From wa2fgk at yahoo.com  Mon Oct  1 12:20:54 2012
From: wa2fgk at yahoo.com (Herb Krumich)
Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2012 09:20:54 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [NLRS] Au
Message-ID: <1349108454.75036.YahooMailNeo@web114517.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>

It was a nice surprise to catch the Aurora last night on both 2 and 6 meters. Just a shame everyone must have been watching the football game and activity was stinko
I worked several Canadians, a few W8's and W9's.
The best contact for me was KA8FFM in EN56. A much needed grid on 144 mhz, giving me #422? Thank you Vince
73's Herb at WA2FGK

From sprinkies at excel.net  Tue Oct  2 22:44:48 2012
From: sprinkies at excel.net (Todd Sprinkmann)
Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2012 21:44:48 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] 432 MHz Sprint Wed. Night 10/3 -- 7-11pm
Message-ID: <7A4DDB361788491B81776A28945291AF@sprinkma35adeb>

    Friendly reminder that the 432 MHz sprint is on Wed., 10/3, 
from 7-11pm.  

    http://www.svhfs.org/2012fallsprintrules.pdf , if you need 
more info.  

    73,
    Todd   KC9BQA    EN63ao    40 N of Milwaukee
    www.kc9bqa.com   For Frequent VHF/UHF Updates
    www.wivuch.com   WI  VHF/UHF County Hunters Award  

    PS:  Encourage you to visit kc9bqa.com for a few minutes at 
least once or twice a week.  Much of the content promotes 
on-air activity that NLRS'ers are within range of.  See a Sept. 
30th post, for instance, regarding weekly 432.100 and 222.100 
activity.   
    Also have the 144.240 net called every Wed. at 8pm by 
WB9LYH in EN54cl.  Comfortably reaches out to all of MN, 
plus into VE-4 and the eastern Dakotas.   
    WB9LYH always enjoys pushing the propagation limits and 
we kindly ask you to help spread the word and check in when 
it's convenient for you.  
    Mark is beaming to his SW, W and NW at roughly 8:30-
8:50pm on Wed. nights.  

     73,
     Todd   KC9BQA     EN63ao   40 N of Milwaukee
     www.kc9bqa.com  For Frequent VHF/UHF Updates
     www.wivuch.com   WI VHF/UHF County Hunters Award  


From w0zq at aol.com  Wed Oct  3 07:55:52 2012
From: w0zq at aol.com (w0zq at aol.com)
Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2012 07:55:52 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NLRS] Downeast NLRS club order - 2nd call
In-Reply-To: <8CF6A018EF25ADA-740-2F68E@webmail-d177.sysops.aol.com>
References: <8CF6A018EF25ADA-740-2F68E@webmail-d177.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <8CF6F752BE8EE66-23E0-75E35@webmail-m168.sysops.aol.com>



A cut and paste of my previous email is attached below.  So far we have just two potential orders for parts only.  Please drop me a note direct if you are interested in participating ..... see below.

73, Jon
W0ZQ


Hello NLRS land -
 
We are checking to see if there is enough interest in a DownEast Microwave club order.  This is a great opportunity to save some $$$ on DownEast equipment.  The snow season, and construction season, is just ahead of us!   If you think you may be interested, here is what you do.
 
Step 1.  Check out the DownEast club order discount at http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/clubdis.htm .   Any inquires sent to me asking me about the discount policy will be directed to this link.   Read the page, read the page, read the page.
 
Step 2.  The DownEast online catalog is at http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/cat-frame.htm .  Send me your order that includes the following info:
a)  Your call sign
b)  From the DownEast catalog, the model #, their description, their listed price, and your requested quantity.  
c)  Information about options for what you've ordered (for example, input drive level, split IF, etc, etc)
 
Step 3.  In a few weeks we should know if we have enough interest to meet the club discount criteria.  I will let NLRS know if and when we cross that threshold (ie, see the rules as discussed in Step 1 above).
 
Step 4.  When the order closes (in a few weeks) I will send the order to DownEast for DownEast to determine final cost.   When I receive the final cost confirmation back from them, I will share it with all those who ordered and collect your money then.   I will then confirm the order with DownEast and send them a single check.  
 
Step 5.  All items will be received from DownEast at the world headquarters of NLRS .... my house (for now).  You can make arragnements with me to pick-up.  I do not want to re-ship, but I will make exceptions for special causes.
 
