The Voice Coil - Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio Association

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The Voice Coil
President's Corner
April 2016
February 2015
Volume 54,
Issue
Volume
53,4 Issue 2
Real or April Fool?
We publish; you decide.
Issue Index
Inside this Issue
1 President's Corner
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
818
President's Corner
2 Section Manager Speaks
3 Hamfest Calendar
MVARA info
Dues Info
4 Social Media & Hams
Hamfests, Special Events
Meeting Information
5 Chirp
6-8 Hamvention Characters,
DosLinks
Equis Man
ARRL Centennial
9 Links, Swap & Shop
Free Stuff
10-11 Ham Humor
12 ACCMembership Renewal
14-16 EZNEC, Confessions
of a LID, Callsigns
17 MicFest
Fine print
Digital
18-22 DX
andVersion:
Contesting
23 Test
Ham Humor
Ham
News And
refresher
Q'sMore . . .
24 New! Low-loss cable
Newsletter
of the
25 Other
stuff
Mahoning Valley
Newsletter
of the
Mahoning
Amateur
Radio
Valley Amateur Radio
Association
Association
Established 1919
Established 1919
Remember..LISTEN, Listen, and
Well it’s finally Spring: warmer
weather and time to get outside and listen some more. Just because
you don't hear activity doesn't
do something.
mean there isn't a squelched or
C'mon
I'vea lot
hadofmore
This
yearSpring!
April has
activities silent net in progress.
than
enough
Atbusy
least for
theboth
to keep
club winter.
members
DX
been and
good.
(I worked
“oldhas
timers”
newer
amateurs as Mike K8PRR has been very busy
making sure we have interesting
several
well. new countries, many in
programs at our meetings. He
the technician portion of 10
meters).
If you're looking for a few parts, or also suggested we take some
warm Saturday morning, have a
just an excuse to get out of the
short class and then build some
As
we shift,
hopefully,Falls
into ARC
house,
the Cuyahoga
antennas. By late morning we
warmer
also
gives
Hamfestweather
on 8 amitto
1 pm
on a
The MVARA
theand
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howOther
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-Is
finally time
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Theit MVARA
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including the Warren ARA
upgrade
to computer
logging?
great webinar
on Thursday,
April
Many members expressed an
7th, at the Red Cross on Belmont
That same weekend is the OHIO
interest in upgrading from
-Put
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sixlocated
meters
Ave up
in Youngstown.
FM simplex contest, sponsored
to general claense. We
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themile
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about ½
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by the Cuyahoga Falls ARC.
would be more than happy to
away.
the street from Walmart. The
This is a fun event and grid
conduct such a class, or we can
program will be NEC antenna
squares are carried out to SIX
point you to several websites and
-Maybe
some
portable
gear and
modeling,
design
and study
on
characters. MVARA will be
you can do home self-study. In
antennas
so we can, as small
computers.
operating portable from the
either case we can also provide
groups, go portable and
NVIS day site. We invite new
Examiners for a
participate
in weekend
classes orby Volunteer
The program
will be presented
and old members to join us for
testing
session.
activities.
Greg Algieri, WA1JXR, who did
either or both events. A few of
club, what would YOU
the same presentation at the ARRL It'susyour
hope to be operating mobile,
like
to
see
us do ?
-Be
an Anniversary
Elmer. It does
us no goodin
100th
Convention
to
be the
of multitudes
of
2015.
I’mkeepers
sure a lot
of us will find
Next Meeting
amateur
radiointeresting.
knowledge Included
and not in
the program
April 14, 7pm
share
it with new
operators.
the discussion
will
be EZNEC, an
Davidson's
antenna program available FREE on
Don't
forget and
SKYWARN.
the internet
from otherThe
sources.
3636 Canfield Rd.
146.745 W8QLY repeater is the
Cornersburg
primary
linkinfor
local
NVIS Day
Ohio
is severe
April 23 and
Come early for dinner,
we will be operating from Southern
drinks and social time.
Park stables in Boardman. The
President's Corner
Page 1
2016 Officers
President: Wes Boyd, W8IZC
Vice President: Mike McCleery,
K8PRR
Secretary/Webmaster: Dave Salmen,
WB8IBA
Treasurer: Frank Sole, WB8YHD
Trustees: Andy Brincko, WA8ZLK
Jerry Goddard, KC8EFO
Dave Brett, KD8ZNF
Lisa Scannell, KE8ADZ
Newsletter Staff: Mark Haverstock,
K8MSH, Editor
Awards Manager: Dave Fairbanks,
N8NB, 330.759.6993, 4770 Logan
Ave. Youngstown, OH 44505
The Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio
Association, Inc, meets the second
Thursday of every month. Location
and time are subject to change. Dues
are $20.00 per year, $10.00 each for
additional family members. A pro-rata
discount for first time membership is
available as well as special student
and military discounts. Contact Frank,
[email protected] for
membership details.
The club call is W8QLY; equipment
operated under this call includes a two
meter voice repeater at 146.745 (-600,
110.9 PL).
For License Classes & VE testing
Contact Wes Boyd, W8IZC,
[email protected]
MONDAY NIGHT NET operates
every Monday at 9:00. PM on 146.745
MHz. Primary Net Control - Art
Burnett, KB8UNJ.
SKYWARN NET - First Wednesday
of the month at 8:30 PM on 146.745
MHz as weather warrants.
ARES NET- First and third Mondays
of each month at 8:30 PM on 146.745
MHz; prior to the Monday Night Net.
The Voice Coil : Award-Winning
Newsletter of the Mahoning Valley
Amateur Radio Association
with ¼ wave mag mounts and 500
watt
HTs.
While
temperatures
were
hovering around zero up north,
C'mon out, join us at a meeting,Orlando
operating
event, or stop
by/ in
temperatures
ranged
join
a
VE
session.
Maybe
it’s
time
for
us
to
do
some
spring
If you’ve had your fill of
cleaning,
but before
you throw anything away, please check and
Northeast Ohio
weather,
see
if
there
might
be
looking.
could
think about adding the a club member
the 50s
to 60s,Your
with trash
intermittent
be theirHamCation
treasure--list
in the Swap
and during
Shop section.
Orlando
to ityour
showers
the entire
W8IZC
calendar in February.
weekend. When---Wes,
we arrived
early Saturday, we went directly
The Orlando Amateur Radio
to the tailgate area, since there
Greg Algieri, WA1JXR, will
Club organizes the
was a break in the rain. Most of
present webinar on antenna
HamCation Amateur Radio
the outdoor vendors had tarps,
topics, including NEC
and Computer Show in
tents or other shelters in place to
antenna modeling, design and
Orlando, Florida, which is
keep their wares dry, and provide
study on computers. More on
held at the Central Florida
temporary shelter for those
page 14.
Fairgrounds. The event
braving the rain.
hosts an estimated 12,000
visitors, only second to the
A prolonged shower around
Dayton Hamfest. You can
11:00 sent many into the large
get your hamfest fix, while
commercial buildings or outdoor
Ohio Section
the rest ofYonally,
the family visits
food vendors,Manager,
who had numerous
the other
Orlando
sheltered
tables
where
you could
Speaker
at
March
MVARA
Meeting
attractions, such as
sit and have a sandwich or snack.
Universal, Sea World,
As you can see in the picture
Scott
Yonally,
N8SY,
DisneyWorld, which are all
above, umbrellas and ponchos
visited
theminute
Mahoning
within
a 30
drive.
were standard equipment for
Valley for the March
most visitors.
club
meeting.
