Ham Radio/Ham Radio CD-ROM (Emerald Software) (1995).ISO/news/inham05/855

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INFO-HAMS Digest            Wed,  8 Nov 89       Volume 89 : Issue 855

Today's Topics:
                         Contest log program?
                     ftp access for mods database
                 How to use the incoming QSL bureau?
                             ICOM IC-740
                       QSLs and SASEs (2 msgs)
                     Tuning dipoles and antennas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: 7 Nov 89 13:17:49 GMT
From: att!cbnewsj![e-mail]  (The QRPer)
Subject: Contest log program?

>From article <[e-mail]>, by [e-mail] (James N. Price):
> In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] writes:
>>
>>I would be interested in seeing or hearing about contest logging programs
>>that are available as freeware or shareware, with sources.
>
> So would I, especially one that's geared for Sweepstakes.
>
> And I'd even be willing to PAY (heaven forbid) a nominal amount
> for a program if it's good (i.e. the non-DX equivalent to the K1EA
> program for CQWW, ARRL Test, etc).
>
> --Jim, K6ZH

Dave, K8CC, has a program similar to K1EA's software except that it
supports North American Sprint, ARRL Sweepstakes, and (I think) IARU
HF Champsionship.  Dave tried to make the human interface as nearly
similar to K1EA as he could and I'd say he's been about 90 per cent
successful in that regard.  Like K1EA, you can key your radio from
the serial port, although unlike K1EA, you can't key it from the
parallel port.  However, K8CC's software enables you to key a digital
voice keyer from the parallel port, assuming you have a DVK to key.

Dave has said he will make his program available to anybody who wants
it.  I simply sent him a 5.25 inch formatted floppy with a stamped
self-addressed mailer and he had it back to me in about two weeks.
I'm not sure he would want to be deluged with mail so, if there is
enough interest, I could post it.

--
===================================================================
Bob Schreibmaier K2PH  | UUCP: att!mtuxo!k2ph or [e-mail]
AT&T Bell Laboratories | ARPA: [e-mail]
Middletown, N.J. 07748 | ICBM: 40o21'N, 74o8'W

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Date: Wed, 8 Nov 1989 13:09 EDT
From: Mark Bramwell   519 661-3714 <watmath!julian!business.uwo.ca![e-mail]>
Subject: ftp access for mods database

The mods database is now available through the internet.

IP address:  129.100.22.100    HAMSTER.business.uwo.ca

If you want to post a file, please email it to me.

A separate copy is stored on the IBM 4381 for mail users, therefore
I need to know if a new file comes in.

Enjoy, let me know if you have any problems.

------------------------------

Date: 7 Nov 89 13:42:16 GMT
From: asuvax!anasaz![e-mail]  (John Moore)
Subject: How to use the incoming QSL bureau?

In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Rich Gopstein) writes:
]
]Ok, I admit, I'm one of those people who doesn't have  an
]envelope at the QSL bureau.  How does the bureau work?
]I occasionally work DX on the HF bands, and would like to
]use incoming and outgoing QSL bureaus.  I am an ARRL member,
]so that's not an issue.

In fact, why doesn't a knowledgable DX'er post a nice tutorial on
how to QSL, how to get QSL's from DX, etc. For example, I worked
MIR last spring. How do I get a QSL? How do I use a bureau. If
I send a SASE, can I use US stamps, or is there something international
to put on the return envelope?

I've been a ham 28 years, but have rarely gone after DX, and am
really baffled. Now that my daughter is interested, I want to know
what to do.

  Thanks in advance.


--
John Moore (NJ7E)           mcdphx!anasaz!john asuvax!anasaz!john
[phone] (day or eve) long palladium, short petroleum
7525 Clearwater Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
The 2nd amendment is about military weapons, NOT JUST hunting weapons!

------------------------------

Date: 7 Nov 89 18:13:40 GMT
From: brutus.cs.uiuc.edu!wuarchive!texbell!texsun!pollux!attctc!mjbtn![e-mail]  (Mark J. Bailey)
Subject: ICOM IC-740

Hello All,

I recently bought a mint condition Icom IC-740 along with a Ten-Tech 229
200w/2kw antenna tuner from a friend.  The 740 had the IC-PS740 builtin
power supply, the IC-EX242 FM option, the IC-EX243 electronic keyer, and
the FL-52 455kHz CW/RTTY filter installed.

