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RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 | VOLUME 88 | NUMBER 07 CONTENTS
Founded in 1913 incorporated 1926. Limited by guarantee. SPECIALIST AREAS - CHAIRMEN & HONORARY OFFICERS GB2RS and Club News
Member society of the International Amateur Radio Union. Abuse and poor operating E-mail: GB2RS@rsgb.org.uk
Patron: HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT Amateur Radio Observation Service (AROS), Keith Bassett, Telephone: 01234 832 700, Option 3
Membership is open to all those with an active interest in G7NBU, AROS coordinator, e-mail: aros@rsgb.org.uk, Sales department
radio experimentation and communication as a hobby. www.rsgb.org/committees/honoraryofficers/aros.php (membership, books and other products)
Applications for membership should be made to the Amateur Radio Direction Finding E-mail: sales@rsgb.org.uk
Subscriptions Department from which full details of Bob Titterington, G3ORY, Chairman, ARDF Committee, Telephone: 01234 832 700, Option 1
Society services may also be obtained. e-mail: ardf.chairman@rsgb.org.uk, www.rsgb.org/ardf/ Subscription renewals
Contests Telephone: 01234 832 700, Option 2
RSGB MEMBERSHIP Ed Taylor, GW3SQX, Chairman, Contests Committee, IOTA
Annual rates from 1 January 2011 e-mail: cc.chair@rsgb.org.uk, www.rsgb.org/radiosport/ E-mail: IOTA_HQ@rsgb.org.uk
EMC Telephone: 01234 832 700, Option 5
Full membership (by Direct Debit) . . . . . . . . . . . . £47.00
(individual & club) John Rogers, M0JAV, Chairman, EMC Committee, General Manager
Family membership (by Direct Debit) . . . . . . . . . . £56.00 e-mail: emc.chairman@rsgb.org.uk, www.rsgb.org/emc/ E-mail: GM.dept@rsgb.org.uk
General Technical Matters Telephone: 01234 832 702
Paying other than by Direct Debit attracts a £4 premium.
Andy Talbot, G4JNT, Chairman, Technical Forum,
Student (21-25) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Free HEADQUARTERS AND REGISTERED OFFICE
e-mail: tech.chair@rsgb.org.uk,
Ham Club (under 21) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Free
www.rsgb.org/rsgbtech/about.php 3 Abbey Court, Fraser Road,
Subscriptions include VAT where applicable. Priory Business Park, Bedford MK44 3WH,
General Spectrum & Regulatory Matters
Special arrangements exist for visually impaired persons. Telephone: 01234 832 700
John Gould, G3WKL, Chairman, Spectrum Forum,
Details and membership application forms are available Fax: 01234 831 496
e-mail: spectrum.chairman@rsgb.org.uk
from RSGB HQ or see www.rsgb.org/join.
www.rsgb.org/committees/spectrumforum/
GB2RS News Service Management QSL BUREAU ADDRESS
YOUR RSGB Gordon Adams, G3LEQ, GB2RS Manager, PO Box 5, Halifax HX1 9JR, England
This page provides names and contact details for Board e-mail: gb2rs@ntlworld.com Telephone: 01422 359 362
Members, Regional Managers, Committee Chairmen and (GB2RS news items should be sent to gb2rs@rsgb.org.uk) E-mail: qsl@rsgb.org.uk, www.rsgb.org/qsl
Honorary Officers. Members seeking advice and guidance HF matters
on any aspect of Amateur Radio of the Society’s work are Ian Greenshields, G4FSU, HF Manager, PLAY YOUR PART IN YOUR RSGB
free to contact the relevant person below. But before doing e-mail: hf.manager@rsgb.org.uk
so, please do check the comprehensive FAQs on the RSGB Have Your Say
website, www.rsgb.org/faq/ to see if your question can be Intruders to the Amateur Bands Let us know how we’re doing! Through “Have Your Say”
answered there. Chris Cummings, G4BOH, e-mail: iw@rsgb.org.uk you can let us know your views and you will receive a
www.rsgb.org/committees/honoraryofficers/ reply from the General Manager or a Board Member.
For HQ staff below, both e-mail addresses and telephone intruderwatchcoordinator.php
details are provided, including the option to select when Write to haveyoursay@rsgb.org.uk or go to
dialling through the RSGB switchboard (01234 832 700). IOTA Activity Programme www.rsgb.org/haveyoursay
Roger Balister, G3KMA, IOTA Manager,
Chairmen and Honorary Officers: Consultations
e-mail: iota.manager@rsgb.org.uk, www.rsgbiota.org/
These are all volunteers and give their time freely to support From time to time you will find we are consulting the
the Society. Members should respect the fact that many also Microwave matters membership on aspects of Society policy. You can find
have full time day jobs, and so e-mail is the appropriate Murray Niman, G6JYB, Microwave Manager, current consultations at www.rsgb.org/consultations/
method of communication. e-mail: mw.manager@rsgb.org.uk
National Radio Centre
General Manager: Planning Advice Don’t forget to tell your friends about the National Radio
Graham Coomber, G0NBI, Stephen Purser, G4SHF, Chairman, Planning Advisory Centre at Bletchley Park. Full details can be found at
e-mail: graham.coomber@rsgb.org.uk Committee, e-mail: pac.chairman@rsgb.org.uk, www.nationalradiocentre.com
www.rsgb.org/committees/pac/planning-panel.php Licensing & Special Event Stations
Honorary Treasurer (Acting):
Richard Horton, G4AOJ, e-mail: g4aoj@rsgb.org.uk Propagation Studies Licensing and Notices of Variation (NoVs) for special
Steve Nichols, G0KYA, event stations are handled by Ofcom, 0207 981 3131,
Company Secretary:
Chairman, Propagation Studies Committee, www.ofcom.org.uk
Rupert R Thorogood, G3KKT, e-mail: g3kkt@rsgb.org.uk
e-mail: psc.chairman@rsgb.org.uk, FAQs
www.rsgb.org/psc/index.php The RSGB has compiled the questions most frequently
THE RSGB INTERIM BOARD
Repeater and Data Communications asked by Members at www.rsgb.org/faq/
The Interim Board was appointed by members at the EGM John McCullagh, GI4BWM, Chairman, ETCC, Band plan
held November 2011 to serve as the Board of the Society e-mail: etcc.chairman@rsgb.org.uk, www.ukrepeater.net The latest version of the band plan is always available
until the 2013 AGM.
RSGB Awards on the website at www.rsgb.org/committees/
Dave Wilson, M0OBW (President), John Dunnington, G3LZQ, Awards Manager spectrumforum/band-plans.php
e-mail: m0obw@rsgb.org.uk (Contact HQ in the first instance on 01234 832 715), Good Operating Practice
Dr Bob Whelan, G3PJT (Board Chairman), e-mail: hf.awards@rsgb.org.uk, The RSGB fully supports the code of conduct and
e-mail: g3pjt@rsgb.org.uk www.rsgb.org/operating/awards/ encourages all amateurs to ready the advice.
Don Beattie, G3BJ (Acting General Manager), Training & Education www.rsgb.org/tutors/pdf/good_operating_practices.pdf &
e-mail: g3bj@rsgb.org.uk Steve Hartley, G0FUW, Chairman, Training & Education www.rsgb.org/operating/ethics/docs/
Phillip Brooks, G4NZQ, e-mail: g4nzq @rsgb.org.uk Committee, e-mail: tec.chair@rsgb.org.uk, ethics_and_operating.pdf
Dr Chris Duckling, G3SVL, e-mail: g3svl@rsgb.org.uk www.rsgb.org/clubsandtraining/ RSGB Tech
Dr John Gould, G3WKL, e-mail: g3wkl@rsgb.org.uk VHF matters The purpose of this service is to be the first port of call for
Alan Messenger, G0TLK, e-mail: g0tlk@rsgb.org.uk Terry Stevens, G8DKS, VHF Manager, technical queries on amateur radio matters. It is open to all
Note: The General Manager, Company Secretary and Acting e-mail: vhf.manager@rsgb.org.uk radio amateurs. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rsgbtech/
Honorary Treasurer are not Directors, but are in attendance Details of the Society’s volunteer officers can be found RSGB Shop
at Board Meetings. in the RSGB Yearbook and on the RSGB website, All RSGB goods - books, filters, clothing - can
www.rsgb.org. be purchased online at www.rsgbshop.org/
REGIONAL MANAGERS Club finder
Region 1 – L Paget, GM0ONX, e-mail: rm1@rsgb.org.uk HEADQUARTERS STAFF Use the website to find your nearest radio club
Region 2 – D Morrison, GM1BAN, e-mail: rm2@rsgb.org.uk and check out the facilities they have to offer.
General Amateur Radio Issues www.rsgb.org/clubsandtraining/
Region 3 – K A Wilson, M1CNY, e-mail: rm3@rsgb.org.uk Carlos Eavis, G0AKI
Region 4 – H Scrivens, G0UGE, e-mail: rm4@rsgb.org.uk E-mail: AR.dept@rsgb.org.uk
Region 5 – V Ravenscroft, M0VRR, e-mail: rm5@rsgb.org.uk Telephone: 01234 832 700, Option 5 WEBSITE
Region 6 – M Harper, MW1MDH, e-mail: rm6@rsgb.org.uk Main website: www.rsgb.org
Region 7 – J Sneddon, MW0EQL, e-mail: rm7@rsgb.org.uk Amateur Radio Examinations
E-mail: exams@rsgb.org.uk Members Area: www.rsgb.org/membersonly
Region 8 – P Lowrie, MI5JYK, e-mail: rm8@rsgb.org.uk
Region 9 – A Johnston, G8ROG, e-mail: rm9@rsgb.org.uk Telephone: 01234 832 700, Option 4 Log in using your callsign in lower case as the user name
Region 10 – G Keegan, G6DGK, e-mail: rm10@rsgb.org.uk RadCom (news items, feature submissions, etc) and your membership number, without the leading zeros
Region 11 – P Helliwell, G7SME, e-mail: rm11@rsgb.org.uk Elaine Richards, G4LFM or Giles Read, G1MFG (see your RadCom address label) as the password.
Region 12 – M Sanderson, M0IEO, e-mail: rm12@rsgb.org.uk E-mail: radcom@rsgb.org.uk If you need to update your membership details,
Region 13 – J Stevenson, G0EJQ, e-mail: rm13@rsgb.org.uk Telephone: 01234 832 700, Option 3 please visit www.rsgb.org/amend.
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 THE RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE ♦ WWW.RSGB.ORG RSGB MATTERS
Welcome
The RSGB would like to Mr I D Maughan, G7LET Rev J Wheeler, KC9VDI Mr S Morris, M6SPM Mr G P Shepherd, RS210591
welcome to the RSGB family Mr R Young, G7RNQ Mr C Rice, KD4SS Mr E Nieuwoudt, M6ZAL Mr M Saleh, RS210599
the following new Members Mr M Furber, G7TEM Mr G Atkinson, KD8GQM Mr C Craig, MM0MRU Mr P Punjabi, RS210600
who have joined their voice Mr J M Beeney, G7VAE Mrs B Crumb, KD8KIO Mr S McCallum, MM6KMO Mr L C Money, RS210619
to ours and are helping to Mr M R Keightley, G8BLK Mr R Klug, KE0A Mr T W Shaffer, N0HWY Mr J D Atkinson, RS210622
keep the RSGB strong. Mr C West-Bulford, G8JXU Mr H Smtih, KE6TI Mr F Howat, N2FH Miss P Pennywise, RS210623
Mr A Arnold, G8NPH Mr D Goffinet, KE8DO Mr T Frobase, N3LLL Mr R W Greer, RS210654
Mr J B Colderwood, 2E0BMI Mr P W Fineron, GM8PEB Mr G Misic, KE8RN Mr M H Goad, N4HCO Mr W N Skidmore, RS210669
Mr T C Willis, 2E0CJQ Mr R Marchese, K1NOK Mr J Brandenburg, KF5ZDY Mr G Roberts, N4HFW Mr S Wheeldon, RS210704
Mr J Clark, 2E0JPC Mr J Wilber, K1SPY Mr R Citronberg, KI4GHT Mr D Schumacker, N5FVM Mr G Frisholm, RS210705
Mr S Culshaw, 2E0SCU Mr D Niles, K2PMC Mr K Johnson, KK7P Mr J Comer, N8BI Mr N Silvers, RS210720
Mr J Hayes, 2I0BAD Mr W E Berbit, K2UV Mr G L Mager, KN4GC Mr J Planalp, N8JAY Mr A Parsons, RS210809
Mr B W Cousins, 2I0TWA Mr J Farler, K4AVX Mr T Koffel, KZ8ZZ Mr S Kritard, N8WB Mr B Dinc, TA7W
Mr K Jackson, AA3XV Mr R C Jaeger, K4IQJ Mr V Puodziunas, LY2BOS Mr T Holmes, N8ZM Mr S Bertuzzo, VA3SB
Mr C Whitlock, AA4YL Mr R Malone, K4SSM East Yorkshire Emergency Com- Mr D Belt, NA4VY Mr B Crook, VE3CRG
Mr G Zehr, AA9LC Mr D Anderson, K4SV munications Group, M0GYR Mr R Sherwood, NC0B Mr R Ferch, VE3KI
Mr J J Reisert, AD1C Mr R Baker, K5LLF Mr J Pelham, M0HBX Mr F J Russo, NF1Y Mr J G Johnson, VE3KID
Mr P Rivera, AF6RW Mr D Divendorff, K6KR Mr M Pavall, M0HCH Mr J Vicens, NP4G Mr K M Zuvic B, VP8ALJ
Mr M Obermann, AG9A Mr R Arland, K7SZ Mr A WOJCIK, M0IOY Mr N Vizcarrondo, NP4H Mr T Delano, W1CC
Mr R Wirthlin, AJ4BI Mr M J Bottema, K8EX Mr A Keys, M1HAR Mr M B Chrispin, PY5MC Mr J Luhn, W5AOO
Mr L Rainford, EI7DSB Mr N Yoshida, K9DIG Mr J T Gregory, M3NGM Mr D K Askew, RS203798 Mr N A Gunn, W8IFF
Mr Legoupil, F4GEQ Mr R Sokola, K9RS Mr K Jeffery, M6BQW Mr D Simpson, RS209131 Mr F Fusaci, W8KA
Mr J O'Malley, G0OJG Mr R E Williamson, KB1TTF Mr S Plummer, M6BRH Mr C J H Andrew, RS209267 Mr M Mohler, W9MBU
Mr L Hunter, G1RUN Mr D Felton, KB3X Mr B D A Ager, M6BRZ Mr R E R Rumboll, RS209322 Mr L D Yates, WA4PMA
Mr A Gilmore, G1ZHD Mr F Gruber, KB7NJV Mr K Blackhorse-Hull, M6DAX Mr D S James, RS210345 Mr S Weister, WB2REI
UK Microwave Group, G3EEZ Mr M Goodsmith, KC0TYE Mr D Filby, M6DCR Mr J Mirfield, RS210381 Mr N Gholson, WB4YBY
Mr S Spencer, G3ILO Mr R Solimeno, KC2JAV Mr G Willard, M6EAK Mr G Nicholls, RS210544 Mr R Shaw, WB6RHF
Mr A Gordon, G4BCT Mr J Jesson, KC2V6L Mr R Poulson, M6JKQ Mr M Mutkin, RS210549 Mr M Haack, WB9B
Mr A Shelbourne, G4TJJ Mr T M Oliver, KC8QFF Mr K Sharpe, M6KAN Mr Morris, RS210561 Mr T J Preston, WB9KFH
Tiverton SW ARC, G4TSW Mr M Watts, KC8WDP Mr K H White, M6KHW Mr K Stowe, RS210583 Mr E Herson, WF8E
Mr C Holdford, G7KXZ Mr R Huntingdon, KC9RLS Mr N Humby, M6KJV Mr W White, RS210587 Mr R Harkett, ZL2FY
The RSGB would like to Mr J Vann Smith, 2E0VMZ Mr B T Thomas, G4KGU Mr J Kellaway, GW3CBA Mr G Temple, M1CDU
welcome back the following Mr M R Khalid, AP2RF Mr J W Jarvis, G4NEY Mr A J Jones, GW4VPX Mr R A Kennedy-Bright,
Members who have rejoined Mr G A Harris, G0MKI Mr R Brown, G4QA Mr G A Donovan, GW8BNL M1DQG
the Society. Mr B T Ham, G0NPV Mr D J Rainer, G4VTQ Mr M Korona, HB9EGA Mr W A Wailes, M1FIV
Mr P G Marriott, G0RUD Mr R Suckling, G6MVN Mr F Henrikson, KL0SW Mr L Kelly, M3VHV
Mr D A Bambrook, 2E0DAB Mr V F Webb, G3REN Mr J R Mountain, G6YDN Mr I N Solly, M0CAG Mr S Marko Tapani, OH3AD
Mr R Baines, 2E0FFS Mr R Steed, G3YUJ Mr G A Pemberton, G7NEH Mr J O Shea, M0JSO Mr I Talbot, RS198903
Mr M Isaacs, 2E0GBR Dr G C Carney, G4DRZ Mr I Bodie, G8END Mr A J Mears, M0TEC Mr J M Timson, RS87530
Mr C Collins, 2E0KXD Mr A Mallows, G4FUZ Mr E M Gawthorpe, G8FEK Mr A Smith, M0VKG Mr R Greenburg, W2CYK
Mr H Yiannakis, 2E0TPZ Mr J Brown, G4JGL Lady J Johnson, G8YYL Mr T Woods, M1BDH
08
NEW
QSL Matters
IS YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION now be recycled after 3 months and not reputedly has lots in stock as many QSL
CORRECT? Last month, we urged all multiple returned, for cost and environmental reasons. managers regularly receive IRCs on behalf
call holders, especially M3/6, 2 and M0 call In this connection – does your QRZ.com of their users, helping to defray the cost of
holders to use the ‘amend my details’ link on page say you collect when you don’t? As a outgoing cards for DX operators.