This
year’s
eventHe
was held
presented
Thinking about a trip south next
February
7, 8some
and 9shocking
(Friday
facts
about
electrical
year? The HamCation will be
through Sunday) with over
as wellvendor
as
held February 13-15 next year.
150safety,
commercial
answering
general
Updated information is available
booths, 400 indoor swap
at the HamCation® website,
questions
about
amateur
tables, and the largest
www.hamcation.com and also on
radio area
and emergency
tailgate
in the southeast
Facebook, and on Twitter:
services.
US, to show and sell
@hamcation.
amateur radio equipment,
parts, computer hardware
-K8MSH
and software and other
BIGof THANK-YOU!!
interesting items.AMost
the big names in the ham
behalf
of the Youngstown Road Runners Club I
world,On
such
as Kenwood,
would
like
to
thank
all the Amateurs who came out and
Icom, Elecraft were
present,
helped
theofMill
on March 6st.
The Classic
ARRL Centennial
along
withwith
many
the Creek Distance
With
our help
Races were "W1AW
a huge success!
WAS" The
operations that
other
vendors
thatthe
also
following
Hamsevery
helped with the
KC8EFO,
areevent:
takingW8YSU,
place throughout
2014
appear
at Dayton
W8IZC,
KE8AEY,
KE8ADZ,
&
WB8YHD.
from
each
of
the
50
states
will
May.
relocate at 0000 UTC on
Again my greatest thanks to all who helped.
Orlando
CQ W1AW
--Dean, W8YSU
Defrostinn
Page 2
Programs & Activities
MVARA has a Facebook page
ashington (W1AW/7) and Kansas
(W1AW/0). During 2014
April 7:
Webinar
onairantenna
W1AW
will
be on the
from design,
7pm state
at the(atRed
Belmont Ave in
every
leastCross
twice)onand
Youngstown.
Presenter:and
Greg
from
most US territories,
it Algieri.
will be easy to work all states
Aprilby14contacting
meeting:W1AW
Bylaws/constitution
solely
is open to all, although only
portable
revisionoperations.
presentation. You-Tube videos
ARRL members and appointees,
on ham topics.
elected officials, HQ staff and
In conjunction with the 100th
W1AW are worth ARRL
anniversary
the ARRL,
the article on pg.
April 23: of
NVIS
Day. See
Centennial QSO Party points.
ARRL
16 forCentennial
details QSO Party
Working W1AW/x from each
kicked off January 1 for a yearstate is worth 5 points per
long operating event in which
Meeting ideas/ suggestions? Contact
Visit our MVARA Facebook page:
participants can accumulate
Mike,
K8PRR
https://www.facebook.com/mahvalradio
points and win awards. The event
[email protected]
Hamfest Calendar
04/09/2016 Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Radio Club Hamfest. Emidio & Sons Party Center
48 East Bath Road, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 Website: http://www.cfarc.org/hamfest.php
Talk-In: 147.27+ Contact: Ted Sarah , W8TTS, 239 Bermont Avenue Munroe Falls, OH 44262
Phone: 234-206-0270. Email: [email protected]
05/20/2016 to 05/22/2016 - Dayton Hamvention. Hara Arena, Trotwood, OH. Website:
http://www.hamvention.org Sponsor: Dayton Amateur Radio Association [email protected]
Special Events Stations
Ohio ARES NVIS Antenna Day Apr 23, 1000Z-1800Z, Varies, OH. Ohio ARES. 7.244 7.240
3.910 3.850. Certificate. Marion County OH ARES, c/o W8MRN, 655 Richland Rd, Marion, OH
43302. A day to compare and test NVIS antennas with anchor stations located around Ohio. No
contest scores, but we compile documentation of which NVIS antenna worked the best for you. Not
limited to any frequencies, make as many contacts with other stations in Ohio and surrounding states
as possible to test your antenna ideas! This year's sponsor: Marion County ARES. www.arrlohio.org
Portage County (Ohio) ARS 10 Year ARRL Affiliation
Apr 23-Apr 24, 1500Z-0100Z, K8BF, Ravenna, OH. Portage County Amateur Radio Service.
28.310 14.310 7.210 3.810. Certificate. Tom Parkinson, KB8UUZ, 9992 State Route 700, Mantua,
OH 44255. Send QSL card with large SASE for certificate.www.portcars.org
Page 3
Social Media and Ham Radio
By Dan Romanchik, KB6NU
In the last ten years, there's been an
explosion in social media. I've found some
to be really great. Others, I haven't found
to be to my liking. Here are my opinions
on a few of the most popular social media
websites:
* Twitter (twitter.com). I like Twitter. I have more than 3,000 followers on Twitter, and it’s not only
helped me sell more books, I’ve found out about a lot of great projects, and I’ve met and corresponded with
a lot of great hams there. It’s a lot of fun. If you have a Twitter account, follow me there. I'm @kb6nu.
* Facebook (facebook.com). I have a Facebook account and I even have a page for my study guides. I
don’t like using Facebook, though, and avoid it when I can.
* Reddit (reddit.com/r/amateurradio). Reddit hosts a very active amateur radio forum. What I like about
Reddit is that these guys, unlike say the forums on eHam.Net or QRZ.Com are really interested in doing
stuff, not just complaining or arguing. A lot of the hams on Reddit, and it’s associated IRC channel (talk
about retro!), #redditnet, have used my study guides, and apparently, I’m quite popular there.
* Blab (blab.im). Blab is an interesting concept. It’s kind of like an interactive podcast. You can record the
blab sessions and then post them to YouTube or your own website. When I suggested having a regular Blab
session to talk about ham radio topics to my blog readers, they weren't very enthusiastic about it. Even so, I
think that I'm just going to do it. Sometimes you just gotta go with your gut, and my gut says this could be
fun and eventually popular. Blab is integrated with Twitter, so if you follow me on Twitter, you'll find out
when I'm blabbing.
The biggest problem with participating on these social networks, of course, is that it takes a lot of time, time
that could be used for building stuff or getting on the air. Even so, I would say that, overall, using them has
certainly increased my enjoyment of amateur radio and has connected me to people that I probably would
not have connected with otherwise.
What do you think? What social media accounts do you have? Which do you prefer? What have they done
for you?
---------------------------------------------------When he's not blabbing or tweeting, KB6NU likes to work CW, build stuff, and teach ham radio classes.
He's also a prolific blogger (www.kb6nu.com) and the author of the "No Nonsense" amateur radio license
study guides (www.kb6nu.com/study-guides). If you have any comments, questions, compliments, or
complaints, email him at [email protected].
Page 4
Chirp Live CD
If you have one of the Chinese HT’s you probably have
run into the Chirp software for programming them. The
Chinese radios are notorious for being difficult to program
by hand. Mark, K8MSH, did a program at one of our
meetings to introduce us to the program.
Some folks have had trouble setting up and using the
program. There are several issues that come into play. One
is the programming cable supplied with some of the radios.
It uses a chip to do a Serial to USB conversion. You’ll be
shocked to learn this, but some Chinese companies have
counterfeited the chips, and some of those counterfeits have
shown up in the programming cables. This causes issues as
the genuine manufacturers fight back by rewriting the driver
software to detect the fakes. Also some Apple users have
reported security issues popping up during installation.
-------------------Regardless of the cause, there may be an easy solution.-------------------On the download page for Chirp, http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Download
if you scroll to near the bottom of the page, there is a link for a live CD. The live CD is a file you
burn to a CD (or DVD) that is a bootable disk. It is written in Linux and eliminates issues with
apple/windows/drivers because it is using its own operating system. When it boots your computer it
creates a pretend drive in memory called a virtual disk and installs itself in the virtual disk. It does not
need your operating system and makes no changes to it.
