5W VLF beacon TX

OK, I was only testing from the shack to the lounge, but this is a start.  TX is 5W from my TDA2003 beacon.

TX frequency 8.976kHz initially with 10wpm CW, 300Hz bandwidth, sending my callsign and a dash. Nothing copied at first using a dummy load but over 70dB over noise using the earth-electrode “antenna” with no attempt to optimise match (fed via the same 3C90 step-up transformer used on 472kHz).   With no probe at all (i.e.no RX antenna) the S/N was still some 40dB i.e. very good using the TX into the earth-electrodes.

QRSS3 signal received on Spectran (0.37Hz BW)

Later with QRSS3, a 50 ohm TX dummy load, E-field probe at the RX, I got the signal at 10-20dB S/N.  At the RX end I was using my simple E-field probe into a USB soundcard into my Windows 8.1 laptop. 

E-field probe

The blue photo shows the signal at the RX. The first part shows the TX signal on the earth-electrodes and the second part (weaker) was the signal on the EFP with the TX into a dummy load.

Honestly, this has really exhausted me!

Amazon announced a new product today called a Dash Button. Amazon sends you a little self-stick wireless pushbutton. When you run out of a product, you just push the button and it sends a wireless signal which triggers your phone to send an order for the product.

With a little creativity, could you “re-purpose” one of these to be a wi-fi doorbell or some other kind of signaling device? A push-button wi-fi panic alarm? I’m sure it would be against the terms of service to open one up and modify it, but geeks like me wonder just what’s inside one of these little buttons.

A lot of the media are reporting that it’s a wi-fi button, but I wonder if it actually uses Bluetooth communication. Basically you press a button and the signal goes to your phone via bluebooth, and then you’re phone places an order via the Amazon app.

I wonder what it contains for a microcontroller? I expect there will be plenty more info to come once these start getting in the hands of consumers. According to their website, Amazon Prime members will be eligible receive three of them at no charge. At the moment it’s by invitation only.

What uses could you think of for a cute little wi-fi push-button transmitter?

5/11/15 Update:
http://www.amateurradio.com/inside-the-802-11bgn-amazon-dash-button/

Stories you’ll find in our April, 2015 issue:

Scanning North America’s Railroads
By Richard Fisher KI6SN
The good news for the vast majority of railroad scanners is that 95 percent of railroad communication takes place on good ol’ analog FM. So, if you have a scanner capable of covering the railroads’ 96 FCC-assigned VHF channels, you’ve already got everything you need. You’ll be known in the vernacular as a “railfan” – of the radio-operatus specie.

FT-991: Yaesu’s Latest Shack-in-the-Box
By Mark Haverstock K8MSH
The Yaesu FT-991is both a competent rig that has a feature set that will satisfy most hams. Added VHF/UHF capabilities make it a very versatile rig for many applications. Yaesu’s touch screen goes a long way to help demystify menu selections. Find out why Mark thinks the FT-991 is a perfect fit for just about any ham shack, portable and Field Day use.

Digitally Speaking: Battery Considerations for Digital Portables
By Cory Sickles WA3UVV
Digital voice transceivers have more sophistication and complexity going on inside of them than similar analog FM rigs—especially when it comes to portables. That little radio in your hand, and the computer chips driving the extra features needs, additional current to keep everything going.

The Thrift Store Amateur
By Chris Friesen VE4CWF
If money has never been a problem, and you’ve always been able to buy your equipment factory fresh—congratulations—this article is not for you. If however, you have always had difficulty justifying the purchase of a new piece of station equipment, because you need your money to buy groceries, then you might find some encouragement in what Chris is writing about.

2015 Winter SWL Fest Recap
By Thomas Witherspoon K4SWL
Every year at the end of at the first of March for the last 28 years, the North American Shortwave Association (NASWA) has hosted its annual Winter Shortwave Listening Fest. This year saw over 100 devoted SWLers brave severe winter weather to gather in Pennsylvania to share their passion for shortwave.

Scanning America By Dan Veenaman
P25: A Tale of Two Systems

Federal Wavelengths By Chris Parris
Super Bowl XLIX Wrap-up

Utility Planet By Hugh Stegman NV6H
New Use for US Marine Channels?