the RSGB website, or to call HQ to confirm courtesy, Silent Key cards will, where possible,
both current and any past callsigns, for QSL continue to be returned to the sender. OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY. Worked All Britain
purposes. Thank you to those who have The bureau aims to promote Responsible has confirmed that QSL cards are not required
already done so, but some calls are still not QSLing. Recently we mentioned OQRS, a to claim the Olympic Torch relay awards.
recognised. Many Clubs still need to tell us system to request a card from the other station, WAB request logs claims only. Full details
both their primary callsign plus others held before sending yours. More and more people at www.worked-all-britain.co.uk.
and used less frequently. are using this great idea. To see how you can
To use the bureau, NOV holders of GB and add it to your web presence and get free SUB MANAGER CHANGE G0T SERIES.
Contest, single letter calls, either personal or software, check out, www.DF3CB.com. Long-time sub-manager Derek Gilbert,
affiliated club, must now provide membership G0NFA stepped down recently due to a
details. We are now asking all members to MORE ON IRCS. The Post Office may no forthcoming operation. I’m sure all members
add their membership number to each longer sell IRC’s but Tom, GM4DM points will wish him well again very soon. We are
collection envelope, next to their callsign. out that they still honour them, at a value grateful to his replacement John, G0TQT, for
of 87p. Tim, M0URX tells us he has IRCs stepping in. Details are on the RSGB website
RETURNING CARDS. Uncollected cards will available if you need them. Gordon, G3USR under ‘Operating’.
10
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 THE RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE ♦ WWW.RSGB.ORG RSGB MATTERS
The current data band plan is shown in the table below: The proposed new data plan is as follows with accompanying explanatory notes:
Frequency (MHz) Bandwidth Usage Frequency (MHz) Bandwidth Usage
144.8000 12kHz Unconnected nets 144.8000 12.5kHz Unconnected nets - APRS, UiView, etc
- APRS, UiView, etc 144.8250 12.5kHz Internet Voice Gateway DV Gateways
144.8250 12kHz Internet Voice Gateway 144.8375 12.5kHz Internet Voice Gateway DV Gateways
144.8375 12kHz Internet Voice Gateway 144.8500 12.5kHz Internet Voice Gateway DV Gateways
144.8500 12kHz AX.25 BBS user access 144.8625 12.5kHz Internet Voice Gateway DV Gateways
144.8625 12kHz Available for nodes and 144.8750 12.5kHz Internet Voice Gateway DV Gateways
BBSs on application 144.8875 12.5kHz AX.25 - Priority for DX Cluster user access
144.8750 12kHz TCP/IP user access 144.9000 12.5kHz AX.25 DX Cluster access
144.8875 12kHz AX.25 - Priority for DX Cluster 144.9125 12.5kHz TCP/IP user access
user access 144.9250 12.5kHz TCP/IP user access
144.9000 12kHz AX.25 DX Cluster access 144.9375 12.5kHz AX.25 BBS user access
144.9250 12kHz TCP/IP user access 144.9500 12.5kHz AX.25 BBS user access
144.9500 12kHz AX.25 BBS user access 144.9625 12.5kHz Internet Voice Gateway Analogue
144.9750 12kHz High speed 25kHz channel 144.9750 25.0kHz High speed 25kHz channel
145.2125 12kHz Internet Voice Gateway 145.2125 12.5kHz Internet Voice Gateway Analogue
145.2375 12kHz Internet Voice Gateway 145.2375 12.5kHz Internet Voice Gateway Analogue
145.2875 12kHz Internet Voice Gateway 145.2875 12.5kHz Internet Voice Gateway Analogue
145.3000 12kHz RTTY local 145.3000 12.5kHz RTTY local
145.3375 12kHz Internet Voice Gateway 145.3375 12.5kHz Internet Voice Gateway Analogue
Existing channels between 144.900- sub-band. In some cases this will be achieved number of channels readily available to packet
144.975MHz, although designated by swapping them with existing analogue radio. The actual number of mailboxes/nodes
12.5kHz channels, have been retained gateways. still active remains a somewhat unknown
as 25kHz channels, dating back to about Applicants can currently no longer apply quantity.
1996. By making them true 12.5kHz for analogue gateways on 144.825 or It is hoped that these proposals will result
channels additional allocations can be 144.8375MHz, and it is proposed that as the in better spectrum utilisation and fulfil the
added at 144.9125 and 144.9375MHz. existing gateways on these channels come up current pressing need for additional Digital
A number of the packet radio designated for renewal they will, wherever possible, be Voice Gateways.
channels would be moved from the 144.800- moved elsewhere. This will release channels The RSGB wishes to consult on these
144.900MHz sub-band to the new channels in those areas where DV hotspots have been proposals through the use of its consensus
further up the band. refused because of the lack of spectrum. This process called the ‘Litmus Test’. Details on
As may be seen, this reassignment frees up will also avoid DV/analogue co-channel clashes. how to access the ‘Litmus Test’, as well as
channels for additional DV Internet Gateways, 144.9625MHz has, in the interim at least, additional information that relate to the
some of which have already been using been left as ‘Internet Gateway Analogue’. proposals, will be available by following
144.8625 and 144.875. With the IARU It could be used as an overspill for analogue the link ‘We need your Views’ on the RSGB
band plan not permitting DV gateways in internet gateways or for the reassignment Home page (www.rsgb.org).
the 145.200-145.5935MHz section, the of analogue gateways on 144.825 and
existing five DV hotspots would move from 144.8375MHz. Steve Morton, F/G8SFR
that sub-band to the 144.825-144.875 If agreed, this new plan leaves a significant ETCC Datacomms Manager
Olympic Updates
SPECTRUM USAGE & REGULATION. 28 May. The Society made a significant input Activity Centre, New Eltham, South London,
The June edition of RadCom had extensive and is currently awaiting the final result. has an ambitious plan for at least 60,000
coverage on the main restrictions to support Finally, the Ofcom Spectrum Licensing Centre QSOs and will begin operation on 25 July
the Games in 70cm and 2.3/3.4GHz. At the has published a statement that as of 1 June for seven weeks. The station will open to the
time of writing Ofcom has approached the applications will take longer than usual to public daily from 10am-4pm. The Welsh
Society to discuss temporary usage of a few process during the summer period due to the station will be easily accessible and located
channels on 2m to support the Cycling Road unprecedented demands on their operations on the seafront esplanade at Whitmore Bay,
Race. We will report on this and any further – so plan ahead! Barry Island, just south west of Cardiff and
changes to VHF, UHF or microwave usage the Millennium Stadium, which is hosting
during the Games on our website and GB2RS, SPECIAL EVENTS. The Olympic Torch Relay Olympic football.
so please keep a watch for late changes or is proving to be very popular with the public
WEBSEARCH
additions to Ofcom’s spectrum planning. and operators of the ‘Follow the Torch’ award RSGB: www.rsgb.org/Olympics
RSGB ETCC has introduced its own scheme. Around the UK, the Worked-all Britain Follow the Torch: www.worked-all-britain.co.uk/
webpage with maps for Olympic repeater WAB calls are based on G4WAB/G7WAB Flagship Stations: www.2o12l.com/, www.2o12w.com/
changes and D-Star coverage enhancements callsign with the appropriate club prefix. Ofcom: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/
spectrum/olympics/
at www.ukrepeater.net/london2012.htm. Meanwhile preparations for the 2O12L Ofcom Enforcement:
Ofcom’s consultation on enhancing its and 2O12W flagship stations continue. The http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/
enforcement powers for the Games closed on London station, 2O12L, located at Avery Hill undueinterference-olympics-2012/
11
NEWS THE RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE ♦ WWW.RSGB.ORG JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
John Logie Baird (1888-1946) is remem- David Edward Hughes - And 49 Other Ideas That
bered as the inventor of television but his His Life, Inventions, and Discoveries Never Took Of
work in colour, 3D and holographic television
is less well known. As are his contributions This book is the first biography of the brilliant This new hardback highlights those
to other information sciences and their re- inventor and practical experimenter, David brilliant ideas that have for one reason
sulting technologies. This book sets out this Edward Hughes. A contemporary of Edison and or another never quite made it to being
work adding a perspective never seen before. Bell, Hughes made major contributions in the successful. All fifty concepts here border
fields of telegraphy, telephony, metal detection, on the bizarre and laughable.
The Three Dimensions of John Logie Baird and audio. His printing telegraph, adopted across
details Baird’s story from his early years much of Europe, made him a fortune. Hughes The Pigeon-Guided Missiles title of the
through, to his early development of television. sent and received wireless signals in 1879, some book is drawn from the story of the WWII
He planted the seed, which has grown into sixteen years before Marconi, but faced with the American psychologist who made the
a multinational, trillion dollar video and com- scepticism of his peers, such that he discontinued amazing discovery that pigeons could
munications media industry. Baird is often his research, and his accomplishments were only be trained to track objects and, when
dismissed as the person who invented a recognised years later. loaded into the nose cone of a missile,
crude type of television which was quickly guide the weapon to its target. The
superseded but this book lays these Before We Went Wireless details Hughes’ life, book is full of similar stories such as the
criticisms to rest once and for all. For over
focusing on both his work and his life itself and British Rail’s plan for a spaceship, how
a quarter of a century Baird developed is an enthralling tale. Hughes was thought of Nelson nearly got a pyramid instead of a
monochrome, colour and 3D television, and as a “child prodigy,” who improved upon the column, the scheme to cover Manhattan
many of the techniques he pioneered are telegraph, effectively doubling the rate of words in a glass dome, nuclear-powered cars
still used in modern day systems. This book
per minute spread across the wires. Despite his and much more.
details how the systems worked and their contributions to society, Hughes’ life and legacy
later development after Baird’s death. are often overlooked and this book seeks to shed Pigeon-Guided Missiles is full of
light on an extraordinary life. Before We Went fascinating stories from history that
The Three Dimensions of John Logie Baird Wireless contains over 100 prints, photographs, could have radically changed the world
is a fascinating read providing excellent documents, and is a fascinating read and – yet somehow failed to take off. Full of
reference work on his inventions, and an reference guide to this important figure in the humour and detail this book is a delight.
insight into the world of television. world of communications.
Size: 124x200mm 256 page Hardback
Size 174x240mm, 208 pages Size: 180x261mm, 400 pages ISBN: 9780-7524-5990-5
(mono & colour): ISBN: 9781-9050-8679-5 ISBN: 9781-8845-9253-9 Non Members Price: £12.99
Non Members’ Price £16.99 Non Members’ Price £19.95 RSGB Members Price:
RSGB Members’ Price £14.99 RSGB Members’ Price £16.96 £9.74 (25% off)
16
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HOMEBREW EAMON SKELTON, EI9GQ ♦ E-MAIL: HBRADIO@EIRCOM.NET JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
Homebrew
Power, SWR, temperature and amplifier health monitoring
with the Pinguino PIC board, plus a look at the 32 bit Olimex
Pinguino MX220
FIGURE 1: Overlay and tracks for the new Pinguino board. Full design PHOTO 2: The new homebrew Pinguino board has much cleaner lines than earlier
info is at [1]. versions.
Photo 1 shows the Pinguino driving a 2x16 is declared as a place to store the sampled device class) device, you can use the
LCD module (Maplin N27AZ). Figure 1 value: Pinguino CDC.printf function. This is
shows the complete design and Photo 2 basically a USB version of the well known
shows the completed board. Full details int x; printf (print-formatted) function from the
can be found at [1]. The circuit diagram, C programming language.
foil pattern, component overlay etc are Reading the ADC input is as easy as:
available on the same web page. From my example code:
x=analogRead(A1);
READING THE PINGUINO ADC INPUTS. CDC.printf("Sampled value: %d
The Pinguino board uses the analogRead(); The sampled value is now stored in the \r\n",x);
function to read the voltage on the ADC variable x. As a simplest possible test, we
inputs (A0 to A7). By default, Vss-to-Vdd can check if the pin voltage is greater or less This sends the ADC sample value as an ASCII
(in this case 5V) is used as the ADC than 2.5V with a simple if statement: string for each iteration of the Pinguino main
reference voltage. Reading the ADC loop in the following format: “Sampled value:
produces a 10 bit value ranging from if (x>512) digitalWrite(LED,HIGH); 512” followed by carriage-return and line-feed
0-1023. The pin voltage is (x/1024)*Vref, else digitalWrite(LED,LOW); control-characters. The CR=LF pair prevents
where x is the sampled value. subsequent samples running off the edge
Figure 2 shows a simplified ADC test If the sample is greater than of your terminal screen. On Linux systems,
circuit for the Pinguino board. A 10k pot is (512/1024)×5V = 2.5V,
used to provide input voltage to A1 (pin 3). the LED is illuminated. The
The 1k series resistor is included to protect Pinguino source code for this
the input from excessive current if I do simple example is shown in
something silly while testing the circuit. Figure 3. Source code for the
There are only two methods of displaying other examples can be found
the result of the test. The first is to light the on the web page. To send the
LED on I/O pin D7 (pin 40). The alternative sampled value to your PC as a
method is to send the sampled value to USB CDC (communications
a PC via the USB port.