The disk seems to be pretty well written – in a test on an old Thinkpad it started up with no issues.
Because you are booting from a CD it is slower than your normal start up, don’t be surprised it if takes
a minute or so for it to start. Once started the program operates as it would normally. Hope this helps
if you have been having trouble getting Chirp installed. Of course using it is another can of worms!
--Dave, KD8NZF
(Editor's note: You can also avoid the dreaded counterfeit chip problem by using version 3.2.0.0 of
the Prolific chip driver software. You can find more detailed information and the driver at:
http://www.miklor.com/COM/UV_Drivers.php Also, set the Windows automatic update feature on
your computer to "manual" so Windows doesn't try to update the driver on its own.)
Page 5
They've a Name
With the Dayton Hamvention and many local and
contact.
regional hamfests coming up, it's time to review the
zoology that makes each and every hamfest a unique
and interesting experience for buyers and sellers
alike!
Venerable Sages - Like spirits on Christmas Eve,
these hamfest haunts appear from nowhere, wizened
and wrinkled, call sign badge bearing the markings of
extreme age. You will be told A Story that you will
have never heard before about hams you may have
never heard of. Yet it will be fascinating! Some day
in the future, when you least expect it, that story will
supply a crucial detail, amazing your friends and
enemies alike. Learn to listen to the sage!
Disorder Demons - There is a special position down there in the hot place where the guy with the red cape
and pointy stick lives for the people who handle your carefully-sorted parts and put them back in the wrong
boxes or trays. An unsuspecting buyer gets home and begins work on a project only to find that the ninth
part out of ten is mismatched. At next year's hamfest, you get blamed for it.
Benevelonians - Particularly fond of new hams and kids in general, these fine folks take the hamfest role of
doting uncles and aunts. No matter how shy the child or unsure the novice, a Benevelonian will always come
up with some trinket or extra part to give away or add to the sale. "I've got just the thing for YOU!" they say,
eyes twinkling, producing a perfectly chosen gift or gadget for which they won't accept a cent.
Burrowers - As we all know, the best bargains are often on the floor under the tables so a Burrower gets
down on hands and knees, no matter how crowded the aisle, proceeding to root through every single box and
bag, spreading and sorting the collection, creating chaos and convincing your real customers to cross the
aisle to "come back later". They will then offer one-tenth the asking price on a single coil of wire and leave
it on the table when you don't sell it to them.
Explainers - An inquisitive buyer inevitably asks the one question about an item to which you don't know
the answer. "Will this work with my 1983 Festalon Maglerator?" Unbidden, a hitherto unnoticed Explainer
standing nearby will turn and deliver an authoritative and often exhaustive reply to the question, leaving
both buyer and seller speechless and astounded. The Explainer will then purchase an obscure item from your
table costing less than a dollar and disappear, never to be seen again.
Hamfest Cowbirds - The cowbird lays eggs in the nest of other birds for its chicks to be raised by the
hapless parents. Similarly, the hamfest cowbird leaves its junk on your table so you get to dispose of it.
Page 6
While you're engaged with another customer, they put their item on one end of the table and feign great
interest in some other doo-dads, slowly migrating along the table until at the opposite end from their "egg"
which they leave behind. You discover the ruse when somebody asks, "How much you want for this?"
while holding up the surprise you now own.
Biographers - No matter what you pick up from their table, they know its entire history beginning with the
digging of the ore and the smelting of the copper. They know the call signs of every owner (before and
after vanity calls) and whether they smoked and what got worked with that particular radio. They always
have the manual. The only thing they're not sure of is whether a particular item is actually functional but
you've had so much fun learning about it you buy it anyway.
Gravity Testers - I'm sure they spend the morning greasing up their fingers with special non-stick
coatings. Once at your table, they'll lift up a fragile item and then..."Oops!" Or they'll hold that power
transformer over a flawless radio cabinet and..."Oops!" A variation on this theme is to reach for something
in the back or down the table and..."Oops!"...knock over a stack of books or gear. Yes, gravity has been
found to be fully operational at your table.
Cats In the Hat - I like these colorful hamfest denizens, usually adorned with bright clothes, patches,
enough enameled pins to distort the local magnetic field, friendly and loud and they know your name (or
think they do), and have a handshake for everybody! They often leave your table messed up and buyers
forget what they were interested in but everybody has a smile on their face afterward. You just have to
watch out for Thing One and Thing Two.
And so our hamfest memories are made - of characters old and young, rich and poor, scallywag and
Samaritan alike. It wouldn't be the same without the slightly daffy denizens of our tribe, would it? Look at
the time, they'll be opening the gates in an hour - happy shopping!
--Ward Silver, N0AX
Editor's Comments:
Windows 10 is Getting More Aggressive
The vast majority of hams are using some flavor of Windows on their computers. And we've all been
pestered by the "nag screen" to update to Windows 10.
However, the last reminder I received about Windows 10 was a bit disturbing. No longer did they politely
ask if you wanted to upgrade, touting the new and supposedly beneficial features. Now the choices are
upgrade now or upgrade tonight. The optional update is getting chosen by default, and that's not
supposed to happen to optional updates.
This might be a topic worthy of discussion at the next meeting--or in a newsletter article. Perhaps some of
you have found a solution to getting rid of the nag screens, or thwarting Window's ability to change your
operating system at will.
Page 7
Dos Equis Man
• He can send CW at speeds faster than the mind can comprehend.
• His log is hand written on parchment paper with gold columns.
• When he says "is this frequency in use," all others go QRT.
• When he works 20-meters, the over the horizon radars shut down out of respect.
• He has been known to request aurora events at will.
• His tubes never seem to age.
• His audio is cleaner than a classical music FM radio station.
• He copies RTTY by ear.
• He told Hiram Percy Maxim’s father to buy the kid some radio parts.
• He let Elecraft copy HIS receiver design.
• He built his own Skimmer that identifies stations when they are still tuning up.
• W3LPL, KC1XX and K3LR call him for advice on antennas.
• He gave WB6ACU guitar lessons.
• He told the rebellious young Scott Redd to give up the guitar, get a haircut, and join the
Navy.
• The rocks that came out of the hole for his tower base are now known as Scarborough Reef.
• He has worked every country on the DXCC list...FROM every country on the DXCC list.
• He believes 48-hour contests are too short.
• 2 weeks ago he operated the NEQP, 7QP, IN QSO Party, and ARI contest and won them
all.
• He is the most interesting ham radio operator alive.
We just heard he got "retired" from the Dos Equis commercial campaign. Best wishes, my friend . . .
Page 8
Swap and Shop
**Netgear FS-605 v3 5 port network switch
(input +four devices) Like new condition, includes
original box and power supply. $10. Contact
Mark, K8MSH, [email protected]
Parts is Parts
McMaster-Carr is a Chicago based
company that has sold industrial materials, parts,
and tools to industry for years. Pre-web, their
inches-thick paper catalogs were marvelous to
thumb through not only to find something you
needed, but also to just read about the properties
and uses of things, learn about new tools, or find
engineering data relevant to your project.
They've transitioned to the web, and the catalogs
are available online. Especially informative are
the "About XXXX" pages, which can guide to
the proper usage of materials in general. Perhaps
you are working on a ceramic tube amplifier,
and want to use rubber sheeting to form a
chimney. The "About Rubber" pages of the
catalog can guide you to the right type to use.
