -
The Summer '95 edition has 280 pages packed million different ways to ensure a perfect match
with over 4000 products and now with news and for your transceiver. And the most intelligent
features including a full construction project. feature of all is that the Smartuner remembers
the chosen frequency and tuning values, and will
The computer section is greatly increased with new
automatically reselect those values -in less than
ranges of equipment and accessories for PCs including:
10 ms, each time you transmit on that frequency.
Mother boards. CPUs and SIMMs The SG -230 Smartuner:
CD ROM drives and hard drives
Buy smart.
Sound cards, I 0 cards, disc drive
cards and video cards
+ 30p p&p
Mice. trackerballs and joysticks
Power supplies and cases
Feature project for an EPROM programmer
0. New 20MHz 'scope from Leader. training systems from
SMARIUNER
Flight and an extended range of mobile phone batteries
and accessories from Uniross
INSIDE
Latest addition from Velleman kits including a video
digitiser card
MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED NON-VOLATILE MEMORY
280 pages. 26 sections. over 4000 products from some WATERPROOF BITE. INDICATOR 1.8 TO 30 MHZ RANGE
of the worlds finest manufactures and suppliers
10 TO 150 WAITS INPUT POWER 10mS RETUNING TIME
Available at most large newsagents, from 13th April, or 8 to 80 ft. ANTENNA (all types)
directly from Cirkit
Send for your copy today!
Cirkit Ac.ss
NO COMPROMISE
COMMUNICATIONS t-,
CUSAE
Cirkit Distribution Ltd SGC INC. SGC BUILDING P.O. BOX 3526 BELLEVUE, WA 98009
TEL. (206) 746-6310 FAX: (206) 746-6384
Park Lane Broxbourne Hertfordshire EN10 7NQ
Telephone: 01992 448899 Fax: 01992 471314
Practical Wireless,October 1995

39
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Card No. Card Exp. Date

As I'm writing this 'Keylines' in rally I've attended. Some even appear on the
August, the rally season is at its Bring & Buy stalls!
height. The annual trip to the RSGB So, I think it's about time the DTI and RA
National Mobile Rally has come and admit that they don't have the staff to enforce the
gone, and last weekend (the 13th of removal of multimode CB transceivers from
August ) attended what must be one of the best
I circulation. They clearly don't have the staff, and
regional rallies...the Flight Refuelling Club's I think their priorities are elsewhere.
Hamfest at Wimbome. In the meantime, there are many very
I hear many moans regarding rallies reasonably priced transceivers 'going to waste'.
nowadays, especially regarding the ever- with Trading Standards Officers, the Performing They could (if only the DTI and RA would relent)
increasing amount of computer surplus on sale. Rights Society (who oversee this aspect of be converted to the amateur bands, thus removing
Readers write and tell me that they think 'radio copyright) are to take concerted action throughout a problem for the authorities and helping radio
rallies' are turning into 'computer rallies'! the UK. amateurs at the same time. Hopefully, someone
I'm pleased to report that neither the Woburn I fervently hope that our hobby does not attract will take note and see sense in my suggestion!
event or the Wimborne Hamfest can be thought of unwelcome publicity when 'pirate' software
as 'computer rallies'. And in fact, I feel that the vendors are caught in action at rallies. And
Wimborne rally has a marvellous selection of bearing in mind that some of the dealers openly
amateur radio gear, collector's items, and an promote the ability to receive so called 'Adult'
excellent cross section of everything to interest channels...the possibility of attracting bad
the radio enthusiast. publicity is high. So, rally organisers everywhere
But this year, Woburn and Wimborne had (it is a nation-wide problem)....please be aware of
something else in common. They both attracted the dangers and help us to get rid of these
vendors (in one case selling direct out of the back unwelcome 'hangers on'.
of the proverbial van) illicit 'pirate' decoder
hardware to enable satellite TV viewers to decode
encrypted broadcasts. Illegal CB Transceivers
I sympathise with rally organisers regarding
traders selling 'pirate' software. Very often, you Readers may remember my efforts to convince the
don't know they're going to do it until they've Department of Trade & industry's
arrived...and it's only when the traders start Radiocommunications Agency to continue to
selling, that the rally organisers realise they have a allow radio amateurs to obtain (otherwise illegal )
problem. multi -mode 27MHz CB radio transceivers for
However, the situation regarding 'pirated' conversion. The efforts came to nothing, but there
software is so bad now that action is being taken are still hundreds of the illegal transceivers for
by the Performing Rights Society. It was
P06 Nairirim PA/1-0
sale.
announced on the BBC Radio 4 7am news All through the rally season this year I've seen
bulletin on Friday 18th August that in conjunction at least a dozen or so multi -modes for sale at each
COMPETITION CORIllilek
gPer IrtlL- rittri-r-rra_=N_cri-
Our worthy cartoonist John Worthington GW3COI took his family out for a picnic
in search of inspiration for this month's 'Receiving Special' issue. However,
family Worthington don't seem to appreciate his efforts, and he's on the
'receiving end' in more ways than one! Never mind John, it still makes an
interesting 'Spot The Difference' cartoon!
There are 12 differences to mark on the bottom version of the cartoon this
month, good luck.
FIRST PRIZE: A year's subscription to Practical Wireless or a £20 book
voucher.
SECOND PRIZE: A six month subscription to Practical Wireless or a £10
book voucher.
Send your entry (photocopies acceptable with corner flash) to: Spot The
Difference Competition, October 1995, PW Publishing Ltd.,
Arrowsmith Court, Station Approach, Broadstone, Dorset BH18
8PW. Editor's decision on the winner is final and no correspondence will be
entered into.
Name
Callsign
Address
Postcode
Send your entry (photocopies acceptable with corner flash) to:

Wordsearch Competition, September 1995, PW Publishing Ltd.,
Arrowsmith Court, Station Approach, Broadstone, Dorset
BH18 8PW. Editor's decision on the winner is final and no
correspondence will be entered into.
1-1 SUBSCRIPTION J VOUCHER
Entries to reach us by Friday 27 October 1995.
Practical Wireless, October 1995

The Star Letter
Please send your letters to the
Editorial offices in Broadstone.
will rec
Reader's letters intended for a worth
vouchereive
publication in 'Receiving You' £10 to spend on
must be original and not be items from our
duplicated. Letters are accepted on the Book or other
services offered by
understanding that they have only been
submitted to Practical Wireless. Please ensure
that your letter is clearly marked 'for publication
in Receiving You' and that it has not been
Oa Practical Wireless.
All other letters
will receive a £5
submitted to other magazines. We reserve the voucher.
right to edit or shorten any letter. The views
expressed in letters are not necessarily those of
Practical Wireless.
Antennas & Small Garden

STAR LETTER Dear Sir
Having been CIRT for a number of years, I
Hobby Memories have been toying with the idea of becoming
active again, using the equipment of my late
Dear Sir brother (G4LE0). I've been wondering what I
One of the fascinating things about this hobby of ours, is the fund of could do in the way of an antenna in my
memories (good, bad and indifferent!) that one accumulates as the years garden, only about 45 feet long, and where I
go by. understand planning permission is required
Looking at the 'innards' of one of the state-of-the-art rigs recently, I even for a small 4ft x 6ft shed!
could not help comparing it with the highly illegal 18 sets that my friends Imagine my surprise when a CB antenna
and I acquired in the late 1940s. Five of us had these rigs and would chat suddenly appeared near the end of my
happily about our school homework, or the girl next door! neighbour's garden - and the objections which
Mine was in the garden shed and my father was just as fascinated with were immediately raised! Anybody got any
it as I was. My mother used to worry about the possibility of the police ideas for an invisible antenna?
descending upon us and arresting us all as Russian spies! Cyril Finch G3AHO
Seeking to become a bit more legal, a friend and myself each built a Bedfordshire
contraption which was described in an issue of the late and sadly missed
Radio Constructor. This consisted of four fluorescent tubes mounted in
front of a polished aluminium reflector.
A bit of an old Spitfire wing, I remember! Power was applied to the
tubes and the light output was modulated by a 6L6 valve amplifier, this
being driven by a carbon microphone. Key Project
This 'signal' was received by a battery of light sensitive cells which fed
a small amplifier. We both lived in houses facing one another and about 50 Dear Sir
feet apart. Upon the arrival of a suitably dark night, we would dangle these Greetings to 'Tex' and all at PW. I'm
creations out of our bedroom windows and, if one yelled loudly enough writing to
say just a few lines to say about the 'Key
into the carbon microphone, a faint signal could be heard coming from the Project' from the June 1995 PW.
speaker at the other end! said, it was very simple to build As G4BXD
It would have been cheaper and much less trouble just to have called to effective. and very cost
each other through open windows. Not as much fun though! I etched a p.c.b., as for me there were
One day, when I had just arrived home from school, a little man called many links using the Veroboard layout. too
at the house and told my father that he was the local Wireless Interference some favourable I've had
Officer. He told us that we had to cease, desist and otherwise stop using reports (wish I could say the
same about my sending!).
our contraptions, as they were illegal devices and were unlicensed. But, overall for the
cost of £1.30, I am very pleased.
I was none too pleased and pointed out, with all the arrogance of a 15 It would be nice if you could print
year old, that they were not radio sets and that we were not breaking any as it would make a change from seeingthis letter
regulations. He replied that there was no direct connection between the my ex tutor GONEE Mike being printed! those of
two devices and that meant that they were 'wireless'! My parents accepted would like to say thank But I
his peculiar logic and assured that the equipment would be destroyed. enjoying c.w. on 3.5MHz, you to Mike as I am now
The little man left, muttering darkly! Thank Heavens he did now know worked. and to all stations
about the 18 sets! I don't think they were ever used again and I reverted to Look forward to the next issue. Thank
listening to amateurs on the family radiogram. all. you
Incidentally GW4CZ and GW5VX were the first two QSL cards I ever John 2E0AJN
received. Both in the Port Talbot area, if I remember correctly. Newcastle Upon Tyne
How nice it would have been to contact them when I finally got on the
air in '51 as ZB2A. Sadly, it never happened. Editor's reply: Many readers
I wonder if any readers remember the Modulated Light Transmitter built Ben Nock successfully
referred to above? Thanks to you all for a super magazine. from the circuit G4BXD's 'Key Project'
diagram and others built
Tony Tuite GWONSR it after making their own p.c.b. rather
Gwynedd than the Veroboard. However, I'm
say that there are errors on the sorry to
Editor's reply: Thanks for sharing your memories Tony. layout (updates to be published).Veroboard
Fascinating! My first rig was an 18 set (quite legal on 7MHz I But
despite this, the PW team are delighted
might add!). Have you any more memories like this readers? the project was so popular.
Digital only using the values 0 to 90°

and cycling through the
lead to the big problem of
spurious output frequencies.
cures all ills - in some ways,
it's more like Pandora's box. I
Disadvantage memory four times for each It's usually reckoned that guess the p.I.I. will be with us
output cycle. But it still needs spurs produced just by the for some time to come.
Dear Sir a lot of memory for small truncation of the size of the Peter Chadwick G3RZP
In Ian Poole's description of steps. word in the DAC will be about Wiltshire
the Direct Digital Synthesiser This means that the ROM 6n (dB) down, where n is the
(August PW), the major size is deliberately reduced number of bit in the DAC.
disadvantage of the DDS (truncated) in practical Also, at high frequencies, a Editor: Sounds like there's
wasn't mentioned. This is that designs and the D -A converter 10bit DAC may be less an interesting article
for small step sizes, the is cut down to a size allowing accurate than an 8bit DAC, waiting to be written
amount of memory needed in reasonable accuracy and depending on settling time. Peter, and we look
the ROM is enormous! linearity, e.g. 8bits at 500MHz So, the DDS is by no forward to seeing it
You can cut it down by output. These truncations means a simple answer that published in PIN!
1

I 1
yesterday and on the

Dear Sir through the mailbox trying to
Dear Sir The August edition of PW dropped'Antenna Special'. As I have been
front cover was the large caption build a triband h.f. Yagi (with or
I wish to reply to the letter from Andrew Howlett to enable me to would be the answer,
find drawings/dimensions I thought the article
G1HBE in 'Receiving You' (PW July). without traps) for a very long time, related to dipoles which are difficult
With regard to the specific point Andrew but no such luck as the main content was
makes with regard to requesting to join a QS0 to rotate! publish this letter, it would be greatly appreciated if
If you have space to dimensions for a tribander with a mid range of
which is already taking place, and his hint at the the Yagi will only be used for DX
any reader can assist me with
end of his letter that G7s need to improve their 14MHz. As will be noted from my licence, can assist, he or she will have a friend for
manners. Firstly, let me say I think that 'Break work on 7 and 14MHz, so, if anyone
please' is sufficient, while including a callsign life! a mast in the near future. Recently I
dipoles, so a large
initially means disrupting the conversation of A word of warning to anyone erecting the multiple full wave
decided to erect a 40ft mast to replace along with the relevant steel work
those already in the QSO for too long. hole was dug, 1.5 tons concrete poured
weeks. 'gin'
While some might consider it bad manners not positioned and allowed to cure for two and as there was no room for a
to say 'please', others might consider it bad Then came the time for the erection
was consulted and it was decided to use
pole. The ARRL Antenna Handbook mast was 5in 10 round steel. The
manners to interrupt the conversation which is in pages 22-26 as the
the method described simple, mast up to 8 to turns of rope
already underway for longer than absolutely instructions are quite ie. walk the
centre point. that all the team
necessary. Since both views are valid to some wound around the mast above thebig pull (it should be noted started to pull/lift
degree, how does a newcomer know what to say? The 'gang' assembled for the of the XYL!) and we
were over 14 stones, with the exception have been very serious as the rope turns
The best way is to listen, but then you might the horizontal
using this method. The results could
the mast as the mast angle changed from
hear a 'G3' request to enter a conversation with started to slide down
just 'Break'. Also, since both views have merit and to the vertical. decided to use the guy wires that
different radio amateurs may view this topic After calling a halt at about 45°,
the
it was
top of the mast. It was with
great ease that
differently, can non -radio amateur parents had previously been attached to until vertical.
the mast then continued upwards
and written after safetya over the years, so my
reasonably be expected to know and teach their Much has been said advice
before starting project like this, rather than
children this point? recommendation is ask
I am, however, quite happy to accept that on assuming that what's written is safe!
the wider aspects of manners and etiquette on air Nigel R. Tucker Z21KIR/G7URIN
Zimbabwe directly to Nigel
that newcomers most commonly fall foul. It is
Although I'm sending some material
readers have any favourite
inevitable since they are at the beginning of a Editor's reply: a cubical quad array) if would be interested
learning curve. I'm sure that most, if not all (I've recommended Yagi, the Editorial team
designs or ideas using apractical article.
newcomers, share my desire to follow all the
as it could make a very
rules, be they written or not, and that the
inadequacies are due to lock of knowledge.
Perhaps Andrew Howlett would like to assist Antennas & Budget Rigs
newcomers by writing an article explaining points
about operating etiquette and manners on air? Dear Sir
On reading the letters in the September issue, I was especially interested
Finally, I'm sure we are all aware of the by two, one about antennas and another about budget rigs. I know it's
valuable nature of frequency allocations. If it was different for v.h.f. op's. As a novice to get set-up, I bought a second-hand
not for the easy access to the bands which today's Howes TX/RX as the one I was building sort of went wrong.
amateurs enjoy, the number of UK licensees My garden is 22 yards long and not being very technical or rich, I
bought a roll of copper wire from an engineers shop and two ten foot
would certainly be massively less. Would the wooden poles and rigged up the classic 'back leg of the dog' or 'a double S
bands then be more likely sold off to the highest bend antenna' depending on which way I pulled the guy ropes.
commercial bidder? So what, my latest page in my log states I have worked Ds, Fs, LAs, LY,
To all newcomers, I wish you the best. Listen and YL in the past couple of weeks. The LY in palanger turned out to be Dave
GOBZF said 'VY good signals considering my three watts 'he"he'. Did he
learn from the veterans, then make the most of think I was cheating? But three watts is all I have.
amateur radio. So, for me, budget and antennas are no problem! But where would I
Paul Hardcastle G7SLP get with a proper antenna? If your antenna expert needs a test bed, he can
Saudi Arabia always try my garden.
T. J. Stevens
Cambridge
Resin & Hardener Remover

Dear Sir Editor's reply: Godfrey's advice is
I write in reference to PWJuly 1995, page paint stripper" (active ingredient: very sound, and (from personal
31 'The Weekend Special' bottom of the methylene chloride). experience) I can warn readers to be
first column on page 31. Given time, skin will shrug off even very careful when handling
My extensive research suggests that stubborn adhesives, but washing with a synthetic hardeners and resins, they
tubes of resin/hardener remover' are no solution of glycerine sometimes can damage the skin significantly.
longer available. A manufacturer helps. One reader wrote and suggested
recommends: None of the above seem suitable for eye using the disposable gloves (the
"Before epoxy has set, remove with contamination. If in doubt, attend the same type as dispensed at diesel
nail polish remover (active ingredient: nearest Accident & Emergency Dept. If you pumps in garages) when handling
acetone). Should also work with can find one that's still open after Virginia the chemicals. But, check before use
cyanoacrylic 'superglue' adhesives". Bottomley has finished with them! that the resin/hardener will not
"After hardening, polymer bonds Dr. Godfrey Manning 'melt' the plastic gloves on to your
(epoxy only) can be broken by Nitromors Middlesex fingers!

Send in your news,
photographs and
product information
to Donna Vincent
G7TZB at the
N F,IFS Slim Line Hand -Held
editorial offices in With the introduction this year of no
Broadstone. less than four new Alinco radios you
would have thought there was
nothing left to come from the
Japanese manufactuers but there is!
This time the newest Alinco addition
takes the form of the DJ -191.
Intelligent Kenwood Arrives The DJ -191 is a v.h.f. f.m. hand-
held transceiver and is described by
the manufacturers as being "slim -
The Stafford Show, held over the weekend August 19 - 20th, saw the launch of
Kenwood's new high performance TS -870S h.f. transceiver. The new transceiver line, simple to operate with its
includes many state -of -the art facilities, including digital signal processing (DSPI enormous display and
effortless to use, large DTMF
and a feature which Kenwood call an "Intelligent Enhanced Communications
keypad". The frequency
System".
coverage is 144 -
Kenwood also report that the new transceiver incorpoarates high speed PC
145.995MHz with a
control, a built-in automatic antenna tuner, and for the c.w. enthusiast the TS -
maximum of 5W output.
870S comes complete with a K1 'LogiKey' with a variety of operator selectable
Features include 40
operations.
memory channels, a call
General receive coverage on the TS -870S extends from 100kHz to 30MHz, with
memory channel, cloning
transmit only on the amateur bands. The transceiver is equipped with a
capability, DTMF squelch
quadruple -conversion receiver with h.f. DSP for post-i.f. signal processing.
Kenwood claim that the receiver is capable of picking out a target signal which is and nine auto dialer
memories. The DJ -191 also
'buried' under the noise.
features auto power off
Production of the TS -870 started in August, with deliveries expected in the UK
with Morse alert before it
during September. Price of the new transceiver is expected to be in the region of
turns off.
£2399.95. More details can be
More information on the DJ -191 is
obtained direct from Trio-Kenwood
(UK) Ltd., Kenwood House, Dwight available from Waters & Stanton
Road, Watford, Herts WD1 8EB. Electronics, 22 Main Road, Hockley,
Tel: (01923) 816444 or any Kenwood Essex SS5 4QS. Tel: (01702) 206835.
They are expecting their first shipments
approved dealer. Practical Wireless will
mid -September and the expected retail
be reviewing the TS -870S in the near
price is £249 inc. VAT.
future.
Amateur Lifeboat
Following the raising of £12500 by the Worked All Britain (WABI Group and a
cheque being presented to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (as reported in
'News '95' in PW August) a new D Class Lifeboat was officially luanched and
named at the RNLI's Open Day on Friday July 28.
The D Class Lifeboat D-483 was named C. John Morris DFM G3ABG after the
founder of the WAB. The naming ceremony was carried out by Veda Morris,
G3ABG's widow at the RNLI Headquarters in Poole, Dorset.
The D-483 is an inshore inflatable lifeboat of the type originally designed and
built in 1963. It measures 4.72m
overall in length by 1.93m wide.
This D Class lifeboat needs at
least 18in of water to operate
and is capable of maintaining a
top speed of 20 knots from its
._
Veda Morris pictured centre with Sue 31hp engine. This latest addition
to the RNLI fleet will be housed
Reardon GONLX WAB president and Adrian at the headquarters in Poole, as
Keeble G4HPU WAB Appeal Co-ordinator, it is relief boat and will be
together with the despatched to inshore waters
commemorative plaque. around the UK and Ireland as The D-483 the latest addition to the
and when it is required.
RNLI's relief fleet.
Economy Wide balun, which SMC, say has been antenna measures 30m overall and band dipole antenna for £99.95
carefully designed tested to give weighs in at 3kg. Optional coaxial including VAT. Further information is
Band Dipole minimum losses, excellent balance cable assemblies of 10, 20 and 30m available from S.M. House, School
ratio and prolonged performance. are also available. Close, Chandlers Ford Industrial
South Midlands Communications Computer aided design and testing South Midlands Communications Estate, Eas-deigh, Hampshire
have recently designed and are
has enabled SMC to provide full are currently selling the TFDSE wide S053 48Y. Tel:(01703) 255111.
currently manufacturing the TFDSE
efficiency figures, polar plots and
wide band h.f. dipole, which is based
techincal back-up which is all backed
on the TFD range of terminated
by their IS09001 design and
folded h.f. dipole antennas. It is an
manufacture quality system.
economy version of the TFDBB.
The frequency range covered by
The TFDSE is constructed from
the TFDSE antenna is 2.5 - 30MHz
lightweight but heavy duty pvc
with a p.e.p. rating of 125W. The
covered copper wire and has a centre

Hand Tuned Antenna
The Royal Mail have
Dick Pascoe GOBPS frequency range of honoured the achievements
has recently informed the 789 is 430 - of Guglielmo Marconi on
the 'Newsdesk' of a 435MHz with a s.w.r. two stamps in their latest
new hand -made, of under 1:1.5 within 'special' set, which was
individually tuned the band. issued on September 5. The
antenna, which A BNC connector is stamps are part of a set on
Kanga Products used to give good communications, which also
have added to their connections and feature Rowland Hill
range of products. Kanga Products say 'inventor' of the the postage
The 789 Low Cost that once installed the stamp.
antenna has been 789 antenna should Marconi's portrait is
designed with the give the operator feaured on the 41 and 60p
Novice in mind and is good service for many stamps. The 41p stamp
specifically aimed at years. shows Marconi with some of
them with a price tag The 789 Low Cost his early wireless equipment
of just £24.95. antenna is available and the 60p stamp depicts
The 789 antenna direct from Kanga the importance of his work
uses a Franklin Products, Seaview for marine safety and
collinear which the House, Crete Road navigation. Rowland Hill is
manufactuer's say East, Folkestone featured on the 19 and 25p
ensures high efficency CT18 7EG for stamps.
with a low s.w.r. and £24.95 plus £4.50 To get a set of these
requires no P&P. special stamps you should
matching. The contact your nearest Royal Mail Post Office.
New From Yaesu The FT-1000MP features keyer. speed scanning and four
enhanced digital signal The FT-10R/40R hand-held output power levels.
Following hot on the heels of processing, dual -band receive transceivers are said to be the Yaesu UK Ltd., Unit 2,
the FT -8500 dual -band f.m. with separate S -meters, a first amatuer hand-helds to Maple Grove Business
mobile transceiver which built-in Collins mechanical carry the MIL-STD810 rating. Centre, Lawrence Road,
features the FS -10 Smart 455/2.7kHz s.s.b. filter and an The FT -10R is for 144MHz Hounslow, Middlesex TW4
Controller microphone for the optional Collins 455kHz/500Hz operation with the FT -40R 6DR. Tel: 0181-814 200 or
first time (all the radio filter. covering any
functions are housed on the is also an independent 2nd Described by Yaesu as supply you with more
microphone), comes the FT- and 3rd i.f. filter selection being ultra compact with their information on the FT-
1000MP h.f. all -mode together with wide receiver unique clamshell design and 1000MP, FT -10R and FT -40R
transceiver and the dynamic range. rear mounted batteries the together with prices and
FT1OR/40R hand-held Also featured on the FT-10R/40R offer the buyer a expected delivery dates.
transceivers. These new FT-1000MP is a transverter choice of four keypads. Other Practical Wireless will be
offerings from Yaesu were on jack for v.h.f./u.h.f operation, features include alpha- reviewing the FT -10R and the
display for the first time at selectable antenna jacks and numeric display, digital coded FT -8500 in the November
Stafford Amateur Radio & a 'Quick Memory Bank'. squelch, direct f.m. designed issue - watch this space! Our
Computer Show, held over There's also a built-in high to improve packet review of the FT-1000MP will
the weekend of August 19 - speed automatic a.t.u. and performance and voice appear in the very near future
20th. electronic contest memory qulaity, dual -watch, high too.
Tennamast Trophy & Frank Hall GM8BZX

The Tennamast Trophy, PW. They agreed to rename Lammermuir Hills
sponsored by the Ayrshire - the award as "The southeast of
based company, has been Tennamast Trophy In Edinburgh was
renamed in honour of the late Memoriam To Frank Hall operated by Colin
Frank Hall GM8BZX (RSGB GM8BZX" and to approach himself, Ron
President in 1990) who died in Frank's widow on the matter. GM4IKU, Margaret
April this year. The Tennamast Beth Hall replied that she was GMOALX, Bob
Trophy is awarded to the delighted to agree to the re- GM4UYZ, Alex
leading Scottish station in the naming. GM6VIU and John
annual PW 144MHz QRP Presentation of the newly GM7OLQ. Beth Hall, widow of Frank Hall
Contest. renamed trophy took place at The event took presenting the newly renamed
Frank Hall was renowned the Port Seton Community place on the same
for his work on behalf of Centre near Edinburgh on evening as the
"Tennamast Trophy In Memoriam
Amateur Radio in the UK, and Friday August 18 when Beth C&PS's successful To Frank Hall GM8BZX" to Colin
particularly in Scotland. So, Hall presented it to Colin 'Radio Junk Sale'. Smith GMOCLN, while Sponsor
Norrie Brown GM4VHZ of Smith GMOCLN. Colin And the grand total of Norrie Brown GM4VHZ of
Tennamast, searching for an accepted the trophy on behalf £473 raised during the Tennamast looks on. (The full results
appropriate memorial to of the Cockenzie & Port Seton evening, has been and details of the 1995 PW QRP Contest
Frank's work for the hobby, Amateur Radio Club. The donated to the will appear as usual in the November
discussed ideas with Rob club's contest station Scottish Branch of the issue of the magazine).
Mannion G3XFD, Editor of GMOCLN/P, located in the British Heart Foundation

STOCKTAKING CLEA
YAESU FT-990DC save molCOM IC -T21
No1 H.F. DX TCVR
VV
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keypad with backlight Full duplex crossband operation
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power off 5 selectable power levels Inds wads and
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. - 512/850-950MHz. Incls Muds 8 Charger.133917
KENWOOD TS -870
H.F. transceiver with full DSP architecture.
ICOM IC -738 "sock £229.95 RRP £2399.
H.F. 300kHz- _ price.
29.995MHz all mode
IKENWOOD TH.79E
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TWO REMAINING £1329 SM. SALE PRICE Competition grade HF transceiver.
RRP £2599.
KENWOOD £UNBEATABLE
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IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GRACE YOUR SHACK WITH ONE OF
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auto A.T.U. IMO.
Introductory otter £14.95+ ft P&P A
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TS -450 SAT
TS -450S
i..955
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YAESU FT -51R H.F. TRANSCEIVERS & RECEIVERS
' Dual band h/held transceiver. Mg. IC -761 As new £1299.95
YAESU FT -840 FT -ONE As new £899.95
inSuperb value for SALE PRICE £395 FT -ONE
IC -735
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money. H.F. FT -11R Sal Sale price £249
FT-747GX11 VGC £569.95
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MT. elleYAESU FRG -100 As new £399.95
SALE PRICE £725 FT-290RII HF-150 Ex -demo £369.95

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ICOM IC -706 all mode TCVR. £5091
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£425 1.349' sale price £649
FT -290R11
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£279.95
£129.95
(50w) £36915. TH-215E As new £199.95
ALINCO DX -70 £299.95 TH-27 VGC £199.95
- H.F. + 6m
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DJ -180 + FREE extra Nicad £229.95
FT -23R VGC £189.95
4 transceiver.
v.sEtvsi DJ -G5 ..£.47-9 sale price £409.95
ow to S-1095:
MISCELLANEOUS
KENWOOD
OUR PRICE £999.95
* Cr tr Itr Cr tr It. tr 4* tr tr tr tr 444 tr * trtt II?* *I} tra 44 tr * t,
,.., - ,
TM -733E
Dual band mobile with
PK-232MBX
AR -3000
FRG -9600
As new
As new
+ H.F. converter
£249.95
£699.95
£349.95
t, quick release remote
STAR BUY head. Rx available. 108-180/400-512/850- MVT-7100 H/held scanner £299.95
iP-2512 950MHz. £729-.95. SALE PRICE PRO -2035
ICF-2001D
As new
VGC
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2 An incredible power supply!
F25-30 amp cont. variable volts (3-15).
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0 £UNBEATABLE OPTO-Scout
OPTO-3300
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TM -251 /..44.9795" sale price ;;.'cc,
Over voltage protected.
C TM -451 £.46.R15 sale price ¶$P PLUS MUCH MORE
2: 30 DAY SPECIAL £7969.0 *
..0474:}4,0.04,4}A}23041,0084:1414041,184414,34}{10
TM -255
TM -790E
£.94915
£1.86915
sale price
sale price c,.
441.0('
PHONE FOR DETAILS
MON COMMICATIONS
We'd rather sell it
ANCE SALE than count it!
NB -30W AUDIO FILTERS MA -339
441P- 2m H/held amp. 1',4w input
30w output 13.8v
Mobile holder suitable for all h/helds
III
OUR PRICE £9.95
£2 P&P
£44.95 Timewave DSP9 Plus
Timewave DSP-59 Plus
sale price £225
sale price £279
+ £2 P&P
TSA-6601 Datong FL -3
MFJ-784B
sale price £139.95
sale price £239.95
TSA-6201
I Pocket VHF/UHF SWR/PWR Super quality ext speaker with
£1 P&P
meter. 144-440MHz J0w.L
OUR PRICE £34.u5 sail im V00DLP £14.99
volume control
+£1 P&P
:.443 1111 es 13
-
NEW RS -402 - 300W A.T.U. with
built-in dummy load
WATSON WEP300
High quality earphone with
Low priced
VSWR/PWR meter OUR PRICE £129.95 plus El P&P gib 3.5mm mono jack fitted
1) Large meter display
2) Sel. FWD PWR. REV
*New VC -300M, 300W A.T.0 £89.95* (Fits over Ire earl
£9.95 + £1 P&P
PWR, AVE/PEP for SSB 3) Meter illumination COAX SWITCHES TSA-6602

CX-401 4 WAY (S0239) £39.95
4) Easy/Accurate operation
CX-401N 4 WAY (N TYPE) £49.95 VHF/UHF antenna matcher
RS -402 125-525MHz (200w) £69.95
RS -1 02 1.8-150MHz (200w)
NB.- Send stamped address envelope for
£59.95
,
CX-201 2 WAY (S0239)
CX-201N 2 WAY (N TYPE)
£16.95
£21.95
£34.95 + £2 P&P
£2 P&P ON SWITCHES (up to 60w - Sep adjustment for VHF 8 UHF)
colour leaflet
WE STOCK THE LARGEST RANGE OF SCANNERS IN THE UK

AOR THE ULTIMATE RANGE NETSET Realistic YUPITERU
AR -8000 PRO -2036
The most comprehensive h/held Listen to Aircraft, Ham, Wideband Desktop Scanner
MVT-7100
scanner on the market. MO. Marine and much more 5.411
SALE PRICE £389,95 with this superb scanner.
Covers 66-88/108 -
with rotary tuning and tone
encoder.. 9. Limited Stock SALE PRICE
AR -2700
AR -3000A
.22.99
.2.995
£269.95
£899.95
e -\''
,co
o' 174/380-512MHz.
r. 449135. -'
MVT-7000 1.349
£335 £269
AR -3000A plus 1.4.e95 £999.95 -
SDU-5000 c.Y39. £719.95 OUR PRICE OP -51 Case for 7100 £17.95
AR -3030 Skrin
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£639.95
£17.95 £114.95 £249.95
OP -50
MVT-8000
Case for 7000
L40,1
£17.95
£349
WHEN EVERYONE AROUND US ARE PUTTING PRICQS UP,

WE Ar' 'BUTTING P'11Crl DOWN!
Due to the vast quantity of antennas purchased by YOU from us, we have managed to negotiate a better deal from the
factory. Unlike others - we are passing this saving on to you. Keep it up and we may get even better next year!!!
TAIWAN SERENE HIGH QUA1i
BASE ANTENNAS OuR
PRICE MOBILE ANTENNAS RICE
TSB -3315 GF 144/70, 8.5/11dB (5.4m) £129.95 PRICES II DB-7900 144/70 cms, (5/7.6dB) 1.5m
TSB -3301 GF 144/70,6.5/9dB (3m) £64.95 DB-770M 144/70 cms, (3/5.5dB) 1m £22.-
TSB -3302 GF 144,70, 4.517.2dB (1.7m) £49.95 DB-1304 144/70 cms, (2.15 /3.8dB) .41cms £19.95
TSB -3303 GF 144/70, 3/6dB (1.1m) £34.95 DOWN DB-EL2E 144MHz, 4ths, 4.5dB (1.8m) £29.95
TSB -3002 AL 144MHz. 6.5dB (2.8m) £34.95 DB-285 144MHz, ,fths, 3.4dB (1.3m) e13.95
TSB -3001
V-2000
AL 144MHz, 3.448 (1.4m)
GF 6rr2rni70cm, 2.116.2/8.4dB (2.5m)
£24.95
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ON ALL
" "-'!ESSC"IES P&P £2.50 on the following
ACCESSORIES P&P £1.00 on the following ANTENNAS MT -3303 Trunk Mnt + 5M Coax Top Quality c19.0
TSA-6001N Duplexer (+Coax) 2/70 £24.95 MT -1301 HOuty Mag Mnt + Coax Top Quality D24.
TSA-6003 Duplexer (Sockets) 2170 c19.95 MT -3302 HiDuty Hatch/Trunk Mnt Top Quality
NB: ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT DELIVERY (UK MAINLAND) 24HR £10 / 48hr £7.50
* Outside office hours 0850 586313 * Mail Order: Same Day Despatch * WHI R:R(111CH CANONS
LIGHTS DRIVE
4.7N1 (A406) HIGH ST Ml JNG 4( 2 Mena A41) 4
SALES PHONE -0181-951 5781/2 1,

WERE 132
132 High Street, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 TEL

Close to Edgware underground station (Northern Line). Close to Mt. M25, A406
./F ROM THE NTLFITH
* OPEN - * MI HEADING TO LONDON TAKE
MX: 0181-951 5782 44) 4j;;ON FRI 10-6 PM SAT 10-5PM PO CIJ
CINE MA
JNG4 ON MI. RIGHT AT 1ST FIOUNDABOUI
I EF TAT 2ND ROONDABCKIT HALF MILE UP
LEFT HAND SOL

The Southend and District members were present. The
Radio Society was founded in Society continued with
1920 and was known as The meetings, talks, field days,
Wireless Society of Southend lectures, etc.
on Sea. The Society was In 1981, Citizen Band radio
formed by a group of keen was made legal and the public
enthusiasts who were were able to communicate over
determined to delve further limited distances on f.m.
into the fascinating and
mysterious science of
communication by wireless. Membership 1111 rease
Historic Fear The insight into radio

Send your information to the communication, although
It was in that historic year of 'Club Spotlight' newshound limited, gave those who were
1920 that two daily interested, a path to amateur
programme's were sent out zoe Shortland at the PW Offices. radio having sat and passed
over the air from the Marconi the RAE.
works at Chelmsford. The first 1926. Once completed, a silver This turned out to be a good
being on February 23. plaque was put on the Dame Chaim. thing for amateur radio, and
However, wireless receiving set at Victoria certainly for the Society. For
communication had been Hospital. In 1937, the name of the Society between 1981 and 1984,
going on for some time before was changed to The Southend membership increased
& District Radio Society dramatically and in November
that and had been carried out Charitable ISADRS) and has remained 1984, membership was in
on long and medium
waves. Short waves
Activities unchanged to the present day. excess of 100, and for a time,
were, at the time, In 1949 Mr F. H. Garon was entry as a new member was
thought to be Moving on through appointed Vice President and in restricted!
unreliable for the years 1927- 1950 Mr E. H. Bridges was At the time, meetings were
distant 1932, the Society appointed as Chairman of the held every Friday at a room in
communication, remained very Society. Also in 1950 a Hamfest the Rayleigh Civic Suite, a very
so these bands active and in was held in Southend and was nice venue, but because of fire
were given to the 1932, another attended by 66 members of the regulations, which only
amateurs to hospital was SADRS. allowed 60 persons, the Society
experiment with. equipped with The year 1951 saw the first had to find other
wireless. This edition of the Amateur Radio accommodation.
time, the charitable Call Book, price 3/6d and it had
Licence activities of the 6000 entries, a far cry from the Alternative Venue
Granted Society included the present book! In this year, the
After looking for alternative
In 1923, the Society was re-
named and became the
Southend and District Radio
and Scientific Society. During
Scuthend's Success
'Spotlighted" this month is the Southend &
venues, the Rocheway Center
at Rochford was chosen. It was
not as nicely appointed as the
previous venue, but it did have
this year, the Post Master its advantages.
General granted the society its District Radio Society, the story traces the 75 Firstly, an annual rally could
transmitting licence under the year history of the club. be held, with use of the whole
call 5QK. building, there was a playing
It was also during this year field, an out building for a
that the RSGB was founded, provision and upkeep of Hon Sec received a letter from shack, plenty of scope for
formerly known as the London wireless equipment for the the RSGB reminding him that it putting up antennas and a car
Wireless Club since 1913. wards of Southend General was not permissible to operate parking area. Lastly, there was
The year 1924 saw the first Hospital, consisting of 135 a transmitter from a moving a licensed bar and tea bar,
radio exhibition in Southend, pairs of headphones, 40 pillow vehicle! which would be popular with
organised by the Society to phones, 20 loudspeakers and members.
promote radio to the general miles of wiring and other
ancillary equipment.
Society liadoe The first rally was held at
public and to raise funds for Rocheway in 1985, and was
charity. The Society continued All the installation was In February of 1951, a block of very successful. This was the
to flourish throughout the provided and serviced by the the Society's badge consisting start of the annual rallies at
1920s with meetings, outings, Society. The handing over of a capacitor, resistor and an Rocheway.
visits to other clubs and lots ceremony took place on inductor in series in a However, with the
more. September 6 1932 at 8pm, and triangular formation, continued use of the
a plaque was erected by the with the letters SDRS centre and when
I menittee Meetine hospital as a memorial to the
Society.
individually placed the fees
in the corners increased
In 1926, at a committee was presented considerably,
meeting, the purchase of an
'Anode Converter' was Maintain Interest to the Society
by the
the
committee
discussed. But at a cost of £15- President, Mr looked for
10s-Od, (although a 15% In 1939, the Society's activities Burrows. It an
discount was offered), the continued until the outbreak was designed alternative
committee were not in the of war. During the war, by Mr Knipe. venue. As a
position to purchase the meetings carried on in one or Lots more result, it was
instrument, (in those days, another homes, to maintain happened agreed to
average wages were about 30 interest. between the make a move
shillings a week!). Mr J. Fitch was in the years 1951 and in early
Also discussed at the 1955, which was January.
meeting was the Victoria chair and he recalled that the
Society had been in existence the Society's 35th The first meeting
Hospital, which was in need of anniversary. From took place on
an efficient wireless receiving for 25 years. (Further detailed 1955 onwards the Society
research proved that the January 5 1995 at The
system and an appeal was continued successfully with Venture Scout Centre, 191
launched through the press to society had in fact been in various activities.
raise a minimum of £50 to existence for 26 years). His Eastern Avenue, Southend
on Sea. Meetings now take
carry out the work.
As a result, The Southend
Worship the Mayor was made
Patron of the Society in 1946
inniversar place every Thursday evening
at 8pm. Later this year is a very
and District Radio Society took and in the same year, the In 1970, the Society celebrated special occasion for the
on the task of equipping the Society's call was re -issued their 50th anniversary with a Southend & District Radio
entire hospital with the aid of with the prefix G added, so dinner held at the Gallo Doro Society as it's their 75th
funds collected by them in the call became G5QK. Restaurant in Hadleigh, 15 anniversary!