Either method is very
easily achieved using +5V DC
Pinguino.
as an output:
pinMode(LED,OUTPUT); FIGURE 2: Simplified ADC test circuit for the FIGURE 3: Pinguino source code for the simple circuit of
Pinguino board. Figure 1.
An integer variable “x”
19
HOMEBREW JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
PIC
1k
10n
the received data can be seen using the cat re-used for
command: this project.
Full details
cat /dev/ttyACM0 and sample
code are on PHOTO 3: The Pinguino can be used to measure high voltages and power (see text).
– assuming that the Pinguino is the only the web page.
USB CDC device available. The “Hello World!” code
example contains everything
MEASURING HIGHER VOLTAGES. We we will need.
can use a simple resistive divider to sample As there are plenty of 50Ω V_peak
voltages higher than 5V. The standard PIC I/O pins available, I have
1n 10n
formula for a potential divider R2/(R1+R2) used the 8 bit transfer mode
gives the voltage division ratio. The resistor for sending data to the LCD FIGURE 5: Dummy load and peak voltmeter circuit.
on the high voltage side of the divider should module. D0 to D7 of the
have a value that is high enough to limit LCD are wired directly to
current through the PIC input protection Pinguino pins D0 to D7 (PORTB 0-7) of the 0001111011 in 10 bit binary. What the
diodes to safe levels, even if the 0-5V limits PIC18F4550. The R/W line of the display LCD needs is three separate characters '1',
are exceeded. Figure 4 shows the ADC input module is tied to ground because we won’t '2' and '3'. One of the libraries supplied with
circuit I use with my 100W dummy load need to read from the module. The RS Pinguino <stdlib.h> has a function called
and RF voltmeter. This gives a theoretical (register-select) and ENA (enable) pins itoa(); which converts a variable of type
maximum input voltage of 240V. In practice, were initially wired as in the previous int (integer) to an ASCII string. This is called
the 0.25W rating of the 47k resistor limits project. All of the functions from the with the following parameters:
maximum voltage to just over 108V. The previous project worked perfectly.
dummy load and peak voltmeter schematic itoa(int data, char string, int
is shown in Figure 5. The resistor is a 50Ω lcdinit(); display_string radix);
100W tubular carbon resistor. The RF (“Hello World!”);
rectifier is a string of four 1N4148 diodes. so
The capacitors are ceramic types with a produced the expected result. The next test
voltage rating of several hundred volts. was to read one of the ADC inputs and display itoa((sampled_value, display_str,
This load works well from DC to 70MHz. the sampled value on the LCD. This test was 10);
I also had a similar load/voltmeter for rather less successful. The LCD remained
VHF/UHF but, as regular readers will already stubbornly blank regardless of how much would take an integer sample_value and write
know, that one suffered a violent death last data I sent to it. After much muttering and it to a char (character) string display_str
month. head scratching, I eventually realised the using a radix of 10 (for decimal). This string is
The voltage output from this circuit is the I/O pins used for the RS and ENA lines are easily sent to the LCD. From my example code:
RF peak voltage minus the forward voltage also part of the PIC's ADC module. In the
drop of the diodes. This is nominally 0.6V per default configuration of Pinguino, if any itoa(sampled_value,display_str,10);
diode, but it does vary depending on diode of the ADC inputs are used for analogue display_string(display_str);
current. RF peak power is V²/2R or in this voltages, none of the other inputs of the
case, (V_measured+2.4)²/100. Note that ADC module are available for digital I/O. TEMPERATURE. Our health monitoring
2R is used because we are measuring the Rather than messing about with the ADC system will need at least one temperature
peak voltage and not the RMS voltage of module configuration, I just moved the RS sensor and possible more. A simple
the RF sine wave. This produces the same and ENA wires to different I/O pins. resistive divider made from a thermistor
result as the standard V²/R formula where and a resistor can be used to measure
V is V_peak/sqrt(2), ie 70.71²/50=100W. #define RS 27 temperature. The temperature-resistance
Photo 3 shows how the Pinguino can be used #define ENA 28 curve for a thermistor is not linear. This
to measure high power using the dummy load is not a problem if you just want to see if
and 47k/1k voltage divider on the ADC input. These are physical pins 29 and 30 on the a temperature is above or below a certain
PIC18F4550. The LCD and ADC inputs threshold. Calibrating your system for the
INTERFACING TO A STANDARD LCD are now working properly. characteristics of an individual thermistor
MODULE. In March 2010 [2] we looked at Before the sampled data is sent to the is not too difficult and you only need to do
methods of interfacing the PIC to a standard LCD module, the 10 bit binary value must it once.
HD44780 compatible LCD display module. be converted into a string of ASCII characters. If you need a precise temperature value
The functions used to drive the LCD will be For example: a sample of 123 (decimal) is over a wide range of temperature, it is much
20
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 HOMEBREW
From +5V
V+
To ADC input Output
LM35
1k
Gnd
82Ω
0μ1
1μ
Gnd
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!" (! " "' ))) ( ! " "'
r es Take the strain out of raising and luffing aerial
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David Bowyer, M1AEI has for some time now been preparing 12 volt winch systems for 40, 60, 80
and 100 ft Strumech Versatowers, as well as similar other models like Westower,
Altron and Tennamast.
The prepared TDS-8.5 or 12.0 waterproof winch systems come ready made up on back plates and
spacers as required to ensure that the back plate does not interfere with the front tube.
The solenoids are repositioned with remote wiring to keep the weather off them (although they are
sealed). The rope fixing hole on the drum is prepared to get the original mast rope through twice
(although we do include the original winch wire should you wish to use it) and we also disable the
freespool (the yellow knob).
Finally, we fit an Anderson quick disconnect fitting on the end of the winch supply cables and
another on a battery harness with battery posts on the other end, then bench test and run.
The special prices for fellow Radio Amateur enthusiasts is £475 plus carriage and VAT for 40 & 60ft
standard Strumech Versatowers with small to medium head loads using the TDS-8.5.
Alternatively, £525 plus carriage and VAT for 60, 80 & 100ft heavy duty towers especially with heavy
head loads using the TDS-12.0.
Carriage is £30 plus VAT (UK mainland excluding offshore islands and the Scottish Highlands).
We have smaller ATV 4000 winch systems for the smaller towers at £220 plus £18 carriage and VAT.
GOODWINCH LIMITED
East Foldhay, Zeal Monachorum, Crediton, Devon, EX17 6DH, England
Tel: 01363 82666 Fax: 01363 82782
E: sales@goodwinch.com W: www.goodwinch.com
AS MOST OF OUR BUSINESS IS UK & EUROPEAN 4x4 DEALERS AND OVERSEAS SALES, ALL PRICES ARE PLUS CARRIAGE AND VAT
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 DON FIELD, G3XTT ♦ E-MAIL: IOTACONTEST@RSGBCC.ORG CONTEST REPORT
23
CONTEST REPORT JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
SOAPBOX EXTRACTS
Had great fun with QRP in the IOTA contest
during our holiday on the Azores. – CU/PA1B
It was nice time to go vacation with radio
friends. Holiday style operation and had a
lot of fun. See you next year from another
Korean Island. – D93I
Had a great time working all those IOTA
stations. Cannot wait until next year! – K5CVD
Overall claimed score is up on last year due
to higher scores on the HF bands and higher
pts per QSO from the runs to JA. – GJ6YB
24
DESIGN NOTES ANDY TALBOT, G4JNT ♦ E-MAIL: AC.TALBOT@BTINTERNET.COM JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
Design Notes
Avoidable disasters and active antennas
buffer driving the 50Ω line. DC power is Common mode choke to block off
supplied up the coax from a bias tee situated unwanted signal on coax outer
at the far end. The performance achieved, FIGURE 2: Typical installation of a voltage probe antenna showing the interference injection
shown in Table 1, is impressive. mechanism and decoupling to minimise its effects.
27
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Mobiles FT-270E Single band 2m, 144-146MHz,
..............................................................£Call for best price! IC-7000 All mode HF/VHF/ 137-174MHz Rx ............................................................ £109.95
TS-2000X All mode transceiver HF/50/144/430/ UHF 1.8-50MHz, 100 Watts
1200MHz 100 Watts All mode transceiver.............£1,799.95 output........................................
£1,189.95
Mobiles
TS-2000E All mode transceiver HF/50/ FT-857D All mode HF/
144/430MHz 100 Watts All mode transceiver .......£1,549.95 ID-1 Single band 23cm 1240-
VHF/UHF 1.8-430MHz, 100
TS-480HX HF/6m 200 Watts Transceiver...............£879.95 1300MHz digital and analogue DSTAR
Watts output ........£714.95
TS-480SAT HF/6m 100 Watts transceiver .............. £719.95
FTM-350 Dual band with
Transceiver.................................................................£779.95 IC-E2820 + UT123 Dual band 2/70cm with DSTAR fitted,
Bluetooth, GPS &
Accessories 50 Watts output .......................................................£699.95
APRS ................... £479.95
PS-60 25amp power supply unit ideal for the new IC-E2820 Dual band 2/70cm DSTAR compatable, 50 Watts
FT-8900R Quad band
TS-590S .....................................................................£329.95 output.........................................................................£499.95
10/6/2/70cm 28-430MHz, 50 Watts output ................. £389.95
SP-23 External speaker .............................................. £74.95 ID-E880 D-Star ready dual band with wide band
FT-8800E Dual band 2/70cm RX 10-999MHz, 50 Watts
SP-50B Mobile speaker ............................................. £29.95 RX 0.495-999.99MHz .................................................£439.95
output............................................................................ £339.95
MC-90 Deluxe desk microphone suitable for DSP IC-2200H Single band 2m 65 watts ........................£229.95
transceivers ...............................................................£204.95 FTM-10E Dual band 2/70cm, 50 Watts output
....................................................................................... £324.95
MC-60A Desk microphone with pre-amplifier ....... £129.95 Icom Base Mega Offer FT-7900E Dual band 2/70cm 50/40 Watts with wideband
HS-5 Deluxe headphones .......................................... £56.95
RX.................................................................................. £239.95
FT-2900E Single band 2m 75 Watt heavy duty
Authorised dealer
transceiver .................................................................... £142.95
FT-1900E Single band 2m 55 Watt high performance
transceiver .................................................................... £129.95
Hand-helds Icom base IC-7410 + Icom Handie IC-E80D
KG-UVD1PL New fab dual band 4m/2m for just £1695.95 (while stocks last).
handie just .........................................£99.95 Portable
New KG-UVD6 improved version of KG-UVD1P dual band Icom base IC-9100 + Icom Handie IC- FT-897D HF/VHF/UHF Base/Portable transceiver 1.8-430MHz
handie at under a ton – amazing ..... £94.95 E80D for just £2899.95 (while stocks last). 100 Watts HF+6, 50 Watts 2M, 20 Watts 70cm......... £819.95
KG-679E Superb single band 2m ...£59.95 FT-817ND HF/VHF/UHF Backpack Transceiver RX 100kHz –
56MHz 76-154MHz 420-470MHz 5 Watts ................... £539.95
Accessories
WO/ELO-001 Battery eliminator ................................£10.95
Base
WO/CCO-001 12v Car charger ..................................£10.49
FT-2000D HF/6m All mode 200 Watts transceiver
WO/SMO-001 Speaker microphone .........................£15.95
WO/PSO-110 Programming software .......................£20.49 RX: 30kHz – 60MHz...................................................£2,899.95
WO/CASE Leather case ..............................................£10.49 FT-2000 HF/6m All mode 100 Watts transceiver
Authorised dealer RX: 30kHz – 60MHz...................................................£2,249.95
FT-950 HF/6m 100 watt transceiver with DSP & ATU RX
ANNOUNCING THE NEW AT-588 2m 60W mobile RX 136-174 MHz ...........£149.95
AT-5189 4m 25W mobile 30kHz – 56MHz..........................................................£1,259.95
KG-UV6D “PRO-PACK” FT-450 Compact transceiver with IF DSP, HF+6m
For a Limited Time RX 66-88MHz ...£149.95
AT-5555N 10m 12W 1.8-54MHz, 100 Watts output...................................... £649.95
Offer Wouxun has
mobile RX 25-30 MHz....... FT-450D HF/6m LSB, USB, CW, AM, FM 100 Watt
bundled together all your
£149.95 transceiver with built in ATU & 300Hz CW filter .... All for just
favourite accessories and
£839.95
placed them inside one AT-5189PC programming software and lead for
presentation box which AT-5189 ..................................................................... £14.95
includes, the popular AT-5555PC programming software and lead
KG-UVD6D dual band for AT-5555N ............................................................. £14.95
handie, desk top charger
(110-234v & 12V input)
& power cord, cigar car
charger, headset with TG-UV2 dual band 2/70cm 5 Watts with 200
HT-90E 2m single band transceiver with full 5 memories .............................Only £81.95
PTT & Mic, eliminator, watts output just......................................£59.95
remote mic/speaker, TG-UV2-ELEM Battery Eliminator £9.95
The HT-90E is a brilliant compact radio, perfect TG-UV2-SPK Speaker
leather case, 1300mA Li-Ion battery, 1700mA heavy duty Li- for beginners to the hobby. Comes complete with
Ion battery, AA empty cell case, pc programming lead, microphone .....................................£9.95
battery, belt clip, antenna, and rapid charger all for TG-UV2-CASE Leather case ........£9.95
PC drivers & software, all at only £159.95 Great deal –
under £60 quid! Everything you need to get on air TG-UV2-PROG Programming cable
Great saving!
is in the box! and software ................................. £19.95
Check on-line for all updates, new products and special offers
Why buy loads of different antennas when Moonraker has one to cover all!
Yagi Antennas Multiband Mobile SPX series has a unique fly lead and socket for quick band changing
All Yagis have high quality gamma match fittings
with stainless steel fixings! (excluding YG4-2C) SPX-100 9 Band plug n’ go portable, 6/10/12/15/17/20/30/40/80m, Length 165cm retracted just 0.5m, Power 50W
YG27-4 Dual band 2/70 4 Element (Boom 42”) (Gain 6.0dBd) .......£59.95 complete with 38th PL259 or BNC fitting to suit all applications, mobile portable or base … brilliant! .....£44.95
YG4-2C 2 metre 4 Element (Boom 48”) (Gain 7dBd) ..............£29.95 SPX-200 6 Band plug n’ go mobile, 6/10/15/20/40/80m, Length 130cm, Power 120W, 3/8th fitting ...........................£39.95
YG5-2 2 metre 5 Element (Boom 63”) (Gain 10dBd)...............£59.95
YG8-2 2 metre 8 Element (Boom 125”) (Gain 12dBd).............£79.95 SPX-200S 6 Band plug n’ go mobile, 6/10/15/20/40/80m, Length 130cm, Power 120W, PL259 fitting ....................... £44.95
YG11-2 2 metre 11 Element (Boom 185”) (Gain 13dBd) ..... £119.95 SPX-300 9 Band plug n’ go mobile, 6/10/12/15/17/20/30/40/80m, Length 165cm, High Power 200W, 3/8th fitting .. £54.95
YG3-4 4 metre 3 Element (Boom 45”) (Gain 8dBd).................£69.95 SPX-300S 9 Band plug n’ go mobile, 6/10/12/15/17/20/30/40/80m, Length 165cm, High Power 200W,PL259 fitting £59.95
YG5-4 4 metre 5 Element (Boom 104”) (Gain 10dBd).............£79.95
YG3-6 6 metre 3 Element (Boom 72”) (Gain 7.5dBd)..............£69.95 AMPRO-MB6 6 Band mobile 6/10/15/20/40/80m, length 220cm, 200W, 3/8th fitting, (great for static use or even home base –
YG5-6 6 metre 5 Element (Boom 142”) (Gain 9.5dBd)............£89.95 can tune on four bands at once) ....................................................................................................................£74.95
YG13-70 70 cm 13 Element (Boom 76”) (Gain 12.5dBd) .......£54.95
New appointed UK dealer! New lower prices on these smash hit antennas from the U.S.
