tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37119730381141230482024-02-20T13:56:21.975+00:00MW0DNKA slightly differently polarised view of amateur radio....Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-25391391746352116122013-10-07T13:49:00.001+01:002013-10-07T13:50:41.510+01:00Digital Voice (DV) – the new FM?<b>Once upon a time FM
swept away AM, but DV is taking its time despite some clear advantages.</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve had yet another stunning 5W mobile QSO on 2m this
morning on my way to work. Several miles of clear, unbroken chat, without
mobile flutter. DV mode delivers good quality voice against a noiseless
background. It is sometimes claimed that coverage is roughly extended by 20%
due to advantages of this mode, even. I doubt this is entirely true, but an
excellent quality of communication is doggedly maintained before ‘falling off’ very
quickly. It is quite robust and packed with extras. Ideal for V/UHF and it’s been
around for several years. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even the 2m band-plan in the UK lists all the simplex
channels as dual FM/DV. I must admit that I and my friends keep traffic to the
UK DV calling frequency (144.6125 MHz) to ensure anyone equipped with DV will
hear us and join. If the current FM population heard our carriers on normal
working channels, they would be quick to complain about the noise the noise as
QRM.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is what DV sounds like on your FM radio:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzQW_b3S_7stk83fWRiwSt5qww-aOxYnRn-ZDjtDZypWcCcB1e7cVlcjXcas3jZ1FCuk3ZGfqvj-8ZqMppXNQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
DV mode is famous for being the common mode that binds the
larger DSTAR system (Digital Smart Technology for Amateur Radio), but excels as
a simplex mode too. No analogue mode will embed your callsign for display, report
your GPS position, over a low speed data link – all during a normal voice QSO,
rounded off with an inoffensive little beep at the end of the over. (Because
there is absolutely no background noise, it’s difficult to detect when someone
has released their PTT). This is why DV is such a superb candidate to network
via DSTAR. This is where radio marries the internet and we are its children.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The new Icom IC-7100 even has people quirkily chatting away on
4m with DV mode, which I gather works very well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what is DV mode made from? Well, your voice is encoded
digitally using a vocoder optimised for voice communications in the same way
your mobile phone does. The device that does this is called the AMBE chip
(Advance MultiBand Excitation). Some people moan that this is unfair being a
proprietary device, not being open source technology. However an AMBE chip can
be freely bought for just a few dollars and uses proven, reliable technology.
Inmarsat have been using it for years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The digitised voice at 3600bps combines with an additional
1200bps (which you can do anything you want with! Think file transfer, photos,
messaging etc.) before being modulated. The 3600bps voice data also includes
1200bps FEC (Forward Error Correction), which sends a little extra data in case
any gets lost over the air. When bits are lost, the receiver uses this extra
data the plug in the gaps. The modulation scheme is GMSK (Gaussian Mode Shift
Keying), which is basically a form of phase modulation. You’ll also appreciate
that all new modes often save bandwidth as well as improving quality and a DV
carrier will happily fit into 12.5kHz channelised plans.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>450</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2565</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Gigatel Ltd.</o:Company>
<o:Lines>21</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>6</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>3009</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>135</o:Words>
<o:Characters>776</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Gigatel Ltd.</o:Company>
<o:Lines>6</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>910</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, what are we waiting for? The manufacturers! The market
is caught up in adoption stalemate, with Icom having settled for DV whilst
others shun compatibility. But there are also homebrew DV options out there,
with modulator/codec boards that will plug into your FM radio (via the packet
port or tap into the discriminator) turning your analogue radio into a
dual-mode digital delight.<o:p></o:p><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiyizVkGRVwqBMWdvgCnjIoxMg48kznCKq101-Qyz3DZwSSC6MoE04a1_o1sCjA_-HHKyl13__PED8JyWHj9alYWIfLavNfIE9PQvmD5ErSzjlRIdUgROJZewrimeWmMccNKkSMVaGQTS/s1600/2013-02-21+14.16.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiyizVkGRVwqBMWdvgCnjIoxMg48kznCKq101-Qyz3DZwSSC6MoE04a1_o1sCjA_-HHKyl13__PED8JyWHj9alYWIfLavNfIE9PQvmD5ErSzjlRIdUgROJZewrimeWmMccNKkSMVaGQTS/s320/2013-02-21+14.16.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My home DSTAR hotspot. Comprising 2m PMR radio (underneath), GMSK modem (top) and Raspberry Pi computer (bottom).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are other digital modes out there too, all with
different strengths and weaknesses – and they are interesting. But for the sake
of everyday commonality and general take-up, I think DV has it.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So is it time to catch up with modern telecommunications techniques
and move away from analogue FM? Maybe there’s something in the more ‘tactile’
feel of FM: The waxing and waning, the background hiss, the heterodyne-ing. You
seem to know exactly what’s happening and what’s about to happen. So many modes
– enjoy the hobby!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-4581678325486224002013-09-25T21:05:00.000+01:002013-10-03T17:53:18.477+01:002m - a Band of Two Parts<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Like the incoming tide washing away a beautifully
constructed and elegant sandcastle, bit by bit, this week’s tropospheric
ducting crumbled away with equal inevitability. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At its height, this radio superhighway, formed by different
layers of air density and temperature, ‘hotwired’ parts of Europe together on
2m and above like they were connected with RG45 coax itself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The opening was heralded, accurately, by William Hepburn’s
tropospheric ducting forecast (see <a href="http://www.dxinfocentre.com/">http://www.dxinfocentre.com/</a>).
This site also explains various propagation modes on VHF and above, in a clear
and informative manner. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me tell you a little about my 2m station here in North
Wales. I have a lovely Icom IC-910HX and my antenna is an HB9CV. Yes, you heard
right, a peashooter. Two small elements phased together and put up on a pole on
the side of the house. You see, I’m starting modestly because our national
culture demands that we never do things the easy way. Added to the equation of
difficulty, I have a range of 3000ft mountains not too far away from me. Did I
mention the HB9CV was fixed? It points plaintively towards the south-east in
cold, metallic expectation of flux. It points towards the long, golden beaches
of the low countries, the rolling fields of northern France, the great cities
of Western Europe and finally, the snow-capped Alps and beyond. But it also has
a ‘heart’, a cardiod footprint in fact. The characteristics of the HB9CV
trade-off a modest gain with quite a wide beam-width, with a sharp null behind
it, giving it its heart shape.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNGcMJDOHEChZdXqIK52dTxNTSvclVYV3FdWPYbP4NcdpXUZD0yWVziB9XhFaDUXOXpyFA3Ecmcu1P8iXYnBhqUgVjB-TUWJwOX8ITE9JH49iIcIh9y0TbsJzVBauzum81Iu12SHpGB9R/s1600/2013-09-23+13.49.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNGcMJDOHEChZdXqIK52dTxNTSvclVYV3FdWPYbP4NcdpXUZD0yWVziB9XhFaDUXOXpyFA3Ecmcu1P8iXYnBhqUgVjB-TUWJwOX8ITE9JH49iIcIh9y0TbsJzVBauzum81Iu12SHpGB9R/s200/2013-09-23+13.49.38.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The humble HB9'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You need good hearing. The receive gain is lacking for
weak-signal work, but work it does. And this week I worked a station (OE2XRM) in
Salzburg, Austria. 5,5 both ways! The pure magic of hearing a man who may be
wearing lederhosen over what is normally a line-of-sight form of communication,
is thrilling! A couple of stations from Bavaria followed and I was then content
to listen as the chatter of stations from France and the Netherlands filled the
band.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later in the afternoon, fuelled by electromagnetic
excitement, I ventured onto a local hill (178m/584ft.) with my lovely FT-817
and a 9-element 2m yagi. I also took along a 70cm yagi for fun.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A quick scan
through the beacons bought in HB9HB in Switzerland! The Alps, the chocolate and
cuckoo clocks! Unleashing my 5W on Europe didn’t produce much, unfortunately –
just a couple of cheery calls from the UK, so I thought I’d swing the beam
round to Spain. Now, the DX cluster was not showing any propagation in this
direction and I wasn’t hearing any of the beacons on the north Spanish coast.
But suddenly, out of nowhere, and at 5,9+, came a signal booming in. Danny, EB1LA, on the northern Spanish coast was stunned to hear me at
5,9 with my humble five Watts. What a result! I can only conclude that the
beacons may have been situated too high to ‘tap in’ to the duct. How many
people in the UK and Ireland must have been beaming away from Spain that day
having assumed that no beacon = no path? I wonder. A quick scan on 70cm
revealed no traffic, but I did receive the Netherlands beacon PI7CIS. Quite a
trip for UHF.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6tHTY14oPRUNu-u8o14bxasz6lb8vt1ExfAK-x1Lcqsyv0aufqtw60IKP-AwGU2YMl3fXOj6l0fRFygsP2tUs5vIUV7NC-Pl-2dvBGpu21qvceE8enqF-J-BtTz7_9V78ZwP2XhvZEk5/s1600/2013-09-23+16.08.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6tHTY14oPRUNu-u8o14bxasz6lb8vt1ExfAK-x1Lcqsyv0aufqtw60IKP-AwGU2YMl3fXOj6l0fRFygsP2tUs5vIUV7NC-Pl-2dvBGpu21qvceE8enqF-J-BtTz7_9V78ZwP2XhvZEk5/s320/2013-09-23+16.08.30.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hilltop station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The two metre band can be sublime, but comes in two parts.
