Date: Tue, 21 Dec 93 20:04:38 PST From: Info-Hams Mailing List and Newsgroup Errors-To: Info-Hams-Errors@UCSD.Edu Reply-To: Info-Hams@UCSD.Edu Precedence: Bulk Subject: Info-Hams Digest V93 #1492 To: Info-Hams Info-Hams Digest Tue, 21 Dec 93 Volume 93 : Issue 1492 Today's Topics: "Young" Enthusiast here * Need help with interference problem! * Designations for microwave bands? Don't try this at home FTP Sites, BBS Ham ticket (3 msgs) heathkit support? HELP with KLM Beam ??? Mod for Icom IC449A needed Morse Code blues need comments on MFJ antennas and accessories (2 msgs) Order Pizza by Internet Send Replies or notes for publication to: Send subscription requests to: Problems you can't solve otherwise to brian@ucsd.edu. Archives of past issues of the Info-Hams Digest are available (by FTP only) from UCSD.Edu in directory "mailarchives/info-hams". We trust that readers are intelligent enough to realize that all text herein consists of personal comments and does not represent the official policies or positions of any party. Your mileage may vary. So there. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1993 22:38:19 GMT From: newshub.nosc.mil!crash!news.sprintlink.net!direct!indirect.com!aardvark@network.ucsd.edu Subject: "Young" Enthusiast here To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Don't worry, there are some young enthusiasts out here...I just passed, and I'm 15 years old. I'm a nocode right now, but I'm upgrading this summer...hopefully to an advanced or extra. --Aardvark --aardvark@indirect.com ------------------------------ Date: 20 Dec 93 16:31:49 EST From: library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!news.ans.net!malgudi.oar.net!ucbeh!armogicl@network.ucsd.edu Subject: * Need help with interference problem! * To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Howdy! I was referred to this newsgroup because of the nature of my problem: Does anyone know of a way to remedy this problem? When I turn on my guitar amp, I get radio interference coming out of it (I can make out the songs perfectly - quite annoying and embarrasing!!) So, is there a way to "filter" this garbage out? Also, the interference intensifies as the reverb is turned up. ANY help would be appreciated! -- -Chris ------------------------- armogicl@ucbeh.san.uc.edu cla@iti-oh.com ------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: 21 Dec 93 22:11:13 GMT From: ogicse!hp-cv!hp-pcd!hpcvsnz!tomb@network.ucsd.edu Subject: Designations for microwave bands? To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Bruce Toback (btoback@netcom.com) wrote: : I've looked everywhere but in the right place, and I can't find a list of : the alphabetic designations for microwave bands and the frequencies they : represent (e.g., Ku-band, C-band, etc.). : Can anyone tell me where I can find such a list? I've been able to get Sams' "Reference Data for Engineers" has such a list in the seventh edition on pg 1-4. For example, X band is 5.20GHz to 10.90GHz, K band is 10.9 to 36 (with Ku at 17.25). A footnote says C band includes Sz through Xy, or 3.90 to 6.20GHz. (This book has, IMHO, a _lot_ of pretty accessible information, though I've found the filters section to have become somewhat more cryptic in the current edition than in previous editions. Previously it was called "Reference Data for Radio Engineers," and still has a fairly strong "radio" flavor.) ------------------------------ Date: 22 Dec 93 01:00:11 GMT From: ogicse!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!gatech!mailer.acns.fsu.edu!freenet.scri.fsu.edu!twright@network.ucsd.edu Subject: Don't try this at home To: info-hams@ucsd.edu gary@ke4zv.atl.ga.us (Gary Coffman) writes: > In article djadams@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (david jerome adams) writes: > > > >Greetings! Let's just imagine that you are tooling around on 80m one > >evening and come across a very faint signal which sounds like it just ended > >a cq call with /qrp. Let's just suppose that you are seized with the desire > >to work this station, so you through on your phones (stereo so all sound goes > >through one ear piece only) and you turn the af and rf gain all the way up > >so that you can