Chameleon V3 HF/VHF/UHF 160-70cm ultimate portable antenna
250W SSB .................................................................................£349.95
Chameleon V1 HF/VHF/UHF 11 bands 80-70cm multiband base antenna 500W Chameleon V4 HF/VHF 20-6m Ultra
SSB...................................................................................................................................£149.95 portable antenna, dipole or end fed
Chameleon V2 HF/VHF/UHF 11 bands 80-70cm multiband mobile antenna 200W 250W SSB ...................................£109.95
SSB.....................................................................................................................................£99.95
Chameleon Zepp HF Multiband is a brilliant Chameleon Accessories
base or portable stealth antenna working 10- Chameleon 13ft 4 section heavy duty air cushioned antenna stand ............... £79.95
80m with 600 Watts SSB maximum Chameleon heavy duty specially designed carry bag (antenna acc not inc) .. £79.95
............................................................... £129.95 Chameleon 9:1 Unun 500 Watts completely waterproof housing ................... £29.95
THE LOOP. The loop is not circular but square with sides of
bifilar
wire
specialised welding or mechanical techniques uses inductive FIGURE 1: Diagram of the complete antenna.
are used. Keeping ohmic losses very low is of coupling and
30
uotedesk
esk
k®
from both box sides a flat washer, a lock washer small plastic box for easy operation. 10μ 10μ
33
TECHNICAL FEATURE JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
input side at the bottom. Affix the feed loop the main loop (with consequent difficulty in
at the centre bottom of the main loop in the obtaining the lowest SWR).
same plane and keep it close to the main
loop conductor (see Photo 9). OPERATING THE LOOP. To operate, bring the
Use two stainless steel hose clamps loop to resonance at the required frequency
interconnected at 90° to keep the loop in by operating the speed and polarity controls
place. Attach one clamp tightly to the aluminium for the tuning motor. Do this operation at low
pipe of the loop supporting mast. Screw the power. The resonant point is reached when
other clamp tightly to the lower terminal joint the SWR bridge meter shows a sharp dip:
of the feed loop. Figure 4 shows the general adjust the tuning to obtain the minimum
arrangement. This mounting system ensures reflected power. You can now increase the
that all the bottom parts of the main loop and RF power; you may have to adjust the tuning
PHOTO 7: Detail of the connections to the feed loop are grounded. An efficient earth again for the best SWR. It goes without saying
capacitor. connection is very important to obtain a low that all the above operation must be done
SWR and good antenna performance. with the transceiver in tuning mode (CW
ties. It should look something like the right I suggest the following procedure to or AM) to obtain a steady RF signal to read
hand side of Photo 3. determine the right dimension of the feed the SWR bridge meter. To avoid keeping the
Before closing the tuning unit watertight loop. Testing should be done at 80m, as transceiver in the ‘tune’ position too long (and
cover, make another test of the motor system this is the middle band. You will have to to minimise the radiated interference to other
by connecting the power supply at the end of use the tuning capacitor to tune the loop band users), it is most advisable to tune initially
the whole length of the feeding line. In closing to resonance at the test frequency. on receive (tune for maximum received noise)
the unit apply a thin layer of grease to the rubber Prepare a length of coax a bit longer to bring the antenna close to the correct tuning
fitting of the cover. Finally, apply at least two than calculated. Form the loop, soldering point for transmission. With a little practice
layers of marine grade varnish to the antenna: the lower side connections. Fix a PL259 you will be able to do all tuning operations
before this it is advisable to clean and polish plug at the input end. Now determine the in a few seconds.
the whole loop tubing; it should be shining top side centre and remove jacket, braid
without any trace of copper oxide. The mast and insulation for about 20mm, leaving the LOOP RADIATION EFFICIENCY. As I said at
and the tuning box should also be weather inner conductor intact. Make a temporary the beginning, an acceptable radiation efficiency
protected with the same varnish. Now the connection of braid of the output side and for a short loop antenna depends on both a very
loop is ready to be put in place. inner conductor at the top and put the feed low value for the ohmic losses of the system
loop in place. With an antenna analyser (or and from the shape and size of the loop. The
GUYING. Do not underestimate the weight simply with a SWR bridge and a low power radiation resistance of the antenna can be as low
and the wind-loading area of the antenna. transceiver connected at the base of the as a few milliohms. Bearing these parameters
A good guying system is required. I used antenna), check the SWR. Compress the in mind, the ohmic loss is practically the only
three nylon guys at 120° from the top of the feeding loop top side downward - you should factor where it is possible to do something to
mast and another three guys from the upper see a reduction of the SWR. This confirms improve the radiation efficiency.
part of the pedestal. The antenna survived that the circumference is too long. Now cut Important factors are the quality and
for many years without problems, resisting the centre top side and symmetrically trim diameter of the conductor and the quality
gales very well. Use good nylon single wire the feed loop length on both sides of the top of the joints. Copper tubing of large diameter
and stainless turnbuckles for the correct opening, then reconnect the parts. is important for good results as well as good
tensioning. Proceed in this way until you find the quality in the joints, but the tuning capacitor
Photo 1 and 2 show how to use a longer best SWR. Normally you should obtain a must be considered the heart of the antenna.
mast if you decide to make the antenna 1:1 SWR in 40
rotatable; a longer mast is required to obtain and 80m, a bit
clearance of the guys for free rotation. The higher on 160m.
Braid and
FIGURE 3: Feed
arrangement.
Braid
the length of the main loop. The coax line under the low
Double female connector
PL259
forming the feed loop is open at top centre. side of the loop,
The braid on the input side of the opening is otherwise these
unconnected. The inner conductor and braid conductors will
SWR
Transceiver
3*' , #,2
-32& #12 0-)',% 2"
** -0
555 1-32&5#12 0-)',% !- 3)
(3*' , 1-32&5#12 0-)',% !- 3)
*/.$ !-. ,*&%)# . %- ) ++*%).! !+,!-!). .%0! *" ) )-/, ) ! !,0% !- .
1$% $ %- /.$*,%-! ) !#/' .! 2 .$! %) ) % ' !,0% !- /.$*,%.2 /( !,
TECHNICAL FEATURE JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
Plastic clamp
Plastic mast/
windsurfing mast
Aluminium tube
Whether you are looking for a fully portable all band, all mode transceiver like
the FT-897ND or for a state-of-the art HF base station for DXing we have a
transceiver designed to meet the most exacting requirements.
These proven designs, of which we are very proud, are the result of over 50
years of research, development and dedication to the amateur radio hobby,
which we continue to support and invest in.
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our authorised dealers and our Yaesu UK Service Centre.
*Terms and conditions apply. See website for details.
FIGURE 1: Examining PSK-31 signals on FIGURE 3: The combined sonogram and spectrum
14.07MHz. FIGURE 2: The configurable media player/recorder. analyser.
38
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 EQUIPMENT REVIEW
signal it is standard practice to first of all capture at 63 baud is clearly visible. Also linked to the
a clean recording of the signal and so avoid PSK analysis is the Phase Plane display that
the problems of working with a live signal. shows a phasor diagram of the PSK signal.
The W-Code Media player provides that facility Figure 7 shows the analysis of a QPSK63
and allows input selection from any of the signal, where you can clearly see the four
installed devices on your PC. You also have points of the modulation. Completing the HF
options to control the recording sample rate analysis panels is the STANAG Code Check
and number of channels. A nice touch is the that does a very good job of quickly identifying
provision of a signal monitor that can be set the complex signals in this grouping. All
to send an audio stream to your PC speakers, these analysis tools were also available for
or any other output device. This monitor feed use with VHF/UHF and satellite signals.
has its own level control so you can adjust the To ensure measurement accuracy
FIGURE 4: An FSK analysis panel.
volume without affecting the main feed into W-Code has an inbuilt calibration facility that
the decoder software. To complete the media compensates for errors in the soundcard’s
player facilities, there’s a loop control so you sample rate clock. Calibration is a simple
can set the player to continuously loop the process that requires tuning into one of the
recording whilst you carry out analysis work. many standard frequency transmissions
I’ve shown as example of the combined and using W-Code’s alignment tool to adjust
sonogram and spectrum analyser in Figure 3. the screen pattern until it is exactly vertical.
These tools are often the starting point when The correction factor is automatically stored
examining a new signal as they provide basic and used for all future measurements. The
information on signal levels and bandwidth. quick and simple calibration process was
The example in Figure 3 shows W-Code very welcome and helps ensure continuing
being used to examine the characteristics accurate measurement.
of a PSK-31 signal. You will note that the
fine resolution of the display makes the BIT ANALYSIS. W-Code includes a number
FIGURE 5: An MFSK signal analysis panel.
measurement of narrow band signals very of specialist tools for examination of the
simple. To help with critical measurements, recovered bit pattern. These are particularly
the display can be frozen whilst you place useful when examining unknown signals.
the cursor precisely over the section you The Bit Length tool is very helpful as it can
want to measure. Once you’ve established freeze a data signal and allow you to take
basic information for the mode, you can precise measurements of the recovered
move on to one of the combination analysers waveform (see Figure 8). This is good for
that have been setup to deal with specific calculating the symbol rate of signals as
mode groups. you can usually establish the symbol rate
In Figure 4 I have shown the FSK analysis from the width of the shortest element in
panel that contains tools for establishing the the code. You can see from Figure 8 that, in
bandwidth and baud rate more precisely. addition to giving a read-out in microseconds
The lower part of the display is a sonogram (µs), it also provides an automatic conversion
representation of the upper parts. The displays to baudrate. Other tools in the bit analysis FIGURE 6: The PSK analysis panel.
can be zoomed and in this example I’m looking range were auto correlation and bit correlation.
at a 45.45 baud amateur RTTY signal. The only These come into play after the basic parameters
confusing point here is the baud rate showing of the signal have been established and you
as 90 baud, ie twice the actual rate. This is need to work-out bit patterns and repetition
explained in the manual and occurs with any rates. There was also the facility to send the
asynchronous FSK system that employs half demodulated bit stream to an external
bits in the code, ie RTTY with 1.5 stop bits. application for processing.
A similarly useful analysis panel is available
for MFSK signals (Figure 5). This shows a SUMMARY. W-Code is a very powerful and
conventional sonogram in the lower panel refined collection of specialist decoding and
with a high speed tone analysis in the top analysis tools that provide all you need for
panel. This high speed analysis is very the examination of a wide range of radio
revealing as the left-hand section shows data signals. Although I have focussed on
spikes that are proportional to the number HF signals in the review, W-Code is equally FIGURE 7: The analysis of a QPSK63 signal.
of occurrences of specific tones, whilst the happy dealing with signals in the VHF/UHF
main display shows a detailed view of the and satellite bands. The measurement
individual tones employed by the signal. resolution and ease of use was excellent
This display can be frozen to facilitate and I particularly liked the facility to freeze
detailed measurement of the tone frequencies, the displays whilst taking measurements.
spacings and timings. This tool in particular As you might expect from such specialist
makes MFSK signal analysis a pleasure, as measuring software, W-Code is not cheap
you can see from the ROS16/500 signal shown and the option set reviewed here is priced
in Figure 5. Next comes the PSK analysis panel at CHF 8,500 (approx £5,700). For more
(Figure 6) and here W-Code provides a details please contact Wavecom direct
sonogram and a symbol rate display. The via their website at www.wavecom.ch.
example shows an amateur QPSK63 signal My thanks to Wavecom for the loan of the FIGURE 8: The Bit length tool allows precise
and the large peak in the symbol rate display review copy. measurements of the recovered waveform.
39
TECHNICAL FEATURE KEN GINN, G8NDL ♦ E-MAIL: G8NDL@AOL.COM JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
CONSTRUCTION. The unit is fabricated limiting resistors; these are soldered to this connections, a one row space, and then
in a die-cast aluminium box, measuring board. Terminal pins are used to connect a another four connections, LED1 to LED12.
220mm by 145mm by 55mm high. A slot multi-way ribbon cable to the microcontroller There is a gap between LED12 and LED13
is made in one end to accommodate the board. This circuit is attached to the of three rows.
bargraph LEDs. Holes are drilled under the enclosure with the aid of three 25mm The RF head assembly is fabricated in
bargraph slot for the two toggle switches; long M3 countersunk screws. Three nuts exactly the same way as the LCD version.
one switch for powering the unit, and the are positioned on each screw, one nut to However, for my LED version I chose to use a
other switch to select the bargraph mode lock down the screw to the case, and two Micrometals T50-52 core. The winding and
of indication; either forward power (RF) or additional nuts to align the height of the construction is the same as the procedure
VSWR. Another hole is drilled beside the RF bargraph assembly to the display slot. described last month. Calibration is exactly
connectors to accommodate the DC power Three fibre insulating washers are used the same as described earlier.
in socket. Photo 11 shows how everything on the track side of the strip board; this
fits together. provides additional isolation of the circuitry IN USE. There are some slight operational
There are two SO-239 sockets on the from the metal case. Figure 11 shows the differences between the LED and LCD
head assembly and these protrude through component overlay and X represents a break versions of the meter. This version works
20mm holes drilled in the rear part of the in the copper strips, which run across the in one of two modes: RF Power or VSWR.
case. This assembly is mounted to the rear short dimension of the board. Photo 12
of the die-cast box by four drilled out spacers shows the completed LCD display board. RF Power Mode. In this mode, when no RF
(M3.5 clear) to accommodate the M3.5 The LEDs used in the prototype are of the power is applied the only LED to illuminate
screws in the die-cast box. The original variety where they can be slotted together is the Power LED (LED14). Applying RF
countersunk screws were not used. Longer side by side. Since in each plastic housing power causes the LEDs to illuminate in
pan head screws were sourced to mount this there is a male and female keyway to bargraph fashion, indicating increasing
assembly off the back surface of the die-cast assemble a tight row of LEDs. To make power in 10W increments. The maximum
box with the spacers. the LEDs sit snug to the stripboard, notice power indicated is 120W. In digital modes
The LED bargraph assembly is fabricated the connections are made
on strip board with the associated current in groups of four soldered
50Ω High power
dummy load
100/200 watt 20.00
Vdc
COM V+
D1
DMM
R1
D2 1k
C1
10n
42
RF sense head
R2
100Ω
J1 J2
Tx Ant
C20
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012
L1 L2
10p
SW1 Off
C2 D1 D2
+12V
+12V supply 33p BAT43 BAT43
Power On DC in
0V
C1 R1
3k3 C3 R3 R4
SKT1 +12V Microcontroller board 100p C4 PLG5
D3 1n 68k 68k PLG3
+5V 1n
7805 2 2
PLG1 3 3
In Out C6 C7 P2
4 4
1μ 1μ 47k
Gnd L4 5 5
C12 C13 C15 C14 100Ω P1
10μ 100μ 1 1
0μ1 0μ1 22μH R11 47k
L3 100Ω
22μH R11
Bargraph 0V +5V
R34 R21
1k C19 R19 R20
+5V 0μ1 1M 1M
VSWR/RF C16
SKT2 1 LED14 LED1 10μ
VSWR 2
3 +5V 13 3
SW2 RF 4 15 14 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
PLG2
R6 R12
8 1 2 7 6 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
1k 4k7
RB1 8 9 10 15 16 19 20 21 22 27 28 29 30 RA0
34 2
RB2
35 IC2
MCLR RA1
1 PIC16F877A
3
+12V
R7
L5
100k RB4 100μH
37 PLG4
R14
11 32 13 14 12 31 C11 1
2k2
Cr1 10μ C17 2
IC3 R18
R5 2n2
1 4 220Ω 3
C9 C10 C5 C6 1k 4
0μ1 4.0MHz 2 3 D4 C16
10μ
0μ1 5
22p 22p
6
43
TECHNICAL FEATURE JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
44
NEW
coaxial cable and with the same characteristic FIGURE 1: One way of operating a 24V relay from a 12V supply.