The FM part of it is like an amateur ‘pub’. It seems the place where people
gather in the evening to discuss their day and engage in chat (For example, one
QSO I heard earlier this year was despairingly on the subject of “my favourite
biscuits”). But the lower portion of the band has the elegance and
sophistication of a Grand Cru. It’s as if it’s optimised in terms of antenna
size, required power and number of users to give you a fighting chance of
achieving glory in the aether. And I did.<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="color: #073763;">Postscript 03 Oct. 2013:</span></b><span style="color: #073763;"> Just read </span><a href="http://ei3kd.73tu.com/?p=569" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">EI3KD's excellent blog</span></a> <span style="color: #073763;">about this tropo opening. It coincidentally contains an audio capture of the end of my QSO with OE2XRM! Recommended reading (and listening).</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com6Isle of Anglesey, UK53.2692804 -4.321285200000033952.9654809 -4.9667322000000338 53.573079899999996 -3.675838200000034tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-83991470738921730772013-03-13T20:26:00.000+00:002013-03-18T00:06:27.664+00:00A Quick RoIP Experiment<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>211</o:Words>
<o:Characters>1208</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Gigatel Ltd.</o:Company>
<o:Lines>10</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>2</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>1417</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>RoIP stands for <u>R</u>adio
<u>o</u>ver the <u>I</u>nternet <u>P</u>rotocol and you can use this technology
to connect remote radios over any distance, easily.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are, of course, very complicated and elegant
communications systems that do this already such as Echolink, D-STAR, Allstar, IRLP, Tetra and
DMR/Mototrbo, but tonight I homebrewed my very own, modest private link in half
an hour – and you can too!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have a rig with a packet data port and an external
sound interface, such as a Signalink USB, then all you need is some software
and a mobile phone, for example.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeIsVYRSU-DwRbgIPjTQj0k1SWuZlXfb0EtCGWJxmG0waslBIlWVf27qbUO2OwLkCUw-C3UsgDvRjjuyeLDcUAMdWMXTqv-atjrgtIMBLB28ZVG7jMv8t5Te88dn12nrM5cln8t21lfbs/s1600/2013-03-13+19.49.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeIsVYRSU-DwRbgIPjTQj0k1SWuZlXfb0EtCGWJxmG0waslBIlWVf27qbUO2OwLkCUw-C3UsgDvRjjuyeLDcUAMdWMXTqv-atjrgtIMBLB28ZVG7jMv8t5Te88dn12nrM5cln8t21lfbs/s400/2013-03-13+19.49.59.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signalink USB Interface with FT-817 set to 2m FM calling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oVSvTQt1IcEEjcJj_5kVF2qkgcPDTvsfXaZjUtwPGaRXhjsTR-UWi0ezX85vhvHQvkZ2A4ZnDjxu09TW1aaLZqhu4Bf6C8pW5N1jY01u4ahB-myeqTYKyiPTplri4uNbGCQ7dbqO6sxk/s1600/2013-03-13+18.34.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oVSvTQt1IcEEjcJj_5kVF2qkgcPDTvsfXaZjUtwPGaRXhjsTR-UWi0ezX85vhvHQvkZ2A4ZnDjxu09TW1aaLZqhu4Bf6C8pW5N1jY01u4ahB-myeqTYKyiPTplri4uNbGCQ7dbqO6sxk/s200/2013-03-13+18.34.55.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zello app with PTT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I used a fantastic free app called Zello. Zello is a walkie
talkie emulator for your smartphone but also has a PC programme counterpart.
The clever bit is that it has a VOX function with several adjustments for
sensitivity and delay. My project enabled me to talk remotely over 2m using my
smartphone!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, by pressing ‘PTT’ on my smartphone and making a direct
call to my computer, the VOX switch was activated on my Signalink USB interface
and my FT-817 transmitted. When the squelch was opened on my ‘817 by the
station I was talking to (and this is the clever bit) the Zello programme on my
computer used its VOX feature to transmit back to my smartphone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlZIdBIhihk7UQKC5LT2CTQEe38fYTPf5G_SzaAH7l4dwgAw1gHAxD5KUqJ89Ony9FTjdvyNo0I-iD7gVYFP0JpjlhXr27BKrptihxQ-D2riAkjNtFeZh0_b-ykVWEv7zprhmDLIVLK1b/s1600/zello.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlZIdBIhihk7UQKC5LT2CTQEe38fYTPf5G_SzaAH7l4dwgAw1gHAxD5KUqJ89Ony9FTjdvyNo0I-iD7gVYFP0JpjlhXr27BKrptihxQ-D2riAkjNtFeZh0_b-ykVWEv7zprhmDLIVLK1b/s200/zello.JPG" width="113" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zello GUI on Windows XP</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LVf36s4r98NS2uHcmbrtBFVDcgBYx_a2qkYDebhSCbnJJ4kW4Jb0deWMrFeanncXwamD0IGZe2prscf3iv4-rNTGPnmv1fUDiqo8koeFs7hg0R1O09U40jKxUnsCGPwHzLJIM78rNyy4/s1600/zellovox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LVf36s4r98NS2uHcmbrtBFVDcgBYx_a2qkYDebhSCbnJJ4kW4Jb0deWMrFeanncXwamD0IGZe2prscf3iv4-rNTGPnmv1fUDiqo8koeFs7hg0R1O09U40jKxUnsCGPwHzLJIM78rNyy4/s320/zellovox.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zello VOX settings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;">Now I know that Ham Radio Deluxe can be established to give
full remote control over my rig, but that’s for another day. This is one
solution to automatically link two radios that anyone can do.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-1608834742114706142013-02-04T16:37:00.000+00:002013-02-05T00:03:17.331+00:00More of a Shout than a Whisper…..<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The key to converting your treasured and incredibly versatile FT-817
or similar into a digital powerhouse seems to be an A. computer and B. a sound
card interface.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, armed with a tidy little Signalink USB interface, I’ve
been attacking digital modes with vigour, starting with WSPR (<a href="http://mw0dnk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/a-wspr-in-your-ear.html" target="_blank">Weak Signal Propagation Reporting</a>). The Signalink USB
is basically a remote sound card in a box, powered by your computer’s USB. This
solution allows controlled audio isolation between your rig and transceiver.
Level adjustment is available on the front panel too which means you don’t have
to navigate clumsily through several windows on your PC and adjust sliders with
your mouse to optimise levels.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY2UCp7b9uTkJY78qJ-ZWfKhLNZRf0tvupesznrSg-OhB9UOkr13QrlI_N9HZDiJrSx-YfS9y0oFvDVoBHfeqTOr3voxFP4IJgh9kbfG9uCigw_zhKL2KZTzNmdIW10jDATJxOiOABFF4/s1600/2013-02-04+15.47.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY2UCp7b9uTkJY78qJ-ZWfKhLNZRf0tvupesznrSg-OhB9UOkr13QrlI_N9HZDiJrSx-YfS9y0oFvDVoBHfeqTOr3voxFP4IJgh9kbfG9uCigw_zhKL2KZTzNmdIW10jDATJxOiOABFF4/s200/2013-02-04+15.47.14.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FT-817 and Signalink USB Interface</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The interface connects directly to the data port of my
FT-817 and provides a PTT function, if required. However, I’m also using a CAT
interface which provides PTT (Push To Talk) as well as frequency configuration from the
WSPR program that I’ve started with.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, straightforward then? Nearly but not quite. There are a
few small pitfalls to be aware of. Firstly, the ‘817 needs to be put into DIG
mode as opposed to USB mode. This routes the input and output signal to the
data port on the rear panel. The data port is inactive in SSB modes. Secondly,
the correct data mode needs to be selected in the second-level menu, namely
USER-U. This means that it will be operating in USB mode and the passband will
be adequate. If this were to be set to RTTY or PSK, then the filtering for WSPR
would be too narrow. WSPR signals are individually narrow, but several occupy
the given passband. Finally you need to follow the instructions on Windows
setup that comes with the Signalink box to the letter. One unchecked box or
misplaced slider will drive you to madness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsd_B8jfOXWCasJZZxFBV59ElEFvmJSjuIIHHwmAXkLgJuvdDARt0jmehLDl5_0dNvWU11rsZRYF5zPAOwHsxQHGayqbfRrnznKiL6OoVA332jbt5yrkWlzkK4LTxgl8kRDFWA-QCXHNnn/s1600/screen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsd_B8jfOXWCasJZZxFBV59ElEFvmJSjuIIHHwmAXkLgJuvdDARt0jmehLDl5_0dNvWU11rsZRYF5zPAOwHsxQHGayqbfRrnznKiL6OoVA332jbt5yrkWlzkK4LTxgl8kRDFWA-QCXHNnn/s400/screen.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WSPR Control Software</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apart from that, it seems to be ‘plug and play’! My first
play on 40m with a random wire of some 20m in the back garden pulled in a VK
straight away. I was heard up in the Norwegian Arctic Circle with 1W. Elation.