hear the signal better....now, just as you are straining to > >the utmost to make out the final letter in the call, let's just say your wife > >is in the kitchen and decides to make some cookies....and, as a result, turns > >on the hand mixer... > > > >When you regain consciousness, you'll have to mention to your dear xyl that > >the noise level coming out of that thing takes the needle off the scale... > >OW..... > > Back in the old days, this used to be a problem for me too. So let > me pass on a tip. Wire back to back diodes across the headphones. > For the older 2,000 ohm phones single diodes worked well, for the > newer low impedance phones you may want to try low threshold germanium > diodes. The idea is to make a limiter that normally doesn't > conduct, but when a sudden loud noise comes along it will clamp > the signal to a tolerable level. > > This also has another side effect that you may or may not like. When > you transmit, the diodes act as an untuned crystal set. For my old > AM rig, I could monitor my transmissions nicely. With Morse, you'd > get the click clack of a telegraph sounder. Donald Duck would still > sound like Donald Duck. > > Gary > -- > Gary Coffman KE4ZV | I kill you, | gatech!wa4mei!ke4zv!gary > Destructive Testing Systems | You kill me, | uunet!rsiatl!ke4zv!gary > 534 Shannon Way | We're the Manson Family | emory!kd4nc!ke4zv!gary > Lawrenceville, GA 30244 | -sorry Barney | My cure to this problem a few years ago was to take the mixer away from the wife. This still works great today. HI HI!! Merry Christmas to everyone of us. Tim KD4OVM -- ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1993 23:16:05 GMT From: news@lanl.gov Subject: FTP Sites, BBS To: info-hams@ucsd.edu This has probably been asked a million jillion times, but: Is there a list of FTP sites and BBS's which archive radio related items such as software, modifications, homebrew designs etc. ? ======================================================================= David R. Wolf wolf@lanl.gov LANL, MS P940, 87545 (505) 667-3813 ======================================================================= ------------------------------ Date: 21 Dec 93 20:45:30 GMT From: ogicse!news.tek.com!gvgpsa.gvg.tek.com!gold.gvg.tek.com!gvgadg.gvg.tek.com!groverc@network.ucsd.edu Subject: Ham ticket To: info-hams@ucsd.edu In article <9312172309.A8344wk@hofbbs.com>, writes: > > DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW IF FCC HAS STOPPED PROCESSING LICENSES. I AM STILL > WAITING SINCE 11/9/93 FOR MY TICKET TO ARRIVE AND I AM GROWING IMPATIENT. > ALL REPLIES WELCOME!!! > 73 Patience, patience my son. It shall surely soon be revealed unto you. If you were good, maybe in time for Christmas. 73 Grover WT6P ------------------------------ Date: 21 Dec 1993 18:53:21 GMT From: noc.near.net!transfer.stratus.com!sw.stratus.com!fms@uunet.uu.net Subject: Ham ticket To: info-hams@ucsd.edu In article <9312172309.A8344wk@hofbbs.com>, artie.uberti@hofbbs.com writes: > > DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW IF FCC HAS STOPPED PROCESSING LICENSES. I AM STILL > WAITING SINCE 11/9/93 FOR MY TICKET TO ARRIVE AND I AM GROWING IMPATIENT. > ALL REPLIES WELCOME!!! > 73 > Given that it's been only 6 weeks since you took your exam, I'd say kick back, relax, and stop pestering your mailman! :-) We generally tell folks that the wait is about 8-10 weeks (though it might be less, if the FCC is feeling fairly efficient -- don't count on it, though). Given that Thanksgiving happened between now and then, and given the upcoming Christmas holidays, I'd say it's going to be closer to 10. Also, don't bother calling the FCC until 90 days have passed -- they'll only tell you to wait until 90 days have passed. And they can't tell you anything about your application unless they've actually processed it -- which only happens about 3 days before you receive it in the mail. BTW, I am assuming that the 11/9/93 you mention is November 9th, not September 11th. If it's actually supposed to be September, then call your VE team, ask which VEC they sent your forms to, and call that VEC immediately! If it's November, then relax, you've still got a few weeks to wait. Yup, I know it's tough -- I think my mailman is still a bit traumatized from when I was waiting for mine, and that was 2-1/2 years ago! :-) 73 de Faith N1JIT -- Faith M. Senie InterNet: fms@vos.stratus.com Stratus Computer, Inc. InterNet: fms@hoop.sw.stratus.com 55 Fairbanks Blvd. Pkt Radio: n1jit@wa1phy.ma.usa.na Marlboro, MA 01752 Phone: (508)460-2632 Curiosity doesn't flourish among the burned-out... ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1993 18:46:37 GMT From: netcomsv!netcom.com!n1ist@decwrl.dec.com Subject: Ham ticket To: info-hams@ucsd.edu In article <9312172309.A8344wk@hofbbs.com> artie.uberti@hofbbs.com writes: -DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW IF FCC HAS STOPPED PROCESSING LICENSES. I AM STILL -WAITING SINCE 11/9/93 FOR MY TICKET TO ARRIVE AND I AM GROWING IMPATIENT. Unfortunately, processing a new license has been taking 8-10 weeks. Please be patient. /mike (BTW, try lower case. No need to shout :-) -- \|/ Michael L. Ardai N1IST Teradyne ATG Boston --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- /|\ ardai@maven.dnet.teradyne.com n1ist@netcom.com ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1993 04:54:30 GMT From: sdd.hp.com!col.hp.com!fc.hp.com!keith@network.ucsd.edu Subject: heathkit support? To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Is there any source available for finding parts replacements for Heathkip products? Has anyone picked up customer support for old heathkits? John Keith keith@fc.hp.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1993 17:09:41 GMT From: news.service.uci.edu!usc.edu!wupost!udel!darwin.sura.net!fconvx.ncifcrf.gov!mack@network.ucsd.edu Subject: HELP with KLM Beam ??? To: info-hams@ucsd.edu In article <2f5u5d$iku@sousa.ako.dec.com> segrest@bobseg.enet.dec.com () writes: >I have is a KLM 440-10X >beam. >I don't know how to hook the coax up to this beast. > It sounds like you have a KLM with the two element log-periodic feed. These are supposed to (and may actually have) a wider bandwidth than a regular yagi feed. I have several of these at 2m. The feed point is 200ohms balanced. It sounds like you are missing the balun. No problem. You need a connector mounted to the boom (electrically) via a thick strap (say 1/8" Al sheet), bent to fit the boom (recommend N connector). You need 1/2wavelngth of coax (any impedance - suggest RG-141, it's the hard copper outer teflon diellectric coax - it's 0.141" in diam - you can solder the outsdie of the coax). Drill two of the holes in the coax connector out to fit the coax (need a plated brass N connector for this). FOrm the coax into a hair pin and solder the ends of the coax into the connector. Join the center pin of the connector to the center conductor of one side of the hairpin. tThe balnun output - the two ends of the center conductor of the coax hairpin - is 200 ohms balanced. Join these to your feed point. Give me a call if you have trouble Joe NA3T mack@ncifcrf.gov (301)-402-4573 (w) ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1993 05:06:43 GMT From: netcomsv!netcom.com!n1ist@decwrl.dec.com Subject: Mod for Icom IC449A needed To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Greetings. I recently picked up an Icom IC449A 440 MHz mobile rig, and have found out that you need to perform the 'Out of band xmit' mod in order to transmit in the 430-440 MHz portion of the Ham band. Unfortunately, Icom refuses to give any info on this mod, since it would also let you transmit outside the Ham band. The mod listed in the Pink Artsci book (or in the schematic supplied with the radio) doesn't match the actual PCB, and doesn't work. In my radio, only diode D5 is loaded. This setup is identical to that of the IC229H, but that mod (clip D5, add a solder bridge accros two pads) doesn't work. Any ideas? The serial number is 0171X if that makes a difference. Thanks. /mike -- \|/ Michael L. Ardai N1IST Teradyne ATG Boston --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- /|\ ardai@maven.dnet.teradyne.com n1ist@netcom.com ------------------------------ Date: 21 Dec 93 10:50:23 GMT From: ogicse!