impedance through the region of the change-
over connections. In addition to just changing
between receiver and transmitter, one form TABLE 1: Sample relay characteristics.
of RF relay, known as a ‘transfer’ relay, also Relay type Coil voltage Insertion loss Isolation
switches the unused ‘port’ to an output that
B & R Harlow (ex MOD) 12 or 24 0.5dB at 1.3GHz 12/25dB at 1.3GHz
can be terminated with a dummy load. So,
Allied Controls 819W (ex PMR) 12 ~0.5dB at 1.3GHz 38dB at 1.3GHz
when in the transmit position, the receiver is Amphenol 318-010382-3 26 <0.5dB at 1.3GHz 46dB at 1.3GHz
provided with additional protection against Ace Technology ARS-BPR-0IN 20-30 <0.25dB to 2.4GHz >83dB to 2.4GHz
any RF leakage from the transmitter. In some Agilent 8762 (rated 1W CW) 5, 12, 24 <0.25dB to 2GHz >100dB to 4GHz
cases it is possible to have a switching <0.5dB to 18GHz >90dB to 18GHz
arrangement where the dummy load is
46
FRIENDLY, HELPFUL ADVICE
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RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 BARRY MAXWELL, TRUSTEE ♦ E-MAIL: SECRETARY@COMMSFOUNDATION.ORG FEATURE
The Radio
Communications
Foundation (RCF)
WHAT IS THE RCF? I sometimes get a bit it complements our curriculum”. These are Foundation is currently managing a bequest
agitated when I see adverts telling me about just a few of the positive comments received. where the legacy stipulates that the funding
‘your’ bank or ‘your’ favourite store when GB4FUN is currently off the road but when must be used for the development of a suitable
I probably have nothing to do with them. But its future is clear the Foundation stands ready amateur satellite project. The outcome is
the RCF is well and truly ‘yours’, in the sense to consider support once more. FUNcube – a cubesat educational project
that it was conceived by the RSGB and is largely The Foundation provides grants that assist that has the aim of enthusing and educating
funded through the ongoing generosity of its individual clubs or educational institutions. young people about radio, space, physics,
members. It was established in 2002 and Examples of such funding include the science, technology, electronics, engineering
formally incorporated as a Registered Charity refurbishment of a mobile training vehicle for and mathematics. Exciting times! FUNcube
in 2003. In 2007 an agreement was signed a local club; a projector to help with amateur is due to be launched later this year and the
between the Foundation and Ofcom for the radio training classes in a local area; a Foundation’s handling of the legacy entrusted
administration of the amateur radio examinations. contribution towards a portable mast and to it is an essential part of this project. Hopefully
Overall, the aim of the Foundation is to related equipment for a school of science and in the future many will look up and give thanks
support people and projects where radio technology and help with a project to stream to the satellite for enhancing even further their
communications, through the expertise of the closed amateur radio television broadcasts over enjoyment of a fine hobby. Others will look up
radio amateur, is the theme. Put quite simply, the internet. Obviously, we could not guarantee with fond memories of someone who cared so
the vision that we have in the Foundation is to to support every request made but consideration much for the future of the hobby that he wanted
bring the benefits of radio to young people and would be given to any reasonable bid. The his pleasure to live on for the benefit of others.
encourage the use of technology. The interested Foundation formally meets twice a year but
young person of today is the radio amateur of projects can be considered electronically by HOW IS THE RCF RUN? The RCF is run by a
tomorrow and the engineer of the future. This the Trustees if there is an urgency. very small Board of volunteer Trustees under the
is the turn of phrase that aptly sums up what Bursaries and scholarships are another Chairmanship of Professor Sir Martin Sweeting.
the Foundation is all about. area of Foundation activity that hits the spot The other Trustees are David Hendon, Anthony
of encouraging young people and boosting Vinters, myself and Marilyn Slade from the
WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM? technology. The Foundation would consider RSGB, who is currently Treasurer and Secretary.
To the end of 2011, the Foundation has raised supporting young licensed amateurs with
over £234k. Many Society members already a bursary to help them through university HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? If you are
make donations, some with their membership or college if the courses involve radio not already making a donation through your
renewals, and donations can be increased when communications. In conjunction with the membership renewal, then do please make
Gift Aid is applied to them. Money also comes Arkwright Trust, the Foundation has also given a commitment in this way. Every little helps.
in via bequests and the Foundation rigorously support in the past with two annual scholarships Also, individual one off donations are always
respects any instructions made in a legacy. for students who are actively considering welcome. Perhaps you could check to see if
Additionally, the Foundation has also taken a higher education in engineering, product or your employer has a payroll giving scheme for
proactive approach towards fundraising with industrial design and who make a commitment charities if you want to make a regular donation
industry and public sector sources of grant aided to design and technology at A level or maths via that route. Another good idea would be to
money. We have approached the National at A/S level or who are able to demonstrate get your local club to actively consider a fund
Lottery in the past and would do so again if enthusiasm and aptitude in practical engineering raising event for the Foundation. Please consider
it was appropriate to look in that direction for or technology. The Foundation keeps in touch making a bequest in your Will to ensure that
funding to support our work. with the progress of former beneficiaries of your interest in amateur radio lives on and
funding. Arkwright students have gone on benefits others. The future of the hobby is
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO? Up to to university to study physics, mechanical the youngsters that we encourage into it and
the end of our last Annual Report period, the engineering, maths and electrical engineering. the technology that is developed. Be a part
Foundation has given out a total of £158k in Sometimes departed amateur radio of that future. Support the Foundation!
grants in support of education and training in enthusiasts want to ensure that their ‘silent
radio. The RSGB’s mobile radio classroom, key’ is remembered and what better way is
Barry Maxwell was Director of the
GB4FUN, has been a major recipient of there to do this than to leave a legacy to the
Radio Investigation Service for
Foundation funding in the past. This is a Foundation with instructions as to how the
17 years, taking the organisation
project that ticks all the boxes in terms of bequest is to be spent? Of course, the RSGB into Ofcom from where he retired in
demonstrating the wonders of radio and itself has recently been the grateful recipient 2005. Previously he had been Head
technology to young people. There has been of a very generous legacy. For those who want of Radio Licensing and in his time
some fantastic feedback over the years – “really to see the Society flourish after their death then there the 50MHz band was allocated
opened the minds of young people”; “weather that is the answer. For those who want to see to amateur radio, the conduct of the
satellites, talking to a chap in Italy, seeing their name preserved as a legacy for the future Morse Test transferred to the RSGB
footage of an International Space Station to benefit youngsters and the use of technology and the Young Amateur of the Year
contact and so much more”; “made a great in the hobby then a bequest to the Foundation Award was instituted.
impact on the children”; we can see how is the right route. To take an example, the
53
FEATURE WWW.COMMSFOUNDATION.ORG JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
Pecuniary. This is a gift of a specified sum • Two meetings a year, based in London
of money, decided when the will or codicil • Non-remunerated roles
is written, and is called a pecuniary legacy.
(reasonable expenses payable)
Specific. This is when you make a gift of a • Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity
specific legacy. This includes stocks and shares,
the proceeds of a life assurance policy, property The Radio Communications Foundation is a Registered Charity whose aim is to bring
and the proceeds of the sale of your radio the benefits of radio to young people and encourage the use of radio technology.
equipment. Please note we cannot accept
radio equipment, books, magazines or QSL WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR NEW TRUSTEES TO JOIN OUR SMALL
cards unless they are of high historic value. BOARD. Applicants will have a deep interest and passion for amateur radio and
its technology, time to give a real commitment to the Charity’s work and an ability
HOW DO I DO THIS? First you have to to provide good governance for the Board’s deliberations. To complement the skills
make a will. Many people never make a of existing Trustees, we are particularly looking this time for people who have an
will because they assume everything will go interest in further education or who can bring relevant business and fund raising
to their spouse or children – this isn’t always experience to the Board. For more information on the Charity’s work go to
the case. For example, if your children are www.commsfoundation.org.
under 18 you need to think about who will
Applications to: Secretary, Radio Communications Foundation, c/o Radio Society
bring them up should you and your partner
of Great Britain, 3 Abbey Court, Priory Business Park, Bedford MK44 3WH.
die together. It’s essential you make plans for
The closing date for expressions of interest is 31 July 2012.
the money you leave when you die, however
large or small the amount may be. To make
54
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 DON FIELD, G3XTT ♦ E-MAIL: DON.FIELD@GMAIL.COM HF
HF
The latest news on upcoming DXpeditions
and what’s been heard on the bands
really brings this home. with the mainland. As a result, the amateur
Another issue was that, radio operation was quite limited but managed
having spent the best part to please a lucky few. Another welcome
of two years getting all the surprise was a fairly extensive effort on
permissions in place (and 17 CW one weekend by Monk Apollo,
not publicising anything, SV2ASP/A. There were several other handy
in case it didn’t happen) expeditions, too, not least of which was
the final approval came A5A from Bhutan, worked in the UK on
somewhat unexpectedly several bands. From our own end, it was
while UA9USU (team fun for many of us to be the chased rather
leader) was on yet another than the chasers, using the GQ prefix, and
negotiating trip to Yemen. we can repeat the process in the near future
The decision then had to but with GO. That said, not many UK special
be made as to whether he event stations are likely to emulate the
and one or two others would 16,600 QSOs in less than 6 days made
do a ‘quick and dirty’ effort by GR100MGY (the back of my head even
or whether they should try featured on BBC South while operating that
and enlist a bunch of other one!), although I feel sure the Olympic station
operators, at very short operators in Greenwich will do their best to
notice, to come to a part put up some big totals.
of the world known more
for terrorism than tourism. DX NEWS. CY9, St Paul Island, ‘The
Amazingly, they managed Graveyard of the Gulf’, is the destination
to pull together such a team, for an expedition from 26 July to 1 August.
but the short notice meant This is a ten-man team including Col,
there was no time for fund- MM0NDX of dx-world.net. This will be
raising, so various team all bands and modes. Apparently CY9
members have subsidised was last activated as long ago as 2005, so
John, EA5ARC took this shot recently, while hoping his antennas the trip hoping that DXers, is now much sought after. QSL via M0URX.
would survive! in appreciation, will be I was sorry to hear that Jacky, ZL3CW
generous after the event. who was in New Caledonia recently as
7O6T REDUX. 7O6T (Yemen), which had Incidentally, there is a great report on the FK/F2CW (and TX8CW in the WPX CW
just started when I submitted last month’s trip on the DX Coffee website. contest) suffered a stroke shortly after the
column, certainly turned out to be the big end of the contest and was hospitalised in
event of May. The team put on a fantastic THE BANDS IN MAY. There is a view that, Noumea, just shy of his 58th birthday. We
effort, resulting in some 162,000 contacts. as summer approaches, the HF bands get wish him well for a speedy recovery. He is
UK stations found the going tough in the less interesting. But the flip side is that, one of the operators scheduled to be on the
early days, with southern and eastern because of the higher ionisation, the high ZL9HR Campbell Island operation later in
Europe enjoying better propagation, but bands can stay open well into the night. the year.
eventually it became much easier and Thus it was during the WPX CW contest Mike, UA1QV, is working in Angola as an
many UK stations made contacts on multiple at the end of the month, when 15m was engineer at the Catoca diamond mine and is
bands, 10 through to 160m. As it’s so long still open to the USA as late as 3am and expected to be there for the next two to three
since Yemen has been activated, the demand 20m stayed open throughout the night.
was unremitting, even with six stations on Even 10m played quite well, with (albeit
COUNTRIES WORKED, 2012
the air from 7O6T round the clock. With weak) signals from the Far East early in
(star ting 1/1/12, first totals,
just ten operators on the island (Socotra) at the day and the US and Caribbean later, listed by Mixed total)
any given time, manning six stations meant along with very loud European signals via
Call CW SSB Data All
there was very little time for anything other Sporadic-E for much of the day and well into
than operating, eating and sleeping. All credit the night. At the lower end of the spectrum, G3HQT 172 0 1 172
to them for pulling off this magnificent feat. I found myself working the US West Coast MU0FAL 130 56 0 147
G0RPM 49 71 109 145
The low band operators had a particularly on 40 during the contest at least two or
M0BVE 131 0 0 131
tough time; to avoid noise problems at the three hours after dawn.
M0VKY 118 0 0 118
hotel they relocated the 160/80m station In terms of what was active in May, G4DDL 86 45 43 101
to a more remote location with only the most in addition to 7O6T, XR0ZA from Juan G4XEX 0 66 81 100
basic facilities. A series of post-expedition Fernandez (Robinson Crusoe Island) was G6CSY 27 3 31 40
postings on the Top Band reflector by Jeff, a nice surprise. A team from Chile were G4FVK 30 0 0 30
K1ZM, who was one of the low band operators, there to set up radio to communicate back
55
HF JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
56
CATCH the ACTION!
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sports, recreational and in-car use. Easy to
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Car and board mounting (supplied as
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• Easily worn or mounted
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GHz Bands
Squeezing the circle on 6cm
The W2IMU feed is a popular feed horn 13cm band feeds on the same dish.
design that minimises the discontinuity. I have observed on 23, 13, 9 and
Ͳ14dB
Unfortunately this feed is not well suited to now 6cm that the base level noise
illuminating deep TVRO dishes (small f/D indicated by the noise detector will
ratio). The f/D of a dish is merely the ratio change by several dB as the choke
of diameter to focal length. My own dish ring is moved. This appears to be
has an f/D of 0.4. The solution is to use a due to small changes in system 0dB
choke ring arrangement to minimise the gain, even with the small changes
Hornfeed
discontinuity and control the dish illumination in match that the choke ring position
angle so that you can achieve a wide range of causes. It is not to be confused with
edge illumination values. the ratio of sun noise to cold sky,
The choke ring on my squeezed waveguide the ratio of which you are trying to
horn is a three ring Chaparral. This consists maximise. As the cold sky noise
of three concentric rings, approximately apparently falls (or rises) due to
1/4λ deep and whose position can be the gain change, so does the sun
FIGURE 2: Prime focus dish viewed directly from
changed by sliding it along the front section noise. However the ratio of these will
the front (on axis) and showing edge illumination
of the feed horn. By this means the edge change and should be maximised. set at -14dB with respect to the centre of the dish.
illumination can be set by measurement It is possible to confirm the level For maximum gain the edge illumination would
of the level of sun noise to cold sky noise of edge illumination by connecting normally be set at about -10dB.
ratio. This requires some explanation. a low level (5.7GHz) source to the
Without the choke ring, pointing the feed horn and then using a power
dish, with its feed, towards the sun will meter, connected to a small dipole antenna to optimistic noise figure measurement. Whilst
result in an increase in noise level. This can over a ground plane, moving this across this would probably not even be noticed in
be measured using a variety of means. For the face of the dish and noting how the terrestrial use, it is significant in EME systems.
now I will assume the use of a wideband level changes. It will usually be found the I have since obtained and tuned up a rather
detector at the EME receiver IF output. Now, maximum sun noise to cold sky ratio occurs nice 5.7GHz filter that, when used between
moving the dish to point towards a cold part at about -14dB edge illumination. Figure 2 a low noise preamp and the main transverter,
of the sky will result in a (hopefully) large fall shows how edge illumination changes from will give me more than 50dB image channel
in the receiver noise level. The wideband the centre of the dish towards the rim. This noise rejection.
detector is used to measure the change in is shown as -14dB with respect to the centre
noise level in dB. This is a sun to cold sky of the dish. CORRECTION. In the May column I showed
noise measurement. Initial results have been very encouraging, a 23cm EME dish belonging to Brian Justin.