Simply tuning to 472kHz pulled in a Dutch station with absolutely no special
equipment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For one whole day I exercised near-military discipline. I
stayed on the 30m band all day long without jumping to other bands. 1W into my rear-garden
wire antenna reached Israel and the Arctic Circle again. East Coast US stations starting
to come in at 20.00 GMT and I was reaching the Mid-West by late evening. Within
ten minutes this morning on 17m I was heard in New South Wales and Iceland.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9XzDOpP-_qMd7FoI6N2dyxJzeqs-l1RojhqhbDqaOvf8uCSOhoukuUIWsNspSlRtU2SPqmACPCzPSwviNWEeID2_rBSEp70c3_-stLt6lbZ_9YeNxn8phFFnw47GmcM6q47JHOqOK1dp/s1600/17m.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9XzDOpP-_qMd7FoI6N2dyxJzeqs-l1RojhqhbDqaOvf8uCSOhoukuUIWsNspSlRtU2SPqmACPCzPSwviNWEeID2_rBSEp70c3_-stLt6lbZ_9YeNxn8phFFnw47GmcM6q47JHOqOK1dp/s200/17m.tiff" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 mins on 17m!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3GPwi-AdKsxvQA74z_DAgsUpOxesA6YTS4UwEj0y1V2kW-ciFnW0OmQKXG4iC1LMVkKiLuVfOyDr9h24ML7x9MZrXPkKrJMlfoFfqy04vx1P36ouZVs3b9n0FEW3DujpLVHkzbFiWHjS/s1600/20m.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3GPwi-AdKsxvQA74z_DAgsUpOxesA6YTS4UwEj0y1V2kW-ciFnW0OmQKXG4iC1LMVkKiLuVfOyDr9h24ML7x9MZrXPkKrJMlfoFfqy04vx1P36ouZVs3b9n0FEW3DujpLVHkzbFiWHjS/s200/20m.tiff" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 mins on 20m!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I finally unleashed my single Watt on the 20m band for the
first time this afternoon, immediately yielding a nice path to the Philippines
as well as Europe and the East US.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No wonder this aspect of the hobby is so absorbing. I’m
absolutely addicted. Did the developer, Joe Taylor, K1JT, realise what he was unleashing on
us? A ‘big shout’ goes out to the man who invented WSPR!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-29921564492048292292012-11-23T16:53:00.001+00:002012-11-23T16:53:17.726+00:00A WSPR in your ear.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Like many of us, I am still amazed by the amount of radio
spectrum we have to freely play with.</b> Shots are being fired and eyes are being
gouged by companies for small slices of precious bandwidth. Multiply our many
electric playgrounds by the number of games (or modes) available and the
permutations are enough to overload your front end.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve decided to catch up with WSPR, a mode well known to
many but new to me. I’m going to give it a go – the difficult way. Julian,
G4ILO has an excellent article on the system <a href="http://www.g4ilo.com/wspr.html">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
WSPR stands for Weak Signal Propagation Reporting and is a
computer programme that runs your VHF/HF transceiver automatically in order to
receive others running the same system. Successful contacts, one or two-way,
are reported automatically to a website. It’s like having a worldwide net of
propagation beacons for every band available at your fingertips and the results
appear quickly after automatic contact confirmation. What a great thing to
leave your equipment running overnight or during the day when you’re otherwise
occupied!<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2Sgnf7LiSc9NauAWfPvG-DCtHcCgTLbpAKUH2aH0GkKh4_BfX6_3fO1DkCJBNjlrLyaxPXNnVvuPEN2u9Q4TQAlDBcDaMiwbCFPFrDUH-zEthjcoxjXjlHsyjzKAr8UmdjTDO_CrC5iU/s1600/WSPR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2Sgnf7LiSc9NauAWfPvG-DCtHcCgTLbpAKUH2aH0GkKh4_BfX6_3fO1DkCJBNjlrLyaxPXNnVvuPEN2u9Q4TQAlDBcDaMiwbCFPFrDUH-zEthjcoxjXjlHsyjzKAr8UmdjTDO_CrC5iU/s320/WSPR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot of WSPR.net Map Page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The best thing is that WSPR works below the noise threshold
and you can use very low power. I was staggered the other day to see that <a href="http://g4vxe.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/7mhz-wspr-12th-november.html">Tim,
G4VXE</a> had hit Australia on 40m with just 1W! One Watt! So I’m going to give
it a go with 1W and just an indoor Miracle Whip antenna. I know many QRP CW
experts may cracked this one before – but I’m new and excited. I’ll try 40m and
work my way up to 2m and see what happens!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll use my FT-817. A CAT lead arrived this week from Hong
Kong but it seems I’ll also need an audio interface between the transceiver
packet port and computer sound card to make it all work. Another option is to
buy an external interface that has a sound card and interfaces to the computer
with a USB. It’s not quite going to be a ‘plug and play’ job, I’m afraid to
report.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meantime, I’ll be satisfying myself to regular chats
on 2m with nearby stations on FM, SSB and even DV mode. So many ways of talking
– and that’s just on 2m. I'll 'whisper' my progress here as soon as I'm up and running.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-16227639193349996892012-10-19T20:56:00.003+01:002012-10-19T20:57:06.524+01:00"Armchair Copy"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When I was last active on HF, in 2003, I hadn’t experienced
the transient pleasures of a strong 10m opening. The solar cycle was way down
on the current crescendo.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the second day running, I’ve been receiving strong,
clear, frequency modulated signals from far afield that sound as if they’re
just down the road. Using my FT-817 (5W) and a small Miracle Whip antenna I had
a fantastic QSO into Greece. Only a little QSB here and there presented any
challenge. I tuned lower in the band to hear a W2 station calling CQ using AM –
well I just had to try! I’m actually quite staggered he heard my signal, but
obviously not strong enough to discriminate any speech. That would have been
expecting too much.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today on 29.620 the New York repeater, KQ2H, was booming in at
5/9+, of course. European stations a few hundred miles or less apart, were
talking to each other via a lengthy transatlantic trip. The FM capture effect
ensured that my QRP signal wasn’t fully heard, though I suspect I accessed the
repeater more than once.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll look forward to a little more 10m FM while it lasts. Congratulations
if you’ve enjoyed a DX ‘armchair copy’ this week.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-10317188119174033372012-10-13T20:49:00.001+01:002013-03-13T22:21:29.989+00:00Cracking the Whip....<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>330</o:Words>
<o:Characters>1885</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Gigatel Ltd.</o:Company>
<o:Lines>15</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2211</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Miracle Whip, that is.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I only acquired my fantastic Yaesu FT-817 to give me 5W of SSB on V/UHF from windswept Welsh hilltops. I
couldn’t resist a second-hand bargain of a Miracle Whip to see what I could
achieve with QRP on the HF bands.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx7R8JYpc3-PsH8o05mOtpLHKA-cNE10LP4a1-9a5Iz4VtU__FOU8lIM1SviWZpso6zDH3IDf7JFX-7ahRM0sRGe8KU9CAf40cchhR4fGZn9cL5g4PWVx1bKCn4nr5fN_J59fLMHTXfdb/s1600/2012-10-13+20.05.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx7R8JYpc3-PsH8o05mOtpLHKA-cNE10LP4a1-9a5Iz4VtU__FOU8lIM1SviWZpso6zDH3IDf7JFX-7ahRM0sRGe8KU9CAf40cchhR4fGZn9cL5g4PWVx1bKCn4nr5fN_J59fLMHTXfdb/s200/2012-10-13+20.05.09.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The '817 and Miracle Whip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a classic Fred-and-Ginger combination that has been
blogged, reviewed and You-Tubed extensively along with other rig/telescopic antenna
double-acts. Yes, it’s only 57” of radiating metal with a rather good tuner at
the base, but thanks to the current propagation conditions it at least <i>enables</i> you to experience the miraculous.
Its advantage lies also in its simplicity. It means you’ll use it because it
connects, extends and tunes in seconds. I like that! Connect. Extend. Tune.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been having fun with the ‘817 on my lap, indoors,
running off its own batteries (=2.5W max) and chatting to stations on the
higher bands in places such as St. Petersburg and the Ukraine with 5/9 reports.