September 17: Peterborough Radio & along from junction 17 of the M8 motorway
Electronics Society East of England Rally is to and is located on major public transport
be held at the Peterborough Showground, easy routes. Doors open at 10.30am for disabled
access from Al, A605, A47. There will be trade visitors and 11am to 4.15pm for everyone
stands, radio car boot and other local else. Entrance fee is E2 for disabled, UB40
attractions. Full catering and bar. Acres of free holders and E2.50 for all other visitors
parking. Doors open at 10.30am, 10am for (children under 14 accompanies by a
disabled visitors. Admission is El. Talk -in on parent free of charge). There will be many
S22 via G3DOW. General enquiries to Ted traders, club stands, lectures and
GOREM on (01733) 66471, QTHR. demonstrations. Further information can
be obtained from John Dundas
September 17: The Central Lancaster Radio GMOOPS, Rally Organiser, on 0141-638
Rally is to be held at the Central Lancaster High 7670.
School, Craig Road, Lancaster (five minutes
from Jcn 34 M6). Doors open at 10.30am and December 3: The Verulam Amateur
the entrance fee is El. There will be the usual Radio Club are holding their rally at the
traders, special interest groups, a Bring & Buy Watford Leisure Centre, which is located
and refreshments. Susan Griffin on (01524) Radio Rally, Hillhead Camp Site, disabled visitors). All the usual facilities. less than five minutes drive from the
64239/101384) 896199. Dartmouth Road, Brixham, South Devon. Frank G4POZ on (01533) 871086. Junction of the M1 and M25 motorways.
Overnight camping, car boot sale Trading will be from 10am to 4pm.
September 23: A Radio Amateur Table Top (weather permitting), trade stands, *November 4-5: The Eighth North Wales (01923) 222284.
Sale is to be held at St Mary's Hall, Reddish, professional flight simulator Radio & Electronics Show is being held at
Stockport. More details from John G4ILA on demonstration, Bring & Buy, the Aberconwy Conference & The Bew December 3: The Thames Valley
0161-477 6702. refreshments, unlimited free parking. Theatre, Llandudno. The show opens at Electronics Rally is being held at Kempton
Talk -in on S22-G7FDC. Special event 10am, both days. B. Mee GW7EXH on Park, Race Course. Sunbury -on -Thames,
September 24: North Wakefield Radio Club station GB2CPU. Morse test on the day: (01745)591704. Middlesex. Doors open 10.30am to 4.30pm
Rally is to be held at the Outwood Grange John May on (01803) 522995. Details 110am free entry to the Bring & Buy stand).
School, Porovens Lane, Outwood. Wakefield, for rally from W. Trezise G6ZRM on November 19: The Bishop Auckland Major manufacturers and retailers,
junction 41 Ml. Further details from 0113-253 (01803) 522216. Radio Amateurs' Club will be holding its accessory supplies, antenna supplies, Bring
9087. annual radio rally at the Newton Aycliffe & Buy stall, computers and component
October 15: The North Monaghan Leisure Centre. Doors open at 10.30am for retailers and specialist groups. Admission
September 24: The Droitwich Amateur Radio Hobby Radio & Computer Exhibition will disabled visitors and 11am for everyone for adults E1.50, OAPs Et and children
Club are holding their Three Counties Radio be held at Cupids Nightclub and else. Further info. from Mike Shield. under 14yrs free. (01494)450504.
Rally at The Three Counties Showground, Restaurant, Smithborough, County 101388) 766264.
Malvern. For further details you can contact Monaghan. Proceedings start at 11.30am
Eddie G4PGZ on (01905) 773181. and continue until 5.30pm. All the usual *November 26: The Bridgend & District
retailers will be in attendance along with Amateur Radio Club will be holding its If you're travelling a long distance to a
October 1: Blackwood & DARS rally is to be a large display of computer equipment 9th Amateur Radio & Computer Rally at rally, it could be worth 'phoning the
held at the Community College, Oakdale, near and a Bring & Buy. Refreshments will be the Bridgend Recreation Centre in contact number to check all is well,
Blackwood, Gwent. Doors open at 10.30am. available all day in the adjoining Bridgend. The rally will have all the usual before setting off.
There will be traders, a Bring & Buy and a restaurant along with full facilities for amateur radio and computer dealers, a The Editorial staff of PW cannot
raffle. Talk -in on S22. Further details from OSLing via the brewery! Admission is E2 Bring & Buy, RSGB Morse test on be held responsible for information on
Norman GWOMAW on (01495) 227550. and half price for all under fourteen. Talk - demand (two passport size photos must Rallies, as this is supplied by the
in will be on S22 from 10.30am. Facilities be produced). Doors open at 11am, 10.30 organisers and is published in good
*October 1: The Great Lumley Amateur Radio will be provided for disabled access. for disabled visitors. Admission is El. faith as a service to readers.
& Electronics Society will take place in the Stephen Hand GI7UIM (08) (013657) Further details from Maurice GWOJZN If you have any queries about a
Community Centre, Gt. Lumley, Chester -le - 51479 evenings or Ken O'Reilly (0 1 656) 864579 or Don GW3RVG particular event, please contact the
Street. Doors open at 10.30am for disabled GI7UIP on 108) (013657) 38955 (01656) 860434. organisers direct.
visitors and 11am for others. There will be daytime.
Editor
trade stands, a Bring & Buy and much more. December 3: The SDX Cluster Support
Barry G1JDP on 0191-3886936. *October 20/21: Leicester ARS is being Group will be holding a Radio, Electronics
held at the Granby Halls, Leicester. Doors & Computer Rally in the Maryhill
October 8: Computercations '95 Computer & open at 10am each day (9.30am for Community Centre, which is located just
'Receive' A Super Superhet Book

To accompany our special 'Receiving' themed issue this month, I've
chosen an excellent recently published book by one of our authors.
Ian Poole G3YWX who writes our 'Equipment Specifications'
column, has written The Superhet Radio Handbook.
Published by Bernard Babani, Ian Poole's book provides an excellent 'inside guide' to the superhet receiver, suitable for both
the beginner and experienced radio enthusiast. Ian's book is a worthy successor to the classic valve era (long out of print) Radio
Circuits .4 Step-by-step Survey of superhet receivers written by W. E. Miller, Editor of Wireless & Electrical Trader and published by
Wife & Sons Ltd.
The newly published book covers a great deal of ground in its 100 plus pages. Ian starts it off with a look at the history of the
superhet (fascinating in itself) and then Chapter 2, with a heading entitled Basic Principles, covers mixing, the superhet radio, tuning,
basic superhet design, automatic gain control, other configurations, digital signal processing, advantages of the superhet (and that's
just Chapter 21). The other chapter headings include Sensitivity & Overload, Selectivity, Local Oscillator, Demodulation, Operation
(all also sub -divided into many comprehensive sections).
"Altogether this little book provides a superb guide for any radio enthusiast, whether beginner or advanced. And
especially recommend it to anyone embarking on an RAE course. This book comes as highly recommended by me."
ROD Mannion G3XFD
By becoming a Subscriber, you can get your copy of The Superhet Radio Handbook for only
£4.95 including P&P UK and overseas (normal price £4.95 plus £1 P&P (UK), £1.75
(overseas) and get PWdelivered right to your door
To take advantage of this offer just fill in the details on the order form on page 62 of this
issue. Alternatively call Michael on our Credit Card Hotline on (01202) 659930 and
quote SCPVV10 to place your order.
Offer open until 13 October 1995 (UK), 27 October 1995 (overseas).
Practical Wireless, October 1995

Multi -Band Bargain For Radio Beginners of all Ages. Other Regions
I'm always on the look out for a Elaine Richards G4LFM, PO Box 1863, Living on the south coast (well
bargain and I've come across
details of a multi -band Ringwood, Hants BH24 3XD. inland a bit), details of what
transceiver kit. The price was goes on in the other regions of
what really attracted me, £99 the UK can sometimes be a bit
for the basic kit and then £14 hazy. A fellow Royal Naval
for each extra band. This means
This month Elaine Richards G4LFM has news of Amateur Radio Society (RNARS)
you could get on the air quite a bargain transceiver kit, other radio societies and member, Colin Topping,
recently set me straight. In fact,
cheaply if you are prepared to looks at the a.t.u. in 'First Steps'.
put the time and effort in. The he's explained something I
kit is called the Taunton and is didn't have a clue about.
available from Walford In PW August in 'First Steps'
Electronics. about RAYNET I mentioned the
The Taunton can be built as St. John Ambulance with
either a receiver or a The Taunton could be a worth getting help from more regards to the whole of the UK.
transceiver and there is room good club project too, as well experienced hobbyists when you Did you know that in Scotland
inside for an extra plug-in band as being suitable for the get to the difficult bits. Home they have the St. Andrews
card. Optional extras are things newcomer. If you are members construction can be very Ambulance? Well I didn't, that's
like an automatic gain control of a Novice class or a radio satisfying to those that enjoy that why I didn't mention them when
(a.g.c.) controlled intermediate club, you should have others aspect of the hobby. I was talking about the First Aid
frequency (i.f.) amplifier, S - around you to help if you get If that means you, why not Groups.
meter and receiver incremental stuck at any stage of the send off for the catalogue. With Thanks for putting the
tuning (r.i.t.). construction. the darker nights approaching record straight Colin, I didn't
The catalogue from Walford Projects like the Taunton this could keep you
Electronics goes into the usually come with excellent busy all winter mean to miss out Scottish
workings of the circuit, so if you documentation and detailed long! causes or their users. I hope to
are interested I suggest you instructions. As long as you be able to bring you more
contact them direct at Watford can solder well land it's worth information on RAYNET and
Electronics, Upton Bridge practising a bit beforehand) their activities in the near future.
Farm, Long Sutton, you should be able to construct
Langport, Somerset TA10 a kit of this type.
9NJ. Tel: (01458) 241224. As I mentioned before, it's
Different Societies those interested in amateur

television. This is another
the air.
The Prudential
If you have read more than a couple of busy group with both Amateur Radio Society
'Novice Natters' you will have read about newsletters and books is open to all current,
the Radio Society of Great Britain available to members. retired and pensioned
IRSGBI, and my suggesting that you Perhaps you worked employees of the
consider joining your local radio club for a railway company? Prudential Group of
(again, with me suggesting you If so the British Rail companies.
join). But there are other groups ARS may be of interest Then there is RAOTA
that you may want to get involved to you. (Radio Amateurs Old
with on a national level. The BYLARA Timers Association). This
The other groups bring (British Young Ladies association is keeping alive the
together people who have Amateur Radio pioneer spirit of amateur radio in
perhaps been in the same job, Association) was the past. Membership is open to
have the same interests or formed back in 1979 anyone who has had an active
share a language. So, let's when it was very interest in amateur radio for at least
go through a few of these unusual to hear a 25 years. This group publishes a
specialist groups. female voice on the air. newsletter and holds regular Nets.
AMSAT-UK. This The ladies who started The RIG (Remote Imaging Group)
group has been it got together to was formed for those interested in
around for about 15 further YL operation. receiving weather satellites.
years or so and they The Civil Service The RAF Amateur Radio Society is
specialise in amateur ARS actually have the national society for those who have
satellite matters. If you regular meetings (this is or have had connections with the RAF in
join you get a regular unusual in a national various ways, both
newsletter filled with all group) in London. I think civilian or
kinds of amateur satellite they also have an amateur military ways.
matters, I'm sure they have station for members use. The
regular Nets too. The G-QRP Club, this Royal Navy
The BARTG (British group is probably one of the ARS is
Amateur Radio Teledata most well-known clubs. The club open to
Group) is a group for those specialises in low power those who
interested in any kind of data operation. It's founder, the Rev have had
mode, they produce a newsletter George Dobbs G3RJV, is a very well- connections
and have some books on the subject. known person in the world of amateur with the
They also stock bits and pieces needed radio. Royal Navy,
for their projects and sell bits of kit for The International Police Merchant
data work. Association Radio Club is open to Navy or even
The BATC (British Amateur those serving or pensioned from the foreign navies.
Television Club) this groups represents police service. They hold regular Nets on The Royal Signals ARS is the

AAA A A A A AA A A AA AA AA A AAA AA
Co OGG GCCoCoGGC0C0
harmonics from any transmitter. Whilst the reduction is not
First Steps particularly great, it's still worth having.
How To Use It
So, now you understand why you should have the a.t.u., let's look
/1f7 at how to use it. Most a.t.u.s have three controls, two tuning
ANTENNA TRANSMITTER capacitors and a switched inductor.
:. INDUCTANCE
0 2
J
a.
The markings will vary from unit to unit, but often the switched
inductor will be marked in bands. So. to use the a.t.u.. you set the
inductor to the appropriate band, connect an s.w.r. meter between
I
the transmitter and a.t.u., and adjust the controls for minimum
s.w.r. Sounds easy. and it is, but there are a few important points
MFJ to note.
10..wEi
VERSA TUNER MFJSOIB
The first is to start by disconnecting your antenna and
connecting a suitable dummy load. This enables you to find the
approximate settings without polluting the airwaves! Once this is
done you can connect your antenna and complete the fine tuning,
taking care to make sure you're operating on a clear frequency.
If you've never used an a.t.u. in anger. you must be sure to be
Antenna Tuning Units very careful and move the controls quite slowly. The optimum
setting can easily be missed, especially if you're antenna is a long
Now you ail know wry the antenna way adrift from the required
tuning unit (a.t.u.) is used. but do you WO.
know how to use one? If not. let me try It's also
and give you a few tips. important to
Let's start with a quick refresher note that the
on why you need an a.t.u. It's a.t.u. settings
Important to note that there any will probably
many eminent engineers out there who need to be
will advise you that anything that changed as you
interrupts the path between the move around a
transmitter and antenna is a bad band and every
thing. time you change
In many cases they are right as any bands. Once
additional devices are bound to introduce you've found the
unwanted losses. However, this approach is only best setting for a
really feasible when you're dealing with professional particular band, it's well worth jotting it down so
standard antenna systems where the antenna characteristics are you can return to those settings on your return to that band. Be
both predictable and repeatable. patient. and remember - practice makes perfect.
In the world of the amateur, home -built, antennas the a.t.u.
serves a vital role in equalising the differences between the
theoretical antenna and the practical result. It's most important
role is to match the (usually) 50f/output impedance of the
transmitter to the often variable impedance of the antenna.
Once the, 500match has been achieved you can be assured of
maximum power transfer and the best radiated signal. but. there
is another important advantage from the a.t.u. that's not normally
covered as part of the Novice course - harmonic suppression.
The scourge of many amateurs operating within our densely
populated shores is TV and radio interference. Whilst poor design in
domestic appliances are often to blame, anything that can be done
to reduce the harmonic content of your transmission is bound to
help.
because the a.t.u. achieves its impedance matching using a
tuned circuit. the side benefit is a filtering effect that reduces the
national group for those of Radio Amateurs and like-minded people. Now, all Have you just passed your RAE? If so
the Royal Corps of Signals Listeners) welcome all the societies I mentioned you may have a list of questions on how
including the TA and other Christian radio amateurs and have addresses to write to if to put everything into practice or maybe
military personnel. listeners regardless of you are interested in more there are certain areas of the hobby that
The St. Dunstan's denomination. information. If I include them you're not sure about. And if that's the
ARS is a wonderful society Finally, how about the here I shall be in big trouble case why not drop me a line with your
catering for those blinded British Esperanto over space! queries and I'll cover them in 'First
during their time in the Association. I haven't heard If you would like a list of Steps'.
services. I've been to about them for a while, but I the most current addresses, That's all the 'Natterings' for this
several St. Dunstan's think they still operate. then either look in the RSGB issue so until next month cheerio.
meetings and you couldn't (Walter G3ESP, QTHR, can Call Book (the latest edition)
belong to a better group of help. Editor.) or send an s.a.e. to the PW
people. I look back on This list is a fairly large Editorial Offices and they'll
those meetings with very sample of the many post the list out to you.
ailge q4/0
happy memories. organisations you could join.
The WACRAL (World There's a lot to be said for
Association of Christian meeting and or talking with

REVIEW
Helpful
Hand -Held
Richard Newton GORSN reports on his
experiences with a new v.h.f./u.h.f. rig from
Icom which proved itself in his car and
demonstrated how it fights off interference from
computers and 'wide area paging' transmissions.
The inner part of the dual

rotary switches on the top of the
Back To Basics
radio control tuning the v.f.o. The (corn IC -W31 E seems to be a back to
and memories and also take you basics transceiver. It does include advanced
through the various menus that features such as CTCSS encode (decode is
can be displayed. When the an optional extra) and DTMF paging,
Volume button is depressed, however these I believe are now considered
these controls then become the to be basics by many operators.
volume controls for their There are no gimmicky frills I'm glad to
respective bands. say. Instead, Icom have included some
The outer part of these dual rather useful little features and all the
rotary switches are the Squelch normal features that you would expect.
controls. I accept that this is One particular feature that caught my
Iwas very excited when I got a call, well personal preference, but I found that I eye was the battery voltage check. This will
actually a post card, from Rob G3XFD at would have rather had the volume display exactly how much voltage there is
PW. He'd had mislaid my 'phone controlled as a primary function and the in the battery, and this actually operates
number, and the card asked whether I squelch as a secondary function. (I find that under load, so that you really do see just
would review the new dual -band I adjust the volume far more regularly than how well (or not!) your battery is.
144/433MHz hand-held from Icom, the the squelch). Icom have included a function called
Icom IC-W31E. Put it this way, he didn't 'repeater memory'. This is where the radio
have to send me a post card twice! will automatically remember the last
The IC-W31E was an exciting prospect. I
Easy To Read
frequency you transmitted on using a shift of
enjoy looking at the new innovations and The display is easy to read and uncluttered. any kind.
new ways manufacturers incorporate The main read-outs such as frequency and On depressing the relevant button the
established features. memory numbers are bold and I found that unit will recall the information along with
However, I must say that looking at some even the smaller function indicators were any other information, such as tone squelch
modem hand-held radios I have cringed not a problem. settings. This applies for both bands.
when I have seen what I would term as the The IC-W31E has all the controls you So, 'repeater memory' provides you
latest gimmick. How elated I was when I would expect to find on a modern hand- instant access to three frequencies. These
opened up the box and found the IC-W31E held. I will not list them all as there a include: the standard memory, the v.f.o. and
to be, in modern terms, a straightforward, specific aspects I would like to give a the last used repeater, all at the touch of a
down-to-earth radio. mention. single button.
However, I will say that the various The memory channels can be given
functions are controlled from the front panel names. These can be up to six characters in
First Impression keypad the buttons are translucent and length and will only appear in 'Name'
The Icom IC -W31 E creates a very good first when the backlight is activated these mode. (In this mode the operating frequency
impression. The transceiver has a good solid illuminate splendidly. is replaced with a channel number).
feel to it. My father-in-law, Terry G7VJJ, has just
The unit is professionally finished in passed his RAE. He asked me give him
charcoal grey metals and plastic, it looks some ideas on hand-held transceivers.
Paging Facility
very smart indeed. It's not big enough to be Terry's greatest concerns were that, On many hand-held transceivers these days
cumbersome, nor too small to be difficult to would he be able to read the display? you will see a Paging facility using DTMF
use. Would he be able to use the controls tones. This is also true of the IC-W31E.
The size and design of the unit make it without a magnifying glass and to be able to Along with a small number of other
easy to handle and use for both left and operate the radio without having to go on a hand-held radios the Icom IC-W31E has the
right-handed operators. It has well labelled six week course? advanced feature of Message Paging. This
buttons and controls. The buttons are large I'm sure that Terry's concerns are shared takes the Paging facility one step onwards.
and easily operated. by many amateurs. The IC-W31E is not the You can page someone, and as long as
The controls are in general well laid out. only hand-held on the market that satisfies they own a transceiver with a similar
The press to talk (p.t.t.), Volume select and Terry's criteria. However, I would certainly facility, you can leave them a message.
Light buttons are all on a side panel. say that it was near to the top of the list. Using the Icom IC-W31E these messages
The Icom IC -W31 E

Manufacturer's Specifications
can be up to six characters long. General
Frequency coverage 144-146 and 433-440MHz
However, memories are put aside for
Mode f.m. (F3E)
incoming and outgoing messages. Therefore
Frequency stability 5ppm (0 to +50°C)
you get a string of messages stored. For Tuning steps 5, 10, 12.5, 15. 20, 25, 30 or 50kHz
example, Antenna impedance 500 unbalanced
'Terry...ringme...tonight...Rich...GORSN'. External power 4.5 to 16V d.c. negative ground
You just toggle through the memories to
read the full message. Current drain
I've owned a hand-held rig with message Transmit v.h.f. high power/low power 1.3A/500mA
paging for sometime, but hardly ever used it Transmit u.h.f. high power/low power 1.5A/600mA
in anger. Personally, I have always regarded Receiving v.h.f. only, rated audio/power save 160mA/15mA average
it as a bit of fun and little else. Receiving u.h.f. only, rated audio/power save 170mA/19mA average
However, I can see some possible uses Receiving both bands rated audio/power save 210mA/28mA average
for message paging. One example could be Usable temperature range -10 to +60°C
on a RAYNET operation or perhaps a group Dimensions with BP -171 battery pack 57x125x31mm
of friends who live nearby to one another Weight 340 g/12.0 oz
who do not have Packet! The list, I am sure,
is endless...almost. Transmitter
Output power @ 13.5V 5 W/ 500mW/15mW
Other features include single band
Modulation system Variable reactance
working. There's also sub -band working,
Maximum frequency deviation 5kHz
where you can have either two u.h.f.
Microphone impedance 21d1
frequencies in each v.f.o. or two v.h.f. in
each v.f.o. Other features include v.f.o. and Receiver
memory scanning, variable settings for v.f.o. Receive type Double conversion superheterodyne
frequency steps, output power and repeater 1st Intermediate frequency 43.1MHz (v.h.f.) 35.8MHz (u.h.f.)
off -set. 2nd Intermediate frequency 455kHz (both bands)
So enough of what it looks like, feels like Sensitivity (12dB SINAD) <0.18pV
and is supposed to do. So, how did it < 0.32pV for v.h.f. and u.h.f.
actually work? Selectivity >15kHz/-6dB
<30kHz/-60dB
Spurious and image rejection ratio >50dB (more than 40dB at IF/2)
First Contact Audio output power @ 13.5V >180mW
My first contact using the Icom IC -W31 E (at 10% distortion with an 811 load)
was under very difficult circumstances. The Audio output impedance 8c
family and I were going across

Bournemouth to visit Steve G1YNY and his
wife Diane. computer, recording some notes and ideas Real Test
We were late, but no fear I thought, I'll for this review, I had the Icom IC-W31E next
The real test for my location is to put a
call Steve on the radio. Unfortunately my to me. This is when I've noticed that other hand-held on my WX-1 antenna and see if it
mobile set was in the shack and not the car. radios I've reviewed have suffered
copes. I live very close to a large site for
That's when the Icom IC -W31 E came to the somewhat with the usual awful interference
pagers (much to my ever lasting joyl). The
rescue. from the computer and monitor. Icom IC-W31E coped very well indeed,
There was no time to put an antenna on However, the Icom IC-W31E did not
suffering hardly at all from the terrible
the car. So off I went Icom in hand. And as suffer from interference at all. It didn't even
signals these things put out.
we got to one of the most notoriously bad react when I took the squelch off and
I found the !corn IC-W31E a well made
spots for GB3SC (the Bournemouth placed it next to the monitor. Very
and easy to use radio. It's supplied with a
repeater), I put a call out for Steve. impressive!
good quality highly flexible helical antenna,
To my utter surprise I got in to the Well, the next contact was nearly as
wrist strap, a battery pack, belt clip and wall
repeater, 1.5W into a helical antenna in the strange as the first. I had sat down at the
charger.
car. I was impressed! Steve gave the computer to start the review and turned on
The instruction manual is well laid out
transmitted audio a very favourable report, the Icom IC-W31E to check something. This
and illustrated. I was up on air within a very
likewise the received audio was very good was when I heard someone calling through
short time and had soon come to grips with
indeed. the Bournemouth repeater (GB3SZ) on
the more advanced features. There are a
On the subject of repeater working 433.375MHz. The unexpected call seemed
couple examples of 'Japanese English' but
comes my only disappointment. The highly unusual for the time in the morning I
none that cause any problems.
1750Hz tone burst is sent by depressing the was listening.
The Icom IC-W31E rejects interference
p.t.t. switch and the repeater memory However, as you may have gathered I
well but retains a good receive sensitivity on
button. enjoyed using the little radio and due to that
both bands and I like it. It's not cluttered
The repeater memory control is on the fact, the battery was almost depleted.
with controls or unnecessary features, just a
front panel just about as far away from the Despite this and the fact that the path to
good, solid, amateur radio hand-held.
p.t.t. as Icom could have made it. This made GB3SZ from my home is not great at the
I'm certain that it will bring years of
accessing a repeater a cumbersome, two- best of times, I returned the call.
enjoyment to those who decide to be the
handed affair, that I gave up on after a very I could not let the station who was
proud owners of one. The IC-W31E is
short while, reverting to my now infamous calling, suffer any longer, He was getting no
available from any Icom approved dealer
1750Hz whistle! This can be achieved replies. So, to cut a long story short, I had a
for £469. My thanks go to Icom (UK) Ltd.,
one -handed and not withstanding cold very interesting contact with David GBEMA.
Sea Street, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 8LD. Tel:
sores, hangovers and chapped lips, will David, his son Simon 2E1BDI and the rest
(01227) 741741, FAX: (01227) 741742 for
work every time! of the family were camping near to Corfe
the loan of the review model.
Castle.
So, what was strange about the contact?
At The Computer To be able to hold the repeater I spend the
When I eventually sat down at the whole contact standing on my office chair! PW
lual-Band Hand -Held

REVIEW
--Th
1-
Mike Rowe GONE, has reviewed an electronics simulation package for PW.
Can he design his next project on Electronic Workbench Version 4?
When Rob Mannion 0.5s/div, input range 0.01mV to 5kV/div
G3XFD, 'phoned me up (a.c./d.c. coupling selectable). It has
Logical Side
and said "I've a little job features such as automatic, A, B or Let's now have a look at the logical side
for you, I want you to external triggering with leading or trailing of the simulator and start with the Word
review some computer edge triggering. Generator. In digital terms 16x8bit words
software", my immediate reaction was The simulation even has variable may be generated and can be triggered
"Oh 'eck, is he out of his mind (off 'is trigger level! Oh for such an instrument in internally or externally triggered on either
trolleybus)? I'm no computer whizz -kid". real life! The 'scope has two zoom levels the rising or falling edge.
(That's why we asked you Mike. Editor) within the program. The second level of The words are easily written using a
So, the very well presented Electronics which fills the screen and gives a mouse and can be stepped, cycled or
Workbench package arrived. It had two magnificent display. applied in a single burst of sixteen words.
splendid manuals, both very well written The speed of the cycling or burst may be
and easily understood, and two disks. Function Generator varied in Hz, kHz or MHz depending
Thumbing through the manuals to get a upon the setting applied.
feel of the program before installing it - The function generator is used to A Logic Analyser will display up to
immediately gave me feeling that this was generate signals for the circuit under test. eight channels with all the normal
going to be a nice assignment after all. It has variable waveform signals between controls on the 'front panel'. This is a
The actual installation process was 0.001 Hz to 999GHz with output levels of very useful function gives the
very straightforward, and following the hexadecimal value of
on screen prompts it took about ten the currently
minutes. You select either ANSI (zigzag displayed word.
resistors, etc.) or DIN (box resistors) and An inbuilt Logic
type in the serial number. Later you type Converter is a very
in a word from the text, as a security useful tool for people
measure. like myself who are
The main working screen of not 'too hot' on logic,
Electronics Workbench is divided into it enables you to
three main areas, the 'Work area', the specify the output
'Parts bin' and the 'Instrument shelf'. At that you require
the top right hand corner of the screen is given a set of up to
an 'on/off' switch. eight input
The Instrument shelf consists of seven conditions. In
instruments, a multimeter, an practice it simplifies
oscilloscope, a function generator, and a the Boolean algebra
bode plotter (this is explained later, but it and will draw for you
doesn't exist in real life!). There's a logic the gate sequence
analyser, a binary word generator and required.
logic converter. At this point, I
Each of the instruments on the test would also
bench can only be used once. However, 1p V to 999kV. These ranges are all easily recommend that everyone who uses
in the parts bin there are voltmeters and set using the mouse and the 'selection Electronics Workbench runs the tutorial
ammeters which can be used in your box' on the 'instrument panel'. files. By carrying out the simple but
circuit as many times as you wish. informative tests, you can familiarise
yourself with the program. All of which
Bode Plotter may be analysed. (It's interesting to
Multimeter Functions The Bode plotter (think of it as a cross monitor the waveforms and voltages
The multimeter has six functions, between a spectrum analyser and around the circuit before getting a
measuring voltage and current (both a.c. oscilloscope) is not a 'real' instrument, it printout of the screen).
& d.c.), resistance and decibels. Voltages only exists within a computer simulation.
may be measured in the range of It is however an extremely useful piece of
equipment, invaluable in testing
Spares Bin
0.001p V to 999kV (all to three decirr ll
places). simulations of a.c. circuits, and really In the spares bin the operator has a good
Current ranges are from 0.001pA to comes into its own on filters. supply of components. There's a wide
999kA again to three decimal places. Within the program the Bode choice of passive components such as
Ohmmeter ranges will measure circuit generator will diagnose a circuit giving resistors, capacitors and inductors in both
resistances from 0.001S2 to 999Mi2 the response curve from 0.001 Hz to fixed and variable forms.
There's a truly superb simulated 10GHz. It can draw the response (either Resistors are available from 0.0010 to
'oscilloscope' in Electronics Workbench, logarithmic or linear) curve in either 999Mf2, and inductors from pH to
dual -beam with independent trace amplitude or phase over the frequency Henrys, capacitors from pF to Farads. All
positioning, timebase speed 0.01 ns to band selected. values are editable.