By changing the position of the choke with around 10dB sun noise to cold sky ratio I attributed the wrong callsign. Brian's callsign
ring relative to the fixed horn (by sliding it at SFI (Solar Flux Index) of 130 and 0.3dB is WA1ZMS and not as indicated. I apologise
back and forth) a position will be found of moon noise. These numbers are a little to Brian for this error.
where the ratio of sun noise to cold sky down on the indicated values [3], but that
WEBSEARCH
will be at a maximum. In my case this is is not unexpected at this stage as there are [1] DX Sherlock – www.vhfdx.info/spots
with the rim of the feed horn exactly at the number of things to be optimised. I have also [2] CT1DMK horn feed
calculated focus point, and with the choke discovered that the transverter has rather – http://www.qsl.net/ct1dmk/cp_feed_dmk06.pdf
ring approximately 15mm back from the rim less image rejection that expected, leading [3] EMECALC – www.vk3um.com
61
FEATURE SAM JEWELL, G4DDK ♦ WWW.EME2012.COM JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
62
NEW
Following a major overhaul of the data we can now offer a brand By Fred Handscombe, G4BWP
new fourth edition of the famous Radio Today Ultimate Scanning
Guide. This book builds on the superb reputation of the previous Fully updated and with a “new look” design this edition of the RSGB
editions and popular CD with the most up to date and accurate Prefix Guide provides the latest and most comprehensive list of the
frequency information available. world’s amateur radio prefixes. The listings also provides a huge
range of addition information covering references for continent,
For those not familiar with scanning directories, the Radio Today CQ Zone, DXCC, IOTA, ITU Zone, Latitude & Longitude and a
Ultimate Scanning Guide provides a comprehensive listing of who is whole lot more. The very latest DXCC information is included with
broadcasting on a given frequency. The reader is also provided with an unprecedented five new DXCC entities being added and two
clear guidance as to what is available to listen to and what should deleted.
be avoided. When it first appeared in the Radio Today Ultimate
Scanning Guide, the CD caused a sensation and the new version is If you are interested in DX, awards or simply operate the HF bands
significant step forward. With improved interface and lightning quick the RSGB Prefix Guide is the book for you. From the basic “what
searching, this is a boon to any scanning enthusiast. The software was that Call?” question through to research for an elusive award,
element of the CD contains a wide range of radio specific software. this book provides what is needed. From DXCC deleted entities,
In addition, scanning enthusiast Chris Lorek, G4HCL has provided Russian & CIS entities etc the popular DXCC checklist is here,
a useful guide to scanning and what is available to be listened to. along with very latest information on various award programs
including IOTA, CQ WAZ, DXCC, WAS and others. There is also
Radio Today Ultimate Scanning Guide presents the frequency an index of countries and their callsign allocations divided by
data in a new easy to use format that will please regular users and continent as are more detailed listings for the wide range of RSGB
this combined with the new interface CD makes an unbeatable awards for HF and 50MHz.
combination. If you are a long standing scanning enthusiast or
new to the hobby then you will find this book a ‘must have’ for your If you are new to amateur radio or an experienced hand the RSGB
book shelf and the yardstick by which every other book in this field Prefix Guide in its popular lay flat design is a must for every DX
is judged. hunting radio amateur.
at Godalming Post Office, where he learned undertook the Health and Safety risk assessment
telegraphy. He started training to work in and produced all the formal documents, which
wireless for the Marconi Company in March were accepted without question.
1906 in Seaforth and graduated five months The station planned to use two 60ft trailer
later. He served on a number of White Star Line towers supporting dipoles for 80m and 40m,
ships, before he was sent to Belfast to be the a trap dipole for the WARC bands 30m-
senior wireless operator on board the Titanic 17m-12m, a 3-element Yagi for 20m and a
for her maiden voyage. After the Titanic struck 3-element tribander for 15m-10m. One station
an iceberg on that fateful night of 14 April 1912, used an Elecraft K3 and KPA500 amplifier
Jack remained at his Morse key, summoning while the other station used an Icom transceiver
help from the Carpathia and thus was and PW1 amplifier. Both stations were fully
responsible for saving many lives. For this automated. Antennas were selected
reason, Jack is something of a local hero in automatically, while band-pass filters and
Godalming, where his life is remembered in high-power low-pass filters made sure we
a memorial garden. could operate both stations continuously
The plan to commemorate the 100th without any mutual interference or any trace
anniversary of Jack’s last voyage started of RF in the shack. Networked computers did
10 years ago with GB90MGY that was set the automation and logging through WinTest.
up in the centre of Godalming by a group of GR100MGY QSL cards were designed by
local amateurs, some of whom are members Alex, G3IAZ and Roger, G3SXW kindly
of WVARG and others of our supporting club, offered to act as our QSL manager.
the Guildford and District Radio Society (GDRS),
The 20m monobander + WARC dipole used for with support from the town of Godalming. This OPERATION. Manning two stations 24 hours
GR100MGY operations. was followed 5 years later by GB95MGY a day with good CW operators was clearly
operating from Godalming College. going to be a challenge for a small local
BACKGROUND. Television, radio and the radio club. Roger, G3SXW, a WVARG member,
press coverage made sure that we were all GR100MGY. GR100MGY was set up at kindly accepted this daunting task. Given his
reminded about the loss of the Royal Mail Charterhouse on the outskirts of Godalming, experience of running CQWW winning multi-
Ship (RMS) Titanic 100 years ago. Titanic within a mile of where Jack Phillips was born operator stations from West Africa, we clearly
was issued with the callsign MGY and radio and bred. Mike, G0EFO initially approached had the right man for the job. Although WVARG
played an important role in the rescue efforts. the Charterhouse Bursar in October 2008 and has a number of good CW operators, covering
The Chief Radio Officer, Jack Phillips, had his put forward a proposal, with valuable support all the available operating slots was an
home in Godalming, Surrey. The Wey Valley from the Godalming town Clerk and Waverley impossible task, so Roger drafted in several
Amateur Radio Group (WVARG) in Guildford Titanic events committee. The Bursar agreed guest operators. Many of the guest operators
decided to honour his memory and the role of and provided 100% support during the travelled significant distances to join us at
radio and telegraphy in the service of safety of planning, installation and operation of the Charthouse, in many instances opting for
life at sea during the last 100 years by operating station. We were given use of the Crown the night shifts.
a memorial station, GR100MGY, for the building (the Sixth Form Clubhouse) and Finally the morning of 9 April arrived and
duration of the original voyage. Charterhouse left us to do our own thing, it was time to start work. The Charterhouse
John George ‘Jack’ Phillips was born subject to providing a full Health and Safety buildings and playing field looked wonderful
in Farncombe, near Godalming, Surrey. He risk assessment to safeguard public visitors in the early morning light. Was this great public
finished school in 1902 and began working and school staff. GDRS member, Nigel, G1XBV school really going to let us put two 60 foot
TRANSFORMER MOUNTING
MODIFICATION. Each transformer is
fixed to the chassis from below with four
M4 screws. The first modification involves
adding rubberised ‘bobbin mounts’ (also
known as anti-vibration mountings or
cylinder mounts) in all 8 positions.
The bobbin is 10mm in diameter with
a body length of 8mm (Photo 3). It has an
M4 stud at one end and M4 captive thread
at the other which accepts a screw length of
approximately 5 to 6mm. Suitable mounts
PHOTO 1: The Palstar PS-50 PSU is a rugged, rack-mountable unit. are available from RS (stock code 720-3313)
and other component distributors; you may
INTRODUCTION. The Palstar PS-50 linear decouple the transformers from the chassis also find them on eBay.
power supply will be familiar to many. It is a to prevent the transmission of vibrations and, Caution – using a longer thread length
solid, straightforward design that provides a secondly, to replace the fan with a quieter may damage the bobbin and / or reduce its
fixed 13.8V output at 40A continuous, 50A product. I also decided to modify the fan effectiveness.
peak. It is more than capable of running most controller such that the fan runs continuously Unplug the PSU from the mains, remove
of your shack equipment. It also frequently at reduced speed providing a permanent air the top cover and carefully stand the unit on
appears on the second hand market at very flow through the unit and consequently a its left side. Remove the two screws securing
attractive prices when compared to units of lower average operating temperature. It will the controller / regulator board and unplug
a similar capability. switch to full speed when necessary. the connectors. The connectors may have
There are, however, a couple of issues Not all of these modifications need be some locking compound on them. If so,
when used in a quiet shack or domestic done, but if you do suffer from a ‘hummy’ carefully remove this to free the connector,
environment. First the fan, which only runs unit, it is suggested that the transformer otherwise the force required to remove them
when the internal heat sink temperature mountings are done first this avoids the will cause damage. When handling the board
exceeds 40°C, is VERY loud and secondly need to remove the controller / regulator be careful not to alter the settings of any of
(I suspect this varies between units & users) board twice. Some may find it sufficient the preset potentiometers.
there may be a noticeable hum from the simply to alter the fan circuit without The transformers are heavy, so support
transformers, often enhanced by where bothering to replace the fan. what is now the lower transformer. I found
and on what the power unit is mounted. small mug mats were ideal – see Photo 4.
A brief search of the internet revealed WHAT’S IN THE BOX? The PS-50 internals Remove the fixings. Retain the large
others expressing similar experiences but are laid bare in Photo 2. The fan is at the washers, as these will be used later. With
unusually there were no published resolutions. rear right hand corner, behind the heatsink the transformer free, the bobbins may be
So to address the issues it was decided to that holds the series pass transistors, bridge installed. Do not replace the transformer at
make two modifications: to mechanically rectifiers and the small green temperature this stage as it is convenient to use it to support
the second transformer. This should be removed
and the bobbins fitted in the same way.
+24V +15V
+24V
1N4148 8k2
Dfan
3 D12
5
Q10 2 1N4002
TIP31C 4 D11
Rfan
U1A
12 Q10
339
R49 R39
C26 C28
8k2 3k3
0μ1 0μ1 0V
66
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 TECHNICAL FEATURE
67
BOOK REVIEW GILES READ, G1MFG ♦ E-MAIL: GILES.READ@RSGB.ORG.UK JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
Book review
A wide variety to choose from
Pigeon Guided Missiles
And 49 other ideas that never took off
By James Moore & Paul Nero
This is one of those wonderfully offbeat books convey fascinating glimpses into bygone eras. For
that crosses my desk from time to time. As its example, whilst relating the tale of “Chadwick’s
name and subtitle promise, it contains details Miasma-Terminating Towers”, we are treated
of 50 projects, large and small, that didn’t quite to a snippet from an 1861 Statistical Society
make it. Some failed because of fundamental of London report into slum overcrowding.
impracticalities, like the steam-powered airliner Researchers “visited a single room occupied
that never really got off the ground. Others, by five families, four of which ate, sat and
such as the X-Ray shoe fitting machine worked, slept in a corner each, with a fifth family
but had awful side-effects. Then there is the in the middle. One woman told the ISBN 978-0-7524-5990-5
city that built an underground railway system investigators, ‘We did very well until the Published by The History Press
in the 1910s and 20s that remains, to this gentleman in the middle took a lodger.’” 258 pages, 133 x 205mm approx
very day, largely intact but completely unused. I liked this offbeat book and its Non-Members’ Price £12.99
Told in a matter-of-fact manner, these stories celebrations of dedicated battiness. Members’ Price £9.74 (25% off)
If you haven’t already tried the RSGB Bookshop online at www.rsgbshop.org then you may be missing out. The online book shop contains
a vast array of publications on amateur radio and you’ll sometimes find special offers that don’t always appear in the printed version of
RadCom. You’ll discover full details of other special RSGB items such as callsign badges, clothing and members’ offers.
69
ANTENNAS PETER DODD, G3LDO ♦ E-MAIL: G3LDO@O2.CO.UK JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
Antennas
The homebrew Yagi and common mode problems
Wooden boom
Ho IOT
IOTA
TA Tristan
Tristan de Cuna DXCC Card Checking
rwo
od
Ho DXpedition lecture UK and FCC exams
use
, Bu Professor Mike Kocsh IOTA
IOT
TA Session
cks
,U on the interaction VHF Lecture
K
between the Sun and VHF Contesting
the Earth VHF & HF Trophy
Trophy
Ian, GM3SEK returns
GM3SEK Presentations
with a new technical HF Forum
lecture
DXpedition Lectures Check out the
T
Technical
echnical
echn Stream Programme Online!
Contest University
For further
information or to book
Bookk Online
B
Boo l Today
To
T ayy
Tel.