Digital HF: Intercept and Analyze By Mike Chace-Ortiz AB1TZ/G6DHU
3G Wideband Protocols Are Arriving on HF

HF Utility Logs By Mike Chace-Ortiz and Hugh Stegman

Amateur Radio Insights By Kirk Kleinschmidt NT0Z
My Friend Ferrite: Interference Part 3

Radio 101 By Ken Reitz KS4ZR
The Art and Science of Chasing DX

Radio Propagation By Tomas Hood NW7US
More Sunspot Mysteries Revealed

The World of Shortwave Listening By Rob Wagner VK3BVW
The QSL Card – At What Cost?

The Shortwave Listener By Fred Waterer
Radio, History and Business Today

Maritime Monitoring By Ron Walsh VE3GO
Radio Surprises and Changes

The Longwave Zone By Kevin O’Hern Carey WB2QMY
Tuning in to Natural Radio

Adventures in Radio Restoration By Rich Post KB8TAD
The Real McCoy: A 1957 Novice Transmitter

The Broadcast Tower By Doug Smith W9WI
Stuffing 85 Channels into a 32-Channel Sack

Antenna Connections By Dan Farber AC0LW
Nothing Ventured: Understanding Antenna Gain

The Spectrum Monitor is available in PDF format which can be read on any desktop, laptop, iPad®, Kindle® Fire, or other device capable of opening a PDF file. Annual subscription (12 issues, beginning with the January 2015 issue) is $24. Individual monthly issues are available for $3 each.

As Steve announced a week ago, CLE192 was a special NAVTEX edition. I like NAVTEX for several reasons. It’s an open format, easily decodable and messages are mostly in plain English. Then it’s just like fishing with a fish pod: you can leave your setup on over night and in the morning see what nice DX you have caught.

Normally I use the FRISNIT software for decoding NAVTEX. It’s plain and simple and messages are stored in plain text files. This time I tried YaND (Yet another NAVTEX Decoder) and found it to be better in decoding weak signals than FRISNIT. I don’t like the interface and message handling, but those are minor issues.

Here is my list of catches:

YYYYMMDD HHMM KHz ID CALL STATION,COUNTRY DIST (Km)
—————————————————————-
20150327 1604 518 $13A UIK Vladivostok,RSE 2377
20150327 1656 518 $11F HAS Bangkok (Nonthaburi),THA 2525
20150327 1700 518 $11G JNB Naha ,JPN 723
20150328 1500 518 $11H JNR Moji,JPN 1359
20150327 1507 518 $11I JGC Yokohama ,JPN 2199
20150330 1737 518 $11J JNL Otaru ,JPN 2730
20150326 1519 518 $11K JNX Kushiro ,JPN 3010
20150327 1812 518 $11N XSQ Guangzhou,CHN 773
20150330 2218 518 $11O XSL Foochow ,CHN 235
20150327 2234 518 $11P XSX Keelung,TWN 1600
20150328 1053 518 $11Q XSG Shanghai ,CHN 704
20150327 1901 518 $11R XSZ Dalian ,CHN 1656
20150330 2150 518 $11L VRX Hong Kong, HKG 0
20150327 1801 518 $11M XSI Sanya, CHN 0
20150330 1900 518 $11S XSV Tianjin, CHN 0
20150328 1613 518 $11U 9MG Penang, MLA (tent.) 0
20150326 1933 518 $11V HL.. CHUKPYONG, KOR 0
20150329 1942 518 $11W HL.. PYONGSAN, KOR 0
20150327 1740 518 $11K JNX Kushiro 0
20150327 2140 518 $11K XVT, Da Nang Radio (tent.) 0

The catches with 0 km distance were not automatically identified by YaND and the two tentative catches were identified by the content of the message, so 99% sure it was them.