**20 amp homebrew 12 VDC power supply $15
Micronta VOM $5
Bell and Howell VOM $5
Heath Model IM5228 VTVM $15
Fluke 8030A Multimeter $15
Contact Frank, WB8YHD,
[email protected]
** Icom 7410 transceiver with original
manuals, 6KHZ and 3KHZ filters,
$1200
* Icom 13V PS 125 power supply $100
* LDG antenna tuner AT 200 Pro $175
* Icom SM 20 mike $175
Contact John, K8ISF, at [email protected]
McMaster-Carr (mcmaster.com)
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Page 9
Ham Humor
Woman Creates Candles As
Excuse To Attend Hamfests
By WBØRUR, on the scene
WEST MOLINE, Nebraska – A Nebraska
woman is offering a line of “ham radio scented”
candles just in time for purchase at the Dayton
Hamvention.
Maudie Carlisle of rural Milford County has been
producing top-selling scented votives for over 20
years, but this is her first foray into amateur radio
themed products.
She sells her wares – produced in her Nebraska
root cellar – at over 50 arts and crafts fairs each
year under the “Carlisle’s Cornhusker Candles”
brand.
“Usually, we sell floral scented candles…with
names like ‘Lilac Valley Surprise’, ‘Night in a
Damp Rose Garden’ and ‘I See a Bright
Chrysanthemum; Let’s Pick It,’” says the gray
haired grandmother, who adds that she became
interested in candle making after taking a class at
the local extension service office.
“My husband’s been a ham radio operator for
years, and he encouraged me to come up with
“ham radio scented” candles so I can travel with
him to hamfests,” she says.



“I SHOULD HAVE LOOKED FOR THE
CAT BEFORE I FIRED UP THE
AMPLIFIER”
Maudie says the Dayton Hamvention is her
first big hamfest experience, although she has
sold product at local hamfests; usually next to
the lady selling doilies, the lady selling homemade jewelry and the guy selling bottles of
grape juice with amazing healing properties.
Carlisle’s Candles come in both 6 inch ($5.99)
and 12 inch ($12.99) versions. Look for
Maudie and smell her aromas at Pavilion C,
Booth 149.
### hamhijinks.com
Carlisle’s Cornhusker ham radio scented candles
– stylishly designed to look good on any ham
radio operating desk or fireplace mantel – will be
offered in 5 intoxicating ham radio aromas:


“MY FINALS ARE ON FIRE MUSK”
“INSULATION BURNING OFF POWER
LEADS”
“BITTER, BITTER COFFEE AND
CIGARETTE SMOKE”
“SOMEONE NEEDS A SHOWER AND IT
AIN’T ME”
Page 10
Optimistic 6m DXer Ready
for Opening of the Year
2 Meter
Simplex
Squares
Contest
Mark your calendars and reserve the last full
weekend in April to participate in a fun and
exciting 2 Meter Contest that offers both awards
and prizes. During each of two 5 hour contest
windows (one on Saturday April 23rd from 11 am
to 4 pm and one on Sunday April 24th
from 1 pm until 6 pm) make as many contacts with
other Hams as you can using 2 meter FM in the
designated simplex windows.
By K5KAC, on the scene
LOW POINT, ILLINOIS — It’s that magic time
of year,” said Saul Stuss, as he tested the SWR on
a neglected rotatable aluminum dipole hanging in
his backyard. “Last year I was able to get in one
complete DX QSO before the band quit on me. I
can’t wait to see what happens this year!”
If Saul is able to make more than one DX QSO on
6m, he will join a handful of hams who were able
to complete the impressive feat. There have been
claims that the NRRL is currently in the process of
minting “about a dozen” coins for hams who are
able to work 6m long this year.
Finding your 6 character grid square location is
relatively easy these days, especially if you have a
Smart phone. There is an app called QTH (free for
Android phones, a dollar or two for iPhones) that
will tell you what 6 character grid square you are
in. It displays a map that you can zoom in and out
of, showing grid square boundaries in relation for
cities and roads.
For a period of time in the late 80s through the
90’s, it was believed that it was possible to make
many contacts on the 6m band, however the
majority of these QSOs have been attributed to
cordless phone interference. “I try to forget that
part of my life and look forward to the next
opening!” Saul stated emphatically.
As of press time, the squelch had broken on Saul’s
transceiver once, but he was in the kitchen and
signals had faded by the time he made it to his rig.
### HamHijinks.com
During the contact, you must exchange call signs,
modes, and 6 character Maidenhead Grid Square
locations with each other. In this contest, each
valid contact will also earn you 2 or more “points”.
These points become entries in a random drawing
to be held in late May for prizes of value. Scoring
favors mobile over base and portable over mobile
contacts so plan on getting out and about for the
contest. Currently we have DX Engineering Gift
Certificates from the Cuyahoga Falls Amateur
Radio Club, and we expect more prizes to be
announced in the near future.
The contest web site,
http://www.cfarc.org/contest.php has all the details
including rules, a grid square overview, antenna
construction plans, winning tips, the current list of
prizes, FAQs, and more.
Page 11
THE AFFILIATED CLUBS COORDINATOR
John Myers, KD8MQ - ACC
[email protected]
Hi everyone. None of us needs to be
reminded that it’s still winter. It’s been a
good winter to stay in & play radio. It’s
been a busy winter here, and I’ve already
begun my to-do list for warm weather.
As the saying goes, a goal is nothing more
than a dream with a deadline. So here are
some suggestions for some fun club
activities that do not revolve around
meeting night.
Now don’t get me wrong; I’ve nothing against meetings. They are necessary to the operation of
any organization. But, they shouldn’t be the only time that your members see each other, right?
It’s good to get together outside of meeting night. So, in no particular order, here’s a list of
potential club activities.
*Ohio NVIS Antenna Day (April 23rd) – Take a rig or two out to the field, and play with your best
NVIS antenna design. More information can be found at www.arrl-ohio.org/SEC
*ARRL Field Day (June 25th /26th) – What can I say? It’s Field Day. Just about every club in
North America participates in this one. The 2016 FD packed is available for download at
www.arrl.org/field-day
*Ohio QSO Party (August 27th) – Always on the 4th Saturday in August, there’s always a good
crowd for this one. It also makes a great excuse for a club picnic. Not that we need an excuse.
More information at www.ohqp.org
Page 12
*September 10th – This one is always the first Saturday after Labor Day. A lot of clubs put
stations on the air for this one. You can set up your station in an Ohio state Park, and work the
world. Or, you can set up anywhere else, and work Ohio State Parks. Look for more information
at ospota.org.
*NPOTA – (All Year) Activate a National Park Unit (NPU) for the ARRL National Parks On The
Air event. The pile-ups have been outstanding for this one. No matter where you are in the state,
there’s a NPU within driving distance. You can get more information on NPOTA at
www.arrl.org/npota.
*Summits On The Air (SOTA) – Yes, we have Summits in Ohio that can be activated. A list of
summits and other info can be found at www.sotadata.org.uk.
*US Islands On The Air - Yes, we have Islands. The list & info can be found at
www.usislands.org.
There was an article in the May 2015 issue of QST (pg. 73) on the US Islands awards program.
*How about putting on a Special Event Station of your own? They are lots of fun, and a good way
to get your members on the air in a low-pressure environment. Harold Kramer, WJ1B wrote a
wonderful column on it for this month’s QST (pg. 13).
*There’s also club Picnics, licensing classes, half-day programs, or whatever else your mind can
conceive.
