[Laser] VUCC Attempt

[James Whitfield]

Les,

First let me wish you success on your attempt.

I am quite sure that there are others who will give you reasons not to 
attempt your second goal using even a highly modified version of the Ramsey 
devices.   I have built and used them.  It is my opinion that they are 
adequate for your first goal.  I would be glad to discuss the issues further 
off this list.

To further discussion on list, I would ask if you have bought and assembled 
a Ramsey LBCK6 kit, or if you are seeking information so you may decide if 
you wish to buy.



As I said, I have built the units and mounted them in 2 inch PVC pipe, which 
is suggested in the instruction manual, but without any guidance as to how. 
That did allow me to add some optics, but I fear what I have done would be 
of very limited value to your efforts.

As for what "hacks" might be useful, I could only speculate.  If there are 
others on the list interested, I could provide a description of the units 
with comments as where I think it would be worthwhile to cut into the 
system.  It is a little more than appliance operator stuff, but probably not 
beyond the skills of someone who can build the kit.  In short the receiver 
has a good band pass filter, 300 to 3000 Hz, and audio amplifier that can be 
accessed easily.  The transmitter has the same audio filter and a 
microprocessor controled automatic volume control for the pulse width 
modulator.  It is easly to access the pulse output if one wished to 
substitute for the bullet laser pointer.

It has been several years since they have been discussed on the list.

Best Wishes


James
 n5gui


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Les Rayburn" <les at highnoonfilm.com>
To: "Free Space LASER Communications" <laser at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2009 5:19 PM
Subject: [Laser] VUCC Attempt


> While I have a keen interest in this topic, and enjoy reading about the
> efforts of those who are pushing the "state of art" in optical
> communications, my personal goals are more mundane.
>
> Our immediate goals are the following:
>
> 1.) Create a working demonstration of laser light communications. Working
> distance would be a few hundred meters, perfect for demonstrations at our
> local club.
>
> 2.) Attempting to earn the ARRL VUCC Award by visiting a "convergence" of
> four grid squares, and then working a fifth, more distant grid to complete
> the feat. This would require successful two-way communication over a
> distance of approximately 60 miles.
>
> Complicating the issue is that my technical skills are limited. I'm
> basically a glorified appliance operator, and homebrewing circuits is not 
> my
> area of expertise. So, if you'll pardon the newbie questions:
>
> 1.) Has anyone achieved success at these distances by modifying the Ramsey
> Light Beam Communicator kit? Adding optics, improving the receiver, etc?
> Would this be a reasonable platform for modification? I've found very 
> little
> on the web about anyone hacking these unit.
>
> 2.) Would using software like WSJT help extend the distance using simple
> transceivers such as the Ramsey Kit?
>
> 3.) Any chance that others on the list have some of their "first steps" 
> gear
> laying around that they'd consider selling? For example, so one who moved
> from laser gear to LED equipment?
>
> Any and all help and suggestions are appreciated.
>
> 73,
>
> Les Rayburn, N1LF
> EM63nf
> 121 Mayfair Park
> Maylene, AL 35114
>
>
>
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