There's a selection of power sources receiver with mark and space filters to
for your circuit, including a 'Battery' improve selectivity. I was able to plot the
where you nominate your terminal response of both the r.f. input low pass
voltage (pV to kV). A similar range is filter and the mark and space audio
available from an a.c. source. Both filters.
sources can be constant current sources. When designing with inductors, it has
Analogue active components are well to be remembered that the components
catered for, there are diodes, opamps, are ideal inductors, with no resistance
i.c.s, transistors and f.e.t.s (junction and (this must be be added). The result of
m.o.s. types) of both polarities. omitting these resistances will give you
Unfortunately, at the moment there is no some breathtaking but unobtainable
dual gate f.e.t.s such as the 3SK88 in the results!
system. To provide a test on the logic front, I
For the digital designer, there's a 'built' a keying circuit based upon several
choice of logic gates. There's also a designs I have seen. On completion I
selection of inverters, flip-flops, found it was very easy to simulate the
monostables, DACs, ADCs, etc. There's keying action and demonstrate the
also a comprehensive range of the 74xxx output.
series of ICs (TTL or HCMOS). You can also design your own 'Black
It's a pity that the 4000 range of i.c.s Box' (rather like an i.c. where you don't
was limited to only the 4066 quad really want to know what's inside) and
analogue switch. But it's possible to cross appears.The auto routing of the 'wire' can store this for later use as a sub -circuit.
reference types (7400 = 4011) and use take a somewhat roundabout way, but Examples of this may be found in the
the HC version instead. There are don't worry all will be well. sample circuits on the disk.
however, no Schmitt trigger i.c.s in the Test instruments are connected in a Despite its minor shortcomings, I
library, although they can be simulated similar fashion, you just drag a wire from found Electronics Workbench version 4
with other components. the instrument to the point of test. The to be a very useful tool to have around in
The program provides a range of colour of the wiring may be changed to my workshop. I must admit, that when
control devices. These range from a avoid confusion, and this colour is the time comes to 'Uninstall' the program
simple on/off switch (keyboard related to the traces on the oscilloscope and return it, I will miss it when doing
controlled) through a time delayed and logic analyser. designs for PW.
switch, simple relays to a more I think it's a shame there's no crystal in From an educational point of view, I
comprehensive voltage or current the parts bin. Although one can be have demonstrated some of its
operated switches. simulated, the mathematics involved are capabilities to a young Novice friend of
horrendous. Another failing appears to be mine. And I'm sure that he found it much
the inability to simulate mutually coupled easier to understand the operation of a
Building A Circuit items like an i.f. transformer or an circuit when watching it happen in real
So let's get going on 'building' a circuit. interstage r.f. transformer. time on the screen.
And to start (the use of a mouse is I did have occasion to telephone the
mandatory with Electronics Workbench) My Trials UK help line and found them very
you simply drag the component you want helpful. Any questions they could not
from the 'Parts bin' and place it on the Now to my trials. In trying out some answer, they contacted Canada and
workbench. simple circuits, I found that if you do telephoned me back with the reply. PW
When you're satisfied with the something really stupid, Electronics
component's position, you can edit its Workbench checks and warns you if
value. Then you simply drag a wire from something is amiss. For example, if you Electronics Workbench version -4
the end of one components to the end of put too much voltage on a bulb - it costs £199 + P&P + VAT, and is
the one that you wish to connect to. 'blows'! available from Robinson Marshall
Electronics Workbench will automatically However, if all is well, there is a timer (Europe) PLC, Nadella Building,
route the wire for you. window to the left of the on/off switch Progress Close, Leofric Business
To make a connection to an existing which shows the state of the circuit in Park, Coventry CV3 2TF. Tel:
wire, simply route to that wire until a real time. (01203) 233216 FAX: (01203)
small circle appears and let go of the Using the facilities of Electronic 233210. E-mail:
mouse button, a connection is workbench I designed a simple receiver. [email protected]
automatically made and a small black dot The project was a direct conversion data
r
15I Take out a
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FEATURE
It's A Classic...
here to
begin?
VII 9 RCA ,-1-11188D desense the
receiver on
That, as
a
General Purpose s.s.b./c.w.
A variable
famous noise limiter
bard once wrote. is the
question! What can be
Communications Receiver allows high, pulse
type ignition noise
said about the AR88D to be greatly
that truly conveys its reduced. The noise
standing in the field of communication Antenna Input limiter is switchable along with manual or
receivers? This set, known to almost a.g.c. controlled gain.
everyone who knows what a valve is, has The antenna input of the AR88D is designed The audio output has provision for high
been around since the early 1940s. to match a 200f2 transmission line on all but impedance (20kf2) headphones, 2.512
Used by the military and then by the lowest frequency band. A three terminal speaker and 60052 line or speaker. The
commercial users, amateurs and short wave connector on the rear wall allows either headphone jack on the front panel is special
enthusiasts the world over, the RCA AR88D balanced or end -fed wire to be used. in that, if the jack is inserted to the first
receiver and the AR88LF version are a joy If an end -fed antenna is used, then a link position then the 'phones are in parallel with
to operate. They both have large smooth from the ground to the centre terminal is the 2.551 winding and both speaker and
tuning controls, variable selectivity, large, required. A front panel mounted antenna phones work.
easy to operate knobs and a wonderful tone trimmer is provided to peak the r.f. input With the jack pushed fully home into
in audio output. tuned circuit. position, the 'phones are connected to the
The AR88D set covers 535kHz to Two stages of tuned r.f. amplification phones winding and the 2.552 is cut off from
32MHz in six bands and produces 2.5W of feed the mixer along with the output of the the rear speaker terminals. If there is no
audio into 2.5 or 60052. It has a sensitivity 1.o., this running at 455kHz higher than the speaker connected to the 2.5 or 60052 tap
down to 0.5pV (for 0.5W o/p) and a five r.f. frequency. The 1.o. is fed from the then the phones should always be used in the
position variable selectivity employing a regulator valve h.t., which provides a second position. This is because a load
crystal filter for the sharpest response. stabilised supply under varying line resistor is shunted across the 2.5 tap to
The set operates on 100 to 260V a.c., variations. provide the correct loading.
external batteries or via an external vibrator The i.f. amplifiers contain 12 tuned Space on the front panel was provided
power supply, the MI -8319. The set employs circuits in the signal path along with a so as to add a tuning meter at a later date.
14 valves in two r.f. stages, a mixer, three i.f. crystal, used to obtain the sharpest It's usual to find this added by now although
stages, local oscillator (I.o.) and b.f.o., noise selectivity for c.w. reception. The third i.f. the correct meter has not always been
limiter and audio output, rectifier and amplifier stage is not connected to the a.g.c. installed. The meter is wired in the cathode
stabiliser. line to permit the b.f.o. injection to be circuit of the first i.f. amplifier and should be
The AR88D is large and this fact cannot coupled in and give a better s.s.b. reception. a 5mA type with zero on the right.
be overlooked. Automatic gain control is obtained from
At I9in wide by 11 in high by I9in deep, and a 6H6 valve, a variable delay gain dependent Mechanical Construction
weighing in at 100Ibs, this is a real piece of upon the r.f. gain control is provided for. The
communication hardware, but you certainly b.f.o. output voltage is just lower than the The AR88D is usable either as a table -top
get your money's worth. a.g.c. diode bias voltage so that it does not set with its accompanying case or as a 19in

Technical Summary
AR881) AR88LF
Band 1 535 to 1600kHz 73 to 205kHz
Even though the RCA Band 2 1570 to 4550kHz 195 to 550kHz
Band 3 4450 to 12150kHz 1480 to 4400kHz
Band 4 11900 to 16600kHz 4250 to 12150kHz
AR88D receiver has Band 5 16100 to 22700kHz 11900 to 19500kHz
Band 6 22000 to 32000kHz 19000 to 30500kHz
been around since the Intermediate Freq: 455kHz 735kHz
early 1940s, Ben Valve line-up
Knock G4BXD says r.f. amp & If. amp 6SG7

1st mixer 6SA7
I. osc. 6J5
the set is a joy to 2nd mixer 6H6
noise limiter 6H6
a.f. amp
operate, despite being power amp version)
6SJ7
6K6GT (6V6 1.f.
b.f.o. 6J5
large and heavy. rectifier 5Y3GT
Voltage regulator VR150
rack mounted receiver, the front panel frequency. the electronics, circuitry and the ergonomic
having standard mounting holes provided. There are drawbacks to the AR88D of appearance of the front panel layout. It's
The receiver was designed to be very rugged
so as to stand up to the severe conditions recently heard one amateur stating that and the set produces superb results in use.
imposed by military life. valves are 'no good' as they start Having seen the prime condition of many
All the components are secured by nuts deteriorating right from day one. examples of this set it is quite conceivable
and bolts rather than rivets to permit easy This is true, but then it's true of all that it will still be around in another 50
replacement. The tuning capacitor is rigidly components, they all start ageing from the years time.
mounted to the tuning unit yet flexible to the second they are first used. You simply have There were in fact the three versions.
main chassis, this prevents any chassis to ask yourself 'how many modern plastic - The AR88, the AR88D and the AR88LF. In
distortion from having any appreciable effect cased, c.p.u.-controlled wonders, will still be RAF service they became the R1556, the
on the oscillator stability. around and working in 50 years time?' R1556A and the R1556B respectively.
The AR88D, and its LF brother, are a PNA
Audio Quality superb example of receiver design, both in
Using the AR88 is a joy in itself. The slow

and easy tuning and the audio quality make
this one of the best receivers I have ever
played with to tune around the short wave
bands.
The manual recommends a random wire
of around 25 to 50 feet. But even with a
short whip antenna on the back of the set,
signals can be heard from around the world.
Using the main 130ft end -fed wire
available in my shack the set did not
overload at all. It coped extremely well on
all frequencies.
The mechanical rigidity of the set is most
welcome. There is none of that warbling
whilst listening to s.s.b. stations that is
caused by the oscillator drifting if you
breathe on the front plate.
The large black knobs are easy to grip,
again no fiddling with tiny little plastic
things! The variable selectivity, wide open
for a rich a.m. output, very narrow for c.w. . Agf THE CHAP V4P10 ADVEKTI SE -me Agqg
reception, is most impressive. And the large NI THE PILACTs C L.. E SS .5#14t4AN4 BP(SENIEnIT
central vernier with its logging scale allows
speedy re -tuning to any previously noted

CONSTRUCTION
The PW De v -)_f
7 II/77-72. Rec_L,ii
A good receiver is a must for use on 7MHz.
So, PW commissioned well known designer
Dave Howes G4KQH to design an interesting
superhet to take the 'fear out of forty', and he
came up with the 'Daventry'.
The 7MHz band is a band that offered by many general coverage receivers The PW Daventry 7MHz receiver
needs a decent receiver for on the amateur market. prototype, designed and built by Dave
operation in Europe. With far too Howes G4KQH. (The digital frequency
many radios you simply get lots Circuit Outline display unit is an optional extra).
of noise and apparently very little
in the way of clear signals, especially at So, let's now look at the circuit outline
night. starting from the r.f. input. The signals from
The Daventry receiver project sets out to the antenna socket are taken to the r.f. application where I was looking for good
provide a good level of performance that will attenuator switch where 15 or 30dB resistive performance. I was also trying to keep things
transform the 7MHz band. It turns into a attenuators can be switched into line. reasonably simple to build, and not too
happy DX hunting ground for any reader The attenuators can be used to increase costly either!
who finds their current receiver provides the basic dynamic range of signals handled The 7MHz input signal is mixed with the
little more than 'mush' on this band. (approx. 90dB spurious free range) up to v.f.o. signal of 17.7MHz to give the i.f. of
The 7MHz or '40 metres' is a great band 120dB. This should cope with almost nominally 10.7MHz. It's at this frequency
with lots of DX, but only those with superior anything, no matter how big your antenna! that most of the 'close in' selectivity is
receivers know this! So, if the band seems The signals then pass on to the main printed obtained by use of a crystal filter.
nothing but grossly overcrowded and noisy circuit board (p.c.b.). Quite a wide range of i.f. filters are
on your present receiver, then it's time to get The 7MHz band signals are separated available for the I0.7MHz i.f. frequency. So,
the soldering iron out and build the PW from the rest of the r.f. spectrum by a band- you do not have to use the same device as
Daventry! pass filter. This filter's bandwidth is only just the prototype receiver.
greater than the width of the 7MHz band. The filter I used in the prototype is an
Extensive Filtering So, the level of r.f. filtering used in this s.s.b. filter with a nominal bandwidth of
design is much higher than that encountered 2.4kHz at the -6dB points. A c.w. bandwidth
The PW Daventry is a single up -conversion in most modern general coverage receivers filter could be installed as an alternative, if
superhet, I.s.b. and c.w. receiver. The (which have relatively wide open front you are only interested in this mode.
receiver employs extensive radio frequency ends). This is one of the circuit techniques However, in the prototype receiver I have
(r.f.) filtering. that helps this receiver outperform many envisaged using an accessory audio filter kit
The design incorporates a good quality general coverage sets. (Howes CSL4) to give a narrow c.w.
double balanced mixer and crystal The r.f. filter also provides an impedance bandwidth.
intermediate frequency (i.f.) filter. It also transformation. This helps match the 50i2
uses a low noise discreet MOSFET i.f. antenna input to the higher input impedance Intermediate Frequency
amplifier strip. of the SL6440 double balanced mixer Amplifiers
An active audio frequency (a.f.) filter is integrated circuit (IC1).
fitted and there's provision for additional a.f. After the i.f. crystal filter, the signal is
filtering within the automatic gain control Balanced Mixer passed on to the i.f. amplifiers. These stages
(a.g.c.) loop. The prototype also has the have been designed to be much less
benefit of digital frequency read-out using a Mixing on the Daventry is carried out by the susceptible to pick-up of stray signals that is
commercial kit design (Howes DFD4). SL6440 double balanced mixer. It provides usually the case.
My design objective was to try and keep much better strong signal handling than most Many superhet receivers are almost
all spurious responses over 90dB down as far types of mixer i.c. and also needs less local impossible to test and fault find with the
as practical, without incurring too much oscillator (l.o.) drive than diode type double p.c.b. exposed on the workbench. This is due
expense. This is a considerably higher balanced mixers. to direct pick-up of signals by their i.f.
standard of technical performance than The SL6440 is a good choice for this stages.
*12V to 1C21060. R2
Tr14
2N3053
.91/ R92 0+12V
BF245a
To frequency counter 10
C73
R91
330
m.C74 m.C75
-"A/V-. R93
330 03
0µ1 TOpt gout IN4004
T;)& C76
,Ott1
o OV
See text
Fig. 2: The v.f.o. and voltage regulator stages (see text).

Fig. 1: The PW Daventry r.f. and i.f.
stages (see text). Fig. 1a (inset)
shows the r.f. input attenuation
circuit which G4KQH explains in the
text. In switch position 3, the feed is
'straight through', in position 2 it's -
15dB, and in position 1 attenuation PW Daventry Prototype Performance Table
is -30dB.
Supply Voltage: 10 to 15V d.c.C, (tests at 13.5V d.c.).
Sensitivity: -107dBm (wide filter) for 12dB S+N/N:
Noise Floor (MDS): -119dBm (Wide), -120dBm (s.s.b.),
-126dBm (c.w.).
The pick-up is not a problem for Intermediate
professional engineers who have r.f. frequency Rejection: 107dB.
screened rooms. But it can cause a lot of Spurious responses
problems for the amateur constructor who 1 to 30MHz,
does not wish to fully line the walls, floor outside +100kHz: Better than -90dB.
and ceiling of their home with sheet metal!
Blocking level: (for -3dB desensing at 50kHz
The avoidance of any tuned i.f, stages
spacing). -10dBm.
helps with this low level of i.f. pick-up. It
Dynamic range: (MDS to Blocking) 109dB.
also helps by avoiding the associated
alignment of any i.f. coils. Dynamic Range (spurious free). 90dB.
The penalty is that more stages are Automatic gain
needed for a given amount of i.f. gain, but control range: approx 110dB
the cost of the extra transistors is largely Third Order
offset by the saving in tuned circuits. I think I/P intercept: +12dBm
the advantages of this approach certainly Audio frequency
helps to make alignment and testing much distortion, (S9 signal, 100mW Output): < than 1%.
easier for the home constructor. Ultimate S/N Ratio: Greater than 50dB.
The gain of four of the i.f. stages is Switch on drift: (10 sec to 10 mins): less than 400Hz
controlled automatically by a.g.c. The a.g.c.
voltage can also be varied manually by the
front panel mounted IF Gain control.
tc-§
'VW
Product Detector
The i.f. signal is converted to audio by the
product detector stage (Tr7). This mixes the
incoming signal with one from the I0.7MHz
crystal controlled beat frequency oscillator
(b.f.o.), Tr6.
Lower sideband reception is needed for
7MHz. But, as the mixing process in this
receiver inverts the signal frequencies, the
b.f.o. needs to be set for upper sideband
(u.s.b.).
A small series inductor (L6) is used to
lower the resonant frequency of a standard N
10.7MHz crystal (XL2), to avoid the expense
of a custom made item. This inductor can be
replaced by a wire link if you need the other
sideband for any reason.
The resultant audio signal from the
H-
Ic3A'
product detector is then filtered by an active
audio frequency (a.f.) filter stage. This may
strike an amateur as being slightly unusual as
signal selectivity has already been provided USN Y
by a crystal filter at the front-end of the i.f.
system.
è3C
Professional Grade
However, in professional grade
UHF Y
communications receivers, it's common

practice to have an i.f. crystal filter at both 6;7
ends of the i.f. system. This is not seen in
amateur equipment due to the cost
implications. C=a
But in the interests of performance, I have
taken a small step in the professional
direction. I've done this by providing
filtering immediately after the product
detector (rather than just before as in
professional designs).
My approach enables much cheaper a.f.
filtering to be used, rather than expensive i.f.
crystal filters. But it does give some of the
benefits that a second i.f. filter bestows
(removal of wide -band i.f. noise and extra

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quality You'll be HX7100 Gooseneck mic £119.95 £95 00
_amazed. Includes
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PTT box and suits
SX 100 1 6-60MHz £139 95 £109 00
all modern SX 200 1 8-200MHz £94.95 £75.00
handhelds. For SX 400 140-525MHz ... £109.95 £89.00
Kenwood ask for SX 600 1.8-525MHz £179.95 £139 00
"K" version. SX 1000 1 8-1300MHz £239.95 £189.00
SX 2000 Auto 1 8-200MHz £149.95 £115.00
FT736 - VHF & UHF Ear -Talker SX 9000 1 8-160/430-1300MHz £279 95 £219 00
The "Classic" This unit will fit all mod- TS -450S New £1095 Save £400
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Promise plied with PTT micro
switch with jacket clip and
volume control Please
specify if Kenwood or
Yaesu, loom, Alinco
model required.
Shop and Mail Order; 22, Main Rd., Hockley, Essex. SS5 4QS Tel: (01702) 206835 Fax: 205843
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MAIL ORDER To Hockley - 24 Hour Answerphone and Fax. Open 6 Days 9am - 5.30pm
R53
134410k K1731
C44
II
II II
Tr6 100p
BSX20
XL2 =C43
10.7MHz
.150p 10k
R49
100
040 R45
65p 3k3
846
470
...C42
6 R50
10k
From C38
Fig. 3: The product detector b.f.o. and audio frequency low pass filter stages (see text).
R61 12V
47
R64
10k
C53
Optional
external filter oT470µ ..0µ1
C60 C58
14
Tr9 OP' R69 R70 LM380

5500
4117 4k7 6 C2
nem C55 3.4.5 1004
R63 R65 10.11,11
4k7 150
R66 i1052
22p
C54
100
R67,
5k
log
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R88
10k ;
C56 am C57 ase.
10n .1. 1n
- C59
22m
R71
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C61
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0
Fig. 4: The Daventry audio stages.
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10
R87 R88
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R86
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100k
Fig. 5: The a.g.c. and S -meter driver circuitry (see text).
skirt selectivity). Let's face it. 7MHz The output of the volume control is fed to the zero setting and meter drive currents
operators need the best performance that can the LM380 a.f. output i.c. This provides enables meters with slightly different current
be reasonably justified in a receiver! plenty of drive for an 8f2 loudspeaker or ratings to be used, if you wish.
headphones. In Part 2 of the Daventry project I'll be
Extra Filtering describing the constructional and the
Automatic Gain Control assembly stages. In the meantime, perhaps
After the 'on board' a.f. filtering, the signal it's time you got that antenna ready...to join
is amplified further and fed to a terminal for The automatic gain control circuit used in in the action on 7MHz!
connection of an optional outboard a.f. filter the PW Daventry is quite simple. I set
unit. It's here that you can connect a c.w. myself a strict design limit of just three CONTINUED NEXT MONTH
filter or any other additional selectivity that transistors for a.g.c. and S -meter drive!
you fancy to enhance the performance a little It's all too easy, in the search for the
more. perfect a.g.c. response and S -meter tracking BUILDING THE
The outboard filter should have a nominal to complicate matters. You can end up with
gain of around unity, with some adjustment more devices devoted to these functions than
DAVENTRY RECEIVER
to match the signal levels between the rest of the receiver circuits put together! All the necessary p.c.b.s for the Daventry
bandwidth settings. For understandable The use of audio derived a.g.c. enables will be available from the PW PCB Service.
reasons. I've used a Howes CSL4 dual the audio filtering to be within the a.g.c.
Dave Howes G4KQH, of C. M. Howes
bandwidth filter kit in the prototype receiver. loop. This is an important advantage over i.f.
On this unit an additional 4.71S2 resistor is derived a.g.c. for this application. Communications, Eydon, Daventry,
fitted to the s.s.b. output to match the audio The a.g.c. range is over 100dB and the S - Northamptonshire NN11 3PT. Tel: (01327)
level to the Wide (no a.f. filter) switch meter indication seems to work quite nicely
setting. too, with the meter capable of reading S9 for 260178, is able to supply a kit of parts to
The c.w. filter audio level is adjusted by the standard input signal level of 50pV. This build the p.c.b. module (including p.c.b. and
the preset resistor on the filter p.c.b. After is more than can be said for many
i.f. filter) together with an (optional)
the additional filtering, the signal is fed on to commercial designs!
both the volume control and the a.g.c. The S -meter I used is a 400pA type. But hardware pack.
amplifier. the use of adjustable preset resistors to adjust

FEATURE
Regular PW author Ian Poole

G3YWX, takes time off from
his usual 'Specifications'
column to describe some of
the practical design
D6sbliemmas
and 0.75MHz will create new signals at 1 - too critical it can sometimes be difficult to
0.75, i.e. 0.25MHz and also at 1.0 + 0.75, keep it on exactly the right frequency.
i.e. 1.75MHz. In the superhet radio this
considerations (and some of principle is used to change the frequency of
the required incoming signal to a fixed
Different Stages
the dilemmas!) behind modern intermediate frequency. Any receiver will be made up of a number
In the diagram, Fig. 1, you'll see that a of different stages. Each has its own
communications receivers. signal on 2.5MHz is mixed with a local function, and should be designed to give the
oscillator (I.o.) signal at 2MHz generated in optimum performance.
the radio. The resultant signals generated However, receiver designers must look
The idea of the superhet radio is are at 0.5 and 4.5MHz. at the set as a whole to see how all the
well known, and most radio A typical intermediate frequency filter different aspects of the design inter -relate.
amateurs and listeners have a might be at a frequency around 0.5MHz. Only when this has been done can a
very good idea of the basic This would mean that the signal at 0.5MHz satisfactory design be implemented. But it's
principles. would pass through the filter and be first necessary to look at the individual
However, to make a set which gives a amplified. sections to see their own requirements.
good performance is not always as easy as it
might seem. There are a lot of variables to
consider if the best performance is to be
Different Frequencies Prime Considerations
achieved. All seems line, until you discover that While sensitivity is not the only important
It is not always the most sensitive signals on two different frequencies can mix factor of the performance of a radio, it's still
receiver which can give the best reception. with the I.o. to give an output at 0.5MHz. one of the prime considerations. A 'deaf'
In many cases the strong signal handling I've already mentioned that a signal at receiver can be very annoying!
and other aspects are just as, if not more 2.5MHz mixed with the local oscillator The degree of amplification at the
important. gives a signal at 0.5MHz. - various stages in a set determines many of
However, a signal at 1.5MHz also does its other parameters. It's also found that an
Basic Idea the same! This is a problem because it h.f. receiver does not need to be as sensitive
means that two signals at totally different as one used for v.h.f. or u.h.f. reception.
The basic idea behind the superhet radio is frequencies can be heard together. The reason for the lower sensitivity is
that it's possible to change the frequency of Fortunately, the difficulty can be overcome that on frequencies below about 30MHz,
a signal by mixing it with another. It's by having some tuning before the mixer as the amount of noise picked up by the
found that if two signals are passed into a shown in Fig. 2a. antenna will usually be much greater than
non-linear circuit called a mixer, the level The tuned circuit at the input in Fig. 2a that generated by the set itself. As a result,
of the first signal appearing at the output does not have to be as selective as any an h.f. receiver does not need to have a
will be dependent upon the level of the tuning in the intermediate frequency noise figure better than about 10 or 15dB.
other. amplifier which needs to separate signals On the other hand, v.h.f. receivers might
Analysing the circuit, the two signals can adjacent channels from one another. It only be around 3dB or better, with preamplifiers
be seen to be multiplied together. In a needs to accept the wanted signal entering on their own often quoted as having figures
normal linear circuit the output signal is the mixer and reject the unwanted one of 1dB and less.
called the image. The To obtain the best noise figure it's
general idea is shown necessary to have as much gain at the early
2.5MHz
Signal Filter in Fig. 2b. In fact if stages in the receiver as possible. However,
Mixer 10.5MHz) I this tuning is made this can lead to its own problems.
4.5MHz 1 0.5MHz to
1
following
0.5MHz circuits
Local
Fig. 2b. Image
signal RF tuning
oscillator I
12Mhirl
_Wanted
Fig. 1: Block diagram showing the basic idea behind a ...--k-signa I
superhet receiver with mixing arrangements illustrated.
only proportional to the level of

2 x IF
the input signal and the gain or away
loss of the circuit.
When two signals are mixed
or multiplied together in this Audio
way new signals appear at the Demodulator I amplifier
output. Apart from the two input
signals, new ones appear at
frequencies equal to the sum of Fig. 2a: Block diagram of a complete basic
the two original ones, and at the superhet. The inset diagram, Fig. 2b illustrates
difference between them. how the 'image' problem develops (see text).
For example, two signals at 1

DESIGN DILEMMAS
levels of I.o. drive. Crystal mass be at 455kHz or
Fig. 3: Diode ring mixer circuit This is to ensure that Connect -1 Connect -2
possibly 1.6MHz, now
electrodes electrodes
(see text). they can withstand many h.f. receivers
high signal levels use an i.f. of 9MHz.
before they overload. .11111111R( Modern v.h.f./u.h.f.
And in some Fig. 6: Diagram illustrating the receivers have i.f.s of
receivers the levels basic techniques of monolithic 10.7MHz without the
may be as high as
crystal filter construction. need for a further
100mW. conversion if high
Too much gain can result in overloading Active mixers can be used to good grade filtering is required.
of the later stages. When this happens effect. They also have the advantage over
spurious signals and noise can be generated the diode ring mixers that they usually give Discrete Crystals
and sometimes this can result in a reduction some gain.
in real sensitivity when the receiver is used A number of high performance i.c.s Nowadays crystal filters are often made
under real conditions. exist. One of these is the i.c. 1496, with a from discrete crystals in configurations like
In some h.f. receivers where sensitivity typical circuit shown in Fig. 4. This has the half lattice filter shown in Fig. 5.
been around for many years but still Alternatively, monolithic crystal filters are
gives a good account of itself. In fact becoming more widespread.
I2V this particular i.c. is used in my Ten- Monolithic filters use the same material
RS
Tec Argosy which I find gives very and basic principles as normal crystals, but
3x3
Is
3k2
good performance. contain a filter on a single crystal element.
C2
021 5
Cr,
This is done by placing two sets of
Lo Input 5-11
Signai Intermediate Frequency electrodes at opposite sides of the crystal as
mut
CI 4 5
shown in Fig. 6.
Choice of the intermediate The monolithic filters generally give
RI
SI
Ra Fig. 4: The frequency (i.f.) depends upon a
1t;'11g improved performance over filters made
As 1496 mixer number of factors. It's a careful from discrete elements. However, they
circuit balance between some opposing require specialised equipment for their
F5'f discussed requirements. For example, a low manufacture, and are made by relatively
On
by G3YWX frequency i.f. will make it easier to few companies. Despite this they can be
V.. BV
(see text). obtain good filters.
But, on the other hand a high High level signal
frequency will increase the A outside mein filter
response
is not the prime consideration there may be difference between the wanted signal and
Main finer
very little r.f. gain. Sometimes the signal is the image signals. This will improve the response
fed virtually directly into the first mixer. By image rejection, a factor which is very
adopting this approach the mixer stands less important with today's crowded band ..- Roofing filter
response
chance of being overloaded. conditions.
For v.h.f. and u.h.f. receivers where Unfortunately it is not easy to come to a Frequency
145
sensitivity is of prime importance, very low compromise over the factors mentioned. Fig. 7: A 'roofing filter'response
noise amplifiers are employed. In view of Accordingly many sets have two or more shown as broken line (see text).
the circuit limitations these are not switched i.f. stages.
between different bands. Instead they are The first i.f. stage will be at a high
normally only designed for one band. frequency to give the good image rejection. manufactured for operation at quite high
The first i.f. signal will then be converted frequencies, making higher frequency i.f.s a
down in frequency practical reality.
Mixer Crucial Fig. 5: An where it's filtered.
TI
The mixer is a crucial example of I -L. Sometimes in Ideal Location

part of the receiver line a half h.f. sets, the first
TC2 XL2
up. Many receivers these lattice filter IPl
conversion may The ideal location for a filter would be
days have two and circuit. even 'up -convert' immediately after the first mixer. In this
sometimes three the signal to a way only signals on the required channel
conversions and as a result they have an higher frequency. Around 40MHz is a would be amplified though the receiver.
equivalent number of mixers. popular area. Unfortunately, there are a number
Having a high quality mixer is a key A 'first conversion' of 40MHz means reasons why it's not normally possible to
factor in reducing unwanted mixer products that the image response will be 80MHz place the main filtering at the 'ideal'
as low as possible. It also keeps other away from the wanted signal. This enables location.
problems like cross modulation under very high degrees of image rejection to be The main reason is that the frequency of
control. achieved without the need for excessive the first i.f. us usually quite high. Even with
There are many different types of mixer filtering. the advances in technology, high frequency
which can be used. Many professional Despite the high 'first conversion' it's filters are more expensive and may not be
receivers use diode ring types. These are still advisable to retain some filtering to able to meet all the requirements placed on
similar to that shown in Fig. 3. reduce the occurrence of intermodulation them.
Diode ring mixers give a very good products in the front end. A sharp filter will also have a significant
performance over a wide band of loss. Placing it very early in the line-up will
frequencies, but they do not give any gain. Filter Performance reduce the degrade the receiver's noise
Instead they have a loss of a few decibels performance.
called their 'conversion loss'. Filter performance has improved drastically If the main filtering is placed much later
Typically the conversion loss might be over the past few years. Modern filters are in the receiver, this can cause it's own
about 7dB. They can also be rather much smaller than they used to be and it's problems. It opens the early stages to the
expensive, sometimes costing several tens possible to have them made for higher much greater possibility of large signals
of pounds. frequencies. outside the final bandwidth causing
Often, the mixers operate with very high Whereas 20 years ago the last i.f. had to overload in some of the stages, even with a

AGC AGC
Combiner detector 1 detector -2
good a.g.c. system. First AF output

RF Second Second
To overcome the problem, a amplifier mixer mixer Demodulator
filter called a 'roofing filter' is
normally used. This is placed A
early on in the receiver line-up, Second

First local local
often virtually straight after the oscillator oscillator Fig. 8: A distributed a.g.c.
first mixer. system.
A 'roofing filter' does not
have the same specification as
the main filter but it is able to give needed. This would to adjust the gain of the oscillator drifts then it's particularly
sufficient selectivity to reduce signals later stages and ensure that the level of theannoying and results in having to retune the
which are definitely off channel as shown in signal being received did not overload any set to keep the wanted station on tune.
Fig. 7. Having a less stringent requirement of the later stages in the traditional way. Before the 1960s, a free running variable
than the main filter, it does not need as I've outlined a possible system in the frequency oscillator was generally used.
many stages and its loss will be diagram, Fig. 8. A more complicated a.g.c. However, as single sideband (single
significantly less. system of this nature would have a few sideband, suppressed carrier, usually
additional problems which I'll briefly referred to as s.s.b.) operation grew in
Automatic Gain Control mention. popularity the need for stability became
Most of us use the 'S' meters on our sets,
very important.
Unfortunately, the automatic gain control even though they are notoriously inaccurate. Receivers with crystal controlled first
(a.g.c.) system does not often receive the And in the case of the multi -loop a.g.c. conversions, having a v.f.o. for a second
full attention it deserves. A properly system a little ingenuity would be needed to conversion, as shown in Fig. 9, became
operational a.g.c. will improve the overall obtain a meaningful reading. popular. This meant that the inherently
performance of the receiver when strong If, for example, the signal strength stable crystal oscillator was used for the
signals are about. It's not there just to keep indication was generated from the second high frequency switched oscillator used for
the audio level at a constant level when the loop, the action of the first loop in reducing
the first conversion. The variable frequency
signals are changing. the front-end gain would affect it. oscillator would remain unswitched and
In many receivers the a.g.c. only acts on Conversely the first loop takes account of could be optimised for stability.
a number of the stages fairly late on in the signals outside the final filter bandwidth so Nowadays, frequency synthesisers are
line-up. This means that early stages can be this could not be used. generally used. They offer excellent
stability because they use a
455kHz
crystal oscillator as a
reference to generate all the
14-14.5MHz
other frequencies.
Frequency synthesisers
First AF output
amplifier II' mixer
First
i.f.
Second
mixer
Second
f
Demodulator 1 also have the advantage of
being easy to programme
A 19MHz 5.445-5.995MHz A digitally. This fits in well
First 0
I
Second I.o
with today's microprocessor
(variablei controlled circuitry, and
offers a vast number of
Fig. 9: Superhet receiver with crystal -controlled first conversion. The wider response of the advantages in terms of
first i.f. (illustrated by inset respomse curve above the stage) is necessary because of the flexibility of operation.
second mixer/oscillator combination's need to 'tune' over the required passband (see text). The main disadvantage of
phase locked loop (p.1.1.)
synthesisers is that they can
overloaded, especially if the signal falls The solution lies in using a combination generate large amounts of phase noise. This
outside the filter bandwidth. of the two loops. The reading of the second is noise which spreads out either side of the
With the enormous range in level of loop would need to be taken, but it should signal, as shown in Fig. 10.
signals which are picked up by any receiver, be modified by the voltage on the first so Phase noise can mix with 'off channel'
even the early stages of the set can be that any reduction in gain it causes can be signals to generate noise within the receiver
overloaded. This means that some means of taken into account. pass -band, thereby reducing the sensitivity.
reducing the gain must be employed. To overcome this the synthesiser must be
Often, manual r.f. gain controls are used. Oscillator Performance very carefully designed, not always
However, most people including myself accepting the cheapest approach. In fact the
tend to leave these controls at maximum The local oscillator or oscillators' new direct digital synthesisers have a lot to
unless the received signal is very strong. performance will govern many aspects of offer in this area and they are being
Accordingly, the gain control should be the receiver's operation. The main introduced in many of today's sets.
reduced when the other signals on the band requirement is that it should be stable. If the
are strong, so that the set does not become Final Design
overloaded. And in fact it may not be the
Wanted
wanted signal which causes the problem. signal The final design of any receiver will be a
but one which is outside the main filter carefully balanced compromise between a
bandwidth. a number of different requirements. However,
Phase noise
Instead of using a manual control, it spreading out care taken in the initial design will ensure
equally either
would be much better to use an automatic E side of the signal that the best performance is obtained.
gain control. If it could detect the levels of Best performance however, is not
the signals at an early stage in the receiver, necessarily the best sensitivity (for
then the information could be used to example). It can be the optimum sensitivity
control the gain of the early stages and Frequency under all conditions. This is a much harder
prevent them becoming overloaded. Fig. 10: Phase noise spreading out requirement to meet!
If automatic control was accomplished in either side of the main signal of a PW
the way described, a further 'loop' would be receiver using a synthesiser (see text).

