[NLRS] Here is the latest from the Pacific Northwest!

[vhf]

Some of you may have seen ads in computer magazines for WIFI Speed Spray�.
Speed Spray is a product that clears the signal path for computer wireless
networks in marginal environments. It has been proven that it is a lot
cheaper than other means of signal enhancement. Since WIFI is close to the
2304 amateur band I decided to see if there were any VHF/UHF amateur
applications. After several weeks of experimentation I decided to report on
my findings in the hope that it will enhance PNWVHFS scores in the June
contest. I had planned to use WIFI Speed Spray as a "secret weapon" in June,
but decided that it would be an unfair advantage. This is cutting edge
technology and will likely open new means of UHF communications in the PNW.

In case you are not familiar with WIFI Speed Spray, go to their web page at:

http://www.j-walk.com/other/wifispray/

I looked at the formulas on their web page, and determined that they dilute
the commercial product with distilled water to maximize signals at 2.3 GHz.
I contacted the manufacturer, and they gave me a wholesale price on twenty
gallons of the full strength formula. Further calculations indicated that
the full strength formula is "harmonic" at 10 Ghz! Extrapolating their
formulas (look at the web page, the numbers do not lie!) I determined that
the 2.3 GHz formulation was a 4:1 dilution. From there I calculated that a
2:1 dilution for 5.7 GHz; a 3:1 dilution for 3.4 GHz; 8:1 on 1296, 24:1 on
432 and 72:1 on 144!

Unfortunately, I noticed a significant degradation of the signal enhancement
on frequencies lower than 1296. As a result, I did not spent much time on
those bands, though I did rig a mister nozzle from a drip watering system on
an 11 element 432 Yagi with good results. I suspect that a reformulation of
the spray might be in order to enhance these frequencies, and the third
equation on their web page bears this out.

Anyway, enough of the theory - on to the actual applications. I have been
using the PNWVHFS 1296 nets to test it. I have not tested this spray on
transmit, but all indications are that the received signal strength will be
consistent with transmitted signals. If anyone is interested in getting
together to do some antenna testing, please let me know.

I prevailed on a neighbor and on a dry Tuesday night placed a washcloth
soaked in the WIFI Speed Spray on the peak of his roof in direct line
between my antenna and WB7BST. This wash cloth was located exactly 1444 wave
lengths from the driven element of my antenna, and since it was a calm day
the vapors rising from it created an energized cloud of WIFI spray. The
results were astounding! Susan's signal went from a S2 to a S8 on the first
try. A second washcloth another 1444 wave lengths ahead of the first one
raised the signal level to S9 + 10!

Please note that this spray can only enhance signals by providing a conduit
along the signal path. You CANNOT use it as a reflector.

Using a washcloth as a director works fine, but is not really practical for
hot days or in the rain, so I decided to experiment further. The next trial
was with a bubble machine that I purchased at http://bubbles.org/machines/

It was easy to build a plenum to inject helium into the air intake on this
machine. I added bubble soap to the Speed Spray and placed the bubble
machine on the neighbor's roof. I waited until there was a prevailing wind
to the south and fired it off during the 1296 net. The results were
remarkably like long meteor burns as the bubbles popped. After the net I was
able to clearly hear several stations in Oregon and California. This
delivery system is clearly superior to the washcloths, though it is
dependant on wind speed and direction.

What lies ahead? We may wish to see if we can hire a cropduster to lay a
trail of WIFI speed spray over the Cascades during the June contest.
Repeated passes with various dilutions should enable us to work Idaho and
Montana on all bands!

Lynn, N7CFO