[Laser] VUCC Attempt
Les Rayburn
les at highnoonfilm.com
Fri Jan 30 22:39:32 EST 2009
James,
Thank you for your response. I really appreciate all advice on the topic.
To answer your queries, I've purchased two of the kits but have not
assembled them as yet. The kit assembly/modification is within my limited
technical abilities. Time is the larger issue for me. In the end, time spent
building and modifying will mean less time for actual operation. Since I'm
not interested in a long term effort on this front, but rather accomplishing
VUCC, I'm trying to focus on the goal.
Purchasing a "used" system that is capable of the distance would be ideal.
Second choice would be to modify the Ramsey Kit (if possible), and lastly
would be building from scratch.
I know that the kits are far removed from the state of the art in optical
communications, but they seemed the best choice given my objectives.
Thank you again.
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114
--------------------------------------------------
From: "James Whitfield" <n5gui at cox.net>
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2009 6:00 PM
To: "Les Rayburn" <les at highnoonfilm.com>; "Free Space LASER Communications"
<laser at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Laser] VUCC Attempt
> 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
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Laser mailing list
>> Laser at mailman.qth.net
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/laser
>
>
>
More information about the Laser
mailing list