[GreenKeys] SELCAL - auto start proposed

Mon, 19 Apr 2004 13:29:46 +0000

I purchased two used Collins 3 KW shortwave transmitters for the now disbanded Wide Cast Project that I would be willing to committ 24/7 to an autostart net frequency and run at 1.5 KW output.  Also, I have a GPS based frequency standard for keeping frequencies set to very fine tollerances that I would be willing to commit to the project.

I favor 60 wpm 5 level since it covers the largest number of machines.  I have a number of Model 28's and 28 TD's geared for the purpose.  Also, I have an Icom M8000 marine SSB (200 watts) with the high stability option that I would be willing to commit to 24/7 autostart as a receiver/exciter.

I have a 60 foot high openwire fed dipole antenna for 80 through 10 meters tuned with a Johnson KW Matchbox that I can dedicate to the project.

It will take me a while to get all of this set up and operating but I would be happy to serve as a net control station if no one else wants the job.  I am retired and would be arround durring the day and evenning as well.  Bullitens would be no problem.

Roy Norris, K4EEG

> 
> From: Bob Camp <[email protected]>
> Date: 2004/04/18 Sun PM 10:20:12 GMT
> To: Don and Diana Cunningham <[email protected]>
> CC: [email protected]
> Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] SELCAL - auto start proposed
> 
> Hi
> 
> You can count me in as well.
> 
> How do we address the sort of thing that pretty much killed both the 
> VHF and HF nets I used to run on? Everything was ok as long as 60 wpm 5 
> level code was king. 100 wpm (as in model 28's) started to make people 
> itchy. As soon as 300 baud and ASCII came along you started to get lots 
> of junk printouts .... made things a bit of a mess.
> 
> A couple of possible options:
> 
> 1) Just define it from the start as 100 wpm five level and that's the 
> way it's going to be. Model 33's will have to be happy sitting on the 
> side lines or run eight level to five level converters.
> 2) Go with 110 baud ASCII and do five level to eight level conversion.
> 3) Go with something truly weird and convert to what ever you need 
> (like run PSK modulation ....)
> 
> My vote would be for five level code at 100 wpm with 170 shift FSK as 
> the modulation. That way we can run the good old stuff if we want to. 
> I'd be happy if the group decided on 60 wpm to let the 15's and 19's 
> participate. I only have 28's at this point ....
> 
> As far as SELCAL goes I would suggest a a slight departure from the 
> past. I would *enable* the ability to use a solid state gizmo to read 
> off the SELCAL and then fire up the model 28 using a solid state relay. 
> Receive operation would be more like a VHF net in that respect. More or 
> less send the magic words three or more times then follow with CR and 
> LTRS combo's to let give the receiving machines time to get up to 
> speed. The only need to send it all would be at the start of a QSO.  
> It's a little bit more of a delay than a "normal" hf net but a lot less 
> wear and tear on the machines.
> 
> I have a novel proposal as far as bands are concerned - modern HF seems 
> to be hung up on adaptive link stuff. There's no reason why we can't do 
> more or less the same thing. Receivers aren't the big deal they once 
> where. Why not do something like define the band based on the time of 
> day. If it's mid day the net is on 20 meters. If it's early evening 
> it's on 40 and it's on 80 at night. Poor mans ALE ... We'd need a 
> definition of who's morning noon and night we were talking about but 
> that's pretty easy. Heck put it all in a spread sheet and post it. The 
> only odd part would be deciding when to shift a QSO in progress.
> 
> One thing we do need - a net control who's willing and able to send the 
> daily bulletin. That's what defines on frequency and proves that you 
> can or can't bring up the machine correctly.
> 
> 	Take Care!
> 
> 		Bob Camp
> 		KB8TQ
> 
> 
> On Apr 18, 2004, at 3:36 PM, Don and Diana Cunningham wrote:
> 
> > Count me in too, Stan!!  Have a nice 28 KSR coming, so should be 
> > ready.  You
> > and I should do well on 80m.  Oklahoma is close enough to you.
> > 73,
> > Don, WB5HAK
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Stan Wilson" <[email protected]>
> > To: <[email protected]>
> > Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2004 7:50 AM
> > Subject: [GreenKeys] SELCAL - auto start proposed
> >
> >
> >>
> >> Back in the 60s several different frequencies were monitored by xtal
> >> controlled transmitters and receivers allowing easy exchange of 
> >> messages
> >> and data between RTTY stations.  One could always find a station 
> >> signal
> >> with which to adjust your equipment and verify band conditions.
> >>
> >> I would like to propose running a SELCAL system on 80 and 40 meters to
> >> increase activity and give us all signals we can use to test out our
> >> equipment.
> >>
> >> 3.6375 MHZ at 170 Hz shift was used on 80 meters.   Does anyone know 
> >> of
> >> any reason we could not use that frequency today ?  If it is clear I
> >> would be happy to obtain a batch of xtals so we can all be on the same
> >> frequency.
> >>
> >> I am also looking into a simple "electronic stunt box" design we can
> >> easily duplicate for SELCAL.
> >>
> >> Would appreciate your comments and suggestions for a frequency on 40
> >> meters as well.  Perhaps if we get started now we can all have 
> >> operating
> >> stations by this Fall ?
> >>
> >> De Stan AK0B
> >>
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> >>
> >
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> 
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