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!cbr600@network.ucsd.edu Subject: Morse Code blues To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Hello all. Just had my first bad experience as a Tech plus licensee. Went up to KSUARC's club shack to see if 10M was open...it wasn't (or if it was, noone was listening), so I decided to practice a little bit of code live. Dropped down to 15 meters, threw out the following: CQ CQ CQ DE N0YAX N0YAX N0YAX QRS K I put the QRS in there so hams would know I had trouble copying code, and would send slower. I did that about 3 times, and this guy comes back at about 18 wpm all I could catch was N0YAX DE and from there lost it totally. I kept on trying to copy it, but finally got so frustrated that I just said forget it and left. What's the use of getting on the code bands if noone is going to send slow enough to copy it? I need lots of spacing, because I'm so new to morse I need time to hear the character and recognize it...It doesn't come automatically yet. I thought the Novice code bands were so people could build up their code skills by actually using it. How are we supposed to do that if no one will drop their code down to our level? Come on guys, help out us new ppl struggling with the code! 73's everyone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jeremy L. Utley | jlu@cygnus.cis.ksu.edu Computing & Infomation Sciences | cbr600@matt.ksu.ksu.edu Student | cbr600@ksuvm.bitnet Kansas State University | bxth85a (Prodigy) A.S. Comp. Sci. & Acctg. | N0YAX@N0OER.#NEKS.KS.USA.NA (Packet Radio) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ Date: 21 Dec 93 13:43:37 GMT From: ogicse!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!gatech!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!not-for-mail@network.ucsd.edu Subject: need comments on MFJ antennas and accessories To: info-hams@ucsd.edu I need a 2m mobile antenna and like to get comments about the MFJ 5/8 wave magnet mount antenna MFJ-1728B ($25). Also, is the MFJ J Pocket Rollup antenna any good ($15)? how about telescopic antennas for HT (MFJ-1714, $17) ? how does this compare to the AEA hot rod ($25) ? are the MFJ speaker mikes for HTs good ? please email replies if possible. thanks in advance. happy holidays jerry ------------------------------ Date: 21 Dec 93 13:53:12 GMT From: ogicse!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!not-for-mail@network.ucsd.edu Subject: need comments on MFJ antennas and accessories To: info-hams@ucsd.edu I need a 2m mobile antenna and like to get comments about the MFJ 5/8 wave magnet mount antenna MFJ-1728B ($25). Also, is the MFJ J Pocket Rollup antenna any good ($15)? how about telescopic antennas for HT (MFJ-1714, $17) ? how does this compare to the AEA hot rod ($25) ? are the MFJ speaker mikes for HTs good ? please email replies if possible. thanks in advance. happy holidays jerry ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1993 06:09:52 GMT From: netcomsv!netcom.com!jfh@decwrl.dec.com Subject: Order Pizza by Internet To: info-hams@ucsd.edu randy@cyphyn.radnet.com (Randy) wrote: >The guy who maintains the Hams on Internet FAQ? I tried 3 times to Email >him to say thanks..he's doing a good job... and each time > >CAN'T MAIL! MAIL RETURNED! ... I had to give up on the guy! > >So, either we gobble up bandwidth by posting, or ignor all the Ham packets. Hmm. I've sent him mail, and he's gotten it. Perhaps there was something else wrong somewhere. That's a problem with Internet mail - there are so many possible points of failure. -- ---------------------------------------------------- Jack Hamilton POB 281107 SF CA 94128 USA jfh@netcom.com kd6ttl@w6pw.#nocal.ca.us.na ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1993 11:48:49 -0700 From: orca.es.com!cnn.sim.es.com!msanders.sim.es.com!user@uunet.uu.net To: info-hams@ucsd.edu References , <1993Dec20.164130.9865@n5ial.mythical.com>, ser Subject : Re: Where are all the young enthusiasts? In article , warnergt@cbnewsi.cb.att.com (george.t.warner) wrote: > > >Where are all the young enthusiasts? > > They are waiting for the obsolete code requirements to be eliminated. -- George: I disagree: I know five young hams in my area (under the age of 17) who are studying code, and two who have been making CW contacts on the novice bands and are nearly