MART! 4/INKS"We
THE AMATEUR RAIWO EXCHANGE CENTRE
1/28 8111
140 - 142 NORTAWELD AVENUE, Ea/NS, LONDON 14/13 gSB
/11041 -SA T .9. 30 - 6. 00 -,
JJ #_) t ri Forget Naomi Campbell, (well try

J anyway), Yaesu !corn and Kenwood
have just released their latest H.F. rigs
J r -d
and they will be displayed at this years
rd
I] 1i if 1.1
_f LEICESTER SHOW. Stocks of that
rather exclusive, (or should that read
J ±_l_f)),'-'if_14i11 "elusive"?), Icom IC -706 will also be

ready to purchase with the MARTIN
LYNCH FIVE YEAR WARRANTY for
-14'ira0116.1.1111...1.!=-,11111116--,'
-
1.,\IJ 11-J1 'A91 12 K .11rj fiJ;2; Oi those of you wishing to buy or order at
si.a'A'AL Lc C i "
the show. Its going to be a real
winning Leicester this year -
With the current FT1000 in The "Next Generation" come along and pay a visit!
its fifth year, Yaesu Musen The first of a new breed, this HF all
have decided to continue with the model number - FT -1000, mode transceiver is equipped with
but up date its best HF Transceiver to date, from the not one but two 24 -Bit digital signal Lynch Price
processors at the "IF" stage an
ground up. innovation that leads to such ii1131 PHONE
benefits as high efficiency digital
EDSP - Enhanced Digital Signal Processing. A new multifaceted filtering technology filtering, powerful noise -end Lynch Price
unmatched in the Amateur Radio industry. interference -reduction, equalisers
Dual In -Band Receive with separate S Meters. and DSP detection.
11JJ!1, L\Lj,11) i1J)99M RHONE
Collins 455kHz 2.7kHz SSB mechanical filter - as standard! Collins CW filters as
optional extras. The NEW TS -870S does not employ any
Selected Cascaded Crystal & mechanical Filtering, independent 2nd & 3rd IF filter analogue 'IF" filters it uses post -IF
Lynch Price
selection. digital fillers for all modes - SSB, CW, AM. 111]-1'11 £PHONE
New High Resolution DDS Tuning i0.625Hz tuning steps!) FSK and FM and is truly a world first -
Wide Receiver Dynamic Range. with separate Optimised FET RF Preamplifiers for High offering precise performance that is
& Low Bands "Shuttle Jog' Enhanced Tuning System, CAT System capability with unobtainable with analogue circuits. The Lynch Price
built in RS -232C Level converter.
Transverter jack for VHFIUHF operation (Display indicates actual VHF or UHF
TS -870S also employs a 'Line Enhancer"
noise reduction system that actually pulls
.., 111 7J9 1S-1/9 RHONE
Frequencies) out signals buried deep down in the
Selectable antenna jacks. Separate RX only lack also included.
Custom Feature Configuration via new Menu system,
noise. Lynch Price
Quick Memory Bank system to recall important memory channels.
Built in high speed Auto Antenna Tuner
Add to this a Beat Cancel system that ;l1E RHONE
eliminates multiple beat frequencies and
Built in Contest memory keyer. an auto IF notch. the new TS -870S should
Yaesu's exciting new Enhanced Digital Signal Processing system provides four random
noise reduction settings, selectable bandpass filtering with adjustable low and high cut
responses, and transmitted audio enhancement with four voice response equalisation
appeal to the most demanding of HF
operators . especially on todays crowded
bands. It replaces the out going TS -8505.
(although they are still available). and the
-J ,;tI))9
_;)
With all the new wave of DSP
technique. price, (considering there are NO fitters to transceivers, don't forget YAESU had
buyll, is, I think. very competitive at Digital bandwidth control on the FT -990 three years ago! 100 watts
In addition, an automatic seeking EDSP notch filter will identify and eliminate interfering only £2399.95. out, Auto ATU built in, plus the option of AC (internal PSU), or DC,
hetrodynes and carriers should they appear in the passband. It's interesting to note the
the F7990 is still our best selling HF Transceiver. No other has plug in
introduction of Collins mechanical filters in the new FT-1000MP. ft's debut was actually at Deposits from only £399.95. hoards for easy maintenance either! ,
the Stafford Show in August and customers who visited the Yaesu stand commented
FT -990 AC List £2399.00 Few at only £1849.00 FT -990 DC
how the Audio quality was in a different class, no doubt due to the DSP and more
List E2099.00 Few at only E1899.00 SUPER LOW COST
importantly the employment of Collins filtering. The price is in fact lower, (its true!), than
FINANCE AND 5 YEAR WARRANTY ALSO AVAILABLE!
the current out going FT.1000. $
Retailing at only £2849 including a built in PSU and E2599 for the version
without. that's a saving of over £1100 on the original. We will gladly take trade
in's as deposit, (even the current FT -1000), and can offer the balance on our 111 1;1_?n
very advantageous finance terms. Martin Lynch is offering the FT-1000MP with
FIVE YEAR WARRANTY as standard, once again proving customer peace of Before the price shot up through the
mind is our satisfaction! Available Now!! roof I bought 30 of the most popular
VHF multimode Base Station. There are still some left but not many
7 75DSP along with 200 Watts of power The new IC-775DSP still lists et E3699.00. so hurry' You will not want to fork out C2000 for one.
output, (the other two only produce At the price, it comes with FIVE YEARS FT -736R BRAND NEW, NOT "EX DEMO", E1499.00 - LIMITED
100W), Auto notch for those annoying WARRANTY, (Only from Martin Lynch), SUPPLIES.
interfering carriers. two receivers with includes an internal PSU. auto ATU and is
Although the lC-775DSP has been around

independent tuning dials and a REAL "S"
Meter (I don't like flashing bar graphs!).
It is our best selling flagship HF since the
ready to go. Finance packages are
available, for a lot less than you
think. What have you got to part J
1(111\ I (j J J _11 MASSIVE
in production form for several months. FT1000 was introduced back in 1990. michange7
with the introduction of the new TS870 We've supplied many to the U.K's top KENWOOD TS-450SAT £400
and FT1000MP, loom's new flagship really DX'ers and once you see and feel the
is the 'Grand Daddy' of the trio. In size, it overwhelming uality of construction, use
"!"- 4619,111iiiL4
dwarfs both the Kenwood and Yaesu. In the wealth of f' 'cures the IC-775DSP has first cone,
features it isn't lagging behind, either. to offer, you too will find it difficult to pass
DSP noise reduction is available on the IC - this one by. first served!
Now in Bulk purchase of your favourite "midi" sired HF
E/ETII YEAR, our yearly extravaganza is upon us again, thing is can we transceiver has enabled us to offer them on a
top fast year for the most people ever seen at one time in NORTHF/ELDS spectacular money saving offer. The TS-450SAT is
AVENUE: Make a note in your dtery. Nearly a thousand people poured despite it's size, a full feature 100W all mode HF
REMEMBER through the door and grabbed tens of thousands of pounds worth of transceiver, including a built in AUTO ATU, IF Shift and
equipment at virtue/4, trade price.
REMEMBERe it entri 0011 /corn dm, /le on Aind Io d//SW9/ W/ your queries,
much more. The list price is £1599.00 but we are
av k'ret
tend/7/ the liait ground reso'y to debit your credit card!" so make sure
offering 10 pieces at only £1195 including FREE
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THEORY
External Mike van der Westhuizen ZS6UP looks at the
external noise effect on the sensitivity figures of
Noise modern receivers. He also looks at the part

played by the operator's own hearing abilities.
All listeners to the h.f. bands

SReceiver
know that external noise can
sometimes cause even strong
signals to become unreadable.
For this reason, many
te \ t hooks on h.f. receivers contain a
Sensitivity
where summarised. This data can be found in
sentence to the effect that, the sensitivity of
Ny = noisiness of the receiver virtually every radio handbook.
h.f. receivers need not be very good.
Ni = noise at input of receiver (external The data in Table 1 is taken from the
In spite of what the textbooks say, the
noise) Radio Communications Handbook. In
signal to noise ratio sensitivity of modern
Nr = noise added by receiver column 1 of the table are the different
receivers is becoming better and better. You
If the lowest possible external noise is frequency bands. Column 2 is the different
only need to look at advertisements and
only the thermal noise at room temperature times of day conditions. Column 3 is the
reviews. Many amateurs must have asked
in a certain bandwidth, we can take this as external noise Ni reaching the antenna in
themselves the question: When really is the
standard (Ns). Then Ni = Ns. At this dBm (referred to one milliwatt).
sensitivity good enough and at what value is
condition, the noisiness, Ny = NFa (the Column 4 is the same data expressed in
there no point in improving it anymore?
well-known noise factor) or noise figure NFi microvolts to give you a better feeling for
I found a few articles on this subject but
if expressed in dB. The relationship between the values. In modern transceivers S9 on the
none really gave me the answer, until I read
the two is: NFi = 10log(NFa). S -meter can represent anything between 20
the article by Gerald Stancey G3MCK ($1).
Thus we can see that to 50tiV an the antenna.
Column 5 in the table is the external
N noise Ne (in dB) above the s tandard
NFa= 1+r (-141dBm in this article, which is the
Ns
thermal noise at room temperature in a
-0 Plot for storm conditions Now, say the noise input Ni is 2100Hz bandwidth).
4e* Plot for nighttime conditions a factor Ne more than the A rough plot of Ne against frequency is
rii
D Plot for daytime conditions standard Ns, then shown in Fig. 1. You can see the noise
o go_
Ni = NeNs or Ni = Ne + levels on the 1.8, 3.5 and 7MHz bands in
a
O
Ns (when expressed in dB) stormy conditions really are quite high - as
z Then you all well know.
TA, 40-
.1
Now we come to Table 2 where column
NFa - 1 one contains different values of Ne. Column
w Ny = 1+
20-'
Ne two has four different values of receiver
sensitivity noise figure (NFi) in every Ne
We now have the noisiness, group. Column three has the same values in
0
Ny, in terms of the Noise V.
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Factor, NFa, and the external Columns 4 and 5 are calculated values of
Band IMHz) noise, Ne, above the noise Si/Ni for m.d.s. (So = No), using the
standard, Ns. relevant values of Ne and NFi (converted to
Fig. 1: This graph plots the external noise above NFa). In columns 1, 2 and 6 are the value of
a standard level for over the various bands. An Example So/No (in dB) to give an input value of
Si/Ni = 10dB for the different Ne and NFi
Let's have an example. Say a receiver has a values.
This article addresses the point directly and
NFi = I6(dB), then NFa = 40. If on 21MHz If the above sounds complicated, it will
is actually a very good one. My article is an
the external noise is 20dB above the be clearer after looking at Fig. 2, a plot of
extension and expansion of Gerald's
standard, eg. Ne = 100, then the figures in Table 2. The plot is column
thoughts and an attempt to arrive at some
one against column six for the different
sort of answer.
values in column two. Putting the
39
NY = 1+ 100
-- 1.39 explanation in full: Fig. 2 is a plot of the
No Theory external noise Ne against So/No (if Si/Ni =
So, if the minimum discernible signal 10) for different values of receiver
I'm not going through all the theory of
(m.d.s.) is where So = No then Si = NyNi = sensitivity NFi.
noise, sensitivity, noise figure, noise factor,
1.39Ni or, Si must be I.43dB higher then
etc. This is given in all textbooks and well
condensed in Gerald's article. I shall only
Ni. If So/No must be 10dB then Si must be Another Example
I4.3dB above Ni. Or if Si/Ni = 10dB, then
give a few of his final formula here.
So is only 8.57dB above No. As an example: Say on 7MHz during
If the 'noisiness' Ny, of a receiver is
daytime the figure for Ne = 30 (from Fig. 1)
defined as: the signal to noise ratio at the
input (Si/Ni) divided by the signal to noise
Calculations & Results and you have a receiver with a poor NFi =
34dB (1µV). You can see from Fig. 2 that
ratio at the output (So/No) of a receiver, it
From the above theory we can now draw up you will get So/No = 4.4dB for an input of
can be shown that
a few tables and graphs to put the whole Si/Ni = 10dB. It is from Fig. 2 that we will
Nr thing into perspective. In Table 1 the try to answer the question posed at the start
Ny= 1+
Ni external h.f. spectrum noise data is of the article.

Band Condition Noise Noise above
MHz dBm iiN/ standard
80_
Fig. 2: This Table 1: Showing Storm -51 630 90
graph shows Fn
=7 ..fff-NF, , 34
external noise for 1.8 Night -81 20 60
.<> NF, = 20 , 43 Day -96 3.5 45
the external -o
various frequency
Z 60_ Storm -88 112 75
noise above bands. The right 3.5 Night -88 8.9 53
a standard 0 hand column (No) Day -101 2 40
against z is shown as dB Storm -76 35 65

To 40- 7 Night -96 3.5 45
So/No (when E above above the Day -111 0.83 30
Si/Ni=10) for LU
standard (Ns) Storm -96 3.5 45
Night
differing 20- {Ne=Ni-Ns or 14
Day
-108
-118
0.89
0.35
33
25
values of ,e; 0
,.0. Ni-(-141d1311. Storm -111 0.63 30
receiver --0. 21 Night -118 0.35 25
0 day -121 0.2 20
sensitivity
(NFi).
0
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10
1 -55 100:
1 I
28
Storm
Night
Day
-128
-128
-126
0.11
0.11
0.11
15
15
15
St'No IcIBI for SI/Ni = 10dB
Storm -131 0.063 10
56 Night -131 0.063 10
Day -131 0.083 10
Some Conclusions 40dB (from Fig. 1). Entering Ne = 40 in 2 and read the approximate values of NFi at
Fig. 2 we see that it cuts the vertical line the So/No = OdB vertical line. We get the
To arrive at some some conclusion we must where So/No = 9dB at NFi = 34dB (1µV). following:
move from radio science to human So, any better sensitivity won't help you at 1.8MHz: NFi = 60dB
physiology, which differ from individual to 3.5MHz. 3.5MHz: NFi = 50dB
individual. In physiology textbooks one (b) At 28MHz it can be seen from Fig. 1 7MHz: NFi = 38dB
reads that the smallest difference in sound that Ne is about 15dB. Entering Ne = 15dB 14MHz: NFi = 34dB
(at say 1000Hz) that the human ear can in Fig. 2, we see that it cuts the So/No = 21MHz: NFi = 28dB
detect is 1dB ($3). 9dB line at a point between NFi = 20 and 28MHz: NFi = 23dB
The figures quoted seemed very low in NFi = 7. But I estimate the value, to be 56MHz: NFi = 21dB
value so, in the interests of science, I did a probably at NFi = 9dB. So, on 28MHz it is The above values of NFi are for So/No =
few rough experiments with two of my worthwhile to have a receiver or pre -amp OdB if Si/Ni = 10dB
children. Using an amplified audio signal with this lower noise figure. We can now determine NFi for many
generator, and an a.c. digital voltmeter I let (c) Let's take everybody's favourite band So/No values, or we can take a certain NFi
them hear pure tones through headphones. (well it's mine anyway) I4MHz. During day value from Table 2 and determine what
Sure enough, all the values were between I time Ne = 25dB, giving an NFi of Si/Ni must be for So/No = 0 on every band.
and 2dB except at very low sound levels approximately 18dB. During night time Ne An interesting So/No case is where Si/Ni =
where it rose to 3 or 4dB. = 33, which gives an NFi of approximately IdB (Si/Ni = ratio 1.26). At this point So/No
Returning to Fig. 2, if the perfect 24dB. During stormy conditions, Ne = 45 is 1dB less than Si/Ni . If we follow the
receiver gives So/No = 10dB for Si/Ni = giving a NFi of approximately 39dB. All of arguments through we see that in this case
10dB and, if one can detect a 1dB the above interpolated at the So/No = 9dB the NFi values are the same as that given in
difference, then you should be able to detect line. Table 3. So, it seems as if the NFi values in
a difference at So/No = 9dB and lower. (d) If you build small receivers at home, Table 3 is the lowest that we must aim for
So, if we draw a vertical line at So/No = then design it for the NFi values in Table 3 on the different bands.
9dB in Figure 2, then at all conditions left of for good readability, taken from daytime Ne I must emphasise that my conclusions
this line we will be able to detect a values. will differ from person to person. The
deterioration in readability. Let's take a few There is another question that can be human ear/brain is a remarkable instrument
examples. asked. If you don't really need So/No = 10 with surprising filtering properties. So much
(a) During daytime on 3.5MHz, the Ne = or 9dB to read a signal, what is the lowest so, that it's nearly impossible to describe in
value of So/No that is still exact terms.
readable. There are PW
External Noise Receiver Si for m.d.s.
above standard sensitivity Ni So for Si .10dB experienced C.W. operators
N.. Ni - Ns N. Ni can read a signal below the
NFi 1.11/ Ratio IN) dB Table 3: Suggested Band Ne NFi
7 0.048 1 0 10 noise level. On s.s.b. mode minimum receiver (MHz) (dB) (dB)
80dB 20 0.2 1 0 10
34 1.0 1 0 10 if someone at the other end noise figures for 1.8 45 40
43 3.0 1.0002 0.0009 9.9991 3.5 40 34
of the link is reading the various 7 30 22
7 0.046 1 0 10 numbers slowly it can also frequency bands 14 25 18
60dB 20 0.20 1.0001 0.0004 9.9996 21 20 13
34 1.0 1.0025 0.0018 9.9892 be read just below the (see the text for 28 15 9
43 3.0 1.0200 0.0880 9.9140 56 10 6
noise level($4). more details).
7 0.048 1.0004 0.0017 9.9983 Say, for arguments sake,
40dB 20 0.20 1.0099 0.0428 9.9572
34 1.0 1.2511 0.9729 9.0271 the lowest that can be read
4.7643 5.2357
43 3.0 2.9952
is So/No = OdB, that is the References
7 0.048 1.0400 0.1703 9.8297 m.d.s. level. Now we can *1. Stancey Gerald G3MCK, 'Noise in h.1.
20dB 20 0.20 1.9900 2.9885 7.0115
34 1.0 26.11 14.168 -4.168 determine the approximate receivers', Practical Wireless, August 1984.
43 3.0 200.5 23.021 -13.021
least sensitivity which is #2. Radio Society of Great Britain, Radio
7 0.046 1.1266 0.5177 9.4823 needed on the different Communication Handbook, Volumes 1 & 2.
15dB 20 0.20 4.1329 6.1625 3.8375
34 1.0 80.48 19.056 -9.056 bands if Si/Ni = 10dB. #3. Katz J., Handbook of Clinical Audiology,
43 3.0 632.4 28.010 -18.010
From Fig. 1, again get the 1985
7 0.046 1.4000 1.4612 8.5388 daytime Ne values for the *4. Ainsworth W., 'Recognising speech in
10dB 20 0.20 10.90 10.374 0.3740
34 1.0 252.1 24.016 -14.016 different bands. enter this noise'. Electronics Today International, April
43 3.0 1996 33.002 -23.002
at the left hand side of Fig. 1989.
7 0.048 2.2658 3.5522 6.4478
5dB 20 0.20 32.33 15.096 -5.096
34
43
1.0
3.0
795.6
6315
29.007
38.004
-19.007
-28.004
Table 2: External noise and signal to noise ratios for differing
receiver sensitivities.

A
Unit 5
DParsons Green Estate ,-(4,....-
Boulton Road
Stevena
AKD 16.
r VISA
ass
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474292
38 Practical Wireless,October 1995
REVIEW
A Really
Remote Rad
Unbiased objectivity, After some considerable time
that's what being a with the rig, my impressions
changed. It's worth bearing in
reviewer is all about. mind that although mostly our
Well it is most of the first impressions are correct,
time! you can get caught out! In
But I personally believe that if you are the case of the IC-Z1E I
going to give the reader of any review most certainly did (well
something to get their teeth into you must about most things) I still
have an opinion about the product that don't see much point in
you're writing about. If not, then why having a display on the
bother writing anything? speaker/microphone.
Personally I find that I either love or
hate a piece of equipment. Sometimes Many Kinds
though the odd piece of kit, be it a radio,
computer, or car seems to defy the norm. I've come to a
Although I most often find this happens conclusion after
with music. three decades of
I can hear a tune, and really like it, experience using
then grow to loath it as I get over exposed electronic devices
to it. Conversely something I would of many kinds.
initially switch of the radio to avoid, My experience,
mysteriously 'grows on me' and it ends plus a decade of
up being one of my all time favourites - being involved in
life's strange isn't it? specifying or writing guides for the
use of such devices both simple and very
The IC-Z1E complicated, that there is no substitute
for making equipment simple to operate.
You're probably wondering where all this
preamble is leading. Well when G3XFD
asked me to review the IC-Z1E I was very
The main criteria - in my opinion - is
that you should be able to use the
apparatus, without consultation to a The Icom
pleased to get my hands on one.
I have to say that the only piece of
Icom equipment that I've ever used is an
air band hand-held transceiver. That was
handbook. The controls should have
responses that agree with what you might
expect, especially if you've used
something similar before. This is what I
10-Z1E
while I was under going micro -light pilot mean when I refer to controls being
training. intuitive. Kevin Nice G7TZC,
During my flying training my only You may have to spend a little time
contact with the radio was via the in - working out the logic behind the way that
helmet intercom. So I was looking controls achieve the desired effect. But Assistant Editor of Short
forward to putting this radio - from the once you have familiarised yourself, with
manufacturer with a not inconsiderable a good design it then all falls into place Wave Magazine, tries
reputation - through its paces. and off you go.
I can only say that my initial
impressions of the IC -Z1 E were extreme
Ultimate Test out a really different
disappointment. I didn't like the case, I
didn't like the buttons, and the removable The ultimate test, in my opinion, is can hand-held transceiver
display seemed like a crazy idea. you use the transceiver without reading
The battery latch mechanism didn't the manual? The IC-Z1E passed this test
feel right, I really didn't like what I saw with flying colours. which has a detachable
(and held). But before you read on, you It might interest you to know that I'm
must realise that this is a million miles writing this part of the review after a
away from the un-biased objectivity that I week of using the IC-Z1E and so far I've front control panel
opened with. only referred to the user guide once. This
Indeed, here in the opening was to establish to charge time for the microphone to provide
paragraphs I've provided very emotive, battery (some things you must not find by
critical views which were formed in experimentation).
seconds. And on reflection I was By now you are probably wondering remote operating
disappointed with myself just as much as what this hand-held is a capable of. So,
with this transceiver, for jumping to the without further ado I'll outline its capabilities.
rash conclusions! capabilities.

ICOM IC -Z1 E
The front panel with
Dual -Band microphone
The IC-Zi E is a v.h.f./u.h.f. dual -band detaches, and is then
hand-held transceiver. It features a remounted on a
removable display panel which can be special carrier. The
connected via an umbilical cord to form transceiver can
an enhanced function then be operated
speaker/microphone. from the remote -
The radio has three switchable control unit
power levels. These, as you would which is
expect with a modern hand-held, connected to
are dependent upon which battery \ the transceiver
pad( is being used (there are, as via a flexible
seems to be standard these days, four (telephone
options), or indeed whether the rig is type)
connected to an external p.s.u. umbilical
Referring to the specification panel cord.
revealed only figures for a 13.5V d.c.
external source. However, the standard
battery supplied is the BP -171 which is a
4.8V 700mAh unit.
I carried out a quick check with a
'rough and ready' power meter and
dummy load. This indicated that high
power with a battery voltage of some
4.5V yielded about 1.5W in high power
on v.h.f.
Unfortunately, I didn't have access to a
meter that has reliable performance at
430MHz. Despite this it's reasonable to
assume a similar level on this band.
The output level indicated by the tests
was confirmed by my ability to access the
local 144MHz repeater GB3SC, on the
standard 'rubber duck' antenna. This
would also indicate the good
performance of the antenna, as with my
own 144MHz transceiver - using 1W - I
have to use a telescopic quarter wave rod

antenna to gain access from my test
location in the lounge.
I particularly liked the standard
antenna, it has just the right balance of
flexibility and robustness. Other
manufacturers please note! level of the section which is highlighted out after five seconds of user inactivity.
as the Main band - i.e. the band for The selection can be toggled off sooner
which transmit is enabled. by a second depression of the Vol button.
Very Good Radio There are 17 discrete volume levels B: The button must be held continuously
available on the IC-Z1E. The squelch on whilst the volume is set. C: The volume
To be totally objective I think the IC -Z1 E the other hand is operated simply by setting display remains until toggled of by
is a very good radio, it has no problem in rotating the squelch knob for the a second depression of the Vol button.
getting the job done. Apart from the appropriate section. Although this sounds very complicated, it
emotive stuff I've already dwelled on for To further complicate or simplify - I'm isn't really. I have to say that all the
too long, the only major criticism I have not sure which - is the use of the volume functions are very straightforward to
is that the volume and squelch controls control. The way in which the volume operate.
should be swapped. selection button operates is There's really very little you can't do
I think they have to be swapped programmable. It has three different with the IC -Z1 E. However, I do seem to
because to operate the volume for either modes these are changed using the 'set keep returning to things which 'niggle'.
section of the radio you must first depress mode' functions. But the overall petty nature of the
a button (which is too small) above the All of this idiosyncratic operation of 'niggles' does show what a good
p.t.t. switch (which is recessed!). And this course, revolves around the fact that the performer this transceiver is.
is located on the left-hand side of the set. display - the home of the volume controls
Once pressed, the display area below and not the squelch - is removable.
the frequency display indicates the Therefore, I guess the theory is, that you
current levels for either or both v.h.f. and
Monitor Channels
need to use the volume control much
u.h.f. sections depending what you've got more often than you need to set the Like its peers, the IC-Z1E has the ability
selected. squelch threshold. to monitor two channels at once. So it's
To change the setting you either rotate For the record, the three volume possible to set the transceiver to v.h.f. and
the 'dial' knob - located on the top of the modes that can be selected are as u.h.f., or v.h.f. and v.h.f., u.h.f. and u.h.f.
set - for the left or right section. follows. A: depression of the volume or either v.h.f. or u.h.f. only.
Alternatively you can use the up or do button causes the volume display to be It's also possible to operate full duplex
(up or down) controls on the top edge of activated for five seconds. It will remain same band or cross -band. Unfortunately
display panel - buttons to change the for longer with dial activity, but it times though, I wasn't able to test this function

ICOM IC ZlE
fully as I couldn't find anyone else with
this capability.
Repeater operation is well catered for, Manufacturer's Specifications
with selectable offsets offered. The ability
to work reverse repeater at the touch of a General
button is not available, although it's Frequency Range: 144 to 146MHz and 430 to 440MHz
possible to listen on the transmit Modulation type: F3
frequency by depressing the Moni Frequency stability: ±5p.p.m. (0° to +50°C)
(monitor) button. This is actually much
Tuning steps: 5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 50kHz
more sensible - lets face it who actually
wants to transmit on the output of a Antenna impedance: 5051 (nominal)
repeater? External d.c. power: 4.5 - 16V (negative earth)
The CTCSS facility is an option with Current consumption
the IC-Z1E both for transmit and at 13.5V 1.3A (High) 500mA (low)
receive...but DTMF is standard. Odd for Operating temperature range: -10° to +60°C
the European model! Dimensions including (BP -171): 57x125x36mm
A very useful feature fitted on the Weight (including BP -171 and 380g
transceiver is the Repeater Memory antenna)
function. This enables you to return to the
last used offset (as apposed to duplex)
Receiver
channel used, simply by depressing the
RPT-M button (this is the same button Receiver type Double conversion superhet
which requires pressing to activate the Intermediate frequencies: 1st 43.1MHz (v.h.f.) 35.8MHz (u.h.f.)
tone burst during transmit). 2nd 455kHz
Sensitivity* (12dB SINAD): <0.16pV
Squelch sensitivity <0.16pV (at threshold)
Functions Memory Selectivity: >15kHz at -6dB
<30kHz at -60dI3
As with any microprocessor controlled Spurious and image >60dB
radio, there are comprehensive memory rejection ratio* >45dB at i.f.2
functions available on the IC -Z1 E. These
Audio output* >180mW
include six digit alpha tagging.
Those of you who have read any of my (at 13.5V) (at 10% distortion into tin load)
previous reviews will know that I like a Audio output impedance: 852
rig with lots of memories. So, I was not
disappointed with the Icom's offering of Transmitter
46 per band. Output power (at 13.5V)
Scanning is also catered for, with four High 5W
options. These are: Full Scan which uses Low 500mW
the currently selected step size to traverse Extra low 15mW
the band to the edges looping back from Modulation method: Reactance
one to the other, depending whether the
Maximum deviation*: ±5kHz
scan direction is up or down.
Next there's Programmed Scan. This is Microphone impedance:
much the same as previous but scan
edges are programmable. *Specifications guaranteed at a transceiver temperature of +25°C
Another feature is Memory Scan. In
this, all the programmed memories are
scanned in sequence of memory number,
either incremental or decremental. convenient A7 folded 'quick' operating As always, the space available for
Finally, there's Memory Skip Scan. guide which is cross referenced to the reviews precludes the detailed
This feature is similar to plain Memory instruction manual. Also included with explanation of all of the capabilities of
Scan, but memories can be tagged as skip the review model was a small errata sheet the IC-Zl E. But if you're tempted to find
channels, which avoids busy channels correcting three errors in the manual. out more, then I'm sure that any of the
that are not of immediate interest. Icom dealers will be happy to let you put
An internal 24 -hour real time clock one through it's paces.
function is also provided. This allows Brilliant Idea At the £529 price tag the IC -Z1 E is not
such niceties as time display, auto power a cheap transceiver. But if you need to
on and auto power off - phew! One brilliant idea, is the function have a removable
provided in the IC -Z1 E of the capability display/speaker/microphone, you don't
to automatically switch to extra low have much choice.
Comprehensive Manual power when the set detects the imminent Would I buy one? I've already got a
exhaustion of the battery. This clearly can hand-held I'm happy with thanks. I'm not
The IC -Z1 E comes complete with a avoid that total disappearance into thin biased though, because I would love an
comprehensive 58 -page instruction air mid-QSO. !corn IC -R7100 receiver.
manual. It's subdivided into 19 sections. While on the subject of batteries, I
This A5 landscape guide, like its cannot understand the logic of equipment For the loan of the review radio, my
contemporaries, lacks a proper cover manufacturers who provide chargers that thanks go to !corn (UK) Ltd. Sea Street,
which in my experience, leads quickly, to take most of a day to provide full Herne Bay, Kent CT6 8LD. Tel: (01227)
the loss of outer pages. capacity. I really wish they would take a 741741, FAX: (01227) 741742.
The guide is very well written and easy leaf out of the cellphone companies and
to follow, if you need it that is! (See my provide rapid charge facilities as
earlier comments). Also included is a standard! PW

Wiaive &
ntage
This month Charles Miller, the second of our The lamps had a fairly short life calibrated galvanometer could be
of about 40 hours and as they aged, used to indicate when the filament
new team of valve & vintage 'shopkeepers', they tended to go black inside. was running at the correct
takes his turn to 'man' the PW 'wireless shop', After a while Edison noticed that in brightness level. This in turn would
looking after the historical department. most of them the blackening show when the mains voltage was
extended all round the envelope correct.
except for a single thin but distinct It's not clear what the
clear stripe. advantage of the voltage indicator
As an inveterate First Recorded The stripe was invariably down was supposed to be over a
vintage radio 'nut' 1
the glass opposite the filament conventional voltmeter. but it's
was delighted when The first recorded use of a support leg that had connected to fortunate for radio that the indicator
the Editor asked me thermionic diode as a radio detector the positive side of the supply. lamps took Edison's fancy! He
to become one of his was in October of 1904 by the Edison figured that the negative leg applied for a patent on the idea and
rotating writers for the 'Valve and British scientist Dr. Ambrose must somehow be
Vintage' column (so long as I can Fleming. What the record books emitting carbon
be at 78 r.p.m. of course). don't usually reveal is that the which was being
Since the valve is virtually diode used wasn't actually drawn from the
synonymous with vintage radio, it Fleming's invention. filament.
seemed a good idea to commence It was in fact somejhing called Carbon was
by delving into its history. What I an voltage indicator lamp. This being sent out in
found surprised me because it's not dated back 25 years to 1879, when straight lines. And
just an everyday story of scientific Thomas Alva Edison was making for some reason the
folk. the first practical electric light positive leg was
On the contrary, some of the bulbs. acting as a shield to
goings-on could provide the basis There were two significant things produce a sort of
of a TV series, embracing as they about these lamps, as it turned out. shadow in reverse on
do questionable ethics, curious First that the carbon -thread filament the glass.
coincidences, shadowy go- was supported on two long legs
betweens, dodgey businesses, within the envelope and secondly
Filament A selection of five very early B E valve
industrial espionage and big court- that Edison always powered them types and (extreme right) a WECO dull
room dramas. Stay tuned!
Emission
with direct current (d.c.). emitter valve.
To check his theory about the soon they came into general use in
filament emission, Edison made up the electric lighting plants which he
a special lamp. This was equipped was then installing in and around
with a small metal plate mounted New York.
vertically between the filament legs
and connected to a separate lead - English Subsidiary
out wire.
With the lamp alight he In 1882 Edison established an
connected a galvanometer between English subsidiary called the
the plate and each leg of the Edison Electric Lighting Company
filament in turn. The galvanometer of London. This venture took on as
registered a small current when its chief electrician a young man
va, taken to the positive leg but not called John Ambrose (later Sir
when taken to the negative lead. Ambrose) Fleming.
Edison also found that the Fleming soon discovered for
galvanometer readings increased himself the blackening effect in
An early with the brightness of the filament. carbon lamps and made his own
German triode He might not have known the experiments with Edison indicator
2V 1.1A reason for all this, but the 'Wizard', lamps.
filament as he was known, wasn't a man to In one of the lamps he found
(Siemans & waste anything if he could help it! that if he connected a battery with
Halske). It struck him that one of these its positive to the metal plate and its
special lamps in conjunction with a negative to either filament leg, a

needed for the lamp was transformed into the
faint, scratchy Fleming thermionic diode.
sounds produced The tricky question now arose
in headphones by of who owned the rights on this
existing makeshift detector. It after all,
receivers, it's might still technically have been
understandable the property of the Edison Electric
that he should Lighting Company. Fleming got
explore the round this by having new, purpose
possibility of built diodes made for him.
replacing them Cleverly, Fleming ordered the
by some kind of diode from the Edison & Swan
visual indicator. United Electric Company - a bit
Fortunately, cheeky in the circumstances? - to
there was no be made to his own specification.
problem about a They were to have a 4V filament,
Mullard valve box es. sensitive display with the central plate replaced by a The well known Mullard
small current would flow through unit. This already existed in the cylindrical anode made of PM3A valve.
the lamp. But if the battery was form of the d'Arsonval mirror platinum.
reversed no current flowed. galvanometer. If you imagine a It would be interesting to know
Although he didn't realise it at very sensitive moving -coil how much Ediswan charged
the time, this uni-directional effect microammeter with its pointer Fleming. Presumably platinum was
meant that Fleming had replaced by a small mirror you have a great deal cheaper then than it is
accidentally discovered the its principle. now! They also received a new
principle of the valve rectifier. In A narrow beam of light is name.
another experiment on the same focussed on the mirror so that when Working on the analogy of a
lines he found that exactly the same it moves the light is reflected onto a mechanical valve letting liquid
results were obtained if a.c. instead translucent scale. The result is that through in one direction only,
of d.c. was used to light the the slightest movement of the Fleming christened his diodes
filament. mirror shows up as quite a big "oscillation valves". The name has
Fleming wrote reports and deflection on the scale. persisted to this day.
presented various papers to learned The mirror galvanometer idea is Incidentally, when they carried
societies on these experiments. But fine. But the snag from the out Fleming's order, Ediswan
as they didn't appear to have any Fleming's point of view was that gained the honour of being the Mullard PM4 with
practical use and eventually his the galvanometer would respond world's first valve manufacturer. characteristic curve circa
interest fizzled out. only to d.c. and the spark 1929.
In the meantime, the indicator transmitters sent out high frequency Provisional Patents
lamps had been put on show at an a.c. Somehow this would have to Fleming also discovered that if
International Electrical Exhibition be turned back into d.c. at the A few more weeks and experiments he applied a certain amount of
in Philadelphia towards the end of receiver. later, Fleming applied for a voltage (we'd call it bias) to the
1884. One of the visitors was an provisional patent on his oscillation anode of the valve with a separate
engineer with the British Post Seated One Day valves which was granted in full the battery he could get it to work more
Office called William Preece. following September. He was also efficiently. More improvements
Preece too, was taken by the Seated one day in his workshop, granted a patent in America, which followed as a result of experience
indicator lamps and managed to weary and ill at ease, Fleming was just as well in view of what gained in service.
talk Edison into giving him a few suddenly remembered his happened later. It also turned out that the valves
examples to bring back to England. experiments with the Edison Personally speaking, I think would work with a lot less filament
Preece carried out various indicator lamps nearly 20 years Fleming was lucky to get away power than had been thought. So
experiments with them and gave earlier. If the lamp would pass with the American patent since he their voltage was reduced back to
talks to learned societies, so what current only when a positive d.c. was on Edison's home ground and 4V.
with his and Fleming's efforts the voltage was applied to the plate the Wizard was well-known for Substituting tungsten for carbon
lamps were fairly well known in what would happen if a.c. were defending jealously his own rights. threads improved the valve's
London's scientific circles by 1885. applied? It was fortunate for Fleming efficiency and also made them last
On form, the lamp should block that Edison never seemed to take much longer. Fleming duly took out
Technical Adviser the negative swings and allow only much interest in radio. And anyway patents on these developments as
the positive through. This would Edison was presently occupied in well.
In 1899 Fleming changed his job result in a positive voltage making a fortune (10 cents a foot With the valves established in
and became technical adviser to appearing at the filament. on every film produced) from the service with MWT, it wasn't long
Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co., Luckily, like so many of us (ask movie industry. This probably before examples were being
Ltd. (MWT). This was then getting my wife!) Fleming was a hoarder saved Fleming from expensive shipped across the Atlantic to be
ready for an attempt to send radio and had kept those old Edison litigation. He wasn't to be so used by its subsidiary, the Marconi
signals across the Atlantic. lamps in a store cupboard in the fortunate in the future, however. Wireless Telegraph Company of
Fleming worked for a while on laboratory. He and his assistant America.
the transmitters, then turned his excavated them and connected one At this point the plot, as they
attention to the receivers. His up to a mirror galvanometer and a Filaments And say, thickens with the entry of Dr.
particular job was to find a better tuned circuit. Anodes Lee de Forest on the scene. Next
detector to replace the inefficient They cobbled together a make- time I'll look at the early career of
and unreliable magnetic or shift spark transmitter from an old Even before his British patent had the man who is credited with giving
chemical detectors then in use. induction coil and another similar been granted Fleming had the World the triode valve.
By this time he was in his late tuned circuit, then switched it on redesigned his valves to use I2V
50s and suffering from deafness and held their breath. The filaments and aluminium anodes.
that was becoming progressively galvanometer registered and in one This type was used at Marconi's
worse. Since keen hearing was bound the Edison voltage indicator wireless station at Poldhu, Cornwall. P11

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73 from Dave G4KQH, Technical Manager.

