ARRL Audio News November 17, 2023
ARRL Audio News November 17, 2023
2023 ARRL November Sweepstakes Continues
The second part of the ARRL November Sweepstakes is for phone contacts, and it begins Saturday, November 18 at 2100 UTC, and runs through Monday, November 20 at 0259 UTC. The contest objective is to support amateur self-training in radiocommunications, including improving amateur operating skills, conducting technical investigations, and intercommunicating with other amateurs. Amateur stations i...
2023 ARRL Board of Directors Election Results
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® announces the results of the 2023 ARRL Division elections. ARRL Great Lakes Division Vice Director Scott Yonally, N8SY (2,175 votes), of Lexington, Ohio, defeated candidate Michael Kalter, W8CI (2,023 votes), for the position of Division Director. Yonally will assume the role when Director Dale Williams, WA8EFK, who has held the seat since 2014, ...
Comparing Mobile whip versus EF HW Vertical
Antennas/End-Fed/End Fed Half Wave Antenna
PH0NO conducted field tests comparing a mobile antenna (DX-UHV) to an end-fed half-wave wire. Results on 20m showed the end-fed wire outperforming the mobile antenna, with a significant difference in signal strength. On 40m, the end-fed wire surpassed the mobile antenna in spots and reach. While the mobile antenna is more practical, the end-fed wire offers superior performance. Further testing is planned.
W6BW Mountain Amateur Radio Club
Official web site of the mountain amateur radio club w6bw, oakhurst ca.
FT-817 Audio Speech Compressor: Boosting Signal Power with SSM2165
Technical Reference/Audio
Designed for the FT-817, this audio speech compressor, centered on the Analog Devices SSM2165, offers a 40 dB compression range, enhancing signal power. Built externally with the SMD version to preserve warranty, the circuit interfaces smoothly with electret microphones. Testing shows a 6 dB average power increase. Adaptable to rigs with electret microphones, it maintains unity gain and 40 dB compression.
Delta Loop vs End Fed Half Wave on 20m
Antennas/End-Fed
Intrigued by a German OM positive experience with a 20m delta loop, the author replicated the design, noting its favorable 50-ohm impedance compared to their 40m version. Testing against a vertical EFHW, the delta loop excelled within EU but lagged at longer distances. Despite needing more testing, the user leaned towards the EFHW for its overall performance and practicality.
Top Amateur Radio Websites - Issue 2341
Performance of 49:1 Ferrite Core Transformers, Variations on a Dipole, Yaesu FTDX101D QST Review, GP Antenna for 1296 MHz, Repair of an FT-1000 MP Mark V , Cloverleaf Antenna, CWvox
Yaesu FT-857 Repair: Tackling a Sense Wire Issue
Radio Equipment/HF Transceivers/Yaesu FT-857
After owning the second-hand radio for a few months, it developed a sense wire failure, limiting output to 20 watts. Yaesu support advised the owner, an Electrical Engineer, to investigate. The issue was traced to a blown digital transistor, Q1032. Yaesu provided free replacements, revealing intricate internal components during the repair.
W1AW Closed Thursday November, 16, 2023
W1AW will be closed to visitors on Thursday, November 16 for building maintenance. The station's regular operating schedule, including code practice and bulletins, will not be affected. W1AW will reopen on Friday, November 17 at 8:00 am Eastern time.
ARRL Hails FCC Action to Remove Symbol Rate Restrictions
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® reports that earlier today, the FCC Commissioners unanimously voted to amend the Amateur Radio Service rules to replace the baud rate limit on the Amateur HF bands with a 2.8 kHz bandwidth limit to permit greater flexibility in data communications.
“The Federal Communications Commission today adopted new rules to incentivize innovation and experi...
The CW Typewriter: A Morse Code to ASCII Converter
Technical Reference/Morse Code Decoder
The CW typewriter is a compact adapter board that transforms Morse code into ASCII characters using an Iambic key. It connects to a computer via USB, emulating the keyboard. The device features inputs for Iambic keying and a WPM speed potentiometer, and outputs for a key and a speaker for side tone. The device can be used with various software and online typing games for practice, offering a unique and interactive way to learn and use Morse code.