So there are some examples of some “outside of Meeting Night” social events that can help
increase your activity level this year. If you have anything to add, by all means, let me know.
A Call by Any Other Name
They tell us every amateur station has a call sign issued systematically by the FCC. But this
was not always true. It started that way 50 years ago, but got side tracked a few times and then it
got really confusing! The number in your call depends on where you are located when you are
first licensed.
Amateur stations, after about 1935, started with W and a number, but the FCC ran out of suffixes
when they got to ZZZ. They re-started with K and continued until they again got to ZZZ, and
again ran out of call signs. Another restart began with a WA prefix and continued through WB’s.
When they ran out of WB’s they realized additional W calls were already issued, so they jumped
to WD in some call areas, then they restarted again with KA call signs.
Page 13
So when first licensed, we have calls beginning with W, K, WA, WB, WD, KA, KB, KC, KD and
KE. And there are special provisions for Puerto Rico (WP), Alaska (KL) and Hawaii (KH). Each call
sign prefix is followed by a number (call area) and then a suffix.
Formerly, when you upgraded your class of license, you could request a new call sign, and the FCC
issued call signs by class of license.
-Technicians received new 2x3 (2 letters by 3 letters)
-General class received N 1x3 (1 letter by 3 letters)
-Additional upgrades allowed 1 x 2, 2 x 1 or 2 x 2 call signs. This is now done with the vanity call
program, but there are still license class call sign limitations. All new licensee’s are issued 2x3’s, but
once licensed may request 1 x 3 or 2 x 3 or other class specific call signs.
Many older operators keep original call signs while newer operators change call signs for several
reasons: a dislike of the original call, your initials were available, etc. Here are some examples.
Vanity calls: W8JV
FCC issued KB8GAE
KC8WY
K8MSH
AB8AA
W3JL W8YSU
WA8ZIP N8DUP KE8ADY KD8FAP WD8KNJ
Some calls are assigned to a club or special event.
W8QLY (MVARA) W9IMS (Indianapolis Motor Speedway)
Engineering) N5UDE (never mind!)
K3LR
K8YSU (YSU Club)
N8DXE (DX
In the US, there are 10 call areas. Calls vary country to country but most use letter-number-letter
combinations. After operating awhile, you will begin to recognize most of the combinations/prefixes for
US and Canadian station, as well as those of other countries.
--Wes, W8IZC
EZNEC
Mark your calendars for April 7 for a webinar with
Greg Algieri, WA1JXR, from the Central
Massachusetts ARA. During the 100th anniversary
convention in Hartford, CT, Greg presented the
Introduction to Antenna Modeling forums to help
folks understand the EZNEC antenna modeling
software.
.
EZNEC allows the details of an antenna design to be simulated and provides graphs and pictorials of the
results. For example, what happens to the pattern of a dipole if it is mounted at 15’ vs some higher
mount? What happens to the feedpoint impedance of a quad antenna if it is fed on a side vs at a vertex?
During the Webinar, Greg will show you how to use it, and will demo it for a field day antenna design.
EZNEC is available free as a trial version from the publisher. Some of the features are reduced in the
trial version, but ARRL created a series of files that complement their antenna book and if you use those
files, the full feature set will work with them.
The Webinar will be held at the Red Cross office on Belmont, roughly across the street from the
Walmart in Liberty, and beside the Long John Silver restaurant. --Dave, KD8NZF
Page 14
Confessions of a DX LID---Neil, N8IL
I've been a ham since 1977. Pressures of work, family, and
moving between cities and states interfered with the hobby. I got back
on the air in 2009 after raising children into their late teens and didn't
get serious about confirming contacts until 2012. Since that time,
even though I have a job that can consume whole weeks, evenings,
and some weekends, I've managed to confirm 270 country entities,
and qualify for the ARRL DX Challenge. I love chasing new DX
entities. I've even perfected a "happy-dance," making a fool of
myself, annoying everyone in the house, while making it crystal-clear
that I snagged a new one.
One DX entity in particular was especially rewarding and satisfying. There is a Greek monk, Apollo, in
Mt. Athos. He operates very infrequently, as he doesn't want our great hobby to distract from his devotion
to God. I first saw him pop up on 20 meters back in 2012. I tried every time he popped up on the DX
Cluster, but never had any success.
Finally, in late November, 2015 he operated for an uncharacteristically long time. He was operating CW,
and at time, the pile was 40Khz wide and 4KW high! (Thanks OM Power for building that new 4KW amp,
we all appreciate it!!!! NOT!!!!) I worked hard to control my adrenalin, and spent over twenty minutes just
listening for the stations he was contacting, and determining his operating pattern.
My first call to him yielded a ton of "LIDs" transmitting on top of him. It was extremely annoying! I kept a
cool head, and continued following his QSO's up the band. I finally found him again, found another hole,
and made another call. This time, I heard my call coming back, but much louder. That's when I realized I
hadn't hit the "split" button on the rig. So, now, 30 minutes after trying, and two hours after he had
appeared on 40 meters, I finally had a chance. It took another ten minutes to determine where he was
listening, and I set myself up for another call. BOOM! He replied and we exchanged signal reports. With
three attempts, two of which didn't even fall on his ears, I contacted him.
What's the point of all this? First, you have a better chance with CW, than with Phone. It consumes less
real estate and is much better for weak signal operations. Secondly, it's an illustration of "best practices"
that anyone can leverage to contact a rare entity in a single call in despite of the throngs of poor operators
that transmit during the DX station's transmissions.
Most recently, my first contact with the Palmyra expedition was made with a single call. How is that
possible? Especially when the pile is so wide that it seemed impossible? I'm an engineer and I work with
sales guys on a daily basis. I learned the importance of listening very early in my career. The same
principle can be applied while attempting a contact using any mode. Listen. Listen. Listen. Listen for
twenty minutes before you're tempted to transmit. For any that don't know, most DXpeditions operate in
split mode, listening for you above their transmit frequency.
As you tune up the dial, you'll hear other stations. If you persist, you'll hear signal reports being given back
to the DX station. That's when you know you've found where he's listening. Position VFO B just above that
last contact, make sure you're transmitting with VFO B, and give it a shot. If he doesn't call you back,
continue listening as he moves up the band. That's the basic premise. There will be some
Page 15
there will be some point in which he'll either
start tuning back down the band, or he'll go
back to the beginning. That is a pretty
common practice in CW since it's a little
easier to tune a signal in from below.
When I listen to these rare DX stations
working a pileup, one thing stands out. There
seems to be little training or mentoring with
new hams regarding these kinds of
operations. There is frequently that new ham,
or an old one (like me!) that transmits right
on top of the DX's transmit frequency. "That
guy" isn't stupid.
He either forgot to enable transmit on his second VFO, or he simply doesn't know how it's done.
Spread the word. Let the new hams know how these stations operate. Ask the old ham's to be a little
more patient and put some goodwill back into chasing DX!
--From PCARS Radiogram, March 2016
NVIS Day 2016
We’ve nailed down a location for the Ohio Ares 2016 NVIS Day. We will meet April 23 at the
Southern Park Stables, 126 Washington Blvd in Boardman.
Southern Park Stables started as a training stable in 1912 and at one time included a race track and
grandstands. More recently it was owned by Journalist Janie Jenkins who donated it to the
Boardman Park upon her death in 2012.
In 2013 Boardman Park and Mahoning County 4H announced they would be working together to
use and rehabilitate the facility. MVARA members Jerry and Jane Goddard are very active with the
4H and when they heard we were looking for a location for NVIS day suggested we should look at
the Stables. Jane facilitated a meeting between Boardman Park and Wes Boyd and we received
permission to use the grounds.