This month David Butler G4ASR
looks at Sp -E propagation on the
I44MHz band and theories about
the recent transatlantic openings on
the 50MHz band.
Last time I took a look at the v.h.f. national field day contest. worked many stations during the This year however, the total was
many Sp -E openings that The opening on July 1 actually morning events. His best contacts eighteen! For those that missed them
occurred on the 144MHz band consisted of a five separate events. were with UT3WWY/P (KN19), they occurred on June 7, 12, 13, 16,
during June. For those keeping The first started around 0915UTC UT5DE (KN18) and YO5CBX (KN27). 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27. July 2, 3, 4, 5,
records they occurred on June 2, 5. lasting approximately 35 minutes. Another opening, the fourth of 6. 7. 8 and 10.
6. 9, 12 and 25. (There was also one Stations situated in HA, OE, OK, the day, started around 1200UTC and What I found remarkable was that
on May 20). OM, S5 (Slovenia) and 9A (Croatia) lasted for about 30 minutes. By this most of the openings reappeared
John Nixon G7SMA (1093) has were worked by operators time the propagation path had moved day -after -day. I've shown all the
sent me a report concerning the throughout the British Isles. Alan further south and contacts were 50MHz transatlantic openings and
opening on June 12. I've included it Chin G170TB (1074) was astonished being made into eastern and the 144MHz Sp -E openings in Fig. 1
because I want to show you that you to hear several DX stations on southern Spain. It also shows some of the recent
don't need lot's of power and big 144.300MHz coming through loud Finally, between 1720-192OUTC auroral openings observed at my
antennas to work the DX. and clear. the last event of the day occurred. 0TH.
At 1145UTC on June 12 while At 0930 Alan worked YU1WP This enabled operators participating So what caused the tremendous
monitoring the f.m. calling frequency (JN94) and during the next 30 in v.h.f. field day to really bump up conditions on the 50MHz band and
145.500MHz. John heard a Spanish minutes he also heard 9A1CCY, their scores. Many 144MHz portable why was this year particularly good?
station calling CO. Unfortunately he 9A3RU and 9A3VD. His station stations where heard contacting DX Looking back for a possible answer
disappeared very quickly, but John consists of an FT -290 Mk1, a Tokyo throughout I. IS, IT9, TK, EA and in previous issues I wrote that
continued to listen this time on and HL37V amplifier running 30W and a EA6. transatlantic openings have
around 144.300MHz (the s.s.b. 7 -element Yagi. The band was also in good shape frequently occurred after a day of
calling frequency). Alan reports that he is a bit the next day July 2 with a good Sp -E intense European Sp -E. especially if
At 121OUTC John was pleased to incredulous about these contacts and opening to Spain and northern Africa. there had been openings on the
hear EA7AG (IM86) who came back wonders whether I had received Typically, it commenced about 30 144MHz band.
to his first call. This was John's first similar reports. minutes after the field day contest
ever DX contact on the 144MHz Well Alan, it really did happen. had finished!
band. And it you listen to the 144MHz band Steve Potter G1JHZ (1082) The Chart
The distance was 1835km which again next June and July you'll reports working EA9IB at 1459UTC
was even further than he had worked probably make some more DX and EA5GRB (IM98) a few minutes Interestingly the chart. Fig. 1, shows
on the 50MHz band. Six minutes contacts. Good luck! later. He runs a Trio TR-9130, 25W that only two 50MHz transatlantic
later. at 1216UTC. he heard EA9IB Philip Lancaster GOISW (1084) and a 7 -element ZL-Special antenna. openings occurred on days when the
(IM85) calling CO. John managed to runs 25W output from an FT -736 into What was probably the last and m.u.f. reached the 144MHz band.
work him, first call, at 59 both ways a Create Log Periodic Yagi. He also arguably the best Sp -E opening of Jim Smith GOOFE also makes the
over a path length of 2012km. His reports catching the early morning the season took place on July 15. It observation that there was a distinct
second DX OSO on the 144MHz band event from 0925UTC. Philip managed started around 163OUTC. and lasted lack of intense Sp -E within Europe
and it was to Africa! to make s.s.b. contacts with well over three hours allowing UK prior to many of these openings.
What makes the DX even more 0E8XXK/8. S53RY. YU1WP and operators to make contacts into I, Jim also noticed that on many
remarkable was that John used only 9A3VD. He also heard S57TTI, ISO. 1T9. LZ. SV7. SV8, UT, YO and occasions the m.u.f. was relatively
25W and a 5 -element Yagi in the loft 9A1CCY and 9A2PT. 9H. low and didn't reach up to the
space. On the same day he also Among the DX callsigns noted on 144MHz band. He suggests that the
worked 12 countries on the 50MHz the 144MHz band were SV7AII and transatlantic propagation was
band with 10W and a simple half - Second Event SV7VU (KN20), SV10J/8 (KM27), created by a different kind of
wave vertical antenna. US7C0 (KN59). UT1E (KN68), UT3JE mechanism, more like E -layer
Well, after that news I hope that's The second event of the day was (KN65) and UT4JX (KN64). What a propagation, rather than
encouraged more of you to try this quite brief lasting from 1010- way to end the season! 'conventional' Sp -E.
amazing propagation mode. Of 102OUTC. Stations in S5. YU, 9A Roger Horne G4HBA agrees with
course if you run high power and were being worked from central and the comments made by GOOFE. He
have large antennas then you will get southern England. Mouth Watering also thinks that the E -layer becomes
more consistent results but you A similar event occurred between ionised. not in patchy clouds but
shouldn't forget that being in the 1040-1055UTC. Graham Taylor If all the DX on the 144MHz band rather in a large stable sheet.
right place at the right time is worth G7UJC (1083) reports working sounds mouth-watering you should Roger notes that the transatlantic
many dB! YU7BW (JN95), 9A1CCY and have heard what was happening on openings seem to coincide with a
9A1KDE. both in JN96. Interestingly the 50MHz band! After a faltering sudden drop in the geomagnetic A
Graham was running 25W into a 5/8 start in early May the band really and K indices. He suggests that this
Conditions On 144MHz over 5/8 vertical antenna to make came alive and for over two months type of propagation also appears on
these contacts. on an almost daily basis much DX easterly paths but tends to be
Many operators were hoping that Sp - During the event stations located could be worked. masked by active Sp -E within Europe
E conditions on the 144MHz band on the eastern side of England were What set this year's Sp -E at the same time.
would be as good during July as they able to make contacts with stations openings apart from others were the Both G4HBA and G4IGO have
were the previous month. However. it in Italy. The station of Silvio IW1AZJ many transatlantic openings to North been aware for some years of the S-
was not to be with only three events (JN35) reports working GM4IPK. America. Based on results from layer propagation on the middle -
being recorded in the UK. These GW3EJR, GW3ZTH, GW6EOL. EI3GE, previous years, about four or five eastern path to 4X. 5B and 9K. They
occurred on July 1, 2 and 15, the El4D0. EI5FK and EI9EJ. such openings are expected during both think that some of the old
former coinciding with the RSGB Ken Osborne G4IGO (1080) the months of June and July. theories do not stand up to the

on the 50, 144 and 1296MHz bands
during the first leg of the contest in
Aurora October.
Moonbounce operation on the
Month Dates 50MHz band is very difficult but it
may be worth listening for VE3ONT
January 2 6 16 17 29 30
as the 46m dish will have a useful
February 3 7 11 12 13 14 26 27 28
amount of gain at this frequency. The
March 1 4 5 9 10 11 12 13 26 28
VE3ONT GROUP will be active on
April 1 7 8 9 23 24
50.100MHz between 2306UTC on
May 2 3 4 5 6 16 23 31
October 7 to 1013 on October 8.
June 1 30
Link budget calculations indicate
that 50MHz stations with an antenna
144MHz Sp -E
gain of 10dBd and 1kW should be
May 20 able to work VE3ONT. Smaller
June 2 5 6 9 12 25 stations however are urged to try if
July 1 2 15 signals can be heard. The operators
at VE3ONT will be listening between
50MHz Transatlantic 50.100-50.105MHz for replies.
June 7 12 13 16 18 19 20 21 22 27
July 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 Circular Polarisation
On the 144MHz band the VE3ONT
dish will be configured to transmit
Fig. 1: 27 -Day Solar Rotation Calendar by G4ASR (see text. and receive right-hand circular
polarisation (r.h.c.p.). If you're using
evidence now available and that text It doesn't seem at all strange to Chris suggests that there is circular polarisation be very careful
books will have to be re -written. G4IFX that multi -hop propagation to significant evidence that his which mode you select.
the west doesn't necessarily occur observations are at least consistent Get the polarisation wrong and
when there is intense Sp -E to the with multiple Sp -E reflections. Finally, you won't hear anything at all! It's
Radical Suggestion east or south. He reminds us that Sp - he makes the point that if a simple probably safer therefore to use linear
E is just that...it is 'sporadic' and extension of a well established model polarisation. Either vertical or
Martyn Vincent G3UKV makes an there's no great correlation between can explain observations then there horizontal polarisation can be used, it
even more radical suggestion. He Sp -E events in widely separated is no reason to invent another more doesn't matter which.
doesn't think double -hop Sp -E is the areas. complicated one. In his view the Sp - The Canadian group will be active
mechanism at all. Martyn reckons it In any case, the requirements for E theory works very well for long between 0000-0907UTC on October
might actually be via the Fl -layer. the two sorts of propagation are distance 50MHz propagation away 7, transmitting on 144.100MHz and
However. Emil Pocock W3EP rather different. Chris suggests that from sun spot maximum. listening for replies up to 10kHz
says that F -layer propagation, for Sp -E at 144MHz or for short -skip I must say at this point that I higher. Operation on the 1.3GHz band
especially Fl. is definitely out of the at 50MHz high intensity ionisation is totally agree with the views of G4IFX. will be conducted simultaneously
question. Although he cannot give a required but not necessarily a large But what do you think? I'll be with activity on the 50MHz band
definitive answer, Emil thinks that it cloud. happy to open up a debate on this They'll transmit on 1296.050MHz.
is very unlikely to be anything other On the other hand long distance very interesting subject. Please send again listening up to 10kHz higher for
than E -layer propagation. multi -hop propagation requires me your theories or ideas to the replies.
Emil suggests that some of the widespread ionisation with several address given below. If you send me an s.a.e I'll
activity may be attributed to a large clouds approximately 2000km apart. provide you with a list of azimuth and
increase in European stations using These clouds don't need to be elevation bearings for use during the
more sophisticated monitoring and particularly intense provided they will Moonbounce Contest e.m.e. contest. But don't forget to
reporting systems. He does agree support 50MHz reflections at low give me your full six figure locator! (I
however, that there appears to have angles. Billy Lunt KR1R, the ARRL Contest can also accept requests via packet
been far more openings this year So. you can have either intense Manager, has confirmed the dates for radio).
than at similar low points of the solar Sp -E or widespread Sp -E but you this year's ARRL e.m.e.
cycle. Emil also says that there are don't need both for the multi -hop 'moonbounce' competition. It will be
indications that Sp -E is more transatlantic path. Although of held during the weekends of October Deadline Time
frequent at solar minimum but it's course there will be occasions when 7-8 and November 4-5.
certainly not an established fact. both do occur at the same time. Unfortunately, both weekends It's deadline time again. If you have
Chris Deacon G4IFX reports that Chris says that in his experience clash with major European v.h.f. and any material for the column please
like everyone else he has been he's noticed that long-distance u.h.f. contests. The November send details (to reach me by the end
amazed by the amount of long signals have more or less the same weekend is a particularly bad choice of the month) to' Yew Tree Cottage,
distance propagation on the 50MHz characteristics as single -hop Sp -E. as the Marconi Memorial 24 -hour Lower Maescoed. Herefordshire
band. He doesn't agree with the Their occurrence is sporadic and and RSGB six -hour c.w. events are HR2 OHP. Alternatively via packet
theories put forward by GOOFE, signals can be strong but often with running at the same time. radio rOGB7MAD or the DX Cluster
G4IGO and others regarding E -layer rapid fading. However, the ARRL contest is system. Or you can telephone me
propagation. Frequently propagation is highly usually one of the best opportunities on (01873) 860679.
In his view we are actually seeing localised and moves rapidly. This is to work some of the larger e.m.e.
what Sp -E should be like near sun very different from F -layer stations around the world. If you can
spot minimum. There was Sp -E propagation. Of course signal get about 100W c.w. into a single
virtually every day in June and July strengths may at times be very stable long Yagi then you stand a chance of
and more Sp -E inevitably means for long periods but that can also be making your first e.m.e. contact.
more multi -hop paths. true of single -hop Sp -E as well. Satellite operators with elevation
This year has been particularly Both types of this E -layer mode facilities will be even better placed to
good. not just to the west. There peak in June/July and are best near make a contact via the moon. One
have been long double -hop openings sun spot minimum. (Expected to be group that you may possibly hear is
to the eastern Mediterranean (4X, 1996/7). A recent article by Geoff VE3ONT. the Toronto v.h.f. Society.
5B) and even further to 4K6D. Grayer G3NA0 in the RSGB's Radio Once again, the VE3ONT group
Stations located in CT3. EH8 and Communications journal, showed have received permission to use the
5T5 have also been regularly heard that the probability of long distance 46m diameter radio telescope dish
throughout the summer. Almost 50MHz E -layer propagation can be antenna belonging to the Institute for
invariably 'normal' Sp -E type directly related to the probability of Space and Terrestrial Science.
contacts have been made at the same Sp -E occurring at the intermediate Situated in locator FNO5XW, the
time as these long distance contacts. reflection points. Toronto Society intend to be active END
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Practical Wireless,October 1995 47
Gerald Stancey G3MCK explains
why transmission lines that seem
to be 'short' or 'open' circuit
actually have an impedance
which is fixed.
We all know that Power Power resistor you haven't changed the
feeders from Termination Termination way the line looks when viewed
Absorbed Refelected Absorbed Ref elected
transceivers to from the generator. What we
R = mi None All R = ... None All
antenna come in have done is we have provided
various gur.cs. For instance we R = Zo All None R > Zo Some Some a load that is said to be matched
may use coaxial cable, R.0 None All R . Z0 All None to the line. The value of resistor
balanced twin or open wire Table 1. R < Zo Some Some that can replace a section of
feeder. And we casually refer to This table shows whether power line without changing what the
R=0 None All
them by names such as 500 is reflected or absorbed by a generator 'sees' is called the
coaxial or 60052 line. load in three specialised cases. Table 2. characteristic impedance, and is
However, if we take a length This table shows whether power usually labelled Zo.
of any feeder and measure it impeded by the inductive action is reflected or absorbed by a
with an Ohm -meter the only of the first inductor. As soon as load depending on the value of
readings we get are infinity or a voltage appears across the first
Impedance
the terminating resistor.
zero Ohms (or a few milliohms). capacitor, current will start to Difference
You never get readings such as flow through the second measured in Ohms. Now I've explained what's
50, 75, 30052 with which we inductor pair into the second Let's look at the infinitely meant by line impedance and
are familiar with. So what are capacitor. long line a little more closely as by a matched line, let's see
these 'Ohms' that don't register The current flowing into the shown in the drawing of Fig. 2. what happens when a line is
on an Ohm -meter? second capacitor will also be If you consider a section of the terminated with a load which
Like many puzzles, the impeded by action of the line some way from the differs from the line's
'mystery Ohm' version is not second inductor pair. This generator, you can see that the impedance. First of all consider
hard to solve once you look at it composite action will carry on voltage across the section is the the simplest case of line with a
correctly. Radio enthusiasts are down the line with each set of same at the input and the load that differs from its
so used to relating the term inductors and capacitors. output. Note also the same characteristic impedance. Such
Ohms to a definite object, like a If you have a line which is current flows into the section as a case is called a mismatched
470 resistor, that we forget that infinitely long you will arrive at flows out of it. load.
the term Ohm is the ratio of the a situation where the capacitors Because there is no voltage The simplest mismatched
voltage .-.cross a circuit to the at the start of the line are fully or current loss in the line, you load is when the line is not
curreot flowing through the charged and yet a constant can replace the rest of line to terminated at all. In other words
dr( ult. This definition is the key current is still flowing through the right of the considered the load is an open circuit. In
to ,,,derctanding the enigma. their associated inductors. section by a resistor. This the case of an open circuit, it is
easy to see that none of the
energy fed into the line can be
a Lb Lc dissipated in a load as there is
no load to absorb it.
To an infinite number
a Cb Cd of further similar circuits The energy fed down the
Ld Le Ld
line can't just hang about in
limbo. It's being fed into the line
and has to go somewhere. So,
as it cannot go any further it has
Fig. 1: The theoretical circuit of a section from an infinite length of r.f. feeder. Each to return from whence it came.
inductor is equivalent to the inductance of a short length of conductor. Each capacitor In other words it is reflected
is the capacitance between the same length of both conductors. The effective, or back down the line.
characteristic, impedance (20) can be calculated from the applied V and the current (i) When the line is terminated
flowing. in a short circuit there is again
no power consumed, as short
The reason for this constant
La
Balanced Line current still flowing through the
inductors is that the capacitors From generator
>O
To resistor pad
V V
For simplicity let us consider a further down the line are still *
C
R = Zo
balanced line. being charged up. As the line is
zo =.f La
T
Diagrammatically this can be considered to be of infinite
represented as a series of length, there are always going Fig. 2: If a resistor of the same resistance as ZO is
capacitors and inductors as to be capacitors that are being attached to the points A -A then all the energy from the
shown in Fig. 1. If a voltage is charged up. generator will be absorbed in it.
applied across the line, current The ratio of the voltage
will start to flow through the across the charged capacitors resistor would have a resistance circuits do not consume energy.
first inductors into the first and the current flowing through equal to the ratio of the voltage So, once again the power is
capacitor. their inductors is the impedance across the section to the current redirected whence it came,
However, the flow of current of the line. So, it's not surprising flowing out of the section. towards the generator. I've
into this first capacitor will be to learn that impedance is By replacing the line by a summarised the normal case of

Fig. 3: These usually made of copper braid. these lengths is the velocity
Insulation
are the two The whole cable is factor of the line.
Air (7) E 1.00 measurements protected by a black plastic For solid coaxial cables the
Foam
Polythene
E - 1.5-2 needed to 'guess' the sheath to keep out the weather. velocity factor is about 0.66.
E 2.25
PTFE E 2.20 characteristic The spacing between the inner Usually this factor is only of
impedance of a conductor and the shield is interest when designing
section of coaxial line. maintained by filling the space matching or phasing stubs.
See Fig. 4 for with solid plastic material, and Cable manufacturers supply
more details. the most usual is made from more information on both the
polythene. Sometimes to parameters I've mentioned.
reduce losses plastic foam or a Their data sheets should be
correctly matched line, and the lines. I've explained that to get spiral of plastic may be used. consulted if there appears to be
two special case of mismatched maximum power from the The impedance of coaxial a problem.
lines in Table 1. generator (transmitter) to the cable is given by the formula The impedance of an
Now consider the situation load (antenna) the load should shown in the illustration Fig. unknown piece of coaxial cable
where the line terminates in a have the same resistance as the 3. The factor E is the dielectric can be estimated by measuring
load which is greater than the characteristic impedance as the constant of the insulation the inside diameter of the braid
line's impedance but is not an feeder line. material between the centre or screen and the diameter of
open circuit. Examining Table 1 I've not said what happens to and the screen. the inner conductor. This is best
suggests that some of the power the power reflected from the For polythene the dielectic done using a vernier gauge.
will be absorbed in the load and load, because this introduces us coefficient figure is about If you like to do some work
some will be reflected back to the concept of voltage 2.25, and this is the figure I'll then you'd can apply the
down the line. standing wave ratio (v.s.w.r.) or base my calculations on. formula (in Fig. 3) to the two
Similar reasoning can be
applied to the case where the
Fig. 4: A graph to help
load impedance is greater than
you 'guesstimate' the
impedance of a coaxial
zero but is less than the line
line. Measure the inner
characteristic impedance. When
the line is loaded with a real
diameter (estimate
impedance, you can expect the
if it's a stranded
results to be as shown in Table 2.
conductor), and the
Note I've included the two
inside diameter of the
screening conductor. To
special cases of infinite and zero
Ohms load for comparison.
use the graph, lay a ruler
The figures shown in Table 2
vertically on the
are very simplified, but show
diameter of the screen
basically what happens. For
conductor. Where the ruler
each case of characteristic
crosses the lines of the
inner conductor size, read
impedance and load, the
reflected and absorbed portions
off (on the left hand scale)
can be proved by complex
the approximate
mathematics. However, I've
characteristic impedance
of the cable.
obtained the same result by
simply looking at the situation
and applying a bit of common- more usually just called standing In addition to the dimensions. If the plastic
sense. wave ratio (s.w.r.). This is a more impedance of the cable two between the braid and the
For simplicity this complex subject and I'll look at other characteristics need centre conductor is solid
explanation has only considered this aspect of feeders in another considering, namely power assume E=2.25. If it is foam or
purely resistive loads. If the load article. handling and velocity factor. semi -air spaced "guesstimate a
contains a reactive element it However, in the UK with a limit value for E to be between 1.5
can also be shown that reflection of 400W, anyone using and 2.0.
occurs irrespective of the value
Real Cables reasonably well matched You could however use the
of the reactive element of the For interest let's look at real coaxial cable, power handling small graph shown in Fig. 4. To
load. cables and as coaxial cable is limitations are unlikely to find use the graph all you need is a
probably the most widely used I a problem. small 150mm steel rule with
will only consider this type. Due to the dielectric in a millimetre marks. Your answer
Funny Ohms cable the speed at which the should be close enough to 50,
The cross section of a coaxial
Now I've explained the meaning cable is shown in Fig. 3. The radio wave passes down the 75, or 90SI to enable you to
of these 'funny' Ohms that are centre conductor, which is line is reduced. The effect of decide which is correct.
associated with feeders. This either stranded or solid, is this is to make the electrical
lead us to the concept of a surrounded by a cylindrical length of a cable longer than its
matched and an un-matched outer conductor which is physical length. The ratio of

LEIGHTON SMART GWOLBI
Leighton Smart GWOLBI invites BILL COR LEY

you to Join him and his reporters
as they explore the world of hf.
NG30 8721 041apiqr. 911 Lis l)
COLUMBIA, MD. 21046
operations far and wide'.
The month of July has seen antenna, says he found conditions

some patchy conditions on the noisy around his usual listening
h.f. bands. Reports vary a frequency of 7.061MHz. But he
great deal, but our reporters. logged CO3RX Cuba. calling CO
no less than 13 this month, have Europe (no replies) at 042OUTC.
been digging out some juicy DX. ZL4B0 New Zealand, working
They've been busy by listening at G3DAM at 0510, VK7AZ Hobart 0 15T 4,51. cr
etl.
the right times and on the right Australia, working GOAWF at 0530,
bands. There seems to be a lesson PP2BV Brazil, working GOKFN at
here for many of us - that despite 0532 on 7.078MHz, and LA3H0 at 1640, YU7YZ Serbia, working an s.s.b. contact at 300W with
relatively poor propagation Norway, working G4KHM at G3YCC at 1900. S21YE Bangladesh. XX9GD Macao, at 1358. plus 80W
conditions. certain bands are very 0503UTC. working G40JH at 1640. and YU5NR c.w. to YI9CG Iraq at 1402. and
productive at certain times! New reporter John Share G3OKA Serbia, working fellow reporter Steve FR5DD Reunion Island with a long
I hope you can listen in on our in Wirral. logged 3V8BB Tunisia, on GWOSGL at 1054UTC. wire at 1357UTC, while 21MHz gave
listening watch frequencies, and this band with 100W around Speaking of Steve Locke him an s.s.b. contact with 9J2SZ
report back to the pages of this midnight. He agreed to OSY to GWOSGL, his log this month Zambia at 1342. (QSL via SP8DIP).
column. Already, reports are coming 3.5MHz to give John a new country indicates contacts with DU97RG Don G3NOF reports from a long
in of our reporters being heard by there too! Philippines, at 1700. HSO/GOHFF list, contacts with A22BW Botswana,
other reporters. What I'd like to see Thailand at 1814 (QSL via GOHFF). at 1633, BV2KI Taiwan. at 1801.
now is a PW listening station in a far The 10MHz Band KG4ZE Guantanamo Bay, at 1837 J3/N3SIY Grenada. at 2150. (QSL via
flung location: would any of our (QSL via K4SXT). and JT1BG Ulan KFOUI), 5NOGC Nigeria at 1916UTC.
readers outside the UK like to Up a bit now to the 10MHz band Bator. Mongolia, at 1708UTC, as well VP2MR Montserrat Island at 2130.
volunteer? where Carl Mason GWOVSW, in as DK2FY/M (German bicycle and FY5FY French Guiana at
Skewen. West Glamorgan has been mobile!), at 1307, and 5A1A Libya, 1900UTC (OSL via F6EZV).
Your Reports working. Carl. using an Icom 737A at 0931 (OSL via LZ2UA), all with
10W rig and a G5RV antenna reports 100W s.s.b. and a 7 -element beam
So, it's on to your reports and I'm working YO7UN Romania, at antenna at 14m. The 28MHz Band
starting off with 1.8 and 3.5MHz this 1602UTC. HB9CRO Nr Bern, Another new reporter, Dave
month. Eric Masters GOKRT in Switzerland at 1316, and SP7GV in Griffiths GWOJUJ in Pontypridd A brief look at the 28MHz band this
Surrey, using his 5watt ORP Plus rig Lodz. Poland at 1445UTC, reports contacts with his new TH3 time. New reporter s.w.l. Dennis
and a 26m end fed wire antenna has On this band Eric GOKRT lists beam antenna and a 100W TS -440 Sheppard in Earl Shilton using a
been busy. contacts with DJ8KE Germany. at rig into JA3AA Japan, at 2037. KW2000 on receive and a 10m dipole
Eric took advantage of the recent 0808, OH5LHY Finland, at 2012, and S92YL Leslie. Sao Tome & Pricipe at 5m reports various Europeans on
RSGB 1.8MHz contest to hook up his best ORP DX so far. to NG30 USA Islands, at 1033, 9K20Z Kuwait City the band.
with DAOHQ Germany, at 0106UTC. at 2323UTC. at 22.30, and VH3AHY Canada at However, Dennis also heard
GM3P01 Orkney, at 2246, and 1921UTC W1SEB USA, and PU2YZP Brazil
GM4DGT/P central Scotland at 2216, The 14MHz Band Another reporter. s.w.l. David during the afternoon. These contacts
all on c.w. His 3.5MHz reports list Henry in Aberdeen sent a very long would appear to indicate the
contacts with 2EOAIR in Cambridge. As usual. the 14MHz band seems to list. A small selection include YIOEB presence of 'double hop' sporadic 'E'
at 0720, and GOPEM/ORP at see most of our reporters activity. Iraqi special call, at 1758, (QSL via propagation on 28MHz. John
1405UTC. Don Mclean G3NOF in Yeovil says in Box 55072. Baghdad), 7W5J Algerian G3BDO agrees with this scenario -
his monthly propagation report that special call at 2258, 9G1BJ Ghana at any other observations?
The 7MHz Band the best time for this band has been 1928, (QSL via G3XTA) and That's it for this time. my grateful
from 1700 onwards to Africa and 4UNO1TED in the Golan Heights. thanks go to our growing band of
The 7MHz band seems to be Asia. with the Americas coming in Syria David uses a Trio R1000 RX
. reporters for the vast amounts of
attracting lots of attention recently, later evening. and a 20m long wire antenna for this information you send me! As usual,
and yet again '40' proved itself to be Don has worked A92MM Bahrain band. reports, information. (and photos
an excellent DX band. Ted Trowel! at 2001UTC, C53HG Gambia, at And now to new reporter David please!) to me please by the 15th of
G2HKU in Kent, using a Ten Tec Omni 1846, KF6FC/KL7 Alaska, at 1734, Ian Wright GWOVML in Wrexham, each month at the address below:
V transceiver at just 70W into G5RV R1FJZ Franz Josef Land, at 1536, who. using 100W and a 20m inverted Leighton Smart GWOLBI, 33 Nant
and HF6 vertical antennas reports and TI2CC Costa Rica. at 231OUTC V dipole reports contacts with NI8L Gwyn, Trelewis, Mid Glamorgan
c.w. contacts, all at around 0500UTC using his Kenwood TS -950 USA at 1158UTC, R1FJZ Franz Josef Wales CF46 6DB. Tel: (01443)
with W1CW (USA), EA6/GOBOV transceiver and a TET HB33SP 3 - Land, at 0748, P39P Cyprus, at 1618, 411459 (Please mark your envelope
Balearic Islands. OHO/DL1RNW element beam with s.s.b. CU3FQ Azores Islands, at 0904, and 'HF Far & Wide').
Aaland Island. 8P6DY Barbados. Gordon Foote G7NCR in Bristol RA3WJZ Russia. at 1503UTC.
ZL3APV New Zealand, and N2NU in uses a Howes DcRx 14MHz receiver
the USA who was using a staggering and a loft mounted receive antenna The 18 & 21MHz Bands
1.5kW into a 3 -element beam sent a massive 15 -page log. He
mounted at 43m! logged VE9M0 Canada. working I'll start the 18 and 21MHz band
Charlie Blake RS96034 in Milton G4SQA at 1924UTC, DAOWCY section with John Heys G3BDO's
Keynes, who uses a NRD 525 Germany working G4PZO at around report. John, based in Hastings, says
Receiver, and an 11 m sloping wire 1830, VU2AVG India. working F5LKH conditions were very poor He logged END
Clayton Wood Close
West Park
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52 Practical Wireless,October 1995

PE SHOR E
r'
J ROUND -UP
Peter Shore brings you the latest
programme schedules from
around the world together with RADIO CANADA
news of a new short wave
transmitter guide.
RCI 41b)
giwir INTERNATIONAL
Taiwan has been in the news the transponder at 11.265GHz. You'll

recently as the People's find the RCI audio at 7.20MHz.
Republic of China fired
missiles. apparently as part of
military tests, near the island's
coast. Tension has been high and
the United States has been brought
in to the arena as China protested
against the visit of the Taiwanese
Radio Vilnius is now using a new
frequency for its weekend English
language broadcasts. You should
tune to 7.36MHz at 2300 on
Saturday and Sunday.
If you would like to listen to the
music that beats across Central and
91111.11] 1945 - 1995
president to the US. West Africa, tune in to Africa No 1

So. it might be worth keeping an from Gabon. This commercial
Radio Canada International has increased its availability
ear to the Voice of Free China which station is partly owned by a French
broadcasts from Taipei. English can media group, and in addition to
to listeners in Europe.
be heard at: 0200-0300 on 15.345, carrying its own programmes, the stations that WRN carries. breakdown of the number of
11.825, 11.74, 9.68, 7.13 and 5.95: station hires out its 500kW short There will also be explanations transmitters each major
0300-0400 on 15.435, 11.825. wave transmitters to other about international broadcasting. as manufacturer has sold. In the
11.74, 9.68 and 5.95; 0700-0800 on broadcasters. well as competitions to tempt country -by -country listing exact
5.95; 1200-1300 on 9.61 and 7.13 All programmes are in French, listeners. Try tuning in on 107.8MHz geographic co-ordinates are given
and 2200-2300 on 21.72 and and it opens at 0500 on 9.58, to hear WRN. for transmitter location including a
17.75MHz. The European changing to 17.63 at 0800, 15.475 large number of sites in the former
transmission is at 2200UTC. at 1600 and back to 9.58MHz at Netherlands On -Line Soviet Union.
Also from Taiwan comes the 1900 on which it remains until
Voice of Asia. It beams to the closedown at 2300UTC. Radio Netherlands has improved
mainland and includes an English The Ecuadorian religious station, its on-line Internet service.
language programme at 1100 for an HCJB, has stopped its single improving the design of the
hour on 7.445MHz. sideband transmissions. and is station's computerised
Meanwhile the mainland Chinese reducing its English language information pages and
transmit several services towards service. The s.s.b. frequencies of speeding up the
Taiwan. One is the Voice of Pujiang, 15.54 and 21.455MHz were taken off computer it's based
believed to be based in Shanghai. the air on September 1 although on. There is also a
It's on the air between 1000 and they had been well received in many new address:
1400 on 7.115, 4.95 and 3.28MHz in parts of the world. http:/www/rnw.nl
Mandarin Chinese. Budget cutbacks are to blame. In If you have
The European service of China addition, the 49 metre band access to the
Radio International has English at: frequency of 6.08MHz, used for Internet. you can skip
2000-2200 on 9.92 and 6.95: 2200- English from 1330 to 2100UTC, has the schedule details
2230 on 3.985 via Switzerland and been dropped. for Radio Netherlands's
2200-2300 on 7.170MHz via Russia The Voice of the Islamic English service to Europe
Staying in Asia for the time being Republic of Iran has English at: which is at: 1030-1225 on
with North Korea's Radio Pyongyang 0030-0130 on 9.022. 7.26, 7.158 9.65 and 6.045 (both via DW
which transmits English at: 0000- and 6.175: 1130-1230 on 17.75. sites) and 2030-2225 on Peter
0050 on 15.13, 13.76 and 11.335: 15.26. 11.93, 11.875. 11.79 and 1.386MHz (via Russia). You can also Shore says it
0400-0450 on 17.765, 15.23 and 11.745; 1530-1630 on 17.75, 15.26. try Astra 1C and the transponder at
could be worth keeping an
15.18: 0600-0650 on 15.23 and 11.875: 1930-2030 on 9.022 and 10.936GHz, audio subcarriers at
15.18: 0700-0750 on 17.765 and 7.26 and 2130-2230 on 6.175MHz. 7.74 and 7 92MHz
ear out for the Voice of
15.34; 0800-0850 on 15.23 and The Voice of Armenia in Yerevan Free China which
15.18: 1100-1150 on 11.335, 9.977 might be audible in the UK and Transmitter Guide broadcasts from Taipei.
and 6.576: 1300-1350 on 15.43, Europe. Try tuning to English
15.23, 11.74, 9.64 and 9.345; 1500- programmes on Sundays at 0830- Belgian DXer Ludo Maes has sent The TDP SW -95 costs £5
1550 on 13.785. 9.977. 9.64 and 0900 on 15.27 and 15.17 or Monday me a copy of TDP SW -95, a new including airmail delivery. and can
9.325: 1700-1750 on 13.785, 9.977, to Friday at 1745-1800 on 11.96, guide to the world's short wave be ordered from Ludo Maes. PO Box
9.64 and 9.325: 2000-2050 on 9.675. 7.48 or 4.81, or daily at transmitters. The TOP SW -95 is a 1, 2310 Rijkevorsel, Belgium.
9.977. 9.64, 9.345 and 6.576 and 2030-2100 on 11.92MHz. review of which country owns which
2300-2350 on 13.65 and 11.70MHz. transmitter, with details of That's all for this month, join
As a by-product of reaching Restricted Licence manufacturer. year of installation. me again next month in the same
Canadian troops in Bosnia, Radio and whether it is still in service. spot in your monthly PWfor more
Canada International (RCI) has World Radio Network (WRN) has There are 60 pages of data, with news from the bands, and news of
increased its availability to listeners gained a Restricted Service Licence tables at the rear of the book a new budget priced digital
in Europe. If you have access to for 28 days from 29 August 1995. including a league table of total receiver from Grundig. Until then,
satellite equipment then try tuning to This means that listeners in the transmitter power by country (for good listening!
Eutelsat II F6 at 13° East, as that's London area will be able to tune to example the UK has 17181.5kW
the new Hot Bird One satellite - and the rich mix of international radio whilst Cambodia has 5kW) and a
END
MIKE R I C H AR D S G4WNC
-
- COMPUTING
J J
I
IN RADIO
Mike Richards G4WNC brings you
all the latest news and views from
the computing in radio world.
Much interest has been using the facilities ==.1 Netscape - [TRAFFORD AMATEUR RADIO CLUB]
shown following the available from modern Elle Edit View Go Bookmarks Options Directory help
various digital signal telecommunications '4;0 JL
bob Ciss bro bop
processing (d.s.p.) features switching techniques.
in this column and there's more to Because all these networks Locatiols I httpliwww. rocc.ac.uk/OtherPagesitratiordARCITratford.html
come! The latest news comes from use centralised
Mike Kerry G4BMK of Grosvenor interconnected processors What's Newt What's Cool, A Handbook Net Search I Net Dorm:low 1
Software. it's now possible to easily
Mike's sent me a note to say that redirect traffic under
he's developed software routines for central control. Trafford Amateur Radio Club
the Texas DSK so that it can be used In the case of v-PoPs,
with his BMK-Multy for Amtor, local phone numbers are
Pactor, RTTY and c.w. Mike also allocated so that most of
reports a few problems with the the population can access
assembler supplied with the DSK. them with just a local call
The package has poor validation charge. When these
and can produce unpredictable numbers are dialled the TRAFFORD AMATEUR
results. By way of a solution Mike switching network RADIO CLUB
has written his own cross assembler recognises that this is a Trafford Amateur Radio club Internet page.
that runs on a PC. He is releasing the special number and
assembler as shareware and has automatically re-routes the call to Web browser.
kindly supplied a copy so it will be one of the network supplier's modem vast majority of people using provides an easy to use graphical
included on all future DSP starter sites at no extra charge to the Windows based PCs for Internet interface to the Internet.
disks. customer. Another advantage of the access I've concentrated on those In my opinion by far the best
Much of the E-mail I've received system is that you should rarely applications for this. available World Wide Web browser is
has been asking for details of good suffer from busy tone as the system Probably the first application that Netscape Navigator which is
d.s.p. sites on the Internet. The key will automatically re-route you to the new users seek out is some form of currently at version 1.2 (beta2). For
sites to watch are: ftp.tapr.org next free PoP. E-mail program. The two main many of us, one of the great benefits
Rapr/SIG/hfsig/upload This is the The other development that goes contenders in this area are Eudora of Internet access is the ability to find
site used by Johan Forrer for hand -in -hand with this is British (ver 1.44) and WinPmail (ver 2.0). and retrieve a wide range of top
uploading new programs. The Telecom's (BT) revised pricing Both programs are equally quality software.
ttp.ucsd.edu/harnradio/dsp site structure. Not only have the rates competent and well tested but in my One of the main tools for doing
contains mainly older material but is been reduced over recent months, view WinPmail has the edge with a this is a good File Transfer Protocol
still very interesting. but they've just changed to per better range of facilities. or FTP client. There are several of
second charging. This is particularly WinPmail is particularly powerful these available, but one of the best is
attractive for the Internet user, but for attaching files to messages and WS-FTP (ver 95.04.27).
Low Cost Connection you need to note that there is a 5p automatically filtering messages to a This provides all the important
minimum charge for any call. folder. This is particularly handy if features including clear indication of
Good news at last for all who've been If you restrict your main Internet you subscribe to a specialist transfer time, progress and data rate.
put off the Internet due to the access times to the weekend you can listserver where you can set-up the Searching out the required
potentially high 'phone bills. Most of also take advantage of BT's Weekend mail filter so that all messages from information can be something of a
the main connection suppliers are rate which gives you local calls at the listserver are automatically filed black art but good Gopher and Archie
busy opening -up what are known as just 1 p per minute. You can reduce away in an appropriate folder without clients make a good starting point.
v-PoPs or virtual Points of Presence. your costs by a further 5% if you out clogging -up the new mail area. The two I use are WSGopher (ver
Before the v-PoP, most users take advantage of BT's Friends and Next on the list of goodies is a 1.2) and WSArchie (ver Alpha 0.8 ).
made their connection to the Internet Family offer. news reader and this is an area that's Both are well tried and have a good
by making a 'phone call to their You can take this even further if been very poorly served until interface with all the necessary
nearest conventional PoP. These you normally pay more than about relatively recently. What you really features.
PoPs were located around the £40 or so per quarter on call charges need is what's known as an off-line The home/UK sites for all the
country to give as many people as by taking -up BT's PremierLine. This news reader. This let's you bulk programs are listed in Table 1.
possible local access to the Internet. could add an extra 15% savings download messages so you can
The disadvantage of course was making the total 20% so reducing the browse at your leisure without
that Murphy's law makes sure none local call charge to just 0.8p per having to stay logged -on to the FAX With Slow PCs
of the PoPs were within your own minute at weekends! Internet.
local call area! The other As far as I'm aware, the only One of the most common problems
disadvantage for the connection shareware off-line reader is Forte' with JVFAX comes from trying to run
supplier was that he had to maintain Internet Applications FreeAgent (ver 1.0). This is a really it on a slow, 286 based PC. Most of
a number of remote sites located all excellent program with a top class the difficulties stem from trying to
around the country. I thought you might find it useful if I interface and range of facilities. use the simple comparator interface
The v-PoPs represent a very neat ran through what I have found to be If you want to impress your with a slow 286 processor.
technical solution to the problems the best applications that are family and friends you really do need In many cases the end result is either