I am interested in trying to locate some of the other options such as the
FL-44 455 kHz SSB filter, the FL-45 9.0115 mHz CW/RTTY filter, and the
IC-EX241 marker unit.  Also, the manual mentions using a transverter for
VHF/UHF when the FM unit has been installed.  In particular, I would like
to know what transverter (ICOM #?) could be used with it and if they mean
theirs or some third party transverter in general, and if it is some third
party unit, whos would work and where could one be gotten?  Of the filters
mentioned above, I am particularly interested in the FL-44 SSB filter.

Also, the unit has receive only on 17 and 12 meters, but being a micro-
processor controlled type radio, and that it has specific coverage of those
bands, I sort of figured that there was probably some sort if transmit
inhibit diode or something.  Can anyone elaborate on this?  Has anyone
succeeded in enabling transmit on these bands?

Any information on anything above would be greatly appreciated.  As I
said the unit is in mint condition and as a new licensee, I am eager to
gather as much information on it as possible.  Any hints and tips from
other 740 owner would be highly valued too!  I noticed that the 740 was
replaced by the 745 only a year or two after it was introduced (in the
December 1982 ICOM catalog I think).  My guess is that with the new bands,
and desires for general coverage, and improvements in computer controls
and memories, the 745 was quickly needed.  Does anyone know of any other
reasons that brought this about?

Please email responses.  Thanks in advance!

Mark.

--
Mark J. Bailey                                    "Ya'll com bak naw, ya hear!"
USMAIL: 511 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN 37129 ___________________________
VOICE:  [phone]                            |         JobSoft
UUCP:   ...!{ames,mit-eddie}!attctc!mjbtn!mjb      | Design & Development Co.
DOMAIN: [e-mail]        CIS: 76314,160 |  Murfreesboro, TN  USA

------------------------------

Date: 7 Nov 89 22:39:32 GMT
From: victim.dec.com![e-mail]  (Bats aren't bugs!!! 07-Nov-1989 1739)
Subject: QSLs and SASEs

In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Trey Garlough) writes...

>consider Frank nothing less than discourteous.  If you want to "get back
>at Frank" and his success in contesting because he didn't send you a card,
>then I suggest that you never call Frank ever again in another contest.
>Furthermore, I suggest you contact his competitors, giving them a few extra
>points.

As a  member  of  the YCCC (Yankee Clipper Contest Club), I heartily endorse
this  idea.   Work all the W1's and W2's you hear, and leave the W3's behind
;-)

jim, AD1C

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

"The opinions expressed here in no way represent the views of Digital
 Equipment Corporation."

Jim Reisert                     Internet: [e-mail]
Digital Equipment Corp.         UUCP:     ...decwrl!tallis.enet!reisert
Littleton, MA  01460

------------------------------

Date: 7 Nov 89 22:37:38 GMT
From: victim.dec.com![e-mail]  (Bats aren't bugs!!!)
Subject: QSLs and SASEs

In article <[e-mail]>, you write...

>consider Frank nothing less than discourteous.  If you want to "get back
>at Frank" and his success in contesting because he didn't send you a card,
>then I suggest that you never call Frank ever again in another contest.
>Furthermore, I suggest you contact his competitors, giving them a few extra
>points.

As a  member  of  the YCCC (Yankee Clipper Contest Club), I heartily endorse
this  idea.   Work all the W1's and W2's you hear, and leave the W3's behind
;-)

jim, AD1C

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

"The opinions expressed here in no way represent the views of Digital
 Equipment Corporation."

Jim Reisert                     Internet: [e-mail]
Digital Equipment Corp.         UUCP:     ...decwrl!tallis.enet!reisert
Littleton, MA  01460

------------------------------

Date: 7 Nov 89 17:33:08 GMT
From: cs.utexas.edu!oakhill!dover!darla![e-mail]  (Strawberry Jammer)
Subject: Tuning dipoles and antennas.

In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Tim Bagwell) writes:
}It is not necessary to have a resonant antenna to efficiently radiate energy.

True

}If an antenna is matched to the source, regardless of how it is matched,
}all the energy sent down the transmission line is radiated (neglecting,
}of course, losses in the line , tuner, traps, etc.).

The same is true in an unmatched condition, the only difference is in line
loss.

}You need to define what you mean by radiation efficiency. The fact is that
}the radiation pattern will be different for a non-resonant antenna than for
}a resonant one. But this may be desirable in certain situations.