You simply can’t get this thrill with a big station. It’s reconnecting to the
magic of radio – which is a real miracle every time a contact comes out of the
ether. I’m even moved to ‘Tweet’ a new QSO with excitement! (@MW0DNK).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve started at 10m, sliding my way down the bands as the challenge rises. Using 5W
(external battery) I managed a QSO with Algeria yesterday on 15m, 4/3. I
finally cracked 20m with a shorter, brief contact to Spain. I had a 5m
counterpoise wire connected this time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojCXf114Z1wchEl91eTtW6QDs43SwUlRt0-OvzREYk3UEH4vXSUTv0oW1MS3uk20Sata5pD4M4DZyoDWOJrYQqANpd2tObQ7uaMpFktkEoJiygi1TdmKLBT9rFuLjPIa6407oP1HrsIZc/s1600/2012-10-13+20.07.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojCXf114Z1wchEl91eTtW6QDs43SwUlRt0-OvzREYk3UEH4vXSUTv0oW1MS3uk20Sata5pD4M4DZyoDWOJrYQqANpd2tObQ7uaMpFktkEoJiygi1TdmKLBT9rFuLjPIa6407oP1HrsIZc/s200/2012-10-13+20.07.17.jpg" width="98" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connect. Extend. Tune.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On 40m I’m simply not heard, at least not yet. This is where
I need to start learning some CW skills. This will open up the lower bands for
me. Until then, living on the Isle of Anglesey, I might head to a beach and try
getting some salt water under my portable station to see if I can crack the
‘40m SSB phono challenge.’ Listen out for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On 2m the antenna is a ¾ wave. I’ve no idea what the
radiation pattern is for this length, but it seems to work very well.
Unfortunately the antenna is just short of a ¼ wavelength at 6m, so perhaps a
wire clip-on extension is the answer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was with sadness that on visiting the Miracle Antennas
website I saw an announcement about the passing of the company founder and
product inventor, Robert Victor, this year. It seems he’s left us a wonderful
legacy. Vy 73, OM.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-24142680303022173722012-09-24T12:18:00.000+01:002012-09-25T19:09:04.430+01:00QRP v QRO – Blood on the Floor?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The mighty, omnipotent sun that our precious emerald and
sapphire orb circulates is nearing the crescendo of its eleven year
repeat-performance.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the first time since 2003, I have revisited the high
frequencies: the short waves of equal delight and frustration that ebb and flow
with the days, seasons and years. Back then, I worked the world with 10 Watts
and a rather long wire antenna. I stayed up all night sometimes to listen to
the magical waxing and waning of distant continents on 80m. It was like
listening to a sublime symphony. Having moved to a new house with more limited
prospects for creating a good HF antenna system, I turned my back on these
noble frequencies to chase the excitement of VHF and UHF.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ironically, the drive for portable operation at V/UHF has
led me to flirt with HF again. It's the inevitable purchase of arguably one of the
best amateur radios ever manufactured, the Yaesu FT-817. Five delightful Watts
from top band, all the way to 70cm. MF to UHF. Sea level to mountain top. CW to
FM, with all modes in between. What a gem of beautifully packaged, miniaturised
happiness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictuz_8_tHRMB27aWekVep7KiY4ytlxEepbVBt2zTLvZeRlx-hgYC4_gdtHaZsarJhEc-V1ucckQgS4UDGdQ3i4WcubNQ4GLKyFdJbKW7tTxqPo35rv_8zangHjobMI_A2CN75kUxG7DRl/s1600/2012-09-24+12.07.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictuz_8_tHRMB27aWekVep7KiY4ytlxEepbVBt2zTLvZeRlx-hgYC4_gdtHaZsarJhEc-V1ucckQgS4UDGdQ3i4WcubNQ4GLKyFdJbKW7tTxqPo35rv_8zangHjobMI_A2CN75kUxG7DRl/s200/2012-09-24+12.07.31.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FT-817. 5W on 10m.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With 5W of HF readily to hand, I’ve hastily run 10m of
vertical wire in the back garden to listen to a more contemporary performance
of a classic favourite. Happily, 10m has truly sprung into life. This morning
I’ve just completed a QSO from home (Wales) to Greece with 5W at both ends.
Deep joy. A quick bargain has even brought a Miracle Whip into the ensemble –
just experimenting for fun.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But scanning through the bands in general I’m noticing a
tendency to transmit at powers of 1kW and above, whatever the band, whatever
the conditions. Abrupt reports of 5/9+ are exchanged with a seemingly
insatiable appetite to amass as many transient contacts as possible. Then there
are the pile-ups. Those ungentlemanly bun-fights where the loudest (or largest
bank account and electricity bill) wins. I’m sure that there are whole streets
in Palermo where the lights actually dim when DX from Pago Pago is heard on
20m.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ll never know if was possible to work Pago Pago with QRP
because we were never given the chance. This is on SSB at least. CW operators have a greater appreciation of low power. This is an old argument that will
attract equal venom and praise from our electromagnetic community. But I do
believe that as technology advances, there is a global drive for efficiency.
Low power is in fashion and with solar conditions as they are, we should all be
‘turning the wick down’ a little bit, shouldn’t we?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do believe that when the sun takes its rest, there is a
place for high power, particularly on the more difficult bands. There – you see?
I’m not anti-QRO at all. I’m just advocating using (as your exam tells you) the
minimum amount of power necessary to maintain a comfortable QSO.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-9037878605913641262012-05-16T11:32:00.000+01:002012-05-16T11:36:51.612+01:00FT-790R, 1W of Forlorn Hope? Part II<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I’m treasuring my multimode, single band transceiver of
yesteryear. They really ‘don’t make them like that any more’. </b>When the FT-790R
was manufactured, the UK still happily built cars that broke down and
industrial action was a continuing popular pastime. Thank goodness the Japanese
manufacturing success story was at its zenith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my previous blog, <a href="http://mw0dnk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/ft-790r-1w-of-forlorn-hope.html">FT-790R,
1W of Forlorn Hope?</a> I outlined my trepidation, my dreams and anticipated
joy of achieving hilltop 70cm SSB contacts over phenomenal distances. This was
in the face of an antagonist old-timer who thought a little too much RF had leaked
into CPU of my head. So what was the reality?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since taking delivery of the ‘790, I’ve managed to test most
of the functions. With a radio of that age I shouldn’t have been surprised that
the front panel illumination bulbs have long since ruptured their once-bright
filaments, probably in the early 1990’s. A simple removal and refit of the
battery tray, which holds eight ‘C’ cells was required to reconnect the
internal power.<br />
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOEgV5a5OnHxLx2WsyqyFUvc415asfulirhuXGVskuROz_aB0HPlSoUUYJHDbg_rBGyzlPVP-QaVmkxfsIEeL15fQXpUWQCHF_fB57KH_lUkHwGNhyPVdstCAF5v9COGsyhL0rwXARtj5/s1600/IMG_0811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOEgV5a5OnHxLx2WsyqyFUvc415asfulirhuXGVskuROz_aB0HPlSoUUYJHDbg_rBGyzlPVP-QaVmkxfsIEeL15fQXpUWQCHF_fB57KH_lUkHwGNhyPVdstCAF5v9COGsyhL0rwXARtj5/s200/IMG_0811.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powered by 8 'C' cells</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Straight away, I connected a spare telescopic antenna for 2m
to the front panel BNC and gave a call on FM. I enjoyed two great local
contacts with stunning audio quality. Excellent audio reports came back too. Two
quick tests with local station John GW4ZPL confirmed that SSB was working fine,
albeit a little off frequency with his TS-2000 shack-in-a-box. Then we tried CW
(my first CW attempt, ever). Apparently John hadn’t heard ‘chirp’ like mine
since working Russian stations in the 1980’s! Luckily the operation manual
comes with a full schematic diagram. I’ll have a look and see if a key click
filter is misbehaving, for example.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Realistically speaking, I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do</i> know that a random 1W call on 70cm SSB is unlikely to attract an
answer under normal conditions. My plan was to get to a modest local hilltop
with a small beam antenna. If there was any tropospheric enhancement or lift,
all the better. Unfortunately, the Welsh weather of late prevented this.
Following the advice of <a href="http://g4vxe.blogspot.co.uk/">Tim, G4VXE</a>,
a competition evening would give me a fighting chance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Casually having a chat on D-STAR the other evening, someone
mentioned that a 70cm activity evening was due to start in around half an hour
at 20.00. No time to get up a hill and where the heck was my BNC to SO239
adaptor when I needed it to hook up my homebrew 9 element beam? So, if you can picture
me leaning out of the upstairs window with a small, non-resonant, telescopic
antenna pointing out at a jaunty angle, then this was my big chance. My <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">only</i> chance, so far.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlIcoGBisk4z8PmfPTzMofhbd7ZnqHE_r1d3WggQr7mwshOLnl9A318-QbeJqpS1Jhr3uw0bczwi16sh1IE46xkZ1dcAF6RWvCgu3baTNFX3g5G6VcnWYb1x5RBoRKujmEd0SkboxgoSm/s1600/IMG_0810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlIcoGBisk4z8PmfPTzMofhbd7ZnqHE_r1d3WggQr7mwshOLnl9A318-QbeJqpS1Jhr3uw0bczwi16sh1IE46xkZ1dcAF6RWvCgu3baTNFX3g5G6VcnWYb1x5RBoRKujmEd0SkboxgoSm/s200/IMG_0810.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I scanned the SSB portion of the band. Nothing. I twiddled
the telescopic antenna and re-scanned. Nothing. But then, a quick call in a
clipped English tone and a GD (Isle of Man) callsign. After a couple of failed
attempts, antenna adjustment, more leaning out of window, the received signal
came up to 5,9. The other station adjusted to my offset frequency and SUCCESS!