garbage or a system crash as the can be lowered to a minimum of two your computer's manual you will The problem is directly related to
processor just can't keep up with the levels which effectively dithers the have noted that the serial ports are the chip that handles the serial
demand. Thanks to some tips from incoming FAX to just black or white. numbered from COM 1 through to a communications. This chip is know
readers there are a few things that maximum of COM 4. However, most as a Universal Asynchronous
can be done to minimise the Serial Communications computers operate with just two Receiver Transmitter or UART.
problems. serial ports and the standard settings This device takes 8bit parallel
The most important single change One of the many problems facing PC for these are: data and converts it into serial format
is to adjust the maximum interrupt users is getting the serial port to and vice versa. However, the problem
frequency shown in the main work reliably. This problem is IRO Base Addr I'm covering occurs when receiving
configuration screen. Whilst the particularly troublesome for COM 1 4 03F8 serial data.
default setting is usually 7500Hz, this amateurs as they often depend on COM 2 3 02F8. Whilst data is arriving the UART
can be reduced to 3500Hz or less the serial port for data signals or takes each bit as it arrives and builds
with a markedly lower demand on maybe to control the transceiver. When you fit your serial card it into an 8bit number in a single byte
processor time. But even 386 Whatever the usage, you can bet you'll usually find some on -board buffer. Once the byte has been
processsors are not trouble free. the port will be asked to run at jumper or switch settings to select assembled the UART sends out an
The next important change is to 9600baud or faster. As serial port the appropriate IRO and Base interrupt signal to the computer's
limit the number of bits set against operation is such a widespread address. Once this has been done. main processor to tell it to collect the
the comparator. Here the default problem. I thought I'd attempt to you still have to make sure your data byte.
setting is 8 but some experimentation shed some light on the subject with a software package knows the address If the processor doesn't perform
should reveal a lower value that will few tips. and interrupt number of your serial this task quickly enough the data will
give improved overall performance. Let's start with getting your serial port. be overwritten by the next data byte
so causing a loss of data. It's this
slow response from the processor
Table 1
that is responsible for the data loss
that many people experience.
Eudora ftp.dernon.co.uk:/pub/ibmpc/winsock/apps/eudora
Now I'm sure you can see that
WinPmail micros.hensa.ac.uk/mirrors/simtel/win3/mail/winpm201.zip the faster the serial data speed the
more chance there is that data will be
Forte FreeAgent http://www.forteinc.com/forte lost. The solution comes in the form
of a more modern UART that has a
Netscape netscape.com/pub or sunsite.doc.ic.ac.uk/computing/information- 16byte buffer built-in.
systems/www/Netscapes/ By using this buffer, the UART
can continue to receive up to 16
WS-FTP ftp.demon.co.uk:/pub/ibmpc/winsoCk/aPPsANSFTP more data bytes before any risk of
data loss. Now to get down to
WS-ARCHIE ftp.demon.co.uk: /pub/ibmpc/winsock/apps/wsarchie details, the single buffer UARTs in
common use are the 8250 and 16450
devices.
The replacement device is a
If these changes don't resolve the port to be recognised by the This is usually done via the 16550 UART but even here you need
problems, you may be experiencing a computer. Plugging -in a serial card is configuration screen of the program. to be careful as not all 16550s are
conflict with the extended memory just the start as you also need to let You need to make sure that no the same. The chip to go for is the
manager. The precise reason for this the computer know where to find it. other cards are using the same National Semiconductor variant
interaction is not too clear, but on There are two key items the base address or interrupt as your which has become the standard. The
some computers this program computer needs to know - the base serial card. type number of this device is
interferes with JVFAX's timing address and the interrupt number. If you do encounter a conflict you NS16550AFN - it's usually the most
routines. The base address is the hexadecimal will find that both devices either expensive, but it could well be worth
won't work at all or spending the extra.
Netscape [Yahoo) will suffer all If your existing serial card has an
I Ile Edlt View go Bookmarks Options Directory Help manner of 8250 or 16450 device you can
seemingly random change it yourself providing you are
42.
Soak Weed
a
hem errors. A common used to working on computer
device for conflicts standard double sided circuit boards.
Location: httpftwww.yahoo.corni with serial ports is However, you may well find that your
What's Nerd [What's Coon Handbook I Net Sea- Net Directory
N the modern sound - board has a specialist multi -function
card. chip so. the only answer is to change
I would strongly the board for a modern 16550 based
recommend you unit.
1.1rIve settle the conflict These are widely available for
Pleadliwes Parer Paadoe. 19,
by altering the around £50. If you're not sure
sound card not the whether or not you have the right
[ Text -Only Yahoo I New Features and Changes to Yahoo! ] serial port. I say chip most diagnostic programs will
this because most report the type of serial port. The
programs that use most common diagnostic program is
Search Options serial ports expect Microsoft's MSD which comes
to find them bundled with MSDOS.
is News jxtrat I assigned to one of
Literature, Photc2am, Archttecture World Xt ral I Dilly, Current Everts the standard That's all the computing news I
interrupts and have for you this month, cheerio for
Business and Economy [XtraB Recreation base addresses. now, keep your letters coming to me
Direchm, Investments Classifieds Sports [Xtratl, Games. Travel Autos Even if you have Mike Richards G4WNC. 'Bits 8
Yahoo Internet search site. your serial port Bytes', PO Box 1863. Ringwood,
correctly Hants BH24 3XD. CompuServe:
It can also be useful to make a address where the computer will go configured there is still room for 100411, 3444: Internet:
couple of changes to minimise to read and write the data signal. problems especially if you are using [email protected]
JVFAX's use of the, often limited, The interrupt on the other hand is a speeds of 9600baud or greater. This
hard disk capacity on 286 machines. communications line that the serial is particularly true if you are also
The first saving comes from port uses to let the computer know running your software under
disabling the quicksave option from that it needs attention. The good Windows. At these high
the miscellaneous settings in the news is there are standard settings communication speeds you may well
configuration screen. The second is for both these parameters - you just find you suffer a loss of characters or
to change the number of grey levels. have to choose the right ones! that your software reports data
The default setting is 255. but this If you've already taken a look at errors.
END
ED TAYLOR WT3U/G3SQX
r'
This quarter. Ed Taylor WT3U
reports on Field Day. This is a Ed WT3U in his shack.
popular institution both in Europe
and across the Atlantic. but there
are differences!
It's Field Day Again! are not just those of a good operator.
You also need mechanics,
Think back to earlier this year, to the cooks, drivers, labourers and
month of May. Consider the state of general assistants. Anyone who
mind evident in the people who run owns a caravan will be very popular
your local radio club. Were they over certain weekends!
cool, calm, collected? The idea of Field Day is that you
Did they discuss matters try to set-up a station (perhaps
rationally and make reasoned several, according to the rules) in
decisions? Not likely! They were 'emergency conditions'.
probably in an increasing state of Starting with an empty field, a
panic, seeking equipment and group is required to erect antennas years, we had a spectacular diesel can concentrate on just one, and put
volunteers. Why? Because it was and get the stations going without generator failure one year. all their effort into that.
getting close to Field Day time. using mains power or any A piston decided not to As the interests of radio
A typical British group would be permanent structures. It's not just a participate in the contest any more, amateurs become more diverse, it
planning for one or more of these question of getting on the bands and and made an exit out of the side of may be worth considering a single
four weekends: National Field Day making a few contacts, the events the crankcase. This did not increase Field Day for Europe. Then a group
(c.w.); VHF Field Day; Low Power last for 24 hours, so you have to our score, and caused a couple of can ask its members for help on a
Field Day (CW) and SSB Field Day arrange operating shifts, decide rude words (maybe more!). single weekend a year, without
The v.h.f. event is a multi -mode tactics for band usage and so on. The weather can make life very diluting their efforts in all the other
contest which also includes u.h.f. The point is this: the weekend is difficult. Antennas may be blown activities they would like to take part
The other three are single -mode and made interesting and worthwhile by over, and rain can find its way into in throughout the summer.
involve the h.f. bands. Participants requiring entrants to participate in a any operating position. There is There have been unsuccessful
are likely to include not just British contest once they have got sometimes a danger of lightning, efforts to coordinate dates in Europe
stations, but also thousands set-up everything working. particularly for entrants in Southern and North America, so that portable
under in a similar way from all over Needless to say, many things Europe. stations would have the opportunity
Europe. can go wrong during a Field Day. The to contact each other across the
Most amateurs who have any power supply (often a generator) Atlantic. This is an issue which might
connection with a club have been can go wrong. At the Flight Bigger In The USA be worth bringing up again in a few
roped in to help during a Field Day. Refuelling club, near Bourmeouth, years' time, as the sunspot cycle
This is because the skills required Dorset, where I took part for many As you might expect, everything is brings better conditions.
bigger here in the USA! It doesn't
mean to say that everything is better, Entry
although most people would agree Categories
that an increase in interest from
British clubs would be very good A nice feature of the US Field Day is
news! that you can enter in any one of
The main difference is that the dozens of entry categories. Because
US has just one Field Day each year, the contest is oriented towards
and it incorporates most of the emergency operation, several
features of all of the British four. categories call for different types of
Unsurprisingly, the number of temporary power supplies.
participants is huge. The categories include
Just to give you a few statistics, generators and battery power. Then
more than 2000 groups enter, you get bonuses for 'natural' power
involving over 36,000 people. About sources, such as solar, wind or
one and a half million OSOs are alcohol!
made, two thirds on s.s.b. and the Unlike our own Field Days,
rest mainly on c.w. antennas are not restricted in type
All bands can be used, apart or number, and maximum licensed
from 10, 18, 24MHz and the higher power may be used. Bonuses are
u.h.f. bands. Contacts are also made available for lower power levels
by packet and satellite. down to 5W. Interestingly, there are
So, how does this compare with categories which allow various
a British Field Day? It's hard to say, numbers of simultaneous
because of the different formats. transmitters to be used.
However, the concentration of A welcome feature is that
effort into one weekend seems to Novice and Technician licensees are
Fig. 1: A general view of some of the Field Day antennas grab the attention of most clubs. encouraged by the scoring system to
at NOAUS, showing a 50MHz 6 -element quad, a 4 - Instead of deciding to enter one or enter, which is not a feature of our
element mono -bander for 14MHz and a 22 -element array two of the available Field Days (as own events. Of course, the licence
for 144MHz. most British clubs do), Americans categories in the USA are different,

Fig. 2: Luca VE2WKR prepares satellite equipment, note Fig. 3: Jim WAOCML operates one of the NOAUS stations,
that it's all mounted on the back of his car! c.w. is his preferred mode.
but it would be nice to have more information booth, and for publicity interference was not great and it had the feeling that problems were
encouragement for newcomers in in newspapers, radio and television. was unnecessary to achieve large just calmly dealt with as they
the UK. We are pretty bad in the UK at station separation. happened. Maybe I'll report next
explaining our hobby to the world at At the start of the 24 hours, year on a club which really tries to
Local Group large. Most people think that we operation was mainly on h.f., with win. It will be a different atmosphere,
have meaningless conversations s.s.b. and c.w. stations achieving but there is much to be said for a
I decided to find out how one of the about trivial topics with the folks good rates on 7 andl4MHz. laid-back approach!
local groups organised themselves down the road. The relatively relaxed nature of
here in Colorado. Several in the Of course, we do! But that's only the group's efforts was illustrated by Comments And
Denver area go out to various sites, a small part of it. Amateur radio has the arrival of Luca VE2WKR (Fig. 2). Suggestions
with differing expectations of what the potential to teach something He was late because he had been
they might achieve. about electronics, geography, skiing on Saturday, and found the Thank you to those who have written
Some treat the weekend as international relations and many snow conditions good (very unusual with comments and suggestions. For
another contest in their calendar, other subjects. in June)! example Wyn GW8AVVT has
and try to get the best score in their It's ideal for anyone to take up at Nobody was perturbed. Luca proposed showing questions from
state or perhaps nationwide. Some any age, but particularly for proceeded to set up satellite the RAE along with those set for
go for a weekend out in the youngsters. Why don't we say so equipment, gaining bonus points for various US licence exams, so that
countryside, operating whenever whenever we can? his contacts. we can compare standards.
they can. We could do much more by Perhaps I will go one stage
The group I visited were following the lead of our American further, and devote a whole column
specifically set-up to provide friends. We could put up signs
Different Bands And Modes
to the US exams, with examples,
emergency communications in the directing visitors to Field Days and As time went by, different bands and There seems to be a lot of interest in
event of any sort of disaster. Like other radio activities. modes were used. Use of 1.8 and this topic.
RAYNET groups in the UK, they We could ensure that someone 3.5MHz (and, to some extent, 7 and And John G4POF, asks when I
practice throughout the year in is always available to explain what's even 14MHz) is limited during the will be on the h.f. bands to make
exercises, during sporting events happening. We could make up a summer, because of the high static contacts. In answer, I operate mainly
and so on. They rejoice in the leaflet with some basic facts, noise. A continuous S9 level is 14MHz c.w., and look for G stations
unexciting (but accurate) name of showing how to get more something we rarely encounter in at the weekends.
Amateur Radio Emergency Service information. the UK, but in North America it's Conditions have not been good
District 22, or ARES 22. I feel strongly that Amateur common. from here to Europe during the
Under the leadership of Al Radio will gradually cease to exist, to For a different reason, v.h.f and summer. But we can hope for
Cooley, and using his callsign, everybody's detriment, if the public is u.h.f. do not feature heavily in less improvement this winter.
NOAUS, ARES 22 operated from indifferent because of ignorance. populated regions. There are just a I will certainly be on the air
Daniels Park. This is a wooded area, We somehow need to boost our limited number of amateurs to (along with thousands of others) for
located about 20 miles south of image, and find ways of informing contact, and distances are generally the two most popular contests in the
Denver. the world about ourselves. too great. world. The CO WW DX contests.
It would be unusual for a UK The nearest large city to Denver The contests are organised by
station to use a place like this, which On The Air is 600km away, which means that the American magazine CO, and are
was so open and available to the you need an opening to build up taking place on October 28-29 (s.s.b.)
public. Anyone could stop and Apart from the publicity aspect, the large numbers of QSOs. However, and November 25-26 (c.w.), on 1.8,
wander around the campers and participation of ARES 22 in Field Day contacts are allowed via packet 3.5, 7, 14, 21 and 28MHz.
tents, which were in a small clearing could be said to meet a combination relays, so this is a popular way of
at the side of the road. of two goals: first, to use whatever achieving greater distances. That's all from me for this quarter, so
means reasonably necessary to put By the end of Field Day, a until next time, 73 and keep writing
Site Ideal their three stations on the air and respectable number of GSOs had with your news and views to me Ed
secondly, to train newcomers in the been made (over 1000). The leaders Taylor WT3U, PO Box 261304,
Al explained that they found the site setting up of an emergency station. in the entry category had probably Denver, Colorado 80226, USA.
ideal. Part of the group's aim is to Thus it was fairly low key, and was made more than 5000, but nobody Deadline time for the next editon of
educate and inform the general by no stretch of the imagination an minded. 'Scene USA' (January PW) is the
public about amateur radio, and attempt to reach a high scoring Al Cooley said he was very middle of October.
particularly its role in emergency position. pleased with the way that ARES 22
communication. As you can see from Fig.1, they had performed. He was particularly
In fact, the rules of the contest use a selection of antennas. happy that the Novices had not only
give extra bonuses for encouraging Because operation was limited to learnt a lot, but wanted to do more
access. There's even more points for three simultaneous transmitters next year.
such things as running an without amplifiers, the amount of co - No disasters took place, but I
END
This time Andy Emmerson G8PTH
has an update on the future of ATV
on 430MHz. together with Internet
and repeater news.
It seems that it's not lust in Europe California is:

that AN operation on 430MHz is http://www.realm.net/-jpewluk/
threatened. From the States, Henry KB6MMF.html
Ruh KB9F0 the publisher of ATV The keeper of the page is John
Quarterly magazine writes: "Also big Pawluk KB6MMF and his Internet
trouble here. MACC (Midwest mail address is: [email protected]
Association of Co-ordinating if you wish to communicate.
Councils) have passed a resolution This home page is also linked to
to eliminate AN from 430MHz other groups so you only need to call Here's a shot of the antenna system belonging to Ian Vincent G4MLY,
WBOCMC told us of this at Dayton. I up one or the other: Atlanta ATV: secretary of the Kent Television Group. Top of the pole is a 44 -element loop
have copy of their minutes, a pile of http://www.mindspring.com/-rwf/ Yagi for 13cm; the receive converter is mounted here as well. Below are four
'red tape' from stem to stern. Time to aatn.htm or Houston ATV: 28 -element loop yagis for 1296/1270MHz operation. All these are home-made,
get on my political horse and burn http://www.stevens.com also the four-way power splitter. Closest to ground is the 13 -element Tonna
these people!" Tom continues: "Any additional antenna for 144MHz. The whole system is mounted on a 2811 tall ex -
As I discussed last time, banning AN groups who create and add their Government mast and well guyed with 16 steel ropes.
amateur television from 430MHz may own home page, please pass on the
actually not be a bad thing. One address to me so that I can spread our priorities are not those of the uncommon.
solution would be to transmit a very the word. I think the Internet is a CAA! The licence for GB3KT may An input to one repeater is
narrow band vestigal side band great way for AN groups to also appear before long. automatically transmitted on the
(v.s.b.) a.m. signal, with the exchange info rapidly. Up at 10GHz the RSGB has output of all eight repeaters (unless
advantage that a 1MHz-wide signal Also include the call and received a note from the already occupied with local traffic).
would get through the DX better than Internet address of your groups main Radiocommunications Authority Input is on 434MHz at all sites, with
a wider band one. contact. I'll keep a list for proposing the withdrawal of some output variously on 900 or 1200MHz.
But if this debate stimulates distribution". spectrum in this band, in order that it The highest repeater is at 8,500
ATVers into going digital and may be re -allocated for 'Radio Local feet on Mount Podice. This particular
adapting/adopting MPEG2 Many thanks for that report Tom. Loop' services. This would enable site also has on the antenna tower a
techniques, then we could possibly remote control television camera
have AN anyplace, anytime, which can be panned round through
ATN S. California. KB6MMF [email protected]
anywhere as the slogan goes. It 360°.
ATC Columbus OH WA8RMC [email protected]
would raise the profile of AN far Already several forest fires have
HATS Houston TX N5JX0 [email protected]
above packet and all other modes. been spotted and notified in this way.
BATC England G1FEF [email protected]
In fact I'd even go so far as to Inter -site links are on 900MHz,
Amateur Television Quarterly
say that if the ATVers can't be 1.2GHz, 2.4 or 10GHz. The longest link
Magazine KB9F0 [email protected]
bothered, they don't deserve to keep path is 174 miles.
their ATV privileges. I don't expect A user benefit is that all
many other amateurs would share newcomer telephone companies to repeaters have a sound input on
my viewpoint but they must admit On The Air provide service to homes without the 146.43MHz, allowing viewers without
that playing around with the same need to lay wires. AN transmitters to loin in round
techniques that amateurs in the Pressure from the Civil Aviation The BATC has briefed the RSGB table discussions and comment on
States were using back in the 1940s Authority (CAA) has caused some why this should be resisted; in transmissions. To simplify
is scarcely the cutting edge now, far restrictions to 1270MHz amateur practice the risk of interference maintenance, all transmitter and
less true 'self training in the art of television activities, mainly because would be quite small, given the receiver modules, regardless of
radio communication'. a couple of our repeaters were directional antennas in use. The manufacturer, are fitted with DB9
interfering with aeronautical radar primary user of the lower 10GHz sub -D miniature connectors for
Internet ATV systems which share our band. band is the Ministry of Defence and audio, video, control line and power.
The GB3GV repeater (Markfield, the Home Office (mainly police Pin assignments are fully
Want to view the AN VVWW Home near Leicester) is still off the air but users. The prospect of increased standardised and in this way any
Pages? An AN group called LISATS GB3UD (near Stoke- on -Trent) is commercial exploitation of the band module can be changed in seconds.
based in Florida has one you can back on I318.5MHz with the approval may not suit these existing users Previously maintenance was a
view by typing of the man at Clee Hill Radar. All either. tedious procedure and valuable
http://www.digital.net/Ham Radio other operational units are active minutes could be wasted fiddling
Tom O'Hara ([email protected]) except GB3WV in Weymouth which American Repeaters with wiring. Now, as ATN's technical
writes: "For the Internet Surfers has been closed down by the wizard Mike Collis WA6SVT says,
among your AN group, they might operator due to lack of support (it The Amateur Television Network "You can plug and play without
want to check out the AN home was for sale at the BATC's Coventry (ATN) now covers all of the south- delay!"
pages on the World Wide Web. I rally). western USA. It now directly
That's all for this month so, until next
expect that the number of active AN The Radio Society of Great supports seven repeaters, with
time keep those letters coming to
groups who create and add their Britain (RSGB) is trying to set up an another one affiliated. The land
me Andy Emmerson GBPTH at 71
own home page will increase and unofficial meeting with the CAA to surface covered is large and thanks
Falcutt Way, Northampton NN2 8PH.
might be interesting to put on the sort out the present log jam of to full interlinking, contacts from Los
AN repeaters. The address for the licence applications affecting Angeles, California to Las Vegas,
ATN group here in Southern GB3VX, GB3AF and GB3AT. Clearly Nevada (about 270 miles) are not
END
condition, £295 o.v.n.o. Atari ST 1Mb,
BARGAIN BASEMENT 2nd drive, c/m. printer, much

software, £250 o.v.n.o. Steve, Milton
Keynes. Tel: (01908) 368466.
Yaesu FRG -7100 general coverage

digital read-out, mint condition,
Write your advertisement clearly in BLOCK CAPITALS - up to a maximum of 30 words plus 12 instruction manual, practically receiver, 150kHz to 30MHz. FRT-7700
words for your address and send it together with your payment of 3.00 (cheques payable to
unused, £75. Jaybeam JB-1 tuner. Vertical mobile antenna and
PW Publishing Ltd.), or subscriber despatch label arid corner flash to. Zoe Shortland, PW
Bargain Basement, Arrowsmith Court, Station Approach, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8PW 28/21/14MHz, rotary unused, boxed dipole antenna with coax cable,
with instructions, £80. G2FZU, Notts. price complete, £320 o.n.o. Ian,
Subscribers must include the despatch label bearing their address and subscription number Tel: (01636) 813847. No offers please, Hants. Tel: (01489) 571629 evenings.
to qualify for their free advert.
carriage extra.
Adverts published on a first -come, first -served basis, all queries to Zoe Shortland on (01202) Yaesu FT -7 mobile h.f. transceiver,
659910. Realistic Tandy DX -190 receiver II 3.5-28MHz, £250 o.n.o. Alinco DJF1E
waveband, crystal controlled, as v.h.f. f.m. hand-held TX 144-146, RX
Advertisements from traders, or for equipment that is illegal to possess, use or which cannot
new, in origional packing box with 108-174, £170 o.n.o. Tel: Cleveland
be licensed in the UK, will not be accepted No responsibility will be taken for errors.
matching speaker, £225. Wanted (01287) 637902.
collect. Tel: Surrey (014281713326 or manual for KW Vanguard. Retired
For Sale FAX: (01428) 717167. collector of old wireless sets, 42 Yaesu FT-9900DC, £1250. Daiwa RS-
Halvarras Road, Playing Place, Nr. 40XII 40A, £120. TS -790T, £1250.
Icom 735 h.f. transceiver, boxed with Truro. Tel: (018721 862291. Kenwood MC60A, £55. Cushcraft
440S Trio, a.t.u. fitted with box
mic. and manual, excellent 1762, boxed, £100. Kent brass key,
instructions, £735. Must collect. 108F
condition, £595 o.n.o. Mizuho 28MHz Roberts R808 stereo headphones, £25. 1000SDX rotator, £150. Icom SP -
radio in perfect working order, £325
hand-held QRP transceiver, leather carry case, battery, p.s.u., 20, £70. All boxed. Tel: West
o.v.n.o. John, Derbyshire. Tel: (01283)
s.w. 1.711-29.999MHz, f.m. 87.5- Midlands (013841370695.
221870. s.s.b./c.w. plus four crystals, £125
o.n.o. Pete, Epsom. Tel: 0181-393 108MHz, m.w., I.w., antenna socket,
B2 'suitcase set' transmitter, p.a. 9115. socket external power, ordered in
coils, crystals, power supply unit, error, new, £68. J. Bonfils, 47 Forest Wanted
receiver missing. Origional Icom IC -28H 45W, t/squelch, £130. Park, Leixlip, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Two of BNOS (LPM 144-3-100) Handbook and case for Trio 2300
handbook. Offers? Tel: (01234)
linears with pre -amps, £150 each. Shack clearout: KW2000E, £150. plus any information. Mike,
266087
Yaesu FT -23R hand-held, Usquelch, Heathkit HW101, £120. Kenwood Bournemouth. Tel: (01202) 433775.
Calvyn DPS-2012 22a mp p.s.u., fully new, 12V NiCads, speaker/mic., R1000, £200. Hallicrafters SX28, £100.
charger, dry cell case, £130. Tel: Racal RA17, £150. All g.w.o. Rod, Help! Has anyone got info on PC
variable, fully protected, twin
Surrey 0181-397 7823. Lowestoft. Tel: (01502) 560869. control for JRC NRD535 in particular
meters, as new, £70. Buyer collects
25 -way 'D' cable pin connections?
or pays carriage. Tel: Abergavenny
Kenwood 78E dual -band hand-held, TH-78E 144/430MHz hand-held All costs met. Thanks. Dave Jones,
(01873) 831922.
one year old, £375. 144MHz 5 - transceiver, speaker mic., CTCSS, 50 New Dock Street, Llanelli, Dyfed
NiCads, charger, box and manual, SA15 2MB.
Collection radios, reel and cassette element beam plus balun, excellent
tape recorders, record players, condition, £25. G3PYP, 33 Mead Park, £300. Wanted FT -690R11 in good
Atworth, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 condition. Terry G40XD, Hitchin. Tel: High gain ferrite rod antennas, must
miscelleaneous items, 82 pieces
8JS. Tel: (01225) 708816. (01462) 435248. be half inch in diameter, no more or
total. From 1940s to 1980s but mainly
less, must be six inches long or
1960s, £250 o.n.o. Tel/FAX: Worcester
Kenwood TR-751E 144MHz, £485. TR- Trio TS -530S h.f. transceiver with more. Peter Tankard, Sheffield. Tel:
(01905) 456526
851E 430MHz, £495. Icom IC -745 h.f., remote v.f.o. 120 and Datong 0114-234 3030 anytime.
Complete h.f. station, KW2000E with £825. Elevator G500A, unused, £240. automatic r.f. speech processor,
All have original cartons and £350. Prefer buyer collects. G3UGB, IC type TDS 1041 for repair of car
power supply (KW E -Z match), (KW
manuals. Diamond DP -CPS, five band QTHR. Tel: 0117-965 7229. radio, have tried all trade outlets to
s.w.r. meter 101), v.g.c. Tel: S. Yorks
h.f. antenna, £150. Rotator G400, no avail. So fellow readers, w.h.y.?
(01302) 859451.
£125. Malcom, Ruislip. Tel: (01895) TS-530SP 1.8-29MHz, v.g.c. with Any expenses reimbursed. Tel: Essex
manual, £335 o.v.n.o. Colin, N. (01702) 395968.
Datong D70 Morse tutor, f45 o.n.o. 676919.
MFJ-202B noise bridge, £45 o.n.o. Yorkshire. Tel: (01748) 826423.
Kenwood TS -50S h.f. mobile base Microwave modules, 144-28MHz
Global GDO Mkll 1.5-250MHz, £45
set, absolutely mint condition, boxed, Two, yes two, Compaq XT/PCs plus a transvertor. G4KIN, Liverpool. Tel:
o.n.o. Lake p.s.u.-15 power supply,
wealth of spares and manuals. Sell 0151-531 1305.
£35 o.n.o. All good condition and bargain at, £600. Tel: Derby (01332)
little used. Phil, West Midlands. Tel: 510073. for, £250 o.n.o. or exchange for
CapCo 1.8/3.5MHz magnetic loop if No.19 set in any condition, working
(01092) 843447.
Kenwood TS -820 complete with you can deliver/collect. (RDP - non or not, also an ancillary equipment to
remote v.f.o. digital read-out, ideal driver). Messages on Tel: Stockport mount the set in a wartime Willys
Drake R8E 150kHz-30MHz a.m.
first rig, superb condition, collect or 0161-477 5303. Written/part ex Jeep. Tel: Newark (01636) 893570
synchronous detector, s.s.b.,
plus carriage. G3DOV, Norfolk. Tel: 1.8/3.5MHz loop offers considered. after 6pm.
n.b.f.m., RTTY, narrow c.w., mint
condition, complete with shareware, (01953) 882076. GOOZK, QTHR.
software, box, manuals and Datong Octal base 1MHz crystal, part no.
active antenna, £850 o.n.o. Stephen, Lowe HF-150 complete with manual, Variable power output on 430S, no DC -9 for BC -221, also 6SJ7Y (this
London. Tel: (0956) 544202. keypad, and mains adaptor, alterations necessary, £25 plus £2 type has the yellow base). Quote
upgraded to professional receiver, P&P. Transmatcher Zetagi 1000W, price delivered to: E.F.C. Owen, 28
DSP 59 Plus, new, boxed, instruction £275. Also IF150 computer interface TM1000, £43. Kenwood MC50 mic., Chartfield Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2
book, upgrade Eprom chip inserted and software, £30. Kevin. Tel (01202) £50 o.v.n.o. J. Tarleton, Derbyshire. 7JZ.
Tel: (01283) 221870.
plus power supply 12V 100mA, £275. 659910.
Yaesu interface system FIF 232C for WS52 set, complete or TX only, must
FRG100s, FRG9600s, new, unused, Optoelectronics frequency counter, Yaesu FRG -7700 100kHz to 30MHz, be unmodified. Buyer will pay cash
boxed, £50. W. Rigby, Lancs. Tel: model 2300, range 1MHz-2.4GHz, a.m., I.s.b., u.s.b., f.m., c/w memory and collect. GW3LJS, Dyfed. Tel:
(01524) 833506 answerphone. 600mAH, batteries (rechargeable), unit, FRT-7700 tuner, manuals, nice (01267) 202321.
FT -736R 144/430MHz with 70MHz

If you are selling equipment via 'Bargain Basement' it is in your interest to ensure cheques have been 'cleared' by
option, as new, condition unmarked,
in original box with Yaesu MD -1 the hank before parting with your equipment. If in doubt about cheque clearance times and bank fees for 'express'
microphone, £1150. Tel: W. Midlands cheque clearance, or for returning un-paid ('bounced') cheques, you are advised to consult your bank.
0121-704 2393. When advertising equipment for sale, you should clearly state in your advert whether equipment is
professionally built, "home -brewed' or modified. You are also advised to insure equipment against damage during
Heathkit SW7800 complete with
manuals, etc., 120V a.c., £75. Metal transit (details available from the Post Office or carrier of your choice).
boxed auto Xfrmr (110/230V) The Publishers of Practical Wireless also wish to point out that it is the responsibility of the buyer to ascertain
available, £20. Ideal first RX for the suitability of goods offered for purchase.
beginner to s.w.l. All plus carriage or

Whilst prices of goods shown in advertisements are
correct at the time of going to press, readers are
Classified Ads
To advertise on this page see booking form beim%
advised to check both prices and availability of
goods with the advertiser before ordering front
non -current issues of the magazine.
DISCLAIMER
Some of the products offered for sale in
Educational SCIENTIFIC advertisements in this magazine may have been
obtained from abroad or from unauthorised
SHAREWARE sources. Practical Wireless advises readers
COURSE FOR CITY AND GUILDS Radio Amateurs Discover the true wealth of PO and shareware for the PC. Since
Examination. Pass this important examination and contemplating mail order to enquire whether the
1902 PDSL have supplied the best and latest programs covering
obtain your licence, with an RRC Home Study Course, all interests products are suitable for use in the UK and have
For details of this and other courses (GCSE, career and Business, Leisure, Engineering, CAD, DTP, Maths, Slats, full after -sales back-up available.
professional examinations, etc) write or phone - THE Chemistry, Education, Electronics, Ham Radio, Esatenc, Medical, The publishers of Practical Wireless wish to point
RAPID RESULTS COLLEGE, DEPT JX116, Tuition Raytracing, Programming & languages, Tools, Utilities, WP, out that it is the responsibility of readers to
House, London SW19 4DS. Tel: 0181-947 7272 Editors, Comms, Special applications, Esoteric, Novelty, ascertain the legality or otherwise of items
(9am-5pm) or use our 24hr Recordacall service
Astronomy & hundreds more offered for sale by advertisers in this magazine.
0181-946 1102 quoting JX300, All software can be provided on floppy disc or CD ROM
HEATHKIT EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS UK Whatever your interested in we probably have. Send today for
DISTRIBUTOR/SPARES AND SERVICE CENTRE. our PC Shareware reference guide It runs to more than 250,000
Cedar Electronics. 12 Isbourne Way, Broadway Road, words and is probably the most comprehensive catalogue For Sale
Winchcombe, Cheltenham. Glos. GL54 5NS. currently available
Tel: 1012421 602402. Send 12.50 (voucher provided refundable on first order! or
VINTAGE SERVICE DATA, circuits & manuals - for:
R.A.E. Pay as you learn correspondence. £3 per lesson Phone/FAX using Access/Visa/MC to. HiFi, Military, Radio, Television & car radio up to the
includes tuition. Ken Green, C Eng, M.I.E.E., Chylean, PDSL Winscombe House, Beacon Road, 1060's. Free brochure. Savoy Hill Publications, "Seven
Tintagel, Cornwall. Tel: (018401 212262.
Crowhorough, East Sussex TN61UL
Ash Conage", Seven Ash, Combe Martin, North
Devon, EX34 OPA. Tel: (012711882665.
Te1:101892)663298 FAX:1018921667473
TRANSCEIVER PRC 316 HF, AM, CW, watts output
Miscellaneous with headphones and boom microphone and manual
last few. E105. Megger crank handle type 500v. £45. All
prices include P&P send large SAE for list. C.P. Surplus,
DIY INEXPENSIVE RADIO PROJECTS. Easy to Wanted 56A Worcester Street, Wolverhampton WV2 4LP.
Tel: 101902) 203115.
make, SAE, RYLANDS, 39 Parkside Avenue,
Southampton SO1 9AF 24em ATV EQUIPMENT, transmitters, Pre -Amps,
WANTED FOR CASH Valvc or solid state Antennas. SAE G81KP, 1 Melstock, Weymouth, Dorset
VALVE ENTHUSIASTS: Capacitors and other parts communication receivers Pre -1980. Preferably working DT3 6JX.
At attractive prices! Ring for free list. Geoff Davies and in good condition. Non working sets considered
(Radici/, Tel: (01788) 574774. also domestic valve radios. Items of Government TECHNICAL MANUALS, AR88, CR100, R210, TIRO. £5
surplus wireless equipment and obsolete test each. Circuits E1.50. Hundreds available. SAE list.
REMEMBER RADIO LUXEMBOURG, London, equipment. Pre -1965 wireless and audio components Bentley, 27 De Vere Gardens, Ilford, Essex IG1 3EB.
Caroline etc. Radio tapes from £2.20. Camradio, 70 and accessories. Pre -1975 wireless and TV books and Tel: 0181-554 6631.
Willow Way, Ampthill, Beds MK45 2SP. magazines. Also, most valves wanted for cash. Must be
unused and boxed. CBS, 157 Dickson Road, Blackpool, YAESU FT2700 dual band 2M,70CM 25W E300
FY1 2EU. Tel: 1012531 751858 or Fax: 1012531302979. Tel: 01256 781881 evenings only.
BRAUN T1000 RX also Grundig 2100 RX working not JAPANESE GAAS-FET, RF power module,
Valves working anything considered. 65F Stratford Rd, microwave TR's and devices for communication and
Wolverton MK12 5LT. industrial use. T.UOSHIHARA OSAKA 564, JAPAN,
WANTED Eddystone 840 COMM. Receiver or any Cable: TYOSHIHARA SUITA.
VALVES GALORE Most valves available from stock. FAX: 816-338 3381.
Otherwise obtained quickly. Please send SAE stating simular valved set. Tel: 0181-651 5345.
requirements or telephone. VALVE & ELECTRONIC WANTED high gain ferrite rod aerials must be half 934 MEGS DELTA 1 SWR Meter Antenna colinear
SUPPLIES Chevet Books, 157 Dickson Road, Blackpool inch in diameter no more or less. Must be six inches signal meter and pre -amp for above all in boxes
long or more. Contact Peter Tankard on Sheffield 0114 Good Condition Tel: 0114 2454579
FY1 2EU. Tel: 1012531 751858 or Fax: 1012531 302979.
2343030 any time.
TRANSCEIVER PR.C. 316 H.F.A.M.C.W. Watts output
VALVES WANTED for cash: KT88, PX4,PX25 £45; with headphones and boom microphone and manual
DA100 E75; EL34, EL37 ECC811CV4024, CV4003, last few. £105.00 Megger crank handle type 500V
CV4004, ECC83 £3. Valves must be MullardIGEC, West £45.00. All prices include P&P send large S.A.E. for list.
European to achieve the price. Ask for our free wanted Receivers C.P. Surplus 56a Worcester Street Wolverhampton
list. Prompt and couteous service. Visitors by VVV2 4LL. Tel: 01902 20315
appointment only Iwe are a very busy Export RADIO / WIRELESS / ELECTRICITY BOOKS available.
Warehouse). Billington Export Ltd. B.F.O. KITS Resolves single side -band on almost any 19291960. S.A.E. for list to :- DES, 28 Battle Road, Wash
Tel: 1014031 784961. Fax: 101403) 783519. radio, £16.49. H. CORRIGAN, 7 York Street, Ayr KA8 8AR. Common RG14 60U. First come first served.
ORDER FORM FOR CLASSIFIED ADS PLEASE WRITE IN BLOCK CAPITALS