Antenna Manufacturing: How to Prevent Galvanic Corrosion
Antennas/Homebrewing Techniques
Galvanic corrosion, a destructive process triggered by dissimilar metal contact in a corrosive electrolyte, poses a significant threat in antenna manufacturing. With aluminum and stainless steel components commonly involved, unaddressed corrosion can lead to white particle accumulation, causing long-term damage. Awareness of the galvanic series and the application of protective coatings like Alumslip can mitigate this pervasive issue, ensuring a prolonged antenna lifespan.
Top Amateur Radio Websites - Issue 2340
End Fed Antenna for WARC Bands, Open-Folded W8JK Antenna for HF, 8010 Enfed Antenna, Repeaters a guide for Beginners, Yaesu FT-710 Brochure, Yaesu FT-818 Details, 23cm Yagi antenna,
Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Club
Located in Port Richey, Florida in Pasco County, West Central Florida just Northwest of Tampa.
Unearthing VHF Contest Secrets: An In-Depth Analysis
DX Resources/Contest/Contest Results
In this article, authors delve into the inner workings of the IARU R1 VHF contest, the world's largest 2m contest. While activity levels are declining, the top performers consistently maintain their results. Authors explore the physical constraints of achieving higher point totals and speculate on various factors like improved technical capabilities, increased interference, and evolving station setups. It is a fascinating journey into the contest's dynamics, leaving room for intriguing speculations about its future.
ARRL Audio News November 10, 2023
ARRL Audio News November 10, 2023
Enhancing Performance with W8JK/MOXON Antenna Variant
Antennas/Moxon
F5NPV introduces a variant of the W8JK antenna design, employing the MOXON principle. With extended monopoles, it outperforms the Open-Folded W8JK, yielding a 1dbd gain improvement, enhanced performance on 30m and 10m bands, bi-directionality, and lower side attenuation. The design's focus on higher radiation impedance results in increased antenna efficiency and reduced losses. Despite these improvements, the bill of materials remains unchanged.
Changes in the ARRL Pacific Section
Section Manager of the ARRL Pacific Section Joe Speroni, AH0A, has retired from the position. Speroni served in the role for 7 years. He was active with ARRL in a variety of positions dating back to the creation of the Volunteer Examiner program in 1984. He has also been an instructor and Affiliated Club Coordinator (ACC). His contributions to emergency communications and management in the Hawa...
The First Worked All States Certificate Awarded for the 33-Centimeter Band
On November 4, 2023, Al Ward's, W5LUA, 38-year quest to contact all 50 states on the 33-centimeter band ended when he received the first-ever Worked All States (WAS) certificate for (902 - 928 MHz). Ward started collecting states on the band shortly after it was opened in 1985. "I am extremely grateful to Peter Van Horne, KA6U, for his EME [Earth-moon-Earth] efforts. I was able to work Wisconsin...
70Mhz (4 metre) Delta Loop Antenna
Antennas/Delta loop
Discover the success story of creating a 4-meter Delta Loop antenna, ideal for improving radio communication. This horizontally polarized antenna offers efficient performance when mounted at VHF heights, catering to both HF and VHF characteristics. A simple, DIY project suitable for portable setups, providing versatile options for radio enthusiasts.
ARRL Closed Friday, Nov 10, 2023 in Observance of Veteran's Day
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® will be closed on Friday, November 10, 2023 in observance of Veterans Day. There will be no W1AW bulletins or code practice that day. ARRL Headquarters will reopen on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 8:00 am Eastern time.
We are grateful for the sacrifices and service of Veterans.
40 MHz 8m Band Amateur Radio Exploration
Operating Modes/VHF UHF
The 8m ISM band, a unique frequency range between 10m and 6m, holds potential for amateur radio enthusiasts, yet it remains largely unallocated. This spectrum offers fertile ground for research and self-training. The author's experience with low-power transmissions and WSPR testing highlights the band's capabilities and the need for a narrow, speech-free amateur allocation to encourage experimentation. Discover the world of 8m ISM radio exploration and its future possibilities.
Yaesu VR-120 Memory Manager
Software/Radio Programming
TK120 is an experimental memory management software for Yaesu VR-120 transceiver
QRP Balun: A DIY Project
Antennas/Baluns
DIY project of a QRP Balun. Using a high permeability ferrite rod and an old B&W dipole center insulator, he constructs a choke type balun for QRP use. The balun aims to create as much inductance as possible at HF, offering a high impedance to common mode currents
40m QRO End Fed Half Wave Antenna Coupler
Antennas/End-Fed/End Fed Half Wave Antenna
A medium power End Fed Half Wave Antenna coupler, specifically tuned to the QRP frequency of 7030 kHz. Constructed from coil stock and capacitors, it achieves an impedance ratio of 64:1. The coupler has proven effective for power ranges from 2 to 100 Watts on the 40m band.