The last reason I like NAVTEX is the content being broadcast. It provides a window on a world that most of us don’t know much about. Most messages are warnings about military exercises, weather reports and changes in locations of buoys, etc. But occasionally you see distress messages and then you realize how much hardship and suffering there is out at sea and how mighty it is. I’ll leave you with two of those messages from the last few days. 73

—–

2015-03-28 13:20:15> ZCZC ID86
2015-03-28 13:20:19> 281320 UTC MAR 15
2015-03-28 13:20:21> OVERBOARD NO.141
2015-03-28 13:20:26> ONE PASSENGER FELL OVERBOARD FROM
2015-03-28 13:20:33> FERRY ISHIKARI ALONG TRACKLINE BETWEEN
2015-03-28 13:20:36> NAGOYA PORT AT 261000UTC
2015-03-28 13:20:41> AND SENDAI PORT AT 270740UTC OR
2015-03-28 13:20:46> SENDAI PORT AT 271040UTC AND
2015-03-28 13:20:51> TOMAKOMAI PORT AT 280200UTC.
2015-03-28 13:20:57> SHIPS ARE REQUESTED TO REPORT ANY
2015-03-28 13:21:03> INFORMATION TO 1TH REGIONAL JAPAN COAST
2015-03-28 13:21:08> GUARD. PHONE 81-134-276172.
2015-03-28 13:21:09> NNNN

2015-03-27 17:40:15> ZCZC KD57
2015-03-27 17:40:18> 271740 UTC MAR 15
2015-03-27 17:40:20> CAPSIZE NO.139
2015-03-27 17:40:27> TUGBOAT CAPSIZED IN 41-45N 140-44E
2015-03-27 17:40:30> AT 270610UTC.
2015-03-27 17:40:33> CREW WENT MISSING.
2015-03-27 17:40:39> SHIPS IN THE VICINITY ARE REQUESTED TO
2015-03-27 17:40:46> KEEP A SHARP LOOKOUT AND REPORT ANY
2015-03-27 17:40:52> INFORMATION TO 1ST REGIONAL JAPAN COAST
2015-03-27 17:40:56> GUARD. PHONE 81-13427-6172.
2015-03-27 17:40:57> NNNN

Temperatures this morning were still cool(-10c) when I got up but the sun was starting to shine nice through the tree’s.

I was looking forward to the RaDAR event as well as the regular gathering of HFPack, HFNow and RaDAR gang that will congregate on or near 18157.5

I once again donned my favorite rig, the PRC-104, with the Chameleon Whip, a 10’7″ counterpoise and headed out around the property.

Once on 17 meters the first I heard was Greg N4KGL who was QRP with the KX3, he was maybe a 2×2 but was unable to hear me call him. I called a number of times but no joy. I then heard my friend Budd W 3 Fast Freddie calling and he worked Greg, I then called as well and when Budd was clear with N4KGL he called me and we were able to have a 2 way 5×9 exchange on the band. Budd then asked if anyone else was hearing me and Warren KD4Z in GA. came back to me with a great report, so we exchanged reports and had a good qso, Warren then worked Tom G0SBW who was very weak to me, I asked Warren to pass along to Tom that I said hello and that he was just audible here.

I then came in the house for a minute and noted that Paul W0RW was portable with his Green Radio on 18.088, so I tuned the PRC-104 down to 18.088 and put the leg key on and worked Paul, we were both 599 reports so great signals on 17 meters.

After about an hour outside I was happy with the contacts I made and the propagation conditions as well as teh weather outside as I was able to operate with no gloves on again today.

So thanks to Budd, Warren, Paul and of course the RaDAR gang for being on the air and playing radio and going portable, thus the Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio group.

Next weekend, April 3rd and 4th (0000z-2359z) will be the 24 Hr. RaDAR event and I will be out portable for that one as well operating SSB,CW and digital modes.

RaDAR Information Below:

1. Aim
The RaDAR “Challenge” is a unique event aimed at promoting the use of Rapidly Deployable Amateur Radio stations. This challenge is for all licensed radio amateurs not limited to South Africa. A RaDAR operator can take part in any of the three defined categories (see point 7) which may be changed at any time during the challenge. The
points system is so structured as to encourage portable RaDAR operations, especially moveable RaDAR stations. Moveable RaDAR stations rely on fixed and portable stations as a point of contact using channelised frequencies. “Search and pounce” techniques are also allowed.

2. Date and Time
From 00:00 UTC to 23:59 UTC on Saturday 4 April 2015 and from 00:00 UTC to 23:59 UTC on Saturday 7 November 2015 – 24 hours will give equal opportunity to the international community of RaDAR operators. RaDAR operators can define their own operating time schedule or remain active for the full 24 hours.