Tel. 01844
01 263 950 www.rsgbevents.org
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 STEVE WHITE, G3ZVW ♦ E-MAIL: G3ZVW@TALKTALK.NET SPORT RADIO
Sport Radio
YOUR
Winning VHF NFD without taking things
too seriously, and encouraging new licensees
RSGB
THE BEST CONTESTS
RSGB HF EVENTS
Date Event Times (UTC) Mode(s) Band(s) Exchange
Jul 2 80m Club Championships 1900-2030 CW 3.5 RST + SN
Jul 11 80m Club Championships 1900-2030 SSB 3.5 RS + SN
Jul 19 80m Club Championships 1900-2030 Data 3.5 RST + SN
Jul 22 Low Power Contest 0900-1600 CW 3.5-7 RST + SN + power
Jul 28-29 IOTA Contest * 1200-1200 CW/SSB 3.5-28 RS(T) + SN + IOTA ref
RSGB VHF EVENTS
Date Event Times (UTC) Mode(s) Band(s) Exchange
Jul 3 144MHz UKAC 1900-2130 All 144 RS(T) + SN + Locator
Jul 7-8 VHF NFD 1400-1400 All 50-1296 RS(T) + SN + Locator
Jul 8 144MHz Backpackers #3 1100-1500 All 144 RS(T) + SN + Locator
Jul 10 432MHz UKAC 1900-2130 All 432 RS(T) + SN + Locator
Jul 17 UHF UKAC 1900-2130 All 1.3 RS(T) + SN + Locator
Jul 22 70MHz Trophy + 1000-1600 All 70 RS(T) + SN + Locator + Postcode
Jul 24 50MHz UKAC 1900-2130 All 50 RS(T) + SN + Locator
Jul 23 SHF UKAC 1900-2130 All 2.3 & up RS(T) + SN + Locator
Jul 31 70MHz UKAC 1900-2130 All 70 RS(T) + SN + Locator
BEST OF THE REST EVENTS
Date Event Times (UTC) Mode(s) Band(s) Exchange (info)
Jul 1 WAB Low Power 2m Phone 1000-1400 All 144 RS(T) + SN + WAB square
Jul 14-15 IARU HF Championship 1200-1200 CW, SSB 1.8-28 RS(T) + ITU zone (UK=27)
the promotion of the hobby to youngsters The critical factor though is that it takes a ‘sweep’ the bands looking for the portable
and the development of newcomers. go-ahead, energetic club such as Norfolk entrants. The number of teams (sweepers
“To this end we have also extended this to to do it. Clearly they have recognised the excluded) entering is almost the same now
contesting. Through a small group of existing need to do a lot more than just train people as it was 15 years ago, which is the earliest
contesters we have managed to build up the and get them through exams, only to then date of the results on the CC website. On
interest in contest participation to a group of leave them in the lurch. The latter is something Sunday 8th the third leg of the 144MHz
35 club members, whose skills vary widely. I have seen time and time again, but the lads Backpackers Contest takes place. Most
This has been achieved through giving and lasses at Norfolk ARC have clearly got of it overlaps the final part of VHF NFD,
dedicated talks on contesting and how it can the formula right and the result is success. but it continues for one hour after VHF
be of benefit to their overall operating skills NFD ends. The maximum power in this
and station performance. We created a formal THIS MONTH’S EVENTS. July is the final is 3 watts. After that we return to the
contesting sub group and then continued with month of the 80m Club Championships UKACs, with 70cm on the 10th and
contest workshops using AV presentations, and we begin with the CW session on the 23cm on the 17th. The 70MHz Trophy
along with a simulated station (complete with 2nd. It is followed by the SSB session on Contest on Sunday 22nd is one that has
interfacing and contest software). Workshops the 11th and the datamodes session on increased in popularity, especially now
have covered the basics for beginners through the 19th. Sunday 22nd sees the Low Power that more countries have access to the
to more technical matters on interfacing and Contest taking place, which I think is the only band. Last year there was a record entry
software setup, including station ergonomics RSGB contest with a lunch break. There are of 45 stations. The remainder of the month
and operating techniques. We also conduct two power categories, 10W and 3W, and is the domain of the UKACs, with 6m and
GB2CW Morse lessons three times a week, sections for fixed and portable stations. SHF on the 23rd, and – because it’s a five
to help those newbies learn Morse or improve That makes four categories and a trophy is Tuesday month – 4m on the 31st.
their existing Morse. awarded to the winner of each. The biggest I only have a couple of other events to
“There has always been a strong element HF event of the month will undoubtedly be highlight this month. The first is the WAB
of keeping it simple for the newcomers, to the IOTA Contest. There are 12-hour and 2m Low Power Phone Contest on Sunday
get them started, as it can be the plethora 24-hour categories. The IOTA Reference is 1st. The maximum permitted power is 10
of complexity which can put them off from part of the exchange, the one for mainland watts and there are sections for single-op
day one. This has also extended to helping Britain being EU-005 and mainland Ireland fixed, mobile and portable, and multi-op
people get set up at their own station, so we being EU-115. Offshore islands have different portable. Last year’s results suggest there
also hold a ‘contest net night’ every week references. All the European references can be is a very good chance of anyone entering
for people to come up on 2m to ask about found on the Internet at: www.logiciel.co.uk/ being a winner, because there was only one
problems and configuration issues which iota/shtlist/europe.html and you can read entry! The IARU HF Championship that runs
we are often able to diagnose and solve over more about the event in G3XTT’s feature for 24 hours on 14-15th will be a busy affair.
the air. In particular we have concentrated elsewhere in this edition of RadCom. The UK HQ station GR2HQ will be active and
on getting people started on data, which can The first VHF event of the month is the looking for as many QSOs as possible on as
be daunting to some. We have a good team 2m UKAC on the 3rd. VHF NFD takes place many (HF contesting) bands and modes as
spirit within the group and it is all about over the weekend of 7/8th. At one time there possible with as many people as possible.
maintaining interest and involvement.” was only one section in VHF NFD, but over This includes UK stations. As in previous
So there you have it, if the desire to contest the years the number has gradually increased. years, there are awards for individuals
doesn’t occur naturally in the blood, it can be These days there are six sections, including and clubs who work it (see the rules on
instilled and fostered as ‘part of the package’. two for single-ops who stay at home and www.gr2hq.com).
74
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 BOB TITTERINGTON, G3ORY ♦ E-MAIL: G3ORY@LINEONE.NET ARDF
ARDF YOUR
British ARDF Championships 2012
RSGB
ARDF: DEDICATED TO DF HUNTING
3 Abbey Court, Priory Business Park, Bedford, MK44 3WH Radio Society of Great Britain
Tel: 01234 832 700 Fax: 01234 831 496
E&OE All prices shown plus p&p www.rsgbshop.org
HF F-Layer Propagation Predictions for July 2012
JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
expected when a ‘.’ is shown. Black is shown when the signal strength is expected to be low to very low, blue when it is expected to be fair and red when it is expected to be strong. Regulations 1992. Readers
The RSGB Propagation Studies Committee provides propagation predictions on the internet at www.rsgb.org.uk/propagation/index.php. An input power of 100W and a dipole aerial has should note that prices
advertised may not be accurate
been used in the preparation of these predictions; therefore a better equipped station should expect better results. The predicted smoothed sunspot numbers for July, August & September due to currency exchange rate
are respectively (SIDC classical method – Waldmeier’s standard 68, 70 & 72 and (combined method) 83, 85 & 87. The provisional mean sunspot number for May was 69.0. The daily fluctuations, or tax changes.
maximum / minimum numbers were 98 on 16 May and 52 on 30 May.
78
AROUND YOUR REGION RADCOM@RSGB.ORG.UK JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
Please send news reports to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. To get future events listed here and put on GB2RS, e-mail details of your meetings as early as possible to GB2RS@RSGB.org.uk and we'll do the rest.
We need to know your club name, RSGB Region number, contact name & phone number, date of meeting and detail of meeting. Example: South Bristol ARS, Region 11, Len, G4RZY, 01275 834 282,
29 October, On the Air. It's that simple. Please note that we don't normally print 'closed', 'TBA' or 'every Tuesday' type submissions. The deadline for the August 2012 RadCom is 2 July and for the
September edition it's 30 July. For GB2RS, the deadline is 10am on the Thursday for the week of broadcast. If you need to amend your club details, please visit www.rsgb.org/clubupdates.
80
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 RADCOM@RSGB.ORG.UK AROUND YOUR REGION
81
AROUND YOUR REGION RADCOM@RSGB.ORG.UK JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
Reading and District Amateur Radio forward to hear them on the air.
Club has had more success when all In the photo you can see Prakash, HARWELL ARS 7 NFD weekend
6 candidates in the May Intermediate Carl, Jim, M0UJC, Malcolm and Malcolm, G8NRP, 13 Radio night post event
exam course passed. From left to Chris. RSH thanks its volunteer 01235 524 844, equipment check
right, Muhammed, M6BQZ, John, Exam Team and Vince, G7LWN info@g3pia.org.uk 20 Chairman’s BBQ
M6BPQ, James, M6JMO, Roger, (GSL-17th Harrow Scouts) making 10 Summer DF hunt - Cyprus Hall closed
M6LAR, James, M6LTK and Steve, this all possible, for the use of their 24 Shack activity night 27 Radio night and
M6PEP. The course was run over two premises as an exam centre. HASTINGS E&RC equipment testing for
Saturdays and two evenings. John Gordon, 01424 431 909, SSB Field day
will be taking his Advanced exam www.herc.uk.net SOUTHDOWN ARS
within days and the club wishes him 18 Olympic Torch in TQ80 John, G3DQY,
success. Please check the website for (WAB) 01424 424 319
future courses www.radarc.org. 25 Covert radios talk & 2 Barbecue at G3ZQB`s QTH
demo at the Taplin centre, 4 Operating at Hailsham shack
John Elgar-Whinney SWINDON & DARC
HORNDEAN & DARC Den, M0ACM,
Stuart, G0FYX, 07810 317 750,
At a recent
02392 472 846, www.sdarc.net
meeting of
www.hdarc.co.uk 5 Activity Night and
Edgware &
5 Natter night/social evening preparation for VHF
DRS, Eddie,
16 Follow the Torch event NFD contest
M0HIE was
from WAB square SU60 12, 19 Activity Night
named as
19 Show and tell 26 Activity Night and
this year's
DXing for the busy person was the 21 Weekend event: preparation for IOTA
winner of
title for Alan Gray, G4DJX’s talk to South Downs Wood Fair contest
the annual
Verulam ARC at its club meeting in at QE Country Park near TROWBRIDGE & DARC
constructor's
May. Alan described the techniques Petersfield Ian, G0GRI,
cup. The winning item that he is
required for being successful at HORSHAM ARC 01225 864 698, E/W
showing is an antenna matching
DXing. So far he has made contacts www.harc.org.uk 4 Club meeting
switch that allows him to switch
with 320 DXCC entities, there being 5 Photo quiz, G4LRP 18 Natter night
between various antennas and to
currently 340. Alan fits this around 12 Social, The Bridge Inn,
include a choke balun as required. WATERLOOVILLE ARC
the busy duties of Head Teacher of a Amberley BN18 9LR
The switching is done with relays and Rich, G4IBW,
local secondary school in St. Albans. 26 Fox hunt
the selection is indicated by LEDs. 0772 225 002,
The Verulam club runs courses at the
Spacecraft engineers from the leading MID-SUSSEX ARS g4ibw@hotmail.co.uk
school and many of their students
European satellite construction Rob, 2E0RJA, 29 Talk on WW2 radar systems
have obtained their licences as a
company, Astrium, together with 01444 232 129, St Andrews School, Meads
result. Alan, G4DJX is a long-time
member of the Verulam ARC. scientists from Middlesex University 2e0rja@msars.org.uk joint event with SARS
Robotics Department shared a 6 NFD preparation Eastbourne – GB2SAM
weekend with Verulam ARC in April
to obtain their Foundation licences. Following discussions between the Fortress & Military Museum,
This proved very stimulating as ideas Southdown Amateur Radio Society Eastbourne using the Special
and techniques were shared between and the local private St Andrews Event Station callsign GB2RFM.
the three groups. Ashley Cook, Graduate School in Meads, Eastbourne, two
Electronics Engineer at Astrium said: This opportunity is very encouraging
special combined events have been
"This Foundation Course in amateur for the amateur radio and electronics
confirmed. The aim of these events
radio, as well as enabling us to gain hobby and look forward to very
RS of Harrow reports another is to work together in some positive
personal amateur radio licences successful events and hopefully
successful Foundation course in and enthusiastic way for the joint
providing us with the means to even gaining interest in new local
May with five students passing benefit of school children, the school,
communicate with amateur satellites, Foundation licences. On both events,
with flying colours. The Society the club and amateur radio.
has given us an understanding of the the club will be operating on HF,
congratulates them all and looks VHF and UHF bands, including
licence conditions applicable to all A Special Event Station callsign,
radio amateurs." GB2SAM, has been registered and D-Star and Echolink Special Event
will be used at the St Andrews School, Stations.
Meads in Eastbourne. The main In fine sunny weather, Waterside
school event will be run on the New Forest Radio Club members
YOUR morning of Wednesday 27 June once again operated special event
RSGB and will consist of four groups of radio station GB0ETM in the attic
SUPPORTING YOUR CLUB
children on rotating interests including: at the very top of Eling Tide Mill,
Radio Operating, Aerial Tuning, Morse celebrating Mills on the Air weekend.
code, Amateur Radio Computer This took place during National Mills
Software, Radio Operating using Weekend, which is a celebration of
REGION 10: SOUTH & SOUTH EAST Computers, Digital communications Britain’s milling heritage, organised
REGIONAL REP: GAVIN KEEGAN, G6DGK, RM10@RSGB.ORG.UK via Echolink and DStar, Aerials and by the Society for the Protection of
RF Direction Finding (Radio Fox Ancient Buildings. Their QSL card
BREDE STEAM ARS Hunting), Practical Electronics, shows a watercolour of the mill by
Steve, 01424 720 815, M0NUC@aol.com Vintage Radio and Test Equipment. local artist, Gervaise Gregory.
3, 7, 10, 24, 31 At the shack Following on from the main school The earliest surviving reference
18 Olympic torch day operating GX4WAB at the shack, BBQ in evening event, on the afternoon of Friday to Eling Tide Mill appears in the
FORT PURBROOK ARC 29 June, Southdown Amateur Domesday Book, in 1086 AD and,
Mick Ponsford, M0GWD, 02392 366 699 Radio Society will be joined by over the centuries, it has had to be
27 Natter night children from St Andrews School to rebuilt many times, on the last
visit and operate from the Redoubt occasion in the 1770s, after
82
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 RADCOM@RSGB.ORG.UK AROUND YOUR REGION
84
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• Built-in GPS receiver
• GPS logging
D-STAR with
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• Micro SD card slot
• D-STAR DV mode
Introducing a new
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ever-growing D-STAR
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ICOM-UK
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Telephone: 01227 741741 Fax: 01227 741742
e-mail: sales@icomuk.co.uk website: www.icomuk.co.uk
TECHNICAL FEEDBACK JOHN GOODMAN, G3WOA ♦ E-MAIL JOHN.GOODMAN1@VIRGIN.NET JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
Technical feedback
Additional information on the IF filters using
Ceramic Resonators article, June 2012
The performance of the filters might
improve if a higher frequency opamps
+12V
FIGURE 5: How to combine 4-stage USB and LSB cards with suitable switching to produce a practical with a 30pF trimmer.
filter for USB, LSB or DSB.
DOUBLE SIDEBAND. DSB working
is accomplished by switching on both
INTRODUCTION. From the e-mails I have switchable filter. Figure 5, here, shows how the USB and LSB four stage filters, feeding
received about my article in the June RadCom, to drive a LSB and USB card from a phase these from a phase splitter and terminating
it would appear that there is some confusion splitter, switch them, and drive a summing them in a summing amplifier. Again, the
regarding the circuit diagram of Figure 3. I also buffer amplifier. method of feeding and terminating the
neglected to show how to set up double To clarify the note inside Figure 3, the two bandpass filters is intended to reduce
sideband for either AM or NBFM. Furthermore, component values used for the USB and out-of-band signals to a minimum.
I did not mention the IF frequency about which LSB filters are as follows: The preset potentiometer allows for
these filters work. For an USB filter, C4 = 0 (ie not fitted), equalising the two filter outputs, ie the
C5 = 47pF, R7 = 47k and R8 = 47k. upper and lower sidebands, which can
FIGURE 3 ISSUES. Figure 3 shows only one For a LSB filter, C4 =100pF, C5 = 150pF, be accomplished by feeding the filters
stage of either a USB or LSB filter. The original R7 = 47k and R8 = 68k. with an AM signal with a carrier frequency
text described how to connect four of these The operational amplifiers I used in all of 454.7kHz and switching between the
circuits together to produce an USB card or the filters are type RC4558. I chose these two filters while metering the output from
LSB card, as shown in the photo, but did simply because I happen to have several the opamp. Adjust the potentiometer for
not explain how to turn this into a practical, of them, likewise the BSY95A transistors. equal outputs.
86
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 WWW.RSGB.ORG MEMBERS’ ADS AND RALLIES & EVENTS
88
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 WWW.RSGB.ORG RALLIES & EVENTS RSGB MEMBERS’ ADVERTISEMENTS
SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS FOR JULY 2012 The following terms and conditions apply to all
Members' Advertisements.