The normal "model" uses a concept called radiation resistance, that is the
equivalent "load" presented by the radiated energy. The ratio of radiation
resistance to other resitsive losses such as the ohmic resistance of the
antenna and anything else which is electrically coupled to the antenna such
as the ground determines the efficiency of the antenna. Very few amateur
installations get over 50% efficiency BTW.

}If your antenna SWR is 2:1, your losing about 10% of the transmitted power back
}to the transmitter load! This is power that is not radiated anywhere. Contrast
}this to a non-resonant but matched antenna which will radiate 100% of the
}transmitted power (again neglecting losses), albeit, into some different
}pattern. If the antenna length is only slighty off resonance, the pattern
}will not be affected significantly.

NOT TRUE! SWR losses are dependant on the line loss, they are IN ADDITION to
the "matched" loss. If the "matched" loss is under 1db (RG213 at <30Mhz for
example) then 2:1 or 3:1 SWR will add less than 1db additional loss. See the
ARRL Antenna Book for a very complete treatement of this including charts.
This becomes significant at VHF/UHF frequencies or when using smaller coax
such as RG58/59.

If you run high power (say over 100 watts at HF or 25 watts at UHF) then the
power rating of the cable becomes significant. RG213 is rated at
approximately 2Kw RF at 30Mhz with 1:1 SWR, with 2:1 SWR the peak voltages
and currents are twice their 1:1 values so the line can handle only 1Kw RF
EVEN THOUGH the losses are not increased this much. It is possible to melt
coax with enough power and it melts at the current nodes, I have seen this
with 500W into RG58 coax on 2M. The cable actually melted every 38 inches
(1/2 wavelength)!

}Even if you tune the antenna exactly to resonance, it is unlikely that it will
}be matched to the transmission line over any practical bandwidth.

An "exact" match is only possible at one EXACT frequency. As much as 1Hz
deviation will introduce a reactive component, but you won't be able to
measure it. What is much more useful is the ACCEPTABLE match, normally under
2:1 at HF but some Transmitters require under 1.5:1 for full power.

}This again
}introduces SWR and a reduction in maximum radiated power.

True, but probably not significant. It is quite possible to design antennas
with ACCEPTABLE matches over each amateur band. A "cage dipole" on 3.5Mhz for
example imitates a 3ft diameter element and will have less than 2:1 SWR from
3.5 to 4 Mhz when properly tuned.

}So I say use a good quality antenna tuner with parallel wire transmission line
}and don't worry too much about resonating the antenna length.

Workable iff (if and only if) you can use open wire line properly (min 12
inches from ANY metal the entire length), and want to fiddle with an antenna
tuner.

Generally bandwidth is not a problem for a dipole build from reasonable size
wire (no 12 or no 14) except on 80M. There a cage dipole is needed.

Before you start getting too worried about SWR and antenna tuners you need to
do two things (from the ARRL Antenna Book BTW), (1) ALWAYS measure antenna
parameters AT THE ANTENNA! and (2) use a noise bridge that tells you reactive
(L/C) component as well as resictive (R). Trying to do any serious antenna
tuning with just an SWR bridge is an excersize in futility, you just don't
have enough information.

THe "in line" SWR meter has really two uses: check to see that nothing has come
loose and as a quick check of actual line loss. If you check the SWR
with NOTHING connected at the antenna end (try both open and shorted) then a
1:1 match means ALL the power is being lost in the cable - replace the cable!
I think the ARRL Handbook has a chart relating SWR to actual line loss using
this method, from memory 3:1 means 1/2 the energy is being lost, and infinite
SWR means no loss (and of course never happens).

Oh yes DON'T use "RG8" coax unless it is a "name" brand such as Belden, the
designation is meaningless any more and there is a LOT of "junk coax" out
there. If you are buying new then by RG213 or similar which IS MIL Spec.
Try out some of the "cheap" cable with the SWR checking method and you will
soon see why you need the better stuff.

Especially at HF, "if it conducts it will radiate" the rest is optimization!

Finally - the ARRL Antenna Book is a gold mine of good information, if you
don't have it then you need it!

           *Mike Waters    AA4MW/7  [e-mail] *
Justice is incidental to law and order.
        -- J. Edgar Hoover

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End of INFO-HAMS Digest V89 Issue #855
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