Top Amateur Radio Websites - Issue 2339
Multiband portable wire antennas, 27MHz CB to 50 MHz Amateur Use Conversion, ICOM IC-7610 Rewind , 6m Oblong Loop Antenna, Programming FT-991A, Operating Amateur Radio Overseas, 6m Beacons Report,
W9VMW Cass County Amateur Radio Club
The Cass County Amateur Radio Club is a Non-Profit Organization serving Logansport, Indiana 46947. The CCARC participates in ARES Nets, Skywarn Nets and Field Day and has 2m repeaters at 147.18 MHz, 145.23 MHz, and 145.35 MHz and a 70cm repeater at 443.65 MHz.
DIY 1KW Dummy Load
Technical Reference/Dummy Loads
F5NPV explores the construction of a cost-effective 1KW dummy load for radio enthusiasts. Purchasing a commercial dummy load can be expensive, but with basic materials such as a metal can, resistors, mineral oil, and a heat dissipator, you can build your own. The article provides a simple guide to assembling the load, including the importance of testing for inductance. The DIY dummy load yields impressive performance, with an SWR of 1.2:1 across multiple bands and the ability to handle up to 1KW of power. This budget-friendly solution is a valuable addition to any radio shack.
TEFV Terminated End Fed Vee Antenna
Antennas/End-Fed
The Terminated End Fed Vee Antenna (TEFV) is a travelling wave antenna with constant current distribution. Unlike traditional resonant antennas, TEFV operates without standing waves, using a terminating resistor for broadband efficiency. With a combination of vertical and horizontal polarization, it offers wide bandwidth from 1.8 MHz to 30 MHz, eliminating the need for a tuner. Key components include a 9:1 unun transformer and a 500-ohm terminating resistor. Grounding and counterpoise enhance performance, and it can handle power losses of up to 30%. TEFV provides an effective, versatile antenna solution for amateur radio and broadcast applications.
Skywave Linux
Software/Linux/Linux Distributions
Linux for shortwave and amateur radio monitoring. Supports popular SDR hardware and online streaming from KiwiSDR, WebSDR, and Spyserver sites. Articles about using Linux with your SDR devices.Skywave Linux, an innovative operating system, leverages cutting-edge technology for seamless access to radio signals globally. Ideal for regions with limited internet access, it effortlessly connects to a network of SDR servers, offering high-performance SDR operation without the need for extensive hardware. With pre-installed and configured SDR software, Skywave Linux simplifies signal discovery and operation for all users.
Arduino Iambic Keyer
Technical Reference/Arduino/Morse Code
The author recounts their journey in ham radio, including the initial experience with Morse code. Now retired, he has rekindled his interest in ham radio and CW. Here share his project of constructing an Iambic Keyer with Arduino. The project includes a memory keyer and speed adjustment. Additionally, the author provides resources for an Arduino enclosure available on Thingiverse, enhancing the project aesthetics and functionality.
Analyzing SSB Signal Quality in CQ WW Contest
DX Resources/Contest/Resources
This article investigates SSB signal quality during the CQ WW 2015 SSB contest. It highlights the importance of adhering to the ideal SSB signal profile, the impacts of intermodulation distortion, and the consequences of poor-quality signals. The analysis underscores the need for well-tuned equipment to ensure cleaner, more efficient signals and, consequently, a more enjoyable and spacious experience for contest participants and amateur radio operators.
ARRL Audio News November 3, 2023
ARRL Audio News November 3, 2023
Amateur Radio Operators Provide Post-Hurricane Communications in Mexico
Radio Amateurs are providing communication services to and from the affected areas in and around Acapulco, Mexico. On the morning of Wednesday, October 25, 165 mile-per-hour winds from Hurricane Otis knocked out all communications and unleashed a nightmare scenario in Acapulco. The area is home to roughly 800,000 people. Radio Club Queretaro member Ruben Navarrete Galvan, XE1EC, told ARRL News...
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