The prepaid rate for classified advertisements is 42 pence per word (minimum 12 words), box number 70p extra. Semi -display setting £13.90 per
single column centimetre (minimum 2.5cm). Please add 17.5% VAT to the total. All cheques, postal orders, etc., to be made payable to the PW
Publishing. Treasury notes should always be sent by registered post. Advertisements, together with remittance should be sent to the Classified
Advertisement Dept., Practical Wireless, Arrowsmith Court, Station Approach, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8PW. Tel: (012021659920, Fax: (01202) 659950
Please insert this advertisement in the issue of Practical Wireless (if you do not specify an issue we
will insert it in the next available issue of PW) for insertion/s. I enclose Cheque/P.O. for £ (42p per word,
12 minimum, please add 17.5% VAT to total).
Name
Address
Telephone No
Box Number @ 70p: Tick if appropriate
Category heading:

TOP PRICES PAID IS YOUR CLUB PLANNING OR
for all your valves, tubes,
semi -conductors and ICs.
Langrex Supplies Ltd.,
1 Mayo Road, Croydon,
HOLDING AN EVENT OR RALLY?
Surrey CR0 20P.
TEL: 0181-684 1166. FAX: 0181-684 3056.
Morse
TAKE THE STRAIN OUT OF LEARNING TO
SEND AND RECEIVE MORSE. Works with any
PC compatible. ONLY £8.99 from SHOESTRING
CI (01202)
659920
SOFTWARE, 78 Carmarthen Road, Swansea
SA1 1HS TO FIND OUT THE SPECIAL ADVERTISING RATES FOR CLUBS
(FREE DEMO AND CATALOGUE AVAILABLE, 3.5"
DISKS ONLY).
MR MR
M Inv MI
m, ,mm
Me...MM
SureData
PO Box 314, Edgware. \ !kids HAS 6ED VISA
Tel/Fax 0181 905 7488 (24 hours)
Second user PCs

.1 have a large range of 386 and 486 second
user PCs ideal for amateur radio, student or
family.
If you want a new PC. Monitor, System Unit,
Hard Drive. Mother Board.
WANTED: SECONDHAND GEAR 1 Give me a call and be pleased to advise
TOP CASH OFFERED you as to the best system configuration and
TEL: 01708 374043 price to meet your needs and pocket.
Call Dave G3RCQ Mobile 0850 320134 If you already have a PC and want to upgrade it phone me for a quote.
G3RCQ Electronics 73's JOHN G3TLU
J. BIRKETT 25 The Strad
This Month: Antenna Snecial SUPPLIERS OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

UHF R F AMPLIFIER . -
Lincoln LN2 1JF
Tel 520767
AIR SPACED VARIABLE CAPACITORS 500+500.5000 0 £595.200.300010£3.50, Partners J.H.Birkett

Reviewed: 1 - .1,0-20.20.213p10 13.50. 300.4004.101.3.50. 15,15p10 DM. J.L.Birkett
BLOCX PAPER. CAPACITORS du160d sr 0 £1.50. 10 600v.e. 0 EL 1C0 3705. AC. 0E3.00
Lowe HF-250 Receiver C801 TYPE VARIABLE CAPACITORS*. IV, 250.500 al at £3.50 each
CLEAR FACE METERS ice 20.1 wok 20Co1 or 5000 0E4.00
SPECIAL HIGH VOLTAGE CAPACITORS 0.0010 Mils. 0 010 7.58v 0E1.00 each
Plus: TEXAS FFT - '-.; LI. 130405V fl. CO
A Medium Wave Booster VI* TRANSMITTING RECEIVER TR1985 Sales recut 13(M1z AM e05 10 Crystals 21 safes. Some Mo. 0 DODO vie £7.50).
SILVER PLATED DUAL BEARING AIR SPACED SNOW CAPACITORS i'spade each end 10014 0 £1.95. 100.10041 0 £5.95.
ELEcTRDLYnc s : a , 47000 10stn. 75000 100 Al at 60p each.
Antenna Rigging
-
2 GH: STRIPLINE NPN TRANSISTORS 0 13 Ice fl. 5/Cal 40e I 5 kr £1.00.

X BAND GUNN DIODES 11 65, 24 G14 Owe Dates 0E2.30
Baldock Monitoring X BAND DETECTOR 0100ES We I60230 501..58420 50o, 1501E 0E1.65. tape enled0 4 ice LIAO
CRYSTAL FILTERS 11T909 10.7140 OW 12.51.11: 111 L2.95. Ft TECH 1.556110 012.50, SE I QC1207C 1.6051:0 1.3.50
Station .F)5-10,(3.00
I OXAJ CRYSTALS 500kHz Oil 50, 60014110 LI. 11110 0 1150. 7020611: 0 £I.50
Low Noise Vertical I METRE OF 50ohm COAX Feted nOr 2 0 Tyre Plugs for f1 LA
R.F. POWER TFUVIRSTORS 016081 0 000. 2N6083 0 612 00. 2%084 0 £1400, BLY139A 0 L8 95. LI6 Pan. ElLtt.34
Antenna Design 1.8.50, BS154 0 fl, EIFIVIEA 0 The. 2N3866 El
1R34 01000 41 0FIV 30 An 0 41 50 each
Modifed ATU ACCESS. WITCH and BARCLAYCARD accepted. P&P II under flo. Over Free, unless othervose stated.
C.M. HOWES KITS. Available by post and for callers.
Opto 'Scout 40' and Reaction Tuning
The Rainbow Loop Antenna Project
Plus AFFORDABLE PACKET

Regular trpuiis uii Ckti of COMMODORE 841128... ATARI ST...IBM COMPATIBLE PC...SPECTRUM
Short Wave Listening each Month '...1 ,,::u.,?
.ray of much less than £100! l
..)rnmodore. PC and Spectrum systems allow HF and VHF working, while
Atari system only offers VHF PMS facilities are available on the Common
Coming Next Month: and the Spectrum if a microdrive rs fitted. Digipeating facilities are offered on
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LISTENING GUIDES Broadcast ocher
A GUIDE TO THE WORLD'S RADIO STATIONS BP355 by
Airband Peter Shore
quote
As in 'Broadcast Round -up', his column in PIP Peter Shore has laid this book out
Qualify
AIR BAND RADIO HANDBOOK 5th Edition in world areas, providing the listener with a reference work designed to guide
° forr this
around the ever -more complex radio bands There are sections covering English otter
David J Smith
Air band radio Iszer - :.,rversations between language transmissions. programmes for Doers and sew I.s. Along with sections on 1 don't
aircraft and those on the ground who control then, and ,5 an increasingly popular European medium wave and UK f.m stations
266 pages £595
brow delay,
ah
and tasc,nating natty. A new chapter on military air band has been added. The 0 h
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RADIO LISTENERS GUIDE 1995
190 pages f8 99
Clive Woodyear
those kli" end ordeurr
AIR & METED CODE MANUAL 14th Edition This is the third edition of Ms radio iisteners guide Simple -to -use maps and
charts show the frequencies for radio stems in the UK Organised so Mat Pie
-"ks today- 1
Jung n
various station types are listed separately the maps are useful for the travelling
Detaied desuipt,ons of the Ward Melec,olouca, 0,anisation Global
listener Articles included in the guide discuss v h I aerials, RDS. the Radio PASSPORT TO WORLD BAND RADIO
Telecommunication System operating FAX and RTTY meteo stations, anC its
Authority and developments from Bleroured , " on to explore and !- rurld or broadcast
message formal with decoding examples Also detailed description of the
Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network amongst others
58 pages £345 matures on different mernationai radio stations, receive
358 pages £20 00 LI advice as well as the hours and language of broadcast stations by
POP WENT THE PIRATES tie, , the 'blue pages' monde a channel to -channel guide to world band
AIRWAVES 95 Keith Skues sc 416 pages £1450
A very comprensensive history of Pirate Radio Thanks to Pop Went The Pirates
The Complete HI/VIE/UHF Aviation Frequency Directory
the whole era of people seeking to provide a popular alternative radio service, SHORT WAVE INTERNATIONAL FREQUENCY HANDBOOK
Much of the more obscure (especially military) information is made accessibe
under quite considerable opposition, will be remembered I cionl suppose we wall In, r i,iirehertsive frequency listing covering 1001kg - 30 MHz
this volume Not only are taciiitesiactivities listed, giving their frequencies. but also -
ever see or hear the like of it again £1 5 95 and .1!t eVerchrlig from the basics of short wave listening tc explaining
there are reverse lists - when the frequency is known, the allocated user can be
found FAX and RTTY. In this updated version there are many new broadcast and utility
stations is'ed
Airways sectors are listed so much more clearly Mao in the Supplements. The main
transponder code groups are included In tact Me book covers ail Me way hoer h f
Datamodes
up to u hf
GUIDE TO FAX RADIO STATIONS UK SCANNING DIRECTORY 4th Edition
100 pages £795
15th Edition this spiral bound book lists over 20000 UK spot frequencies from 25kAH7 to
AIRWAVES EUROPE Joerg Klingenluss 1 6Glit Articles err scannno in the UK
The new edition of this super reerence book covers the world's facsimile stations,
This spirally bound book is published in a similar formal to Ainalvele 95 and
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contains over 5000 aviation frequencies There we h 1 h I civil and military
equipment needed to receive FAX over the radio To give you an idea oh *NI is WORLD RADIO TV HANDBOOK 1995
airband frequencies given for 38 countries and their dependencies in cast and west
Europe A must for airband enthusiasts both in the UK and Europe 124 pages
available there are many pages of on -air received FAX pictures Country by country fisting cli w ,rn w & s iv broadcast and TV stations Receiver
392 pages £2000 test reports. English language broadcasts The s w I's 'bitre
£950
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CALLSION 95 GUIDE TO UTILITY STATIONS
13th Edition
The Civil & Military Aviation Callsign Directory
Intended for the aircraft and radio enthusiast to use as a stand alone reference. or as
Joerg Klingenruss General
This book covers the complete snort wave range from 3 to 30Mlit together with the
a partner to Airwaves 94 Over 5300 military and 3000 civil callsigns are covered in
adlacenl frequency hands Irom 0 to 150kElz and from 1510 3MEtz. It includes EAVESDROPPING ON THE BRITISH MILITARY
detail
details on all types of utildy stations irdlud rig FAX and RTTY There are 19549 Michael Cannon
108 pages £795
entries in the frequency list and 3590 in the alphabetiCal callsign list plus press For the very first time a book has been published showing how to monitor
FLIGHT ROUTINGS 1995 services and meteorological stations Included are RTTY & FAX press and mew British Military communications All you needrs a short wave receiver, lots
Compiled by TT &SJ Williams
schedules There are 11E100 changes since Me 10th edition 534 Cages £3000 of time and patience and this secret world will open up to you. providing
This guide was produced with the sole aim of assisting emend listeners to quickly
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POCKET GUIDE TO RTTY AND FAX STATIONS cal Isign list ever to be published
find details of a flight. once they have demitied an aircraft's callsign Identifies
166 pages £1750
the flights of airlines. schedule. charter, cargo and mail, to and from the
rcedy releence war. fisting MTV a"C stabols INetner with moles and
UK and Eire and overflights between Europe and America
other essential information The listing Sin ascending frequency veer tram t 6 to THE COMPLETE SHORT WAVE LISTENER'S HANDBOOK
140 ()ages £650
26.8MHz 4th Edition
HIGH IN THE SKY 57 pages £3.95 riank Bennett, harry metros 8. David Hardy
Davis Barker & McKenzie

This book is a compreensve guide to the basics of short wave listening.
RADIOTELETYPE CODE MANUAL 13th Edition Everything you need to get started as an s wl is explained in a clear and easily
This new edition comprises ten sections the first seven sections are an
Joerg Klingentins understood manner Receivers antennas, trequences, prooagafran 0 -codes etc
introduction of radios. antenna and radio communications, information about
This book gives detailed descriptions Of to characteristics oh telegraph are ail covered
airways, sections covering vhf and h I aeronautical communications and a boil
transmission an short waves, with all commercial modulation types including voice 321 pages £1795
look at AGARS The majority of the books taken -up by section eight, which lists all
frequency telegraphy and comprehensive mformation on all RTTY systems and c w
known Sedans in three different sequences My antindoperator. by Selcail and by
alphabets SHORT WAVE COMMUNICATIONS
registration) The 9th section is devoted to Selcails used by executive jets. these are
96 pages F14 00 Pete Rouse GU 1DKD
separate. since these Selcalls are not always fixed Mostly rewritten this volume
Covers a very wide area and so provides an ideal introduction to the hobby at radio
contains the all- neonate frequency listings for the aeronautical netvroncs. and nes.
corms International frequency listings for aviation. marine, military, space
the military and the commercial netwOrkS
166 paces £6 95
Frequency Guides launches. search and rescue, etc Chapters on basic radio propagation. how to work
your radio and what the controls do. antennas and band plans
THE AIRBAND JARGON BOOK 1995 Super Frentioncy List 187 pages 4450
Joerg Klingentuss
This new CD-ROM has been designed for use with IBM PCs or clones running
Desgned to give Me newcomer some guidance on what to expect from Mend and
how to extract the most from listening to it
Windows 31 The CD-ROM cranes complete with its own viewing solhvare and Satellite
includes 14030 frequencies that have teen extracted horn the Klingentuss Guide to
This guide is essential reading for those not involved in the aviation industry II
Utility Stations this frequency listing is supplemented by 1000 abbreviations and AN INTRODUCTION TO AMATEUR COMMUNICATIONS
gives a valuable insight to many aspects of aviation Explained are the pnnaples of
1200 formerly active Irequences As Mrs was Last updated in January '95 its SATELLITES
Airband reception, aircraft instrumentation radio services, weather navigation. etc
well up to date 111290 A Pickard
and air traffic control. to list but a few Read this book and you could wet be
hooked
£2000 This book describes several currently available systems. their connection to an
72 plum, 17:
appropriate computer and how they can be operated with suitable software The
FOIRELL'S CONFIDENTIAL FREQUENCY LIST results of decoding signals containing such information as telemetry data and
UNDERSTANDING AGARS 2nd Edition 9th Edition weather pictures are demonstrated
Compiled by Geoff Hal i gey 102 :aann dY.
ors Admess:nu and Report:nu pystern
Spirally bound, this easy -to use reference book covers 16.28MItz in great depth,
Ed Flynn
all modes and utility seines, with new reverse frequency listing snowing every AN INTRODUCTION TO SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS
Here is the information you need to understand and decode the Aircraft
known frequency against each callsign, aria's using what frequency and mode BP316
Communications Addressing and Reponog System otherwise known as ACARS
what's that callsign9
Deals irth the eq,ipment needed as eel as nessage format and base
80
544 pages £1795 AI e (rottl the minimum of mathematics) beginner's book covering satellite
communicator in a practical way n provides a handy basic reference source on

WORLDWIDE AERONAUTICAL COMMUNICATIONS this complex subpct and is aimed at updating someone who is familar with adio
FREQUENCY DIRECTORY 2nd communist ons
Edition
Rotd^. E Eyes PW BOOK SERVICE 230 pages £595
ARRL SATELLITE ANTHOLOGY

This 0001 covers aeronautic radio
The best horn the Amateur Satellite News column and articles out of 31 issues of
E12:111111
communications, voice and digital within the
range and v ti 1/u h! frequency bands
of hI I Mt have been gathered together in this book The latest mlonnation on OSCARS 9
Commercial military and pea -military operations through 13 as well as the AS satellites is included Operation on Phase 3 satellites
are nciuded. Divided info logical (OSCAR 10 and 13) is covered n detail
sections, it
97 pages £595
provides useful irforration and frequencies on
almost anything and evervrt, (01202) 659930 (24 HOURS) NEWNES GUIDE TO SATELLITE TV
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Derek Stephenson
ileternet orders: bookstoretimpii.diuse.co.ak This book frie 3rd edition is a hard bound volume, printed on high quality paper
The author s a satellite repair and installation engineer and the book covers ar

Morrnation needed by the installation engineer the nobbrat and the service
engineer to understand the Memel:al and medal Weds of satellite reception EXPERIMENTAL ANTENNA TOPICS BP278
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SATELLITE BOOK A Complete Guide to Satellite TV
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FAZIO.) xPRESS G-ORP CLUB ANTENNA HANDBOOK
Ifs book ,s a .zodeci on ul anfenno ono related circuits taken Irom Sprat, the G-
ORP Clogs 'cur ral Although most of the circuits are armed at the No power
o 40Esals ::, in d satellite system installer inn violin it ,/ (01202) 659930 (24 HOURS) fraternity many of the interesting projects are also useful 101 general use Not
is invaluate out a wet be appreciated by a much wrier audiect Mended as a text book, but otters practical and proven circuits
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HE ANTENNA COLLECTION (RSGB)
SATELLITE EXPERIMENTER'S HANDBOOK 2nd Edition Ed led by Erwin David 54101
Mom, Dar. wt K2UBC s book contains a collection of useful, and interesting h 1. antenna articles. first
The Door s 24;deil into tour main sections History. letting Starlet, lechnival published in the nos Radio Comrnunication rnagazine, between 1968 and 1989,
Topics and Appendices It provides information on spacecraft Dui 1 by. and for, radio along with other usefu, information on ancillary topics Such as feeders. tunes.
amateurs. In addition, it discusses weather TV- Droadcast and other satellites ol
AERIAL PROJECTS BP105 baluns testing and mechanics la Inc antenna builder
'detest to amateurs Practical designs including active loop and Mute antennas Dias accessory units 2'1'1 7.17" 1111
313 pages £1450 96 pages 02 50

HF ANTENNAS FOR ALL LOCATIONS (RSGB)
SATELLITE TELEVISION ALL ABOUT VERTCAL ANTENNAS Les V_
A layman's guide W I Orr W6SAI 8 S D Cowan W2LX ih s book provides a reference source for all 4f.antenna work whether l be for
Peter Pearson Covers the theory, design and construction operation of vertical antennas. Flow tc s -s. s _. 02 1. -PT i" S n r1,111 work, with
Pictures Irom space. Mars what satellite television is all about Orbiting Sae !tee use your tone as a vertical antenna and compact vertical designs for restricted
350001en high. receive TV signals from stations an the earth aria re -transmit them locations All about loading coils and a t us
back again this book explains all yOu reed to know to set up your own satellite TV o2 oars F7 5f) INTRODUCTION TO ANTENNA THEORY BP198
lernanal at home, dish and accessories. :able and Neer
73 pages £100
ANTENNA EXPERIMENTER'S GUIDE iiors relevant to .g and transmitting
Pete' astesras ;-!as mecanics and minimal use of nathenatics Lots
SATELLITE TELEVISION INSTALLATION GUIDE Although twines for radio amateurs. this book will oe of interest to anyone who
5th Edition
John Breeds
enjoys experimenting with antennas You only need a very basic knewledge of radio
I electronics to ge the most from this book Chapters include details on measuring
t-"
of diagrams help, win the understanding of the sub?eds dealt with Chapters
mnpecance, parasitic elements and a variety of
15
A practical guide to satellite television Detailed guide -hies on installing and resonance, impedance field strength and performance, mats arc
aligning dishes based on prance, experience materials and experimental antennas PRACTICAL ANTENNAS FOR NOVICES
76 pages £1500 203 pages £8.90
.. , edy qualified holders of the UK novice
WEATHER SATELLITE HANDBOOK ANTENNA IMPEDANCE MATCHING (ARRL) licence. Heys descibes .r detail how to build simple but efficient antennas
f-, , -
Wilfred N Caron for each of the Novice Cards up to 434MIt. as well as useful ancillary equipment
Proper impedance matching of an antenna to a transmission lire s of concern to to ensure Mal they are working correctly A complete chapter is devoted la the safety
Di 80.0r, l Idggo". 6e,e,Ju
this WOk excite nS an about weather satellites now they work and how you can antenna engineers and to every radio amateur A properly matched antenna as the and common-sense aspects of :nstalling and using a transmitting antenna
receive and decode leer signals to provide the fascinating pictures or The worldS termination for a line minimises reed I ne lasses Power can be 'ed to such a line This wok will be invaluable not only Id Novices, but also to any beginn no amateur
mete Penty of circuit diagrams and satellite predicting programs withosl the need lot a Mar; n. tne line input There is no mystique locking Ion easy -to -build antenna systems that really work
involved in designing cimplex multi-eement networks for
192 pages £1450 52 pages 05 99
broadband coverage
WR171SATEL LITE BROADCASTING GUIDE 195 pages. £1450 PRACTICAL ANTENNA HANDBOOK 2nd Edition
1995 Edition Be- -_
ANTENNAS AND TECHNIQUES FOR LOW -BAND °XING ikstne name suggests this Doak offers a practical guide al everyvling 10 00 with
This brand new cLo.ic.ation writer 0) no cf Irk experts 'Wm he respected World
Radio TV Handbook will be a great help to everyone interested in the *CHIC of
(ARRL) antennas, Irom h I to microwaves. It also has sections on propagation
satellite radio and television Featuring over 300 pictures and graphics All the John Oevoldrii rl transmission noes antenna fundamentals and a helpful introduction to radio
information you next to knot/about installing your own satellite system This unusual book mil be of parl,Luidi ctertt.! to B. I5 and ;Neu operators as brcadcasting and corm iunication Inn Wok neatly balances a practice! approach
it's packed with intamatian on antennas and operating tips fc! 'Top Band to Forty' hr. agra-, a -la hircly text
366 pages £15 95
tans There are chapters on low band propagation. operating techniques equipment
and fw the computer minded metes a cnapter Y. newly available low band
Scanning Wove PRACTICALJahnHe)sBo uWIRE ANTENNAS RSGB
AN INTRODUCTION TO SCANNERS AND SCANNING Many radio enthusiasts have to be content with wire antennas John Heys' practical
BP311 ANTENNAS FOR VHF AND UHF BP301 approach to wire antennas presides plenty 01 ideas and projects to help gentle test
out of a simple system A helpful Wok and gond reference sours
what scanning is and how
0%1 fa anyone wanting tsi n..rks Art,- ,-... sit s -is transmitter and in this Poor
,
190 pages 08 50
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Ls,s. s I
Mere are also chapters on real° in general cowing antennas. radio waves and Inc ao:hor plye5 a genera, caoko-,A I. 0 -COO ia operation as well as describing
now they navel. types of transmissions. broadcasting and amateur radio All in vii a antennas that ate suitable fur vhfand u h I operation Chapters and Basic RADIO AMATEUR ANTENNA HANDBOOK
superb stager WOK Concepts. Feeders. The Dipole. Mal Measurements and Practical Aspects There W I On W6SAI 8 S D C.C.Xdo W21%
is something of use for everyone will an interest in antennas in this book Yagi. Quad Qaagi and t_PY team antennas as well as vertical hoeizontal and slope,
152 pages £495
104 pages £4.95 antennas are covered in this useful book How to lodge lee best location DX
SCANNER BUSTERS antenna relent ground loss and radials
ARAL ANTENNA BOOK 17th Edition 188 pages £150
C Poole
This guide fa the methodology of beating the electronic Dan on Scanning. deals This volume now in its 17th edition contains assentor' information regarding
with the subject of scarnDling and encryption systems The author explains in propagation and constructional details of lust about every type of antenna known to RECEIVING ANTENNA
simple terms how p m r works. the new digita: cellular radic telephone systems. man. Included is a 3.5' diskette contain in PC ;imams for Yagi analysis. HANDBOOK '021'
spread spectrum frequency hopping and emergency services communication Hew propagation forecasting, transmission line analysis arra other A definite must RECEP/ING
to get more from your scanner and a list of frequencies to listen to are also covered 732 pages £1995 jYou'l r':receiver
or' is only as goad as your antenna. ANTENNA
11 is a are,' s'erence la both new scanner owners and veterans alike This book is a complete guide to high
M141,1,1301F,
ARAL ANTENNA COMPENDIUM Volume One performance receiving antennas It is a
64 teat '05
Fascinating and hdterto unpubl is', oiscussed are examination antennas
comprehensive of
. .
SCANNERS 2 quads and loops. log periodic arrays :car s s- -:es verticals and intended specifically for receiving purpMeS.
:1000 reduced size antennas An essential addition to your technical library,
la Scanners this provides even more information on the use of the
u' 175 pages. £950
yn one u h r communications band and gives constructional details for
ARRL ANTENNA COMPENDIUM Volume Two
I
accessories to improve the performance of scarring edulunen'

261 pages £1095 Because antenees are a topic of ;iasr .e s- istaJrs. ARRL HQ SIMPLE. LOW-COST WIRE
continues to femme many more papers or the subject tnan can possibly to ANTENNAS FOR RADIO
SCANNERS 3 PUTTING SCANNERS INTO PRACTICE. published in OST Those papers are collected in this volume AMATEURS
Now Edition eth Revision 208 pages £9.50 I Urr IN6S/t1 8 5 G. Cower W2LX
Peter Rouse Efficient antennas Ica Top Band to 2m including 'invisible' antennas for Maid
The title Scanners 3 has been chosen to avoid 00rituSiO'. is -e book has ARRL ANTENNA COMPENDIUM Volume Thies station ?locations Clear explanations of resonance radetioe resistance impedance
undergone a virtual rewrite since Scanners 3rd Edition was published Althcsigh Edited by Jetty Mil Kt TO r balanced and unbalanced antennas are also included
written by be late Peter Rase Chris lorek G4HCI. has edited and Meshed oft As the title suggests, this book IS Ire third in the continuing series on practical 188 pages f 7 50
this Me latest in the Scanners series Including Irequency lists and to the hest antennas. theory and accessories produced by the ARR. The book reflects the
lime, a section on the h I tends Also listed are full British bandplans from 25 to tremendous interest and activity in antenna stork and provides a Utter selection 51 TRANSMISSION LINE TRANSFORMERS (ARRL)
2000MHz as well m a section on scanner and accessory dealers antennas and related :se -writ Jetty Send; wami
271 pages 013 95 236 pages £9.50 this is the second edition of this book welch corers a most intriguing and
contusing area of the hobby It should enable anyone with a modicum of skill to
SCANNING SECRETS ARRL ANTENNA COMPENDIUM Volume Four make a balvn, etc Topics include analysis, charadensation, transformer
The lath volume in tne unpublished parameters baluns. multirnatch transformers and simple test equipment
Mark Francis
The miseries of monitoring eno31-ecl Advice on buying and operating your articles. covering a wide is .. : .is way earn the. 270 pages £1350
scanner Where 10 I.Slen arc A obscure 'moue:cies the mytns and maths intensive heayywergra slieVI,C purposes.
loildore exposed Ali the Moir -_hid to unlock the potential or your scanner such as a balloon supported Field Day loop W1FB'S ANTENNA NOTEBOOK (ARRL)
280 pages 016 95 For the first time in the series there is a disk included with he Dock, which contains Doug DeMaw W1FB
source Bala used to model many of the antennas In short there's sant:thug Mr This Dock modes lots of designs. in simple and easy to read terms. 01 simple
virrually ewer wine and tubing antennas All drawings ale large and clear making construction
much easer There is no high-level mathematics in this book, just simple equations
AMATEUR RADIO BEAM ANTENNA HANDBOOK

only when necesSary to calculate the length of an antenna element or its matching
salon
W I Orr YVDSAI 8 S U Cowan W2LA 123 pages £695
Antennas & Transmission Lines Design., construction. adjustment and installation of n I beam antennas Tee
formation this book contains has been complied ,tom tie data obtained in YAGI ANTENNA DESIGN
25 SIMPLE AMATEUR BAND AERIALS SPITS t cements conducted by the authors and lion .nforrnatic, 0,ovided by scientists Dr James. L Lawson W2PV
e to
o".2, engineers W0,1,1111 2- u'rqr,r, T a-: -1 -I'd, This took is a polished and expanded version of a series al articles first published
63 pages £195 268 pages £750 in Ham Radio following on from a series 01 lectures by the author who was mil-
kmen as the expert on Yaw design Chapters include simple Yagi antennas, loop
25 SIMPLE INDOOR AND WINDOW AERIALS BP136
BUILD YOUR OWN
HORTWAVE antennas. effect of ground stacking and practical antenna design
E M Noll
SHORTWAVE ANTENNAS 2nd ANTENNAS 210 pages 010 95
50 napes c1
Edition
25 SIMPLE SHORT WAVE BROADCAST BAND AERIALS Andrew yoder
BP132 This practical handbook puts at your finge*.L Beginners (inc RAE)
the inlermation you need to build your A
Short wave antennas Clear diagrams sa AMATEUR RADIO FOR BEGINNERS (RSGB)
photographs show how to construct a vacely cto. Brand fi3AB
25 SIMPLE TROPICAL AND MW BAND AERIALS BP145. of inexpensive antennas and masts An ideal book foe the absolute begone to the amateur radio hobby Well rlustrated
ist Nu 208 pages £14.11{ and an interest ng read
54 pages 01 75 65 Pages £350

AN INTRODUCTION TO AMATEUR RADIO BP257
D Poole Microwaves
PW BOOK SERVICE
I
This book gives Me newcomer a comprehensive and easy to understand guide

through amateur radio Topics include operating procedures, argon, propagation ARRL UHF/MICROWAVE EXPERIMENTER'S MANUAL
and Setting -up a station .
lfin airy n F3 V.1 keen microwave me wooing

r- Non cantritoons tram over 20 specialist authors Chapters covering
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE mecini cnonacts methods and mathematics 446 pages £14.50
BP315
MICROWAVE HANDBOOK RSGB
ele book 0mIS effectively with a difficult abstract subject - the invisible (01202) 659930 (24 HOURS) urr , By M W Dime G3PFR
. :
elecfromagnete wave Aimed at the beginner, the book with its basic approach to Approx maleiy 350 pages (each volume) Vol costs £9 99. Vol 2 and 3 cast
1
electrmagrelics. antennas, waves, propagation and constraints is a g000 starting £1499 each
Internet orders: bookstore apwpub.demon.co.uk
,cnplii TT. clear diagrams ant "-. n Ilnemahts
Morse
THE BEGINNER'S HANDBOOK OF AMATEUR RADIO
3rd Edition ELECTRONIC PROJECTS FOR YOUR PC BP320 INTRODUCING MORSE
- Aides train PW 1982 1985 48 pages £125
Ms book ',s 'a good practical introduction A varety al
lo amateur radio.
102 pages F3 95
constructional projects are included to give the beginner etcetera in designing
and building an amateur radio station Even includes valves HOW TO EXPAND MODERNISE AND REPAIR PCs AND Operating and Handbooks
398 pages £1795 COMPATIBLES 813271.
AMATEUR RADIO TECHNIQUES RSGB
ELECTRONICS SIMPLIFIED - CRYSTAL SET Areto
Pat Hawke G3VA
Recently revised. tni, - ci sever chapters dealing ven IBM PCiAls or 'clones
CONSTRUCTION BP92 :
Anyone who enjoys Pat Hawker's 'technical topics' In Rack Communcatrons will
Starting en an overvie....' PCs and hardware, before describing upgrading disks.
F A VP enjoy this book An amateur radio manual itself, this paperback book. Me 7th
video and memory. Three chapters cover repairs, building a PC from bits, and
Especially written ter those who wish to take part in basic radio building All the edition, can only be bettered by a new edition A truly excellent reference source
repent developments A gcnd grnund,ng mr1iCs
sets in the book are old designs updated with modern components It is designed 4, with a wactical bias 368 pages £950
for all ages upwards root the day when one can read intelhgently and handle
simple tools INTERFACING PCs AND COMPATIBLES BP272 ARRL HANDBOOK FOR RADIO AMATEURS 1995
711
II A ilento,o this ,s the 72nd edition of this handbook and contains the best inlormation from
previous issues. New for this edition is some information on leedback-loop design
D5 pages £3 95
HOW TO PASS THE RADIO AMATEURS' EXAMINATION to power supplies, a new gel -cell charger project, updates on antenna systems and
(RSGB) NEWNES COMPUTER ENGINEER'S POCKET BOOK new coverage of balues, propagation programs are compared and odour SS TV and
. - 71-i and George Benbow G3HB Third Edition telephone FAX machines are also covered. Finally there's a new section on Tor Me
I J, L. .o to multiple choice exams and how to study jar Men with Sample workbench win new protects for be reader to build 1214 pages £19 95
M,cride, Tuuley
RAE paper for practice plus maths revision and Now to study for the exam The
An invaluable compendium of facts. Noes, circuits and data which rs
majority of this book is given to sample examirat on paper, s- 'ha' -,:orlon can ARRL OPERATING MANUAL
indispensible to the designer student, serince engineer and all those interested in
familiarise themselves with the examiration and k. - Another very useful ARRL book Although written for the Arneran amateur, this
=puler and microcomputer systems This enlarged third edition covers a vast
88 pages £799 book el alsc be of use and interest to the UK amateur Topics cowered range from
range subrdats al a pradcal level, with the appropriate explanatory text
shed wave C ?'atIng awards to repeaters. operating and satellites
RAE MANUAL (RSGB)
-
84"3 684 pages J
G L Benbow G3HB inAMATEURS' PCs MADE EASY. Second Edition