- Gave me a 5,4. He said he was using 400W and a 23 element beam that wasn’t
even pointing my way. The distance was around 73 miles or 117km, admittedly mostly
over a great sea-path.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’d been calling out rather robotically but had a
chuckle and warmly wished me 73 when he heard about my operating set up. I
forgot his callsign in the excitement and my bemused YL heard a whoop of joy
from downstairs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05qYgglj4Lxna9fh3V9KC4ygy3sZi0e-5o-Iqzc06HRZq5Ynw6OM8P81zvqVapqSJIVpHFhsr6IPXebKfa6qHg01Ui2H6B7RV_yunKHvBD7ZHv3jeAiGfLpxEximmZgTWC4HP-z2MgS4O/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05qYgglj4Lxna9fh3V9KC4ygy3sZi0e-5o-Iqzc06HRZq5Ynw6OM8P81zvqVapqSJIVpHFhsr6IPXebKfa6qHg01Ui2H6B7RV_yunKHvBD7ZHv3jeAiGfLpxEximmZgTWC4HP-z2MgS4O/s200/Untitled.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anglesey to the Isle of Man</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For every person that has told me that an FT-817ND would be
the ideal rig for me (and it would), there has been another that has regretted
getting rid of their FT-2/6/790R. My FT-790R is a solid, brick-like joy to own.
When I get up to a hilltop to try it out again, I’ll be supremely hopeful!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com5Llandegfan, Isle Of Anglesey LL59 5YH, UK53.2453944 -4.147957853.2430189 -4.1528933000000006 53.2477699 -4.1430223tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-89294006829007498582012-05-14T02:40:00.000+01:002012-05-15T11:24:01.809+01:00Mic Clickers: Easy 3-Point Guide.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>And I’m not talking about the clicking of computer mice
here. I’m talking about the highly vexatious and irritating habit of jamming
people, mainly on 2m FM by others. </b>Sometimes this escalates to music-playing
and verbal abuse. They are here and here to stay. Thankfully there aren’t many
of them, but we’ve nearly all heard one from time to time. What to do?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t worry! I’ve compiled a quick, easy and memorable <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3-point guide</b> on what to do if you
encounter any wireless abuse. Feel free to print this out and place it above
your rig:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
1. DO NOT acknowledge any interference<br />
2. DO NOT acknowledge any interference<br />
3. DO NOT acknowledge any interference<br />
<br />
Clear enough? Self-evident? One would blooming think so.
However, I’ve regularly heard some less-than-fully-brain-QRV amateurs :</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
1. Acknowledge the interference, repeatedly<br />
2. Provide the abuser with a useful and accurate signal report<br />
3. Articulate ‘entertaining’ anger and frustration to encourage further abuse</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Once you can grasp the simple, blinding reality that these
abusers only do this to elicit a response – provide them with that response and
they will continue, satisfied and emboldened. Deny them that response and they
will, eventually, cease and desist. I promise you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my beloved country of Wales, we have a legend that the
entire army of Owain Glyndŵr, rebel leader and last (Welsh) Prince of Wales (1400
– 1415 AD) lies sleeping in a hidden cave in the mountains, waiting for the
call to defend the country once more. I have heard amateurs say
on-air ‘that a group of detecting stations’ was out-and-about and would quickly
track down the offender with their accurate yagis and Jedi-like triangulation
skills. Oh. Would this mythical radio foxhunting elite be the band of 2m septuagenarians
who only exit their shacks to eat, make tea and perform vital bodily functions,
would it? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBz8yJSNkX2PaFXKCHT6Ptlnqpak2RUOMH4HS7uKnZrOAODUkoWmBuf-iixmwCGOXhBKNyCseSRKJYkhyphenhyphenX1JoTK71RukTqfxvQvkSazqK8eqSJhkao15KtAbM7GOaxnqc3rLZFCv1kvrM2/s1600/Owain_Glyndw%CC%82r_at_Cardiff_City_Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBz8yJSNkX2PaFXKCHT6Ptlnqpak2RUOMH4HS7uKnZrOAODUkoWmBuf-iixmwCGOXhBKNyCseSRKJYkhyphenhyphenX1JoTK71RukTqfxvQvkSazqK8eqSJhkao15KtAbM7GOaxnqc3rLZFCv1kvrM2/s200/Owain_Glyndw%CC%82r_at_Cardiff_City_Hall.jpg" width="139" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owain Glyndŵr, <br />
detection genius.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s equally remarkable and disturbing how some people even
enter into one-sided psychological games with their abusers, labouring under
the misconception that they are cleverer than the offenders who must be
naturally stupid. They are not. Threats of ‘I know who you are’ (when you
don’t), reports to government agencies (who don’t care or are too busy), Owain
Glyndŵr’s sleeping detection-army – I’ve heard it all. Don’t rely on the fact
that you’ve passed a foundation exam that a five year-old girl passed last
month will guarantee you intellectual superiority in this case. The same goes
for intermediate and advanced licence holders for that matter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Break any of my <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3-point
guide </b>rules and you’ve lost before you’ve begun.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In my next blog: How
to deal with pesky competition stations…….<o:p></o:p></i></div>Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-17973705295521286352012-05-08T17:24:00.001+01:002012-05-09T10:12:25.659+01:00Icom IC-E92D – Why This Is My ‘Staple’ Handheld<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Every ham has a
handheld in their collection of transceivers. I have one normal rig in my
collection of handhelds. </b>Nearly all the equipment I have can be held in my
hand, chucked in the car, operated ‘portable’ or temporarily connected at home.
It’s the capability that would suit a cold war double agent who has to move
between a series of safe-houses at short notice. Everything I have, I can pick
up and run with. Just as well I don’t have an HF vertical that looks like a
porcupine then.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve had my beloved Icom IC-E92D for a couple of years now
and I spend more time talking though this than any other piece of equipment.
