[CoARES-D10] HF net

Thu, 22 Apr 2004 09:50:21 -0600

Hi All,

Just some info that might be of benefit for the HF operations.

If 75 meters is the chosen band for the D-10 HF net, I would suggest having the net meet much earlier (between 5:30 and 6:30 pm local time).  I spend most of my HF operating time on 75 and 160 meters throughout the year so this suggestion is both from ex
perience and the propagation charts available for the band during this portion of the year and sunspot cycle.  The earlier time would normally provide satisfactory coverage of the D-10 area without the interference that is usually present after 7 pm on t
his band.  The earlier time would also avoid a conflict with the Gulf Coast nets, many of which operate on 3935, including the Gulf Coast hurricane net which can be fairly active during the summer and fall months.  However, the congested band conditions 
probably will not be overcome by moving from 3935 Khz to another frequency when the net is held as late as 8:30 pm local time. If the 8:30 pm time is preferred, the conditions available on the 160 meter band would offer improved communications ability ov
er the D-10 area.

While it is true that a quarter wavelength on 160 meters is not feasible on most city lots, a short antenna works very well on 160 as long as proper matching techniques are used.  I currently use an inverted L that is composed of a 15 ft vertical section
 and a 50 ft horizontal section that is between 12 and 15 ft above the ground.  The counterpoise is 4 half inch copper water pipes from the local supply store that are sunk between 6 and 8 ft into the ground forming a 6 by 8 ft rectangle.  The ground rod
s are all connected together by 2 inch wide copper strapping.  The area where the counterpoise is located is covered by 1 inch washed rock and treated annually with some rock salt.  The matching network is located at the antenna feedpoint, not at the tra
nsmitter end of the coax.  This antenna works very well on 160.  I also used a 20 ft vertical with a 10 ft tophat running against a single 8 ft ground rod on 160 for many years down in Corpus Christi with very acceptable results.  That antenna was used w
ith a DX-100 running AM mode on 1820 Khz where we had a local area ragchew net meeting from 7 to 9 pm local time most every day of the week.

I am looking forward to trying the 10 meter band but I am not familiar with the results that may be obtained for local communications.  (The inverted L is the only HF antenna that I have and it my not provide very good results on that band.)

Has a frequency been chosen for the HF digital operations?  Most PSK 31 operation on 75 meters is around 3580 Khz and MFSK 16 can be found in the same area.  Most of the RTTY communications is just above 3600 Khz on 75 meters but we could run all modes o
n a single frequency for convenience.  I have been running the digital modes on 75 for several years and it is enjoyable to see how well the signals get through even with significant noise levels.

Thanks again for the assistance with the HF net.  Hope to hear more D-10 stations on the HF band throughout the coming months.

73 for now...

WA5VRL
Willis

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Randy Long
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2004 9:50 PM
To: ARES D-10
Subject: [CoARES-D10] HF net

HI Guys and Gals,

Looks like when the band is going long that there is  a conflict with a
South Texas Group that run Severe WX nets on 3935.  I would suggest that  we
might look lower on the band. It seems that 3917 KHZ was clear last week
 clearer than the 3935 or the actual frequency that we used on 3915 KHZ).
Lets plan as plan B to be in that area next Wednesday evening for the net.

Secondly Thanks to the stations who have been checking in and who checked in
this evening. I think we are off to a great start with very few bumps in the
road. Band conditions have been less than desirable, but checkins have been
good. Thanks again!

Thirdly we are going to interject another frequency for the purpose of
expanding local communications. 28.310 MHZ USB. Our plan is to take checkins
on 80 mtrs until 2045 hrs then move to 28.310 MHZ. The purpose is intended
to utilize more of the frequencies we have in our emergency plan to see what
the coverage/limitations of other frequencies we have on our list.

Fourthly... We are looking toward doing some digital modes during the month
of May. Probably in the later half. So be on notice and take advantage of
getting  your equipment ready so we can do some work there. This is a
learning experience for most so no worries, we will work with everyone so we
can develop this resource! That's part of why we are doing this.  We have a
few folks who are pretty proficient on some of these modes whom we will be
drawing on for technical advice. If you have questions, send me mail @
[email protected] and we can submit your questions to our elmers and get good
information. Replies will be posted to the Elmer reflector as well as being
sent to the originator to insure the information is widely received.

Thanks to WIllis for taking the net tonight and we are looking for net
controls for future nets. We do not expect the same people to take them each
week, but rather would like to see it spread around and a larger number of
stations getting an opportunity to expand their skills! Let me know if you
might be willing to take on one night a month for three months and we can
get this organized.

Suggestions are welcome and we will make an attempt to incorporate them into
what we are doing if they aid in the expansion of capabilities and or
promote better operating skill! Thanks all for making this endeavor a
success and for all the good work!

Thanks & 73,

Randy, W0AVV

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