Ire latest edition or the standard aid to studying ERAMINATicur ARRL SPREAD SPECTRUM SOURCEBOOK
.13111eS L lure,
for the Radio Amateurs' Examination Updated to MARIA. pi,dations in the
A friendly, comprehensive introduction to every personal computer including
cover the latest revisions to the syllabus Takes the
Macs' This book s packed with valuable tips on every astect of computer
'
1. 'ecilique The ten
candidate step-by-step dffougn the course crapters co,la n descriptions art Inc Meory. the designs. and the techniques
tectriciogy available today and will help you to get cconrodahle we your computer -
127 pages F799 involved. and there are basic transceiver building Mocks for your experimentation
last
360. pages £14 50
438 pages 11 5 95
RAE REVISION NOTES (RSGB)
1,,I :. COMPLETE DX'ER
I' you in studying the EMC Bob Locher
Examination this book could . This Dock covers equipment and operating techniques for the DX chaser from
summary of the salient points INTERFERENCE HANDBOOK beginner to advanced Every significant aspect of DXing is covered. from learning
Amateurs Examination Manual, the standard textbook for the exam ITS A5 size, and how to reaily listen, how to snalcn the rare ones out of the pileups and how to
tteretore can be carried with you wherever you go. Easy -to -read, its divided into 13 secure that elusive OS1 card 204 pages £795
,w CBers, TV 8 stereo owners, Types of
chapters with topics lice receivers, power supplies, measurements, operating
procedures licence conditions and a summary of the !print:lee all dealt with HINTS AND KINKS FOR THE RADIO AMATEUR
interference covered are spare discharge, electrostatic power line many 'cures' are
92 Pages £499 Edited by Charles L Hvechinson and David Newkirk
suggested
A collection DI practical ideas gleaned horn the pages of QST magazine Plenty of
250 pages £950
REVISION QUESTIONS FOR THE NOVICE RAE (RSGB) protects to build. mints and tips on interference c w and operating and snippets of
Esde Tye' GOAEC THE RADIO AMATEUR'S GUIDE TO EMC (RSGB) information ham amateurs who've tried and tested the idea 129 pages £8 95
in elect Esde Tars book caul be considered as being a training manual for the
Robin Page..
MARINE SSA OPERATION
.
N001- A -,Ad -n. c, .77 n1 ;nd !he book provides a useful reterence source
This 0:10" :vices esseir airocratic" and iead,g ton anyone who
has
J Michael Gale
--eno3) problem With Me relp of the wen -illustrated lad and
tech- How do you stay in touch when you sail oft over the Won and into the blue?
THE NOVICE LICENCE STUDENT'S NOTEBOOK lye mystery hem me troublesome cord of electromagnetic
What you need is a single sideband radio, a marines s b This book explains how
Compatibility is removed
117 pages. £7.99 the system works, now lo choose and instat your set and how to get tee best out of
i,
, tie Novice Lance it There is also a chapter on amateur radio with Pre emphasis on the Increasingly
Geeing al aspects .' 4-naleki rad o and elezttcr,s is wo_ld be useful to anyone important mailime mobile nets 96 pages £10.95
start ng nu' r amateur -rd- 0eery 'en ând pane is '01 yo,r own notes of
Historical MARINE VHF OPERATION
SHORTWAVE RADIO LISTENING FOR BEGINNERS
, fr a
-ii .:, , .-J. riff< to get off to a quick start
Edited by
A fascinating ,JJ
.-
1934 OFFICIAL SHORT WAVE RADIO MANUAL
receivers. Serynairld 1,10111-J11m

, age witn a directory of an the 1934 s *
constructional projects. circuits and ideas on
M:CriaelCe
AY I f radiotelephone 's essental equipment for any sea -going boat, but what can
you do with it, ktPci can you call and how do you make contact" Which channei do
you use and why, Mal is ter orocakee for calling another boat. calling the family
'ne7leiep hone sysrem making a distress call? This book well tell you.
in shod wave listening An excellent introduction y guide it resales in easy -to -
building vintage radio sets with modern parts
understand non -technical terms haw short wave radio works, avaiiabe equipment
260 pages El 1 60
and where to trod it, what stations can be heard and how to became a licensed radio RADIO COMMUNICATION HANDBOOK (RSGB)
amateur 6!'
THE BRIGHT SPARKS OF WIRELESS (RSGB)
176 pages E9 95 G':.
G R Jessoo G6JP
Th, s rang awaTed new ed It on has been extensively up dated and is lull 01 diagrams
This hardback book is well illustrated with some excellent photographs It pays
TRAININg_FOR THE NOVICE LICENCE A MANUAL FOR arc photographs this book s a complete handbook/reference work and protect
tribute to axl takes a good look at the personalities behind the early days of
THE INSTRUCTOR (RSGB) book a -ailed 11) one The t via innovation is that the necessary p c b templates
amateur radio and the equipment they used A good read
John Case GW4HWR
90 :ages £t250 for re lealved projects are provided at the end al Pro book making them much
Aimed at the Novice licence instruaii this martial provides the syllabus and 3, easier to wort from emir l'al c3pi r 11°0 nays 17t` Illt
excellent framework textbook to nelp novice, instructor and beginner alike !- WORLD AT THEIR FINGERTIPS (RSGB)
excellent basic reference work SETTING UP All AMATEUR RADIO STATION BP300
, the fascinating history. techniques equipment
101 pages £650 I D Poole
used and pesssralities tencid amateur radio ken the very beginnings of the hobby
Ian Poole G3VWX provides a nelptul guide for anyone setting up an amateur radio
to the late 1960s John Clarricoats G6CL
WIFB'S HELP FOR NEW HAMS (ARRL) station and covers station design construction antenna, equipment lay -out and
307 pages EEC°
Doug DeMaw WIEB the construction and use of basic test eougment and helpful on the air' operating
this book covers everything from getting acquainted with new equipment to hints 81 pages £395
constructing antennas. station layout, interference and operating problems to on
the -air conduct and procedures
coons 08 95 Maps and Log Books Packet
AMATEUR RADIO LOGBOOK (RSGB) PRACTICAL GUIDE TO PACKET OPERATION IN THE UK
Callbooks This standard spirally bound amateur radio log book has 100 pages and is marled Mike Mansfield G6AWD
out wan the faunal required in the UK Thee are columns for date, lime (UTC), Introduces the concept of packet radio to the beginner Prcecern areas are discussant
RADIO AMATEUR CALLBOOK INTERNATIONAL LISTINGS Ireddarlry 00wer wpuiedl,alled reports. OSL information and and suggestions made for solutions to minimise them Deals with the technical
1995 aspects of packet taking the reader through setting up and provides a
73rd Edition comprehensive guide to essential reMrence maleria 2211 pages £995
The only publication listing licensed radio amateurs trecughout the world. Also NORTH ATLANTIC ROUTE CHART
includes DXCC Countries list, standard time chart, beacon lists and much more this is a live -colour char; designed tor Me AEC in monitoring transatlantic lights PACKET: SPEED, MORE SPEED AND APPLICATIONS tawcv
Deer 1400 gages £20 95 Supplied folded there is a lot to see, learn and do win packet You Opel need lo be a guru to loin
740 x 520mm £6.50 in the fun This collection tit articles and updates linen ARK Computer' NeArotkog
RADIO AMATEUR CALLBOOK NORTH AMERICAN Conlerme Pmaiedings IAPR's Paler Status Register, OEX, QST ant ARRL
LISTINGS 1995 QTH LOCATOR MAP OF EUROPE Handboar promises an exerting rldr, nr Prth packereers and future packeteers
r.sa Editiar. This comprehensive map of the European callsign area has now been updated and Hang onto your seat and slart-uc ie 1 td pages E12 95
Wings of US amateurs (including Hawaii Also contains standard time chart, enhanced. This well thought cut. coloured map covers from N Africa to Iceland and
census of amateur licences of the wont! OSL bureau etc from Portugal in the west to Iran in the east Folds to it into Me 145 x 240mm clear YOUR GATEWAY TO PACKET RADIO
Over 1400 pages. £2095 envelope. Stan Horzepa WAI LOU
1080 x 680rnm £595 What is packet radio good for and what uses does it have for the 'average' amateur,
What are ptolocols? where, why. when? Lots of the mos! asked questions are
Computing RADIO AMATEURS MAP OF THE WORLD answered in this useful book k included details of nehvoncing and space
This a brightly coloured map clearly show rig callsign prefixes fon the work, and is communications using packet 278 pages. £8.95
AN INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS JP -to -date with recent European boundary changes Supplied folded in a clear
BP177 blot a wallet YOUR PACKET COMPANION
H A reurpiit Steve Ford WB81MY
Details at various types of modern and !ter applications. plus how to interconnect This American book goes to considerable lengths to explain in simple terms now
computers. moderns and the telephone system Also networkirg systems and RTTY RECEIVING STATION LOG BOOK (RSGB) the radio amateur or gel going on packet, now it works and eat the various
72 pages £2.95 £3 vii systems are There are chapters dealing with assembling a packet station, sending

and receiving packet mail and exploring advanced networking systems. Your Packet AN INTRODUCTION TO VHF/UHF FOR RADIO AMATEURS reed to be equipped like an engineering lab to be successful as an experimenter
Companion gees a long way to explain same of Ito mysteries 01 packet radio BP281 Don' 10 a lack of test equipment keep you from enjoying Be thrills of
170 pages. £5.95 o FMole experimentation 195 pages £850
An excellent took to go with the new Novice or lull caltsrgn Nine chapters and an
aeendix deal with all aspects and trequenaes horn 5010 1300MHz Topeka include
Propagation propagation. descriptions of the bands antennas receivers transmitters arid a
Data
smoke! chapter on scanners 102 pages £350
AN INTRODUCTION TO RADIO WAVE PROPAGATION ARRL ELECTRONICS DATA BOOK
BP293 VHF UHF MANUAL (RSGB) Doug DeMaw VV11 ll
G tee G R Jesse G6JP Back by popular demand uoripelely revised and expanded, this is a handy
How does Me sun and sunspots affect the propagation of the radio waves which are The 4th edition of this well known 000k a in paperback form Packed with reference book lot the r I designer, technician, amateur and experimenter Topics
Me basis of our hobby, They elect the ionosphere, but differing frequencies are information for the world of radio above 30MHz It covers everything from include components and materials, inductors and transformers. networks 8 filters
heated differently Find out how to use charts to predict frequencies Mat will be the oh I /u h I radio history and theory and propagation to projects and techniques An digital basics and antennas and transmission lines 260 pages Ea 95
most profitable What effect will nose Nye on the signal') F.nd W. with this book excellent reference source Approximately 1000 pages £1050
116 pages E3 95 ELECTRON TUBE LOCATOR
George H Fatreue
tOW P11(1f7Lf AAIATEUR RADIO - OPERATING A HAM Foisted by Antique Electronic Supply (Amore)
STATION FROM ALMOST ANYWHERE (RSGB)
Jim Kearrran KRIS
ELECTRONICS A spirally bound Opening hall style book this should prove to be of great interest
to valve collectors, historians and anyone trying to identify particular valves. The
This book delves into to the techniques of being a ridden Ham There are chapters author provides a comprehensive Psi of American and British Service valves and
on specialised equipment ccerali no techniques and antennas to care but a few 7 50 (FET) FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR PROJECTS BP39 civilian equivalents and the valve base detain are provided, with description of
you have a fascination for spy type radio equipment or like Me idea of raying a F G Payer valve type and arthough there's no comprehensive valve characteristic information,
complete hl.or v hJ. rig built in a suitcase tren this little American boar s for you 50 circuits tor the s w.l.. radio amateur. exper.menlei or audio enthusiast sing the filament voltages and currents are given in a clear and precise style Ideal for the
124 pages 05 95 lets Projects include r f amplifiers and converters, lest equipment and receiver researcrer and collector 350 pages £19 95
aids. tuners. receivers, mixers and tone controls 104 pages 02 95
SPACE RADIO HANDBOOK (RSGB) ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS
John Brariegan GMAIR. A REFERENCE GUIDE TO BASIC ELECTRONICS TERMS (TUBES & TRANSISTORS)
236 pages £1250 BP286 (Orgra Pub seers Geref a Eactr
F A Wilson Re -published by Antique Electronic Supply (Athena)
As rte title suggests, this book covers the basic terms involved in electronics and Th s stiff covered, novel -sized paperback lacsamile book is printed on goad Pallet
with its OK clear and precise explanations is a helpful guide and useful textbook and is paned throughout with information, and Mune:ton details (base pin chansl
QRP me beginner and anyone preparing Ins an marnwrin- 472 pales £5 on receiving valves special purpose valves. cathode ray tubes, thyrafrons, vidicons
and many offers (including semiconductors) Highly recommended as a valve
G-ORP CLUB CIRCUIT HANDBOOK A REFERENCE GUIDE TO PRACTICAL ELECTRONICS reference book 475 pages £9 95
TERMS BP287
is is paPertack book has been COMpl.ed nom cis:oils published in Me G-ORP Club F A Wilson FURTHER PRACTICAL ELECTRONICS
journal Sorat horn the years 1974 to 1982 Essentially it's a collection of circuits A reference guide laid out in alphabetic order with an index, this DNA provides a CALCULATIONS 6 FORMULAE 8P144
and propels Coveting everything horn recovers transmitters, aMennas and useful source for the experienced and beginner alike 431 pages 65 95 F A WI run 450 paps 14 95
accessories together with sad ORP test equipment This book is armed at the keen
constructor and provides all the information required to build the host of prowls AUDIO ELEMENTS OF ELECTRONICS - BOOK 6 BP111 NEWNES PRACTICAL RF HANDBOOK
desaibed % pages £850 F A Wilson Lan Hickman
This book studies sound and hearing. and examines Me operation of microphones. This book provides an easy -to -mad introduction to modem nit circuit design Its
QRP CLASSICS (ARRL) loudspeakers, amplifiers, oscillators and both disk and magnetic recording aimed al those learning to design r I circuitry and USK'S of r f equipment such as
Edited by Bob Schetgen Intended to give the reader a good understanding of the sublet without getting signal generators and sweecers, spectrum and network analysers
Operating 013P is fun The equipment is generally simple and easy to build, tail via erl in the es,P:Oeb) Ir,a'es) "nerny and -aMor-d) 7, 'Oh tiaOeS £395 320 MOPS £16 95
often performs like more sophisticated commercial equipment Sane ORP Field
Day stations operate a lull 27 hours on a car battery -its Me perfect equipment for BEGINNERS GUIDE TO MODERN ELECTRONIC PRACTICAL ELECTRONICS CALCULATIONS AND
emergency communication when the power tails Extracts from OST and the ARR. COMPONENTS BP285. FORMULAE BP53
Handbook F A Wilson
274 pages E9 95 rovers a wide der,. -)lern components. The basic functions of the Written as a wow.: , -anal for the electronics enthusiast. there's a strong
Csosopierils are described but al.s is not a book on electronic peony and does not practical bias and -I din mattarnancs have been avoided where possible
W1FB's QRP NOTEBOOK (ARRL) assume the reader has a, in-depth knowledge cl electronics his concerned with 249 pages £395
2nd Edition. Doug De Maw W1FEI pract,caities su .r o - trn: :rry, lumbers and suitability
The new improved and updated 2nd edition of this book, covers the introduction to 166 pages i PRACTICAL ELECTRONIC DESIGN DATA BP316
ORP. construction methods. receivers and transmitters for ORP This workshop Owen Bishop
notebook style publication. wfich ro packed with neri designs for the keen ORP CIRCUIT SOURCE BOOK 1 - BP321 In essence this book 1 It pt. isis; !co:, s' Sospner s C)..rIc,no
operator, also covers techniques, accessories and has a small technical reference R A Penloo information, connection data and back-up information complete with an ma.
Sent on Written to no s is umomiuirim I° your own electronic designs by 32' oedes E4 95
combining and using the various standard bui.ding biock' circuits provided Deals
amp inors voltage cmnpar loss en 182 pages £495 RADIO AMATEUR AND LISTENER'S DATA HANDBOOK
GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR MUL TIMETER BP239
CIRCUIT SOURCE BOOK 2 - BP322 t° - ,nique collect r. and intriguing data for both the traditional and
iDivalm is primarily aimed a' en: _mm s c :us s ;Sal adio amateur as ros the hightech listener Familar radio topics are
men meters and their respective limitations All rinds e:eszing .5 mai red too Comp !mental), It CniOurt SOuiCe book I, neips you male and experiment with covered abbreviations and codes. symbols, lormula and frequencies while the
No previous knowledge is required or assumed 102 pages £2 95 your own electronic designs by combining and using the various standard tuild.ng retied features of the hobby radio world decoding. airband. maritime, packet, slow
block' circuits provided Covers signal generation power supplies and diodel scar- nr- sie se ' in '247 castes V tit 95
HANDS-ON GUIDE TO OSCILLOSCOPES electronics, etc 214 pages £495
RCA RECEIVING TUBE MANUAL
Covers aspeuls or osoillussupe use. Ins boom .s sinned at the novice and FILTER HANDBOOK - A Practical Design Guide long na PuOl.sners 9,00 , C ratan DI Arne -rod)
assumes a minimum of previous knowledge and snould be 01 use to engineers, Stefan thernakenski Re -published by Antique Electronic Supply (AliZOnai
scientists and electronic enthusiasts .31 kp II yrn._ have an oscilloscope this book is a A practicer book describing the design process as applied to filters of all types This novel -sized stiff covered paperback book is absolutely fascinating for anyone
muSt. 228 pages El 7 95 Includes practical examples and BASIC programs Topics include passive and interested in varies, In reality its a designer's handbook with poled details
ewe filters, worked examples of filter design. switched capacitor and switched characteristic curves. information are descriptions of typical applications for each
HOW TO USE OSCILLOSCOPES & OTHER TEST resister fillers and includes a compreroansve catalogue of pre-calcuiated tables valve listed. Ifs even got a section showing receiver circuits and applications
EQUIPMENT BP267 195 pages £3000 Excelent reading and relerenre. 384 pages E9 95
Hints and ideas on hue Is sse Igoe lest equiprrenl you rave. to check out. or fault NEWNES AUDIO AND HI -Fl ENGINEER'S POCKET BOOK RCA TRANSMITTING TUBES
find on electronic carrels Many diagrams of typical waveforms and circuits, Second Edition (Original Publisher Radio Corporation of America)
rr; la 1. expect with party ar faults or Vivian Carel Re published by Antique Electronic Supply (Arizona)
A connote collection of practical and (elevent data for anyone working on sound This is a stiff covered papetacked novel -sized book And II you've got an interest in
systenks The topics covered include micrenores, gramophones compact discs transmitting with valves this is a useful reference source foe -valves up to 4kW
MORE ADVANCED TEST EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTION tape recordinghign quality radio, amplifiers, loudspeakers and pubic address input The RCA authors have included some interesting practical circuits using heir
B 210 pages £1095 valves, including some for s s b v h I and others Highly recommended reference
R A Penfold source 318 pages E9 95
A follow on from Test Equipment Construction 03P248I tn,s book looks at digital NEWNES ELECTRONICS ENGINEER'S POCKET BOOK
methods DI measuring resistance. voltage current capacitance and Irequency Also
covered a lasting sert-conduttors, along with test gear for general radio related ..1 ecaurne is packed with iclouratiun *Nob everyone involved
topics 102 pages 43 50 mi )
' 7 indispendabe This pock is an invaluable cOMPerldium of
Projects
aar. rrn Mr,-.rin- non students and service personel
MORE ADVANCED USES OF THE MULTIMETER 8P265 wit' 306 pages Et) 95 COIL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MANUAL BP160
B B. Babani 106 n..
Tr.is bock is prima' y l',!encled as a It Ow to 1343239, Getting tê most ham POWER SUPPLY PROJECTS BP76
your Muff merter By using the leeches described in this book you can lest and R A Reinhold HOW TO DESIGN AND MAKE YOUR OWN PCBs BP121
analyse the performance of a range 01 components with lust a multi -meter (plus a This book gives a nu, supply designs including simple unstabiliSed R A Penfold
very few inexpensive components in some cases). The simple add-ans described types hiked voltage regulated types and variable voltage stabilised designs. The purpose of this book s rarrii iarise me redder with both sImple and more
extend the capabilities of a multi -meter to make it even mare useful 89 Pares £2 50 sophisticated methods of piodun.rig pcbs The emphasis nt Me nook is very much
ta.ses F3 on the practice' ' ' :: ).r E2 50
PRACTICAL ELECTRONIC FILTERS BP299
PRACTICAL TRANSMITTERS FOR NOVICES MORE ADVANCED POWER SUPPLY PROJECTS BP192
John Case GW411WR A user.11 erereduchun to die complex world or filters arc their design where the A A Pentold
Trims book contains a selection of 'easy to build' transmitter designs which are author avoids tne maternarioai acornach The dewy of fillers. their design and a The practical and theoretical aspects 0) the crcuits are coveted in some detail
suitable 'or the UK Novice bands (including microwaves) Although the book is l'r 11,1s are provided. 189 pages £495 Topics include siva., A.' racking
primarily aimed at Novices it should also interest any amateur who is building regulators and on-
transmitters for the lust time. Chapters include Methods of construction Amplifiers PRACTICAL ELECTRONICS
and lifters, Tools and how to use them and Suppliers of components and many HANDBOOK PROJECTS FOR RADIO AMATEURS AND SWLS BP304
more 126 pages £9.00
IT 11 I NEW
tan S
the oesi ma um idbook on electronics you can buy.
Illy I ki Ira S.r.ry rrorrn --) -,-,..chOn and use of radio frequency and
TEST EQUIPMENT FOR THE RADIO AMATEUR SO clams the sleeve notes or the 4th edition They're not 111 \ 111(1111k intermediate 'requenca projects and a.,dio trequenCy violets Under the lust
Clive Smith G4F /H far of the mark either. the volume covers a wide range treading ideas .nopde a orysta! calibrator an antenna turnng unit, a wave trap, a
In its 3rd edition. this Onto On.y.do..) "s,y eum, of5miet proleol designs of disc.plines These include passive and alive discrete b f o and '4' On the audio Side propels include a ban:Mass filter
-
for !he !ado amateur. complete with p c c template 6n the rear a'the book) Areas components c s both analogue and digital !eluding a by -pas! n r.-
decoder ark many other practical ideas and
covered include current and voltage measurements osci loscopes frequency, r f WI) and D/A Microprocessor and systems Much .7:1 92 Pages £3 95
antenna and transmission lire measurements reference data is also included. A book worthy of space
170 pages £900 In you.] hrasy 439 pages F13 95 SHORT WAVE SUPERHET RECEIVER CONSTRUCTION
BP276
TEST EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTION
BP248. R.A.Penfold "..""S 1,15E'l bold 'rum antenna 'n augur. described in
VHF Describes, in detail how to construct some simple and inexcenSive. at extremely
useful, pieces of test equipment. Shipboard layouts are provided for all designs
ALL ABOUT VHF AMATEUR RADIO logether with wiring diagrams where appropriate plus notes on their construction
SIMPLE SHORT WAVE RECEIVER CONSTRUCTION
W I Orr W6SAI and use 104 pages E2 95
BP275
Written in non -technical language. r s mites information covering
important aspects of irh I. radio and tells you where you can find additional data If WIFB's DESIGN NOTEBOOK (ARRL) Bacre rosu..15 rig pruieols and Iasi-alias, :he aurcor pro oes essential
you have a scanner, you'll find a lot of interesting signals in the huge span of Doug DeMAW WIFB information on theory, propagation receiver designs and techniques Finally, the
frequencies covered. 100-300MHz 850. 420, 932 6 1250MHz bands this book is aimed at the non -technical amateur who wants to build simple protects author provides design for arid describes the construction of practical receivers.
163 pages CI 50 and obtain a basic understanding of amateur electronics Your workshop does not 88 pages. £3.95

ENDN'TES The receiving side of the amateur radio hobby is not often the
focus of attention in PW, so this month the Editorial team hope
we've redressed that situation! In particular, I feel that Ian
Poole's article 'Design Dilemmas' will go a long way in helping
anyone thinking of designing their own receiver for the first
time.
Dave Howes G4KQH has come up trumps with the PW Daventry
receiver design. Anyone wishing to learn and apply the various techniques
behind receiver development, can enjoy themselves and get on (to my
favourite band!) 7MHz to good advantage with minimal outlay.
Regular readers of PW's 'Bargain Basement' section will also notice
we've now included some more advice and requirements for intending
advertisers. The notice is also aimed at helping everyone to get the best service out of a popular reader service. A large amount of amateur
radio equipment 'circulates' within the hobby and this helps many a beginner. It also helps you to raise ready cash to re -invest! So, please take
care in composing you advert and follow the guidelines to help us to provide the best reader service possible.
Next month, in our November issue we've got our `DX Special' theme and there's some fascinating tales waiting to be told! So, until then,
good reading and good listening!
RoIpX1:0
Binders
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Queries:
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silver can be supplied. The price for either type of binder is E5.50 each If1 P&P for one. E2 for two or
morel
Send all orders to PW Publishing Ltd., FREEPOST, Arrowsmith Court, Station Approach, Broadstone,
Practical Wireless, Dorset BH18 8PW
PW Publishing Ltd., Arrowsmith Court,
Station Approach,
Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8PW.
Constructional Projects
Components for PWprorects are usually readily available from component suppliers. For unusual or
specialised components, a source or sources will be quoted.
We will elways try to help readers having dtfficulbes with Practical Were/ass project, but please note the Each constructional project is given a rating to guide readers as to the complexity.
following simple rules: Spinner: A project that can be tackled by a beginner who is able to identify components and handle a
1, We cannot deal with technical queries over the telephone. soldering iron.
2: We cannot give advice on modifications either to our designs. to commercial radio. TN/ or electronic Intssmothato: A fair degree of experience of building radio or electronic projects is assumed, but only
equipment. basic test equipment will be needed to complete any tests and adjustments.
3. All letters asking for advice must be accompanied by a stamped sell -addressed envelope for envelope Advanced: A project likely to appeal to the experienced constructor. Access to workshop facilities and
plus IRCs for overseas readers) test equipment will often be required. Definitely not for the beginner to attempt without assistance.
Make sure you describe the problem adequately, with as much detail as you can possibly supply.
5: Only one problem per letter please.
Back Numbers Mail Order

All items from PW are available Mail Order, either by post or using the 24hr Meil Order Hotline 1012021
Limited stocks of many issues of PIN for past years are available at E2.00 each including post and packing. 659930. Payment should be by cheque, postal order, money order or credit card (Mastercard and Visa
If the issue you want is not available. we can photocopy a specific article at a cost of E1.50 per article or only). All payments Malt be in sterling and oversees orders must be drawn on a London Clearing Bank -
part of article.
Over the years, PW has reviewed many items of radio related equipment. A list of all the available reviews
and their cost can be obtained born the Editorial Offices at Arrowsmith Court, Station Approach.
Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8PW for a large stamped see -addressed envelope.
DISTANCE IS NO OBJECT
DoWI-
-ONNOS
AL ill IN NOVEMBER'S PIM
2
owl
OCTOB YOUR
PEACEYt 'DXpertise With Devereux'
Mike Devereux G3SED takes time off from Nevada Communications to share
0110E111°1i" his world-wide travels with the Camel Trophy DXpeditions.
Bru"ing The 100 n 111 e r
Join well known DXer Chris Page 64BUE as he describes how you break
the 100 countries barrier and go on to the coveted 'Honor Roll' when you
work 300 DX countries.
Build The High Fly ,illtenn
You too can work that DX when Mot Goom 6411MW describes his
successful shortened dipole system.
lex
PW's Tex Swann G1TEX has been on holiday with the FT -TOR hand-held
transceiver and describes his experiences while reviewing two interesting
alternatives from Taesu.
,1 IIIU:.
Regular PW author Leighton Smart GWOLBI goes mobile in the Welsh
Valleys with a friend to review the FT -8500 v.h.th.h.f. transceiver.
2/au woot 1 have to Aatiel jai La /zeal the PW 1.25Z Special :/

YOUR LOCAL DEALERS
SURREY MID GLAMORGAN YORKSHIRE YAESU LONDON
Chris Rees SANDPIPER '1.C
Locate
C;LITUX COMMUNICATIONS Kenwood
The QRP Component Company Unit 5. Enterprise House. Cwmbach Communications Ltd
PO Box 88 Haslemere Surrey Gl127 2RF Industrial Estate. Aberdare. Alan Hooker 23 BOUSFIEI.D ROAD. NEW CROSS.
Tel: (01428) 641771 Mid Glamorgan CF44 OAE LomsoN SE 1 4 51'P
Fax: 101428) 661794 Tel: 1016851 870425
Radio Communications Independent Radio Engineers
Stockists of: Fax:(016851 876104 42. Netherhall Road, Doncaster We can maintain any of the (flIliiking amateur
TAO NIIIMCI11. mobile mho ,),Icmk and IBM PEAlone
/ Howes Kits Jones Keys A full range of transmitting & receiving Tel: (01302) 325690 computers
Vargarda Aerials antennas available for the amateur open Mon -Sat 10-5 pm Tel: 0171-732 8319
/ Bits n'pieces! r
Lists commercial market. Closed Thursdays Fax: 0171-652 5796
KENT SCOTLAND KENT tr3= SCOTLAND
WANTED
We BUY and SELL attain .% used
JAYCEE KANGA PRODUCTS TENNAMAST
Amateur Radio's ELECTRONICS LTD For QRP kits SCOTLAND
Send an SAE for our list or telephone for 20 Woodside Was, Gkirothes, Fife 101 51:11:
a quote on your unwanted equipment. A variety of kits for RECEIVERS. Masts from 25ft 40ft
Tel:1015921756962 (Day or Night)
ou.H-o". K 131-11,1X1 sunin .1 Anson. Fax No.1015921610451
TRANSMITTERS & TEST GEAR.
Adapt -A -Mast
KP Trading, Seaview House Open: Tues-Fri 9-5) Sal 9.4 Send an AS SAF. fi* gPee rI pi' r,J win t dialogue
Crete Road East, Folkestone CT18 7EG KENSVOOD. YAESU a ICOM APPROVED DEALERS Seai leo House, Crete Road East
Tan 01303 891106 A good stock of new and secondhand lolkestoocallI7E6 1015051503824
4KP Truth, r, v wirtuban el KANGA PROIWCIS, equipment always in stock lean A131049114 ISISIMA SI Slain. Road. Ruth. %rhire. k %15 2111
NORTHWEST AVON/SOMERSET SOUTHAMPTON
ARC Ltd. C. B.RETAIL

RADIO SMC Ltd
Everything for the radio SEND LARGE STAMPED ADDRESSED COMMUNICATIONS Main Dealer tor: Yaesu.
ENVELOPE FOR INFORMATION Kenwood, Icom AOR &
amateur under one roof! OR £2.99 FOR CATALOGUE We stock all makes or equipment
36 Bridge Street, Earlestown, TRADE for the Amateur and Listener. Cushcraft
Newton -le -Willows, MANUFACTUREFISAMPORTERS OF Part Exchange Welcome SM House. School Close. Chandlers Ford
ALL MOONRAKER PRODUCTS
Merseyside WA12 9BA 970415-100
TRADE ENOOR,FS ATI COMF Industrial Estate. Eostleigh.
int 6 Work Industrial Centro Cokcr Road.
Tel: 01925 229881 110011111AKER (UK) LTD. UNIT 12
CRANFIELD ROAD UNITS. CRANFIELD ROAD Work. Westcm-Super-Mare BS22 DBX Hampshire SO5 3BY
WOBURN SANDS BUCKS MCI? 80. Tel: 1017031 255111
Fax: 01925 229882 TEL (01908) 281705 FAX (019081 281706 Tel/Fax: (019341 512757 Fax: 1017031 2635071
The international group for all WEATHER SATELLITE enthusiasts ELECTRONICS Phone for a
most courteous quotation
RIG publishes a quarterly Journal containing many images from
space. some in colour Orbital elements and predictions Articles VALVES 081-743 0899
about the interpretation of weather images. equipment
construction and software and all the news of weather satellites. & SEMICONDUCTORS Fax: 081-749 3934
RIG supplies (to members only) receivers etc at a discount
Remolc Irdg, c; Or .r.Jc shareware of relevant programs images on disk and CD-ROM We are one of the largest stockists of valves etc, in the U.K.
Send for free information Pack (UK readers SAE please) to - 170 GOLDHAWK ROAD
RIG -Pa. PO Box 142 R1CKMANSWORTH Herts WD3 4RO, England COLOMOR (ELECTRONICS) LTD. LONDON W12 8HJ
Index to Advertisers
AH Supplies 52 Howes. CM 44 RAS Nottingham 52
AKD 38 Icom UK cover iii Remote Imaging Group 68
ARC Ltd 47 Interconnections 51 Robinson Marshall 5
Castle Electronics 52 J & P Electronics 61 RSGB 51
Chevet Books 47 J Birkett 61 SGC Ltd 4
Cirkit 4 Lake Electronics 52 Short Wave Magazine 61
Coastal Comms 38 Langrex Supplies 52 SMC Ltd 2/3
Colomor 68 Lentini Comms 52 Suredata 61
Cricklewood Electronics 47 Lowe Electronics 6/7 Thames Valley Rally 47
Datong Electronics 51 Maplin Electronics cover iv Waters & Stanton 28/29

G3RCQ 61 Martin Lynch 34/35 Wimborne Publishing 8
Haydon Comms 14/15 Monitoring Times 44 Yaesu UK Cover ii

0
IC-VV3IE
4
LL
Latest compact fistful

Dual -band performance -
Up for grabs now!
he IC-W31E offers outstanding performance and
features in a surprisingly compact package. On offer
I I i' 11 I are; dual -band operation, numerous memories
drITI
I I
alphanumeric display and much more. This handheld
truly lives up to the phrase "good things come in small
11111 II I
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T ' I packages':
Slim compact dimensions unlike other bulky dual-
band handhelds.
Memories can be displayed by frequency or channel
number with dependable EEPROM memory back-up.
2 dials give independent tuning of VHF and UHF
bands.
The alphanumeric display can also be used to create
CD - =
DTMF Tx or Rx messages up to 6 characters for simple
paging.
111/.11U
MOS-FET power module voltage readout multiple

4111-5
CTTMF
VIM CIL power -save.
3 levels of power output.
V/V U/U or V/U main/sub band operation.
O 0
TIMM PaRiCSOL
Accepts 4.5 to 16 volts DC. external power supply.

O Full crossband duplex operation.
O O 50 frequency CTCSS encode as standard.
6 DTMF memories with up to 30 digits each.
"o ra Comes complete with operational accessories
antenna, charger etc.
ICOM manufacture a full range of base -stations, mobiles and handheld

transceivers and receivers to cover all popular Ham frequencies... and beyond.
o matter what your requirements, ICOM have radio for yo
utho eater contact:
Icom (UK) Ltd. Sea Street Herne Bay Kent CT6 8LD.
General Operator: 01227 743000. Sales & Service: 01227 741741. Fax: 01227 741742.
With over 14,000 products
the new Maplin Catalogue
is now bigger than ever
THE EIFFEL TOWER THE NEW MAPLIN CATALOGUE

Built in 1889 by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, Built in 1995 by Maplin, the new catalogue is
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order direct NOW on 01702 554161
Catalogue Mail order Price £3.45 (inc p&p). Prices depicted are from the 1996 Maplin Catalogue and are inclusive of VAT.
All items are subject to availability. E & OE. Maplin Electronics, P 0. Box 3, Rayleigh, Essex, England SS6 EILR.

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What are the main features of the Yaesu FT-8500 radio?

What are the main features of the Yaesu FT-8500 radio?

What technologies does the Spectra-Analyzer display?

What technologies does the Spectra-Analyzer display?

THE UK'S BEST SELLING MAGAZINE FOR AMATEUR R

changed an industry so dramatically. 2m RX: 110-174 MHz

Packet with 6 -pin connections and Time-out Timer (TOT)

MNU/wHirE Button MSG Button

isn't the only engineering advancement.

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISEMENT

Rob Mannion G3XFD

Practical Wireless, October 1995 1

Latest models from

YAESU TM -255E list £949 our price £829

FT -840 list £959 our price £819

IC-775DSP list £3699 our pnce £3239

2 Practical Wireless, October 1995

1762 17-ele 2 m Yagi £169.00

VHF UHF TRANSCEIVERS

mr."..ian Serene STOCKS LAST Carr

'Used equipment index: PX = Shouthamptom BX = Birmingham AX = London RX = Axminster LX = Leeds

Practical Wireless, October 1995 3

ir tcs, equip,..., kits

Practical Wireless,October 1995

MIXED -MODE SIMULATION.

Design and Verify

Incredibly Powerful. Incredibly Affordable.

Elc Edit Sinn! Window

Order Now! Just £199*

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YORKSHIRE SOUTH WEST -1 EAST ANGLIA SEE US ON THE WEB!

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You can become a repair expert

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8 Practical Wireless, October 1995

Send your entry (photocopies acceptable with corner flash) to:

Practical Wireless, October 1995

Antennas & Small Garden

Digital only using the values 0 to 90°

10 Practical Wireless, October 1995

yesterday and on the

Resin & Hardener Remover

Practical Wireless, October 1995 11

12 Practical Wireless, October 1995

Tennamast Trophy & Frank Hall GM8BZX

Practical Wireless, October 1995 13

SALE PRICE £725 FT-290RII HF-150 Ex -demo £369.95

PHONE FOR DETAILS

PWR, AVE/PEP for SSB 3) Meter illumination COAX SWITCHES TSA-6602

WE STOCK THE LARGEST RANGE OF SCANNERS IN THE UK

WHEN EVERYONE AROUND US ARE PUTTING PRICQS UP,

SALES PHONE -0181-951 5781/2 1,

132 High Street, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 TEL

Practical Wireless, October 1995 15

Historic Fear The insight into radio

16 Practical Wireless, October 1995

'Receive' A Super Superhet Book

Practical Wireless, October 1995