Two years ago there was no DV (Digital Voice) or D-STAR activity in my area,
but I wanted a dual band handheld that would be, to some extent, future-proof. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And before the rival Yaesu C4FM digital system is mooted,
let me say that D-STAR is so firmly established, that a lot of infrastructure
would be needed to better the existing system. Great advances have been made
lately with the advent of the German <a href="http://www.dvrptr.de/">DV-RPTR</a>
(‘DV Repeater’) boards as well as the new <a href="http://mw0dnk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/dcs-also-reflecting-our-national-traits.html">DCS
reflectors</a>. Having said that, I’m always keen to try any new digital modes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not going to dwell heavily on specification and features
because this is not a newly launched product – there are plenty of excellent
resources and reviews already available. But here are some things that have
pleased me about both the radio and the technology behind it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJuJx-TP5nIY0QymREFDIvDOMdzLQDWtBCE9LeV9Cw5PsNqkMXgRDFJ481ja4i-fRxeXD1bSHc9FmJVUNmNKQ4JWaPm-yYwwqEBdFESD36GD2XY3PN6CZoQuQsYdBMAadnZljPMiawO4H/s1600/IMG_0808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJuJx-TP5nIY0QymREFDIvDOMdzLQDWtBCE9LeV9Cw5PsNqkMXgRDFJ481ja4i-fRxeXD1bSHc9FmJVUNmNKQ4JWaPm-yYwwqEBdFESD36GD2XY3PN6CZoQuQsYdBMAadnZljPMiawO4H/s200/IMG_0808.jpg" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icom IC-E92D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s put the digital stuff to one side for the time being. I
think the E92D is just an excellent FM transceiver in its own right. Its
construction is solid and feels good in the hand. Used outdoors, it’s
comforting to know that it’s waterproof. I live in Wales, after all. The send/receive
audio quality is very good in all modes and the microphone doesn’t suffer from
the aforementioned weather-proofing that blights some other units. It seems
XYL’s sewing kits have been raided worldwide for needles to pierce microphone
membranes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love using low power when I can. In DV mode you either get
a R5 copy or rapidly nothing. Why not see how low you can go? The E92D will go
down to 100mW and oddly enough I use this more than any other power setting. It’s
also all you need for your home D-STAR hotspot, isn’t it? A group of three of
us had a 2m net with a distance of 20 miles between the furthest stations. We
all used DV mode and 100mW (external antennas, of course) for a full lock and
quality audio output. Compare this with the FM mindset of achieving ‘full
quietening’ in many local nets. Admit it - a small swell of pride is taken in
how many dB’s ‘over’ are registered. With DV it is how <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">few</i>. Back to the E92D: If things get marginal and stressed then the
next increments are 500mW, 1W and 2.5W. Unleash the whole 5W if it’s a national holiday
or you’re feeling reckless. In common with many handheld owners, I also have an
aftermarket antenna to add a little more gain when needed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPP-7lShVK-uTsXxRk5YKT0j4ceVnwQ2voLERwHPVZjI5DPeKU85WvR5lw2KKH6ZbyW4aTvScLS7HEOl2AguM76i2UGAYGYYs5Jjhhp14aoAkVJlnLSkl0N3HOXYLIiSYOTvxLE0fOqq2Z/s1600/IMG_0806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPP-7lShVK-uTsXxRk5YKT0j4ceVnwQ2voLERwHPVZjI5DPeKU85WvR5lw2KKH6ZbyW4aTvScLS7HEOl2AguM76i2UGAYGYYs5Jjhhp14aoAkVJlnLSkl0N3HOXYLIiSYOTvxLE0fOqq2Z/s320/IMG_0806.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Built for the outdoor life - with HM-175<br />
GPS Speaker-Mic </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have, and recommend, the RS232C remote cable and bundled programming
software. There are enough people now who have kindly uploaded their files
(called .icf files) to the internet with repeater and node settings for entire
countries. You can enter or edit data manually from the front panel, but as
with most radios a computer will save you time you can otherwise spend chatting
idly. Seeing how the channels and banks are organised on-screen helps you properly
exploit the memory capacity. Apart from the usual, I have also stored AMSAT,
marine band, PMR and SWL channels. I travel a lot so it’s good to have
repeaters stored by region too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dislikes? Only a couple and they’re not going to jaundice my
high regard for this pleasure-giving, grown-up gadget. Most E92D owners acknowledge
that although the battery life is good, there is little warning given before
the battery dies. A bit like a pet hamster. Again, with four power settings you
should optimise your battery life. Secondly, I don’t think many consumers would
eagerly vote for an SMA antenna connector over a BNC, but we have to live with
that. The main problem can be a snapped pin from an over-stressed SMA
to SO239 adaptor, for example. This happens easily, frequently and on one
occasion to me. I sent my unit back to Icom UK for repair, as the stuck pin
could not be extracted. I must add that their support and service was
fantastic. The repair was carried out quickly and was not costly. Chastened, I
made a pigtail adaptor for use in the car, shown below. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yGdl3fW4rS6aTn5grpZNC2N2e_e3acudPsTkPhT7QpVQm7rLXrZzvz7j8klRjtrl7xg1mPS3Wt78eMEYtgtXf5nrpX9WjCJPBMDWXzv0RXAwvM5ZeuFxfpwGyjrlSD4TRLItdnbGT41Q/s1600/IMG_0809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yGdl3fW4rS6aTn5grpZNC2N2e_e3acudPsTkPhT7QpVQm7rLXrZzvz7j8klRjtrl7xg1mPS3Wt78eMEYtgtXf5nrpX9WjCJPBMDWXzv0RXAwvM5ZeuFxfpwGyjrlSD4TRLItdnbGT41Q/s200/IMG_0809.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SMA - SO239 adaptor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As far as accessories go, I have the HM-175 GPS speaker
microphone. The embedded data channel in DV is something we’re only just
starting to fully explore. GPS position and distance reporting between simplex users
or posts on APRS.fi via a repeater are fun. I also have a two-pin mic/headset
adaptor for mobile work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just download an electronic manual and have a look at the level of specification and configurability! You'll find a new feature every day for the first few months. There are now the lower-cost IC-E80D and 70cm-only IC-ID31E to supplement the range, of course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, after two years I think the big test for any bit of
equipment would be “If it was damaged/stolen/confiscated by vexed YL/XYL, what
would I replace it with?” For me, an exact replacement, no less. It’s a much of
a staple as the King Edward potato. <o:p></o:p></div>Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com24Isle Of Anglesey, UK53.2692804 -4.321285253.1173394 -4.6371422 53.4212214 -4.0054282tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-21855781952642237672012-05-02T12:46:00.000+01:002012-05-10T23:22:41.512+01:00The Man Who Fishes For DX<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I live on Anglesey, a
mystical Celtic island steeped in the legends of the Druids and lapped by the
misty waters of the Irish Sea. </b>There was whispered talk amongst the old
people of an elusive man who fished for DX and caught specimens from Borneo,
Antarctica and other strange lands.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Actually, it’s only Dave.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dave, GW4JKR, has an antenna system that you can’t buy from
any supplier. He uses a carbon-fibre fishing pole on a metal spike and several acres
of saltmarsh. The system is blindingly simple, takes minutes to erect and is
devastatingly effective.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I set up on the 20m band and all was quiet. I put out my
first call (SSB) and you know what? I worked Borneo 5/9. Because he was an
English ex-pat, I thought he was local until he gave his callsign for the
second time! Other local stations here couldn’t even hear him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a similar vein, Dave related how he’s had a 5/9 chat with
a chap with a German accent. Only turned out he was on holiday in Guadalcanal.
“You’re the only station in Europe I can hear,” he said from his sunny patio.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbsi2MfyxYbQM-JICUdgCtPelATSogvFolMfYX_UM1S9Gmwe74Q1M5wOTFKZ5f5SWJPeYz5elSbOSCnvxSnRq5xwfgdRAi65W6GxrbA7vl-O5PX64dAAsFlnDs9WPi4S9QnP5B43nNnOm/s1600/QSL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbsi2MfyxYbQM-JICUdgCtPelATSogvFolMfYX_UM1S9Gmwe74Q1M5wOTFKZ5f5SWJPeYz5elSbOSCnvxSnRq5xwfgdRAi65W6GxrbA7vl-O5PX64dAAsFlnDs9WPi4S9QnP5B43nNnOm/s200/QSL.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Dave's many QSL cards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The DX takes the bait each time. Reports come in from the
Pacific islands, China, Japan, Korea, Antarctica and New Zealand. I think
Dave’s witnessed more pile-ups than the M6 motorway.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The antenna system comprises two ultra-efficient parts, making
it a genuine ‘killer’ setup. For the antenna, Dave uses a carbon-fibre fishing
pole, also known as a ‘roach pole’. He specifies the better quality versions
that use high modulus carbon for optimum conductivity. The pole is approximately
12m in length, coming in seven sections. It is featherweight at under a
kilogram. The base of the pole mates to a large ‘agricultural’ steel earth
spike, which is actually a brutal pummelling device for digging holes in rocky
ground. A plastic sleeve insulates the
two components. Coax is easily attached by jubilee and croc clips. The second
part of the antenna system is the saltmarsh on the edge of an expansive tidal sandy
bay. The saltwater saturation, even at low tide, is high. Ask the shellfish.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5fvGV_W8_Lslmkpz-MX65feJ1TZJ3HA0b0GSzVuNycaJBQ1ofrrWqhGk4RwbbLHj_t4ZMEqdR4Fqnx8a5_IL5iiM-CVVDVunJWWm3_rE7iW7c0lg8I7Xyh71J67q8QuBEzOR-foyB8h8/s1600/DSC_0224+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5fvGV_W8_Lslmkpz-MX65feJ1TZJ3HA0b0GSzVuNycaJBQ1ofrrWqhGk4RwbbLHj_t4ZMEqdR4Fqnx8a5_IL5iiM-CVVDVunJWWm3_rE7iW7c0lg8I7Xyh71J67q8QuBEzOR-foyB8h8/s200/DSC_0224+-+Version+2.jpg" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like a latter day St. George, Dave holds the spike aloft and
plunges it deep into the salty mud where it stands at the ready. If there’s a
small pool of salty water nearby, all the better – in it goes. Wet, sandy
beaches work, but not nearly as well as dark, oozing mud it seems. Lovely.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clearly the vertical radiator, wide open aspect, perfect electrical ground and ultra-low angle of radiation give the best start a radio signal
could ever want in in its sinusoidal life. It’s as electrically quiet as a
library down on the beach which makes for reception most of us can only dream
of.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqxvevTqX2r-NdoPREOl4VlPePYoYr0I1dD7s3f4DsI7_lAuIwCpoUT5brtuV5vboVzcNITNj5xA7LNxQh4wz6Fy8J0TiDsLYJw2DUfDn-Mgjh-CVXPJGxfesHvJAqETxZy_oypvnADiF/s1600/7122649425_f2c6f6cb8c_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqxvevTqX2r-NdoPREOl4VlPePYoYr0I1dD7s3f4DsI7_lAuIwCpoUT5brtuV5vboVzcNITNj5xA7LNxQh4wz6Fy8J0TiDsLYJw2DUfDn-Mgjh-CVXPJGxfesHvJAqETxZy_oypvnADiF/s1600/7122649425_f2c6f6cb8c_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base section of carbon fibre<br />
vertical in situ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Follow Dave’s simple formula and you too can become a fisher
of men and the stuff of legend. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SAFETY</span>: Dave would
like to warn all readers to exercise care when handling a carbon fibre pole in
the open. Do NOT venture anywhere near power lines. You may render yourself
permanently QRT.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More photos available
on Dave’s <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2w0daa/sets/72157629921155585/with/6977967510/">Flickr site</a>.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com0Red Wharf Bay, Pentraeth, Isle Of Anglesey LL75 8RJ, UK53.306401 -4.20862453.268449000000004 -4.287588 53.344353 -4.12966tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-1963720155269464342012-04-26T13:25:00.000+01:002012-04-26T20:23:30.653+01:00DCS: Also Reflecting Our National Traits<b>Sometimes I find how we use new technology is as interesting
as the technology itself. </b>You may not know or care what DCS reflectors are, but
the way they’re developing tells us a little about ourselves, I think.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
DCS reflectors are basically a new generation of servers or
chat rooms we use with digital amateur radio to link repeaters, nodes and
individuals together. They were developed recently by some very clever enthusiasts
in Germany and are growing in an organic way. A bit like dandelions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each DCS reflector has modules from A to Z, which are a
blank canvas. The way in which these are being filled is like a group of sugar
drink-fuelled children scrambling to choose their bunk-beds in a large
dormitory at summer camp.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me explain: The first two DCS reflectors, DCS001 and
DCS002 were hosted by the Germans. They had neatly and orderly divided up the
entire globe into modules. It was a good start. For their own country they had
a national module of course, with additional modules for north, south, east and
west Germany respectively. But anyone who knows a little about Germany should
not be surprised to see that Bavaria has broken away and formed its own module. The
states of Hessen and Baden-Wuettenberg followed suit, of course. The states of
the former East remain quiet for the moment, it seems.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are now nine DCS reflectors at the time of writing,
all now hosted by different countries who wanted their own national servers. The
Dutch are fastidious in their egalitarianism. They’ve gone and divided their
reflector into nation-wide, north, mid and south Netherlands as well as – wait
for it - <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thirteen</i> different regions
including the colonies of the Dutch Antilles. The inhabitants of Flevoland must
be ecstatic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Swiss, however, have no national module at all. No, they’ve
divided their piece of DCS cake in language-slices: German, French and Italian.