These callsigns are valid for use from the date given, but the period of operation may vary from 1 - 28 days before
or after the event date. Operating details are provided in an abbreviated form as follows: T = 160m; L = 80 or 40m; 1) In order to qualify for free insertion,
H = HF bands (30 - 10m); V = 6 and/or 4m; 2 = 2m; 7 = 70cm; S = satellite and P = packet. Members Ads must be submitted by e-mail
Details published here are kindly provided by Ofcom. to memads@rsgb.org.uk. Please ensure you
Date Callsign Phonetics Location Bands Keeper include .uk on the end of the e-mail address.
01/07/2012 GB4BLC Bedworth Lions Club Nuneaton LH2 G8GMU 2) Your advert must clearly show whether it is
GB4CON G Bacon Pontefract LH2 G0BPK For Sale or Wanted and must include your name,
02/07/2012 GB0PLF Pontefract Liquorice Festival Pontefract LH2 G0BPK callsign or membership number, telephone number
04/07/2012 GB0RAF Royal Air Force Barnard Castle LH27 G0NRK and postal town, in that order.
06/07/2012 GB6CHE Cheshire Scouts Cheshire LH27 G1NWA 3) The Ad may not contain more than 40 words,
GB2ING Ingleton North Yorkshire LHV27 M0XLT
excluding the information in (2), and may be edited
07/07/2012 GB0CTC Crook Town Carnival Crook LHV27 G7OCK
for readability at our sole discretion. Longer ads
GB5OLR 50 years of Loughton & Epping Forest ARS ESSEX LHV2 G0TOC
08/07/2012 GB8SBD Soap Box Derby Ludlow L27 G8XYJ may be accepted if there is a good reason, eg a
12/07/2012 GB0FWW Firpark Wings and Wheels Lincs TLH2 M0OOO shack clearance on behalf of a SK member;
13/07/2012 GB0RBL Rainford Brooklodge School Rainford LH27 M0GGK e-mail us and ask.
14/07/2012 GB4NGR Narrow Gauge Railway Olney Bucks TLHV2 M0RPM 4) Not more than one ad per month will be
GB5SI Shiant Islands Isle of Harris LHV2 MM0BQI accepted from any member. 'Recurring' ads
GB2PPS Papplewick Pumping Station Nottinghamshire LH G0UYQ will not be accepted, but members may
15/07/2012 GB2FX Felixstowe Felixstowe LHV2 G0OZS re-submit the same advert each month
19/07/2012 GB4WP War and Peace Kent LHV27 M1CCF if they wish.
21/07/2012 GB1AVR Ackworth Vintage Rally Ackworth LH2 G0BPK
GB4GBO Great Britain Olympics Lancashire TLHV2 G1LAT 5) E-mailed adverts may optionally include one
GB2BLE Bristol Lundy Expedition BRISTOL TLHV2 G0DRX photograph of the item(s) being offered. Images
22/07/2012 GB4WLR West Lancashire Railway Preston H G1PIE must be attached as a jpg file, at least 800 pixels
25/07/2012 2O12E England Milton Keynes TLHV27 G3VHF wide and of good quality. By submitting any
26/07/2012 2O12L London London TLHV2 M0MCV image you warrant that you own the copyright
27/07/2012 GB1HF Hadleigh Farm Essex LH2 G4UVJ and that you permit the RSGB to use it in any
GB4OG Olympic Games Co Durham LH2 G4LRG way. We will endeavour to publish photographs
GB0BVU Blind Veterans UK East Sussex TLHV27 G0PQQ with ads as space permits but cannot guarantee
GB1HCF Heckington County Festival Lincolnshire LHV27 M0HAZ to publish any particular photograph.
GB2VET Golf Bravo Two Veterans East Yorkshire LHV27 G0SWO
2O12W Wales Vale of Glamorgan LHV27 GW0ANA 6) Adverts will be published at the first available
28/07/2012 GB2WFB Worthing Fire Brigade Worthing LHV27 G8MSQ opportunity but no guarantee can be given as
2O12U Uniform Various Locations TLHV27 G3BJ to when a particular ad will appear.
29/07/2012 GB0BVU Blind Veterans UK Brighton TLHV27 G0PQQ 7) The RSGB believes that it is inappropriate for
members trading in radio equipment in any way
WAB FOLLOW THE TORCH to place members' ads. We therefore regret we
The Worked All Britain Awards Group is promoting an award based upon following the Olympic Torch around UK. are unable to accept such ads, although we do
Details were in last month’s RadCom and are also on the Worked All Britain website, www.worked-all-britain.co.uk. welcome these in the 'Classified' advertising
section of RadCom.
The WAB callsigns will move around UK following the torch, G4WAB & G7WAB being activated as special event
stations using the prefixes GX, GT, GN, GH, GS, GP and GC, assigned to the appropriate country. Please note that 8) The RSGB accepts no responsibility for errors or
WAB DOES NOT REQUIRE QSL CARDS. omissions, or for the quality of goods for sale or
exchange.
Confirmed stations taking part in the Follow The Torch scheme are:
9) Members’ Ads are accepted and published in
14 June GS4WAB Lothian RS 5 July GX4WAB Norfolk ARC good faith.
15 June GX4WAB North East Special Events Group 6 July GX4WAB South Essex ARS
10) Members' Ads are accepted at the sole discretion
16 June GX4WAB North East Special Events Group 7 July GX4WAB Chelmsford ARS
17 June GX4WAB Durham & DARS 8 July GX4WAB Cambridgeshire Repeater of the Editor, whose decision is final.
18 June GX4WAB East Cleveland ARS Group/Camb-Hams
19 June GX4WAB Ripon District ARS 9 July GX4WAB Luton WAB Members
20 June GX4WAB York ARS 10 July GX4WAB Leicestershire WAB Group
WARNING
21 June GS4WAB Eddie Stobart "Revival" 11 July GX4WAB Reading & DARC Members are advised to ensure that the equipment
22 June GX4WAB Thornton Cleveleys ARS 12 July GX4WAB Blackmore Vale ARS they intend to purchase is not subject to a current
23 June GX4WAB Central Lancashire ARC 13 July GX4WAB BYLARA hire purchase agreement.
24 June GX4WAB South Manchester R & 14 July GX4WAB Brickfields ARS (IOW)
Comp. Club 15 July GP7WAB Guernsey RAYNET The 'purchase' of goods legally owned by a finance
25 June GX4WAB Denby Dale ARS 15 July GH4WAB Jersey ARS company could result in the 'purchaser' losing both
26 June GX4WAB Sheffield ARC 16 July GX4WAB Horndean & DARC the goods and the money paid.
27 June GX4WAB Grimsby ARS 17 July GX4WAB Newhaven Fort ARG
Members' Ads also appear on the Members-Only
28 June GX4WAB Lincoln Short Wave Club 18 July GX4WAB Brede Steam ARS
29 June GX4WAB South Notts. ARC 20 July GX4WAB Bredhurst Receiving & website at www.rsgb.org/membersonly/membersads.
30 June GX4WAB Leicestershire WAB Group Transmitting Society
1 July GX4WAB Stratford Upon Avon & DARS 22 July GX4WAB Loughton & Epping Forest ARS
2 July GX4WAB Coventry ARS 23 July GX4WAB Wimbledon & DARS 25 NOVEMBER – NEW VENUE – PLYMOUTH
3 July GX4WAB Leicester ARS 25 July GX4WAB Radio Society of Harrow
RADIO CLUB RALLY – Harewood House, The
4 July GX4WAB Peterborough 26 July GX4WAB Wimbledon & DARS
Ridgeway, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 2AS. CP,
TI, OT 10.00, £2, TS, B&B, C. Contact
g7nhb@hotmail.co.uk.
2 DECEMBER – BISHOP AUCKLAND RADIO
AMATEURS CLUB RALLY – Spennymoor
Leisure Centre, Co Durham DL16 6DB.
CP, TI S22 (V44), OT 10.15/10.30, £2
(U14 free). TS, B&B, C, LB, DF, FAM.
Details Mark, G0GFG, 01388 747 497.
3 FEBRUARY 2013 – 28th CANVEY RADIO &
ELECTRONICS RALLY – 'The Paddocks', Long
Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 0JA (southern
end of A130). Free CP, OT 10.30, C, DF, TS.
Vic Rogers, G6BHE 01702 308562,
e-mail nvr@blueyonder.co.uk.
[www.southessex-ars.co.uk].
89
CLASSIFIED ADS Classified advertisements 58p per word (VAT inc.) minimum 14 words £8.12. All classified
advertisements must be prepaid. Please write clearly. No responsibility accepted for errors.
Latest date for acceptance is 1st of the month prior to publication.
Copy to: Chris Danby G0DWV, Danby Advertising, Fir Trees, Hall Road, Hainford, Norwich,
Norfolk, NR10 3LX Tel: 01603 898678 Fax: 01603 898678 E-mail: adsales@rsgb.org.uk
Payment to: RSGB, 3 Abbey Court, Priory Business Park, Bedford, MK44 3WH
bhi 17
DX Shop 17
ICOM UK Ltd 85
#$ !
!$$ # Moonraker 28, 29
General
Genera
al Steel F
Fabrication
abrication "
Radio Masts | Masts | Boat C
Cradles
radles | T
Trailers
railers
Nevada 57
Peak Electronics 17
$ !
Quotedesk 31
" !
#
! RF Parts Company 22
""" !
Vine Antennas 22
WinRadio 25
Yaesu UK Ltd 37
THE LAST WORD - LETTERS THE RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE JULY 2012 ♦ RADCOM
DXPEDITION FUNDING FOR The amateur who contacted us before obviously any one can use callsigns to look
YOUNGSTERS? parting with cash informed me that he had up full names and details but it does at least
Mark, M0NCG received four responses to his wanted ad, require the scammer to take an extra step or
As a young person in my early twenties all of which turned out to be a scam, so two in the process.
who has been a licensed amateur for a this is not an isolated incident.
number of years, I am finding myself The text of one such offer read: TIME CONSUMING!
increasingly interested in DXpeditioning. "Hi <Name removed>, Nigel Auckland, M6NAJ
Having operated at a number of world- Attaced is a photo of my Icom 703+ I really must complain.
class contest stations, I believe I am a with original box and manual. Its in This matter has been building since I received
quality operator and I am sure many other excellent working cindition and fully my very first copy of RadCom some months
young amateurs are in the same situation. functional. Comes like new with BP228 ago; but the June copy, which arrived today,
However, the ability to get on DXpeditions external battery, BC155A Battery Charger, was too much and I really must register a
of any size seems limited at best – to start, LC156 Back pack, OPC581 Seperation complaint!
most DXpeditions seem to be the same cable and AH-703 Antenna for 7-50Mhz. Having risen early, so as to achieve a large
groups of people with little or no scope for With boxes and manuals. number of overdue objectives today, I treated
addition. Secondly, the cost of DXpeditions I am asking $800 USD for it and price myself to an early coffee before starting. As
nowadays is beyond the limit for all but the includes shipping and handling. I will I went to drink it the post arrived with the
most privileged. arrange double box shipping via UPS or June edition. What harm could there be in
I'm sure everybody is aware that getting FedEx whichever you prefer and shall accept skimming through RadCom whilst drinking
young people into contesting and DXpeditions, payment via Western union or Money gram. my coffee? Oh how naive I was not to realise
as well as amateur radio in general, is very What's your complete shipping address? the skill and cunning of the editor and staff!
important; but it seems that a major cost 73, Some six and a half hours later, having
factor has been forgotten. Is there a funding <Name and callsign removed>" had no lunch; achieved absolutely nothing;
route enabling younger amateurs to take part? Note the spelling mistakes, and also AND missed the last day’s play in the test
that despite purporting to come from an match, I put the magazine down.
CONFIDENCE TRICK English amateur the prices quoted are in I really must protest. What right have you
Andy Jenner, G7KNA US Dollars. and your team to put together a magazine so
I have recently received two very similar packed with interest and information that it
e-mails from overseas amateurs concerning Common sense should protect you from demolishes all the best work intentions,
a confidence trick perpetrated in the name being a target of this sort of scam: destroys domestic harmony and consumes
of one of our members. Fortunately in one 1. Make sure you know what the likely so many hour of ones life (and makes me
instance the targeted amateur had the price for any item you are looking for miss an England Test victory)?
foresight to contact our club before taking is going to be, check out eBay, eham Please do think carefully about what
the transaction any further and we were and other such sites you are doing in future.
able to avoid any unpleasantness. Sadly in 2. If you are offered the equipment at a I would have telephoned my complaint,
the second case the target of the confidence too-good-to-be-true price, then it but it is so difficult to speak with your tongue
trick had already parted with cash but not probably is in your cheek!
received the described goods. 3. Check the seller’s credentials, Google
The form of the scam or confidence trick them, use QRZ or other call book services DO YOU QSL?
is probably well known and is made easier 4. Try to get in touch with them through Nigel Ferguson, G0BPK
by e-mail and the web. In essence, the another channel rather than the possibly For many members of the RSGB, the QSL
confidence trickster either offers goods for bogus e-mail address they may have bureau is an important part of membership.
sale (that he doesn't possess) at a very given you In the past non-members were allowed to
attractive price or responds to wanted ads 5. Do not transact using money transfer collect cards from the bureau but not send
placed by legitimate hams with an offer of services such as Western Union them. With the recent changes, non-members
the very kit they are looking for, again at a 6. Be particularly careful of trans-continental are no longer able to receive them (unless
very reasonable price. To bolster his credibility offers. they pay to do so – at quite a reasonable
as well as to avoid detection, the confidence charge for the service provided).
trickster will assume a name and callsign that To avoid being used as the seller’s id is more The Pontefract & District ARS runs
he has derived from callbooks, websites such complex in this digital age, however: several special event stations each year
as QRZ.com or even club websites. 1. Check how many sites your name and and now have started asking during the
In the case of one of our members, the callsign appears on: Twitter, Facebook, QSO if the station has envelopes at the
confidence trickster even created a bogus YouTube, QRZ, ARUK etc bureau. Unfortunately we don't always ask,
e-mail account using a member’s callsign 2. Try to make sure that these all offer especially when we have a pile-up. The
at one of the many free webmail servers. an e-mail address and if possible the various callsign databases on the internet
The confidence trickster will be very same e-mail address so that you can are useful for finding the QSL route on these
accommodating, showing photos of the kit, be contacted without using any bogus occasions. Could everyone with internet
boxes, manuals etc and claiming to ship well addresses that a scammer might employ access please ensure that their QSL
packed – even inter-continental. They will, 3. Sanitise and standardise your details information is up to date on these sites?
however, require payment by services such as much as possible to avoid too much The other option we have considered
as Western Union or Money Gram who don't information being in the public domain. is to only reply to cards received, either
hold cash pending delivery and do not offer direct to myself (with a self addressed
redress in the event of default on the part of Although I don't think our club website envelope and stamp for UK or SAE and $2
the seller. Naturally, the confidence tricksters was the source of our member’s problems, for overseas) or via the bureau. Unfortunately
have no intention of shipping the equipment I have taken the time this evening to sanitise this may mean significant delays between
and will disappear as soon as the money details on all pages within the site and the contact and the confirmation, though
is deposited with them. removed all surnames. This is not foolproof, with the bureau distributing cards every
92
RADCOM ♦ JULY 2012 WWW.RSGB.ORG THE LAST WORD - LETTERS
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