Outsider's View Re: [Lowfer] Lowfer Survey...

[Bill Ashlock]

John D,

>So, I guess I'm not terribly surprised that a discussion of QRSS on a
>general purpose Icom R75 group would receive no attention.  Since I >didn't 
>read his post I have no idea of it's style or content, but, if >it's 
>anything like the typical post on the Lowfer NG it's probably >right over 
>their heads.

Please tell me how the following message (the exact one I posted) could be 
improved so that it would receive more attention?

Bill Ashlock

In case some of you guys might be interested in copying 1W beacon signals on 
he 160-190KHz so called 'Lowfer band', take a look at Mitch Powell's site: 
http://technology.fanshawec.on.ca/tele354/ . Once on the site click on the 
section showing a series of screen captures of a group of six beacon signals 
from all over the US operating at the popular 185.300 to 185.305 portion of 
the band - all copied at the same time! Yes, that's only 5Hz of bandwidth. 
It's slow CW typically 30 sec dots, 90sec dashes, so you have to see them 
rather than listen.

To receive these signals with your R-75 all that is needed is a free
downloaded program called ARGO, a sound card in your computer, and a descent 
low frequency antenna. Could be a loop or a simpler E-probe antenna, but 
forget about that long-wire unless you are located far from any power lines 
and neighborhood computers. Since local noise sources tend to be a real 
problem at these frequencies a 1 to 1 isolator transformer (typically a #43 
ferrite core or bead having a 20T to 20T ratio) is usually required next to 
the R75 to remove the noise riding on the coax feed line to the antenna.

If there are any questions (on Lowfer transmitting too), let me know.

Bill Ashlock
Beacon WA
185.300 KHz



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