I’m also sure it will be the most reliable DCS reflector ever known to man.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Italians seem a little less self-assured. They have a
record number of four test channels, just in case.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The US reflector is well-ordered, with a couple of the
noisier states, like Texas, having their own module. Even the Canadians are
accommodated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And as for my lot, the Brits? Well, we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">would</i> have to be a little bit different, wouldn’t we? At the time
of writing there is a national UK module, with a Northern Ireland, Wales &
West, Midlands and South module. No Scotland so far. Maybe it’s the expense. And
uniquely in the new DCS community, the city of London has decided that it is elevated enough among the great and good capitals of the world to merit its very
own module.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think we can rightly take most pride in the four inconspicuous modules
simply labelled as ‘chat’. You can transfer to these modules for your one-to-one
conversation without tying up the repeaters of an entire small country. I have
heard less-than-scintillating conversations occupy worldwide reflectors for
some considerable periods.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pace of development is astonishing. An idea whispered in
the ear of a developer is often embodied overnight. And we’re just one month
into the story…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XXE0CDlvZexdtCkyK404RmFgUeHGoZ_juPgkEhLIQBSfotIoMx9qCMqwxLrh8Lq4IMvExPiwWBEIC36tRdeyvHnHbyjFS1a9UJFfhyphenhyphennawSmpThbPRabPPBkTEGhaB73Ppg_a_xf_PzXY/s1600/scrrenshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XXE0CDlvZexdtCkyK404RmFgUeHGoZ_juPgkEhLIQBSfotIoMx9qCMqwxLrh8Lq4IMvExPiwWBEIC36tRdeyvHnHbyjFS1a9UJFfhyphenhyphennawSmpThbPRabPPBkTEGhaB73Ppg_a_xf_PzXY/s320/scrrenshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UK DCS005 shown on he excellent (German) DV-RPTR<br />
Control Centre software</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-18469564786641722352012-04-25T18:00:00.001+01:002012-04-26T14:12:04.035+01:00FT-790R, 1W of Forlorn Hope?<b>“One Watt! One Watt! What on earth bl***y use is that to
you?! I don’t know… (sigh)” exclaimed one local straight-talking OM on 2m FM
yesterday.</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His response to my acquisition of a rather dated Yaesu
FT-790R ‘portable’ transceiver was less than encouraging. It’s just as well I’m
an optimist then. With a maximum output of one Watt on one band (70cm) I think
I’ll need to maintain an upward outlook.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But here’s the thing – I always find myself drawn to
obtaining the more elusive QSO. You need a certain amount of eccentricity and
tendency to self-harm to stand on a hilltop for hours calling out on 23cm FM
QRP, for example. I was the first in the area to start calling CQ on DV mode on
2m. It took months before my first simplex QSO and then very little since.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The higher bands and modes have their rewards in spades,
however. The rush of excitement when you finally make that new or distant contact.
The perceived camaraderie knowing someone has gone to the same quirky lengths as you
to operate on a lesser used band/mode or from an unusual location. You feel you
have made a meaningful and personal connection, at least for the duration of
the QSO. Oh, it’s such a far cry from exchanging reports of 5/9 with the
fiftieth Italian station running 1kW on 20m you’ve spoken to in one morning. Better still, no QSL cards.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any why the FT-790? Well, at just over £100 it’s one of the
few portable internal battery-powered transceivers you come across before
taking the small fiscal leap to an FT-817, for example. Either way, it will hold
its value if my 2m friend’s prophecy becomes true.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, so far so good. It’s powered up and seems to be
fully serviceable. I’ve even managed a short-distance QSO with John GW4ZPL over
the Menai Strait in the Caernarfon direction, just a few miles away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll be out and about when the weather improves and will
post my experiences here. Will it be too futile, or with a bit of luck will I
make that elusive QSO I’m after? Will my single sidebanded plaintive cries of CQ reach a caring ear?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe I’ll be happily shouting “One Watt! One Watt!” from a heathery
Welsh hilltop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWovzqUJVkL5XOyYCk5FBlB_a6EiXdlrlBOkWDVZfvCZN7ST-g4wf0TfeHLof1QJH7efnp_k5cx1vozgc2-x0ADMyrq0D2lepyYd1Qune1SU6wRtz01Ej9Ywz_i_MjVSeONLu70VnoPdDK/s1600/IMG_0802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWovzqUJVkL5XOyYCk5FBlB_a6EiXdlrlBOkWDVZfvCZN7ST-g4wf0TfeHLof1QJH7efnp_k5cx1vozgc2-x0ADMyrq0D2lepyYd1Qune1SU6wRtz01Ej9Ywz_i_MjVSeONLu70VnoPdDK/s200/IMG_0802.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FT-790, forlorn hope?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-13029374001907235232012-04-24T12:13:00.000+01:002012-05-09T00:02:06.065+01:00Loving My Alinco DJ-G7<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpucxp2APJ4uurQS2At7lQQ0LQrKO1XvXRuVBSmLqe8EV-xqWdZup8S47CBA1VGjS8uiCAzD3Y7vqGO9ZKcPKAnlyYoOPCdC-bxxrdO_tO1ZeTsLIeNcILkjLw4nHcScyjVS3MSu1DOJc/s1600/IMG_0797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpucxp2APJ4uurQS2At7lQQ0LQrKO1XvXRuVBSmLqe8EV-xqWdZup8S47CBA1VGjS8uiCAzD3Y7vqGO9ZKcPKAnlyYoOPCdC-bxxrdO_tO1ZeTsLIeNcILkjLw4nHcScyjVS3MSu1DOJc/s200/IMG_0797.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alinco DJ-G7</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>There are many reviews on the internet already about this cracking little 23cm-capable transceiver</b>. In fact, it's the only 23cm handheld currently manufactured, which begs the question when will the Chinese fill the obvious gap in demand?<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'd like to add a couple of comments to help G7 owners get the most out of their cherished handsets:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Firstly, you'll find that programming the frequency offsets for 23cm repeaters may involve two minutes rotating one of the knobs. So, before you do this, set the tuning steps to 1MHz and not 25kHz, for example. You'll be able to dial a 20MHz offset in no time.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Secondly, make full use of the large alphanumeric display. This is the only radio I have where there are enough characters to enter a repeater call sign AND its location as shown to the right.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkN7EpFhTNZcJlX-Wz9T4ESEN8r_ccdMI2GZRAdP5UeDa3-pfoIA5W1ZV2qmkIGCcJHeKN7xHtiQcxNjQGYegeieSuFqE2Cvr2yMWpphUzKY_lsUVrTKpvpPQxduXyxaiI-l2jRKg7V0y/s1600/IMG_0798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkN7EpFhTNZcJlX-Wz9T4ESEN8r_ccdMI2GZRAdP5UeDa3-pfoIA5W1ZV2qmkIGCcJHeKN7xHtiQcxNjQGYegeieSuFqE2Cvr2yMWpphUzKY_lsUVrTKpvpPQxduXyxaiI-l2jRKg7V0y/s200/IMG_0798.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alphanumeric display</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you're thinking of trying 23cm FM with one of these, I'd urge you to go ahead! I've had so much fun working good distances with just 300mW from a local hilltop. The top power on 23cm is 1W with 5W on 2m and 70cm, of course. The audio quality is crisp and clear and QSO's are very rewarding. Is there activity? Well, not a prodigious amount, of course. Try monitoring the <a href="http://www.sotawatch.org/" target="_blank">SOTAwatch</a> website for hilltop activity or put out a call on 2m or 70cm asking for stations QRV on 23cm to respond. Note that some stations may have horizontal beams for SSB - simply turn your antenna on its side when needed. Do some research on homebrew bi-quad antennas as they're really easy to construct and will give you immediate gain without sacrificing portability. Again, there is plenty of excellent information on the net. I used this design here: <a href="http://www.dl5neg.de/23cm_ant/23cm_ant.htm" target="_blank">Hybrid Quad Directional Antenna</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Check your licence terms, though, as Foundation holders don't have access to this band. Otherwise I look forward to working you soon!<br />
<br />