73, Jon
W0ZQ


From Melvynkc0p at aol.com  Wed Oct  3 16:46:31 2012
From: Melvynkc0p at aol.com (Melvynkc0p at aol.com)
Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2012 16:46:31 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NLRS] 432 MHz Sprint Wed. Night 10/3 -- 7-11pm
Message-ID: <712a7.1de4641d.3d9dfe27@aol.com>

KC0P/R Mel plans to start from EN33tw at 7 PM,  10 miles south of Rochester
Minnesota. Have 100 watts and 18 element K2RIW  antenna on my Dodge 
Dakota. Will be calling CQ on 432.100 and 432.110 MHz.  Cold front should
not get here until after the contest, so I should have good  signal to La 
Crosse,
Madison, Quad Cities etc. Will move to EN34sb in  Rochester about 9 PM
after I try the WB9LYH net on 144.240 MHz.  Skeds  welcome, KC0P at arrl.net
or cell 612-804-4460.  73 Mel KC0P/R

In a  message dated 10/2/2012 10:10:44 P.M. Central Daylight Time, 
sprinkies at excel.net  writes:


Friendly reminder that the 432 MHz sprint  is on Wed., 10/3, 
from 7-11pm.  

http://www.svhfs.org/2012fallsprintrules.pdf , if you need 
more info.   

73,
Todd    KC9BQA    EN63ao    40 N of  Milwaukee
www.kc9bqa.com   For Frequent VHF/UHF  Updates
www.wivuch.com   WI  VHF/UHF County  Hunters Award  

PS:  Encourage you to visit  kc9bqa.com for a few minutes at 
least once or twice a week.  Much of  the content promotes 
on-air activity that NLRS'ers are within range  of.  See a Sept. 
30th post, for instance, regarding weekly 432.100 and  222.100 
activity.   
Also have the 144.240  net called every Wed. at 8pm by 
WB9LYH in EN54cl.  Comfortably reaches  out to all of MN, 
plus into VE-4 and the eastern Dakotas.    
WB9LYH always enjoys pushing the propagation limits and  
we kindly ask you to help spread the word and check in when 
it's  convenient for you.  
Mark is beaming to his SW, W  and NW at roughly 8:30-
8:50pm on Wed. nights.   

73,
Todd   KC9BQA     EN63ao   40 N of  Milwaukee
www.kc9bqa.com  For Frequent VHF/UHF  Updates
www.wivuch.com   WI VHF/UHF County  Hunters Award   

______________________________________________________________
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Please help support this email list:  http://www.qsl.net/donate.html  


From hamk9jk at ameritech.net  Mon Oct  8 12:39:40 2012
From: hamk9jk at ameritech.net (John (JK) Kalenowsky, K9JK)
Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2012 11:39:40 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] Log Submission REMINDER for ARRL September (and some
	analysis)
References: <1341615665.83272.YahooMailRC@web82904.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <002D6CEB1F7F46C79B58FC9AA7A53F0E@Computer7>

Hello BCers and NLRSers,

As it seems there are perennially a few of our members who need
to be reminded of looming deadlines for Log Submissions (you
know who you are); let this serve as that reminder.

Submission Deadline is Tuesday (tomorrow!), 10/9 at 10pm for
those of us in the Central Time Zone (9pm for the Eastern Time
Zone members of BC). Remember that, while it does "say"
10/10/2012 is the deadline, that is in UTC and the deadline time
is 0300Z (which is the 'local' day prior) so the deadline day IS
Tuesday (though I believe Sean allows *some* slack on that
before he tells the log checker to get started).

Analysis - of 399 listed on the Logs Received Report (copied and
imported to Spreadsheet at about 10am Central today, 10/8), 252
of them show Club names.

The "None" club is topping the Club Name list with 30 entries
assigned there (all right, the "None" Club doesn't really count
so it's really 222 logs that show Club names).

The Potomac Valley Radio Club (PVRC) is in the lead this year
with 22.  The North East Weak Signal Group (NEWSGROUP) is next
with 16, followed by the Pacific Northwest VHF Society and Mt
Airy VHF Radio Club (PACKRATS) tied for 3rd with 13 logs each
and Contest Club Ontario with 10 logs to finish the top 5.

Northern