ready to get their general licenses at 13 WPM. I also just upgraded to general, and worked hard to meet the code requirements. Milt ========================================================================= Opinions, thoughts, &cetera are my own (when I can remember them). "He flies the sky KB7MSF Like an Eagle in the eye UTAH of a hurricane that's abandoned." America ------------------------------ Date: 21 Dec 93 21:49:36 GMT From: ogicse!cs.uoregon.edu!sgiblab!spool.mu.edu!uwm.edu!ginews!don@network.ucsd.edu To: info-hams@ucsd.edu References <1993Dec20.164130.9865@n5ial.mythical.com>, , Subject : Re: Where are all the young enthusiasts? In article msanders@sim.es.com (Milt Sanders) writes: >In article , warnergt@cbnewsi.cb.att.com >(george.t.warner) wrote: >> >> >Where are all the young enthusiasts? >> >> They are waiting for the obsolete code requirements to be eliminated. > >I disagree: I know five young hams in my area (under the age of 17) who >are studying code, and two who have been making CW contacts on the novice >bands and are nearly ready to get their general licenses at 13 WPM. I also >just upgraded to general, and worked hard to meet the code requirements. > I also disagree: My son, now 15 has had a General Class license for almost a year now, and had a Novice before than, and started with the codeless Technician license. His favorite pasttime is CW contesting! Donald D. Woelz, K9GR Office Phone: 414-644-8700 GENROCO, Inc. K9GR @WB9TYT.#MKE.WI.USA.NOAM 205 Kettle Moraine Drive North k9gr@k9gr.ampr.org [44.92.1.48] Slinger, WI 53086 U.S.A. don@genroco.com ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1993 04:46:31 GMT From: netcomsv!netcom.com!n1ist@decwrl.dec.com To: info-hams@ucsd.edu References <2er4on$f1b@wuecl.wustl.edu>, , <2esi38$h6k@crchh941.bnr.ca>wr Subject : Re: Where are all the young enthusiasts? [Complaints about how expensive ham radio is deleted] Sure, it is expensive if you go for all new stuff. Try looking at hamfests; you can get great bargains there. I have recently picked up an Icom 2AT for $20 (needs alittle work, but that just adds to the fun) and a pair of Tempo HTs for $60. For HF, you can get a TS520 for about $300-350, Heathkits often go for much less. For antennas, use a dipole (an old extension cord) or a Hamstick ($16) on HF, or a 1/4 wave groundplane (an SO239 and some coat hangers) or a Hotrod for VHF/UHF. For a TNC, get one of the Baycom/PMP modems (or build one) or if you have a well-stocked junk box, get the TAPR TNC2 bare board for $30 and stuff it yourself. While it is nice to use the IC781 with stacked monobanders over at W1AF, that is definite overkill for my home station. WIth a little inginuity, you can set up a nice and functional station for a lot less than you think. 73, and good luck. /mike -- \|/ Michael L. Ardai N1IST Teradyne ATG Boston --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- /|\ ardai@maven.dnet.teradyne.com n1ist@netcom.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1993 10:57:52 -0700 From: orca.es.com!cnn.sim.es.com!msanders.sim.es.com!user@uunet.uu.net To: info-hams@ucsd.edu References <9312172309.A8344wk@hofbbs.com>, , <2f7b6l$7nr2@ep130.wg2.waii.com>.s Subject : Re: Ham ticket > |> > DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW IF FCC HAS STOPPED PROCESSING LICENSES. I AM > |> STILL > |> > WAITING SINCE 11/9/93 FOR MY TICKET TO ARRIVE AND I AM GROWING IMPATIENT. > |> > ALL REPLIES WELCOME!!! > |> > |> Who knows? I upgraded to General on 20 Oct and have not heard anything (9 > |> weeks on Wed). My two sons passed their Tech on 15 Sep and got their > |> tickets on 3 Nov - 7 weeks. > |> Milt > > Here is a phone number anyone can call and get info on their ticket status, if > issued, when received ect. ect. > > F.C.C. Gettesburg, PA. (717) 337-1212 > They will ask for your name and where you live. > > Mike KB5TOJ Thanks Mike: BTW, I just called 12:58 PM Eastern time, 21 Dec, and the recording said that their computer was down. Beats all, Huh? Milt -- ========================================================================= ------------------------------ End of Info-Hams Digest V93 #1492 ****************************** ******************************