Read Ross G6GVI's excellent review here: <a href="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/rossjwilkinson/g6gvi/djg7.html" target="_blank">G6GVI Alinco DJ-G7</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Update - here's a list of stations worked in my first week QRV on 23cm:</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></b><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; text-align: left; width: 229px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 3242; mso-width-source: userset; width: 76pt;" width="76"></col><col style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col><col style="mso-width-alt: 3754; mso-width-source: userset; width: 88pt;" width="88"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 76pt;" width="76"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">GW4ZPL</span></td><td style="width: 65pt;" width="65"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">John</span></td><td style="width: 88pt;" width="88"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Caernarfon</span></td></tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">G7IEI</span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Shaun</span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Bolton</span></td></tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">G6AOS</span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Steve</span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Blackpool</span></td></tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">G6ODU</span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Bob</span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Ormskirk</span></td></tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">2E0DDD</span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Rob</span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Stoke</span></td></tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"><td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">2E0XYL</span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Karen</span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Wirral</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-259029603874789632012-04-24T10:35:00.002+01:002012-04-26T14:12:19.533+01:00D-STAR Makeover<b>I had a surprising and slightly emotional experience on DV mode last week.</b> I was in QSO with a mobile station who temporarily lost the repeater for a couple of seconds. Not unusual, but get this - instead of vanishing permanently in to vast digital abyss, he came right back as the system re-synced and locked-up. This happened again and he was re-acquired and all was well. Remarkable.<br />
<br />
No longer will your beautiful, eloquent, flowing QSO be 'bumped' abruptly and permanently off the air by a random mobile station the other side of the world 'pinging' his local repeater for a few milliseconds. You can now even QSY to a 'chat' module and not hog the repeaters of an entire nation while you discuss your passion for North Korean tractor parts for three hours.<br />
<br />
The advent of DCS reflectors, hand-in-hand with the German DV-RPTR boards shipped all over the world, is going to save the mode from extinction, no less. Witness the used D-STAR radios in the graveyard of Ebay as testament to the disillusioned DPlus users.<br />
<br />
If only they'd have waited.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iSS2IlSit7U5qKGcsRYfQFUNT-cRFcYUvGUeMS2dw2Dbm7bj8eYswLwKdrUYQ3sneTEzauc7FGtzYqAqtgrS29erYLnSt6N_D5dXB92jd2YMZLbUpXf8BnpT-yXCq6U0PbwUY5R8LaGY/s1600/IMG_0792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iSS2IlSit7U5qKGcsRYfQFUNT-cRFcYUvGUeMS2dw2Dbm7bj8eYswLwKdrUYQ3sneTEzauc7FGtzYqAqtgrS29erYLnSt6N_D5dXB92jd2YMZLbUpXf8BnpT-yXCq6U0PbwUY5R8LaGY/s200/IMG_0792.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The DV-RPTR unit in its housing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*UPDATE 24th April 2012: Looks like the Dplus system has been suddenly revamped to include the routing information with the voice packets in the same way as DCS. Shame it took seven years of dysfunctional communications and a rival system to prompt this. I'll be staying on the DCS system - but enjoy whichever system you use and enjoy the mode!Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-60546406526544593332012-04-24T01:03:00.002+01:002012-04-26T14:12:24.879+01:00Foundation for Life?<b>Nobody would doubt that the RSGB initiative to bring a new crowd of entry-level operators into the hobby was a 'good thing'. </b>The young, the old, dabblers and people of varying abilities are able to enter the hobby with nearly all the operating capabilities of an advanced licence holder. Ten Watts on nearly all the bands really is 'enough to work the world'.<br />
<br />
But should that be the end of their radio adventure? I am wondering if there should be a nominal time limit that encourages the foundation licence holder to progress to the next level or the licence is rescinded. Does this sound harsh? Well, there are plenty of analogies - think of your teenager's moped licence.<br />
<br />
Should you be able to remain aspirationally dormant at this level for life? Perhaps if you are visually impaired, for example, or face other similar restrictions, then this should be an absolute entitlement.<br />
<br />
But has the proliferation of long term M3's and latterly M6's downgraded the quality of the hobby to some extent? For example, take two metres, with fewer of the 'older gentlemen of the air' as I like to call them, taking an active part in daily communications, has the lead example of how to behave been lost? I would say to an extent, yes. More senior operators still monitor two metres and will bemoan inwardly the way that newer operators seem to be making up their own rules of how to behave on the air without any mentoring or peer influence. Yes, I know there are examples of senior operators behaving appallingly, but I really would not want any young aspiring radio amateur to listen to some of the inane, irrelevant and wholly inappropriate conversations floating around the bands in my area - and we're in a comparative Narnia here in north Wales.<br />
<br />
I admit to feeling my heart sink when I heard about a five year old girl passing the Foundation Exam recently. This is not an example of how clever the girl is, is it? Likewise the blood drained when I heard of the Belgians giving their novices fifty, yes fifty Watts to play with. Unless I've been reading this incorrectly, the RSGB have been reporting all this as 'good' news.<br />
<br />
So where do we set the balance? Where is the incentive to learn, progress and perfect?<br />
<br />
Suggestion: Foundation for five years, Intermediate for ten, Advanced for life. Too severe, or the only way to keep any credibility and dignity in the hobby?<br />
<br />
Comments please.<br />
<br />Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3711973038114123048.post-1398076349987178832012-04-24T00:15:00.000+01:002012-04-26T14:12:30.086+01:00Sandpiper 23cm 19 Element Yagi<b>My relatively new Sandpiper beam is now performing well after a shaky start. </b>It's a misnomer to sell it as anything else other than an antenna kit, to be truthful. It really does arrive as a bag of bits and two rough photocopied pages of sketchy instructions.<br />
<br />
It didn't help that the elements were supplied in the wrong sequence with a couple of 'wild card' elements from another antenna design altogether. Marc, the manufacturer, was extremely apologetic and helpful in sending me the antenna measurements straight away by email. However, it meant the additional purchase of a metal rule and measuring callipers from our local excellent ironmonger to get cracking.<br />
<br />
After what seemed an afternoon of measuring and re-measuring, the beam started to take form. This involved discarding one element and chopping down another to size. In the initial construction the reflector ended up as the first director. What was supposed as a reflector must have come from a 70cm design. No wonder the thing worked better sideways.<br />
<br />
But now, all is well. Coupled with my 1W Alinco DJ-G7 I worked Stoke on Trent (2E0DDD) simplex from a local Anglesey hilltop thanks to a slight tropospheric enhancement. It seems to offer the best combination of gain and beam width. This means your calls will be heard reasonably widely with enough gain (17.1dBi). You won't be losing out too much due to de-pointing either. Its size also means that it can be supported by a modest pole/guys or tripod without offering too much windage.<br />
<br />
I think it's possibly the most optimal solution for hilltop and portable operating.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroZ1GgBBnERBiYMkXqkYX41T2j6M2eLXXC4GyaiDp4ekkNCYsWZ7wx2lUkQyCJzTcAWjl_do66Bw4L-qAqfZe_NvV5k1WtkuZcJ8b79vuZJi6JOT_OPO0AXfMFJHfp9YVFjH5mumI526H/s1600/IMG_0794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroZ1GgBBnERBiYMkXqkYX41T2j6M2eLXXC4GyaiDp4ekkNCYsWZ7wx2lUkQyCJzTcAWjl_do66Bw4L-qAqfZe_NvV5k1WtkuZcJ8b79vuZJi6JOT_OPO0AXfMFJHfp9YVFjH5mumI526H/s320/IMG_0794.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed 19 element 23cm Sandpiper yagi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Robert Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04202343241979914401noreply@blogger.com1