We’ll start setting up about 9:00am and hope to be on the air by 10:00am. We will be trying several
antenna designs and comparing results. And of course, we will have the grill going for dogs and
burgers, please bring a snack to share. --Dave, KD8NZF
Page 16
MicFest
March 12th was the date of the first MVARA
MicFest. A group of MVARA members gathered
in the garage at WB8YHD’s QTH, set up a
station, and worked contacts in the three QSO
parties running that day. A good time was had
and some lessons were learned.
One of the lessons--if a QSO Party is on Saturday,
there will be few contacts before noon. We were
on the air by 10:00am but logged only a few
contacts in the morning with QSO party stations.
Fortunately there were a number of NPOTA
stations also working that day and they were on
the air in the morning. We took turns working the
NPOTA stations in the morning and then in the
afternoon traffic from the QSO Parties picked up.
Building an antenna: one ham to build and three
to discuss how we used to do it back in 1960.
Additionally we did a little antenna project, trying
out an OCF antenna. After much measuring and
cutting, voila, 20:1 SWR. Hmmm, some more
cutting and measuring (yes the cutting came
first!), 2:1. Close enough! --Dave, KD8NZF
Battle of the Daves: iPhone vs iC-706.
Page 14 New ground system pioneered at MicFest
features maximum surface area connections
without annoying interference from connectors.
Page 17
Contest and Special Event Operating News and
Information Dave Fairbanks N8NB
One of my favorite contests comes up this month. I remember wondering if there were any hams in
South Dakota when I first started trying to get my “WAS” worked all states award. The South Dakota
contest is this month and will make it easy to work several hams in that rather rare state to contact.
The QRP ARCI Spring QSO contest is this month and the idea is to work as many members of the
QRP Amateur Radio Club International. Oh yeah, one thing, you should be using 5 watts or less
(QRP). If that’s not your idea of fun, there are plenty of other contests and QSO parties this month.
Data below as well as more information courtesy of the following website:
http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html.
April 2016
+ NCCC RTTY Sprint
+ NCCC Sprint
+ 15-Meter SSTV Dash Contest
+ LZ Open 40m Sprint Contest
+ Mississippi QSO Party
+ Missouri QSO Party
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
0145Z-0215Z, Apr 1
0230Z-0300Z, Apr 1
0000Z, Apr 2 to 2359Z, Apr 3
0400Z-0800Z, Apr 2
1400Z, Apr 2 to 0200Z, Apr 3
1400Z, Apr 2 to 0400Z, Apr 3 and
1400Z-2000Z, Apr 3
1500Z, Apr 2 to 1500Z, Apr 3
1600Z, Apr 2 to 1600Z, Apr 3
0000Z-0400Z, Apr 3
0600Z-1000Z, Apr 3
1900Z-2030Z, Apr 3
1900Z-2030Z, Apr 4
0100Z-0300Z, Apr 5
0230Z-0300Z, Apr 6
1300Z-1400Z, Apr 6 and
1900Z-2000Z, Apr 6 and
0300Z-0400Z, Apr 7
2000Z-2100Z, Apr 6
1700Z-2000Z, Apr 7
1800Z-1900Z, Apr 7 (CW) and
1900Z-2000Z, Apr 7 (SSB) and
2000Z-2100Z, Apr 7 (FM) and
2100Z-2200Z, Apr 7 (Dig)
0145Z-0215Z, Apr 8
0230Z-0300Z, Apr 8
0700Z, Apr 9 to 1300Z, Apr 10
1000Z, Apr 9 to 0400Z, Apr 10
1200Z, Apr 9 to 2359Z, Apr 10
1200Z, Apr 9 to 2400Z, Apr 10
1200Z, Apr 9 to 1200Z, Apr 10
1400Z, Apr 9 to 0200Z, Apr 10
1800Z, Apr 9 to 0359Z, Apr 10 and
1400Z-2359Z, Apr 10
SP DX Contest
EA RTTY Contest
North American SSB Sprint Contest
UBA Spring Contest, 6m
RSGB RoLo SSB
RSGB 80m Club Championship, CW
ARS Spartan Sprint
Phone Fray
CWops Mini-CWT Test
+ UKEICC 80m Contest
+ SARL 80m QSO Party
+ NRAU 10m Activity Contest
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
NCCC RTTY Sprint
NCCC Sprint
JIDX CW Contest
PODXS 070 Club PSK 31 Flavors Contest
QRP ARCI Spring QSO Party
SKCC Weekend Sprintathon
OK/OM DX Contest, SSB
New Mexico QSO Party
Georgia QSO Party
Page 18
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Yuri Gagarin International DX Contest
International Vintage Contest HF
Hungarian Straight Key Contest
144 MHz Spring Sprint
NAQCC CW Sprint
Phone Fray
CWops Mini-CWT Test
+
+
+
+
+
+
RSGB 80m Club Championship, SSB
NCCC RTTY Sprint
NCCC Sprint
Holyland DX Contest
TARA Skirmish Digital Prefix Contest
ES Open HF Championship
+ Worked All Provinces of China DX Contest
+ CQ Manchester Mineira DX Contest
+ Nebraska QSO Party
+ Michigan QSO Party
+ EA-QRP CW Contest
+ Ontario QSO Party
+ North Dakota QSO Party
+ Feld Hell Sprint
+ YU DX Contest
+ WAB 3.5/7/14 MHz Data Modes
+
+
+
+
+
ARRL Rookie Roundup, SSB
Run for the Bacon QRP Contest
222 MHz Spring Sprint
Phone Fray
CWops Mini-CWT Test
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
RSGB 80m Club Championship, Data
NCCC RTTY Sprint
NCCC Sprint
10-10 Int. Spring Contest, Digital
SP DX RTTY Contest
Helvetia Contest
BARTG Sprint 75
SKCC Sprint
Phone Fray
CWops Mini-CWT Test
+ 432 MHz Spring Sprint
2100Z, Apr 9 to 2100Z, Apr 10
1200Z-1800Z, Apr 10
1500Z-1700Z, Apr 10
1900 local - 2300 local, Apr 11
0030Z-0230Z, Apr 13
0230Z-0300Z, Apr 13
1300Z-1400Z, Apr 13 and
1900Z-2000Z, Apr 13 and
0300Z-0400Z, Apr 14
1900Z-2030Z, Apr 13
0145Z-0215Z, Apr 15
0230Z-0300Z, Apr 15
2100Z, Apr 15 to 2100Z, Apr 16
0000Z-2359Z, Apr 16
0500Z-0559Z, Apr 16 and
0600Z-0659Z, Apr 16 and
0700Z-0759Z, Apr 16 and
0800Z-0859Z, Apr 16
0600Z, Apr 16 to 0559Z, Apr 17
1200Z, Apr 16 to 2359Z, Apr 17
1400Z, Apr 16 to 0200Z, Apr 17 and
1400Z-2300Z, Apr 17
1600Z, Apr 16 to 0400Z, Apr 17
1700Z-2000Z, Apr 16 (20-10m) and
2000Z-2300Z, Apr 16 (80m) and
0700Z-1100Z, Apr 17 (40m) and
1100Z-1300Z, Apr 17 (20-10m)
1800Z, Apr 16 to 0500Z, Apr 17 and
1200Z-1800Z, Apr 17
1800Z, Apr 16 to 1800Z, Apr 17
1700Z-1859Z, Apr 16
2100Z, Apr 16 to 0500Z, Apr 17 and
0900Z-1700Z, Apr 17
1200Z-1400Z, Apr 17 and
1800Z-2000Z, Apr 17
1800Z-2359Z, Apr 17
0100Z-0300Z, Apr 18
1900 local - 2300 local, Apr 19
0230Z-0300Z, Apr 20
1300Z-1400Z, Apr 20 and
1900Z-2000Z, Apr 20 and
0300Z-0400Z, Apr 21
1900Z-2030Z, Apr 21
0145Z-0215Z, Apr 22
0230Z-0300Z, Apr 22
0001Z, Apr 23 to 2359Z, Apr 24
1200Z, Apr 23 to 1200Z, Apr 24
1300Z, Apr 23 to 1259Z, Apr 24
1700Z-2100Z, Apr 24
0000Z-0200Z, Apr 27
0230Z-0300Z, Apr 27
1300Z-1400Z, Apr 27 and
1900Z-2000Z, Apr 27 and
0300Z-0400Z, Apr 28
1900 local - 2300 local, Apr 27
Page 19
+
+
+
+
+
+
UKEICC 80m Contest
NCCC RTTY Sprint
NCCC Sprint
SBMS 2.3 GHz and Up Contest and Club Challenge
Russian WW MultiMode Contest
Florida QSO Party
2000Z-2100Z, Apr 27
0145Z-0215Z, Apr 29
0230Z-0300Z, Apr 29
0600 local, Apr 30 to 2359 local, May 1
1200Z, Apr 30 to 1159Z, May 1
1600Z, Apr 30 to 0159Z, May 1 and
1200Z-2159Z, May 1
DX Operating News and Information
Dave Fairbanks N8NB
Heard Island, VK0EK, should still be operating when you get this newsletter and I hope you can get
them in your log because it will be a long time before they operate again. Juan De
Nova,FT4JA,should also be on the air as well and is almost as rare as Heard Island.