3. Bands and Modes
All amateur bands are allowed including cross band contacts via amateur radio satellites.
Modes – CW, SSB, AM, FM or any legal digital mode. QSOs via terrestrial repeaters will NOT be allowed.

4. Suggested HF calling frequencies
See http://zs6bne.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/radar-calling-frequencies/ for the latest international list of frequencies. The WARC bands can be used considering this is a RaDAR Challenge and not a contest as such. It provides better opportunities for Ra-
DAR contacts during difficult propagation conditions.
Recommended digital modes frequencies – Refer to the South African Radio League Contest Manual, General Rule 15.

5. Exchange
The RaDAR challenge requires more than a minimalistic information exchange. Accurate information exchange is considered more important than a large QSO count.
Call sign, name, RS(T) report, QTH and grid locator. Note the grid locator can change as RaDAR operators are allowed to move position at any time. The grid locator of six characters is acceptable but should preferably be accurate to 10 characters for higher
position accuracy. Smartphone applications are generally used to establish more than a 6-character grid locator. If working non-participating stations, call sign, name, RST and QTH is acceptable.

6. Scoring
1 point per QSO.
Individual QSOs – per mode, per band, per satellite, per call sign.
If the moving RaDAR station has moved the required distance (see point 7) contact can be made with a previously worked station, again.

7. Categories and multipliers
The following multipliers are applicable to determine the final score. If category/mode of transport changes were made during the challenge, than calculate accordingly.

X 1 – RaDAR Fixed station (At home or in another building)
X 2 – RaDAR Field station (Portable – away from home)
X 3 – Moving RaDAR station – See modes of transport below.

Modes of transport and required movement distances (moving RaDAR stations only)
Vehicles, motorcycles and motorboats etc. (Motorised transport) – 6 km
Bicycles – 2 km
On foot and paddle canoes – 1 km
Wheelchairs – 500 m
Aeronautical mobile stations are considered moving stations and can communicate at any convenient time.
Note: Moving RaDAR stations can move at any time but are required to move to the next destination after five contacts have been made from the present location. The move needs to cover the required distance before further contacts are allowed to be made. This requirement tests the ability to rapidly re-deploy your amateur radio field station.

9. Bonus points (All categories)
Five (5) points (The equivalent of five QSOs) for a minimum of one satellite or any digital modes QSO involving a computer, smartphone or digital modes device. (For clarity thereafter 1 point per Satellite / Digital modes QSO).
Five (5) points for the first successful same continent RaDAR to RaDAR QSO (As may be confirmed by the extensive information exchange.
Five (5) points for the first intercontinental (DX) QSO
Ten (10) points for the first successful inter continental (DX) RaDAR to RaDAR QSO (As may be confirmed by the extensive information exchange).

10. Log Sheets
Log sheets must be submitted by 14 April 2015 and 17 November 2015 and sent by e-mail to [email protected].

See https://zs6bne.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/11046905_10152762072212759_727315224761083499_n.jpg for a log sheet specifically designed for the 2015 RaDAR contest.
Note: A photo of the station (JPG format) MUST accompany every log entry. A photo is required for each new location that moveable stations visit. These photos are used to promote amateur radio and the RaDAR concept showing where amateur radio can be used to communicate from and in the many different ways.

Have a great weekend one and all and a good week coming up.

72/73

Fred

VE3FAL

The “Ice Man”

I started testing the F-Loop inside the house on the kitchen table because it has again gotten cold out with 45km.hr winds, and -19c with windchill. So I set up the CHA F-Loop on the table, FT-817 and WolphiLink TNC to the Samsung tablet using WSPR and decided to test. I tested last night on 20 meters with the 36″ aluminum radiator loop on and thsi is what I got:

Was heard in Alaska and into the USA, I was running about 3 watts before I set the Wolhpilink transmitter levels up to proper settings.

So once I set the drive level and receive levels the FT-817 was running perfect with WSPR.
I did some tests on 20 meters. 17 meters with much of the USA being heard, so I switched to 15 meters and turned the loop so that the radiated sides were transmitting east and west, the results are seen below:

So good results considering my house is finished on the outside with stucco plaster which means it has mesh steel wire all the way around and then finished with the stucco.

http://www.chameleonantenna.com

http://www.wolphi.com/interface/

Fred
VE3FAL