Starting in April, a station is going to operatePage
from 18
Spratly Islands and would be a good rare entity to
get in the log. Hopefully you have a good antenna and enough power to get through to them as the
sun-spots are waning.
Credit for the below information and further information on these operations and others can be found
at the following website:
http://www.ng3k.com
April
By OH2YY OH1TV fn Pulau Layang
2016 2016
Apr05 Apr09
Spratly Is
TBA
OH2YY
OH2YY Layang; 80-6m; mainly SSB, some CW;
20160316 QSL OK via OH Buro or direct, also Club
Log
2016 2016
East Timor
Apr05 Apr11
2016 2016
Apr09 Apr10
Market
Reef
4W
TBA
By JE1CKA JI1AVY 7K4QOK JQ2GYU
JJ2VLY as TBA; 160-10m; CW SSB RTTY;
DXW.Net
QRV for JIDX CW but non-JAs may call
20160310
during event (no need to give contest
exchange); Club Log OK
OJ0W
OH3WS
DXW.Net By OH3WS; 80-10m, focus on high bands;
20160301 CW SSB
LotW
OPDX
DJ6OI; CW SSB + digital; QSL also OK via
20160125
2016 2016
Guernsey GP4BRS
Apr09 Apr16
2016 2016
Apr11 Apr24
Guyana
8R1A
By GW0ANA DL9RCF DJ8NK DL9RBL
DJ6OI direct (w/ GS + RP), Club Log, eQSL
W1CDC
425DXN By W1CDC; 80-10m; CW; G5RV; QSL OK
20160130 via Buro or direct
By SP5APW fm Koh Rong Sanloem (AS-
2016 2016
425DXN
Cambodia XU7AKC Club Log
133); SSB RTTY PSK; QSL also OK via
Apr12 Apr19
20160312
SP5APW, Buro or direct
2016 2016
St Vincent
Apr12 Apr22
J88PI
GW4DVB
DXW.Net By GW4DVB fm Palm I (Grenadines, NA20160214 025, FK92ho); 40-6m; mainly SSB
Page 20
2016 2016
Apr13 Apr18
By JA6EGL fm Koror; HF; QSL direct:
Palau
T88SM
DXW.Net
Hakata Radio, Box 232, Hakata, 812-8799,
20160124
See Info
Japan
MVARA now has a Facebook page
2016 2016
Apr13
Apr19it
That’s about
Botswana
A25UK
for now. I hope everyone has a
2016 2016
Apr13 Apr19
Cambodia
2016 2016
Apr14 Apr26
Trinidad &
Tobago
By G0VJG M0TGV G4FAL G4LDL
G0VJG
GM0WED fm Tuli Block; 160-10m; SSB CW
20160131
great
M0OXO
XU7AKC SP5APW
RTTY; QSL OK via Club Log
DXW.Net By SP5APW rm Rong Sanloem I (AS-133);
20160216 HF; clear path to EU and NA
9Y
K2HVN
DXNews By K2HVN as 9Y/K2HVN fm Tobago I (SA20160313 009); 40-10m; CW SSB
2016 2016
Liechtenstein
Apr15 Apr18
HB0
EA5IDQ
EA5IDQ By EA5IDQ; 40-10m, focus on WARC;
20151205 RTTY, some SSB
2016 2016
Apr15 Apr20
Lord Howe I
VK9L
LotW
2016 2016
Apr16 Apr21
Mayotte
FH
F4FET
2016 2016
Apr15 Apr25
Iran
2016 2016
Apr17 Apr30
Maldives
2016 2016
Apr19 Apr25
Samoa
2016 2016
Apr21 Apr28
EP2A
8Q7
DXW.Net By G7VJR as VK9L/G7VJR fm OC-004; HF;
20160203 CW; 100w; QSL also OK via M0OXO
DXNews By F4FET as FH/F4FET fm AF-027; 4020160210 10m; SSB
LotW
By YL2GM YL3CW YL2KA UT7UJ US7UX
UT7UV UX0LL EP3MIR EP2LMA K7GEX;
DXW.Net 160-6m; CW SSB RTTY; 4-squares on 40
20160320 and 30m, Spiderbeam, ground plane on 160
and 80m; QSL also OK via YL2GM and Club
Log
Home
Call
DXW.Net
160-10m; CW SSB; QSL OK via Buro or
20160304
By RC5A as 8Q7CA and RM0F as 8Q7FU;
direct, also Club Log
By JA1XGI fm OC-097 (AH46ec); 40-10m;
5W0XG
JA1XGI
DXW.Net
mainly CW, some RTTY PSK; QSL OK via
20151215
JARL Buro or direct
Georgia
By SP9ONC SQ9AC SP9ETE SP9NLT
DXW.Net SQ9OUK SQ9IWS SQ9IDL SQ9ITA SQ9ITL
20160228 fm LN21rv and other locations; 80-10m; CW
SSB + digital
4L9PL
By F5LOW F5MNK F5NBQ F6HKA MJ0ASP
2016 2016
Apr23 Apr30
Jersey
MJ0KUC
Auto
Buro
425DXN ON4ZD fm EU-013 (IN89ve); CW SSB +
20160326 digital; QSL also OK via ON4ZD direct and
Club Log
By VK4ADX fm OC-005 (RG30xx); 80 40 20
2016 2016
Apr23 May02
Norfolk I
VK9NU
LotW
15 10m, perhaps 6m; 100w; wires; holiday
OPDX
20160104 style operation; QSL also OK via VK4ADX,
Buro or direct (w/ green stamps), also eQSL
2016 2016
Apr24 May03
Belize
V31OK
LotW
By VO1OK fm Belize City (Apr 24-27) and
DXNews Ambergris Caye (NA-073) (Apr 28-May 3);
20160318 40 20 10m; SSB; QSL also OK via VO1OK,
Buro or direct, or eQSL
2016 2016
Apr24 May10
South Cook
Is
E51DLD
W6HB
DXNews By W6HB am Rarotonga I (OC-013); 8020160316 10m; SSB
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2016 2016
Ogasawara JD1BOI
Apr26 May06
By JI1LET fm Komagari, Chichijima I (AS-031);
JI1LET
OPDX
80-6m; CW SSB RTTY; QSL OK via Buro or
20160307
direct
2016 2016
JG7PSJ DXW.Net By JG7PSJ fm Chichijima I (AS-031); 40-10m;
Ogasawara JD1BMH
Apr27 May06
Direct 20160317 CW SSB RTTY
2016 2016
Apr28 May01
Bahrain
A91HI
LotW
By A92AA 7Z1OO A41OO A61DJ A93LT
DXW.Net EI5GM EI9FBB MM0NDX fm Hawar I (AS-202,
20160108 1st ever activation); 40-10m; CW SSB RTTY; 4
stations; QSL also OK via A92AA and Club Log
40 Meter Interference Reduction
by Wes, W8IZC
With winter over and time to repair that 40
meter antenna, you may notice the interference on
the band has slightly increased. We are sliding
down the wrong side of the 11 year sunspot cycle
slope and these conditions will continue for
several more years.
One way to help your radio operation is to try
different types of interference reduction, noise
blankers, IF filters, audio filters and overload
eliminating devices. An inexpensive way you
might consider is to plug an extension speaker
into your trusty radio, with a cord long enough to
reach the “scoop” on your snowblower (after all
it won’t be used for over 8 months).
As you hear stations adjacent to that rare DX you want, or simply a very strong signal simply
overloading and splashing all over the band, there is now an alternative! Simply plug in that extension
speaker allowing the excess signals and audio to go to the extension speaker where it can be directed
away from your radio equipment by pointing the “blower exhaust” away from your radio gear.
This alone should be helpful.
In instances when the signals are extreme, it may be necessary to duct tape the extension speaker farther
up inside the scoop of the snowblower as a directional enhancement.
Does this almost empty space bother you?
Why not do something about it?
Write an article. Share club news and events. Design a short project idea.
Send in some pictures. Your submissions to the Voice Coil are needed
to help keep us the 3rd best club newsletter in Ohio.
Send your articles to: [email protected]
Page 22
Amateur License Refresher--Dave, KD8NZF
It’s probably been awhile since you took your Amateur License exam. Here are a few
sample questions from the current question pools just to keep those synapses firing.
Extra Pool
E3A05
Which of the following describes a method of establishing EME contacts?
A. Time synchronous transmissions with each station alternating
B. Storing and forwarding digital messages
C. Judging optimum transmission times by monitoring beacons from the Moon
D. High speed CW identification to avoid fading
E3A02
What characterizes libration fading of an Earth-Moon-Earth signal?
A. A slow change in the pitch of the CW signal
B. A fluttery irregular fading
C. A gradual loss of signal as the Sun rises
D. The returning echo is several Hertz lower in frequency than the transmitted signal
General Pool
G4E09
What is the approximate open-circuit voltage from a modern, well-illuminated photovoltaic
cell?
A. 0.02 VDC
B. 0.5 VDC
C. 0.2 VDC
D. 1.38 VDC
G4E01
What is a "capacitance hat", when referring to a mobile antenna?
A. A device to increase the power handling capacity of a mobile whip antenna
B. A device that allows automatic band-changing for a mobile antenna
C. A device to electrically lengthen a physically short antenna
D. A device that allows remote tuning of a mobile antenna
Answers last page
Page 23
Inverted High Frequency Loss with LMR-450G
By John ‘Miklor’ K3NXU
PERFORMANCE TESTS – LMR-450G
The recently announced LMR-450G cable has aroused much curiosity since its characteristics have
not been collectively available by any one source. By multiple inquiries to several manufactures (only
three at this time) and numerous lab tests, we hope to put many of the existing questions to rest.
DESCRIPTION
The physical make up of this cable varies slightly from most conventional RF cables. The center
conductor is a semi-stranded copper alloy surrounded by Telfon, which will absorb and distribute cable
‘hot spots’ caused by excessive standing wave. The double silver braid and foil outer coating which
provides a 98.6% shield is what the inverted high frequency loss characteristics are attributed. The
loss is substantially less as the frequency increases, making this cable especially attractive for UHF,
cellular, PCS and microwave applications.
The cable’s most unique property is attributed to the outer jacket material Neo-glow, an RF sensitive
composite plastic which will visibly indicate RF ‘hot spots’ in the cable. Adjusting the cable length to
the antenna system for the ‘perfect’ impedance match is crucial at high frequency, thus the importance
of a low SWR for peak performance.
LOSS PER 100′
PROPER INSTALLATION
30 MHz 2.4 db
The low level emission of light from LMR-450G cable can be
50 MHz 2.1 db
enhanced by wearing lightly tinted sunglasses with UV protection,
150 MHz 1.6 db
which enhances the light radiation from the cable. Select an
450 MHz 1.1 db
approximate length of cable needed for the installation which
800 MHz .51 db
must be multiples of a 1/4 wavelength for the desired frequency.
1200 MHz .37 db
The exact length can be determined by using the formula
1950 MHz .31 db
467 / Freq (MHz) plus approximately 18 inches.
The initial tests should be run with a 50 ohm dummy load at one end of the cable. With a minimum of
7 watts from the transmitter, you will see a faint glow from the cable indicating the ‘hot spots’ to be
eliminated. These are the points along the cable where the RF is at its maximum. It is at these points
where the RF connectors should be mounted. Trimming the excess cable may be required at both ends
of the cable to produce the most effective match. Use caution not to trim too much cable as the loss
characteristics improve with longer cable lengths.
SUMMARY
This could be the beginning of the long awaited high frequency “SUPER” cables. Only available in
limited quantities at this time; contact your local cable supplier for more details.
--From Ham Radio Blog PD0AC
Page 24
. "I
used my mother's radio as a PA system. I'd take the telephone, the speaking part,
and take those two leads off and lead them into the radio and the sound would come out
of the speaker." — Les Paul
Answers to Amateur License Refresher:
E3A05 (A) E3A02 (B) G4E09 (B) G4E01 (C)
The VOICE COIL is the monthly publication of the Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio Association, Inc.
(MVARA) and is intended to present news, issues and opinions of interest to MVARA members and the
Amateur Radio Community. We encourage contributions of articles, letters to the editor, etc. and welcome
newsletter exchanges with other clubs from around the country and around the world. Permission is
granted to reprint material contained herein as long as proper credit is given to this newsletter and the
author. Ideas for and contributions to the VOICE COIL should be submitted to:
[email protected]
Submissions must be received no later than the 24th of the month prior to the month of issue, unless
otherwise specified. Submissions should be in MS Word format or ASCII text. Material received after the
deadline will be used in the next month’s VOICE COIL if it is still current and /or newsworthy.
The VOICE COIL is published by the MVARA. All material contained herein is considered the opinion of
the author and not necessarily that of the MVARA. No responsibility for accuracy is assumed by the editor
or newsletter staff. Typos are included for the entertainment of those who enjoy looking for them and
should be reported immediately to any nearby MVARA
member :-)
Next Meeting:
April 14, 2016 @ 7 PM
Davidson's
3636 Canfield Rd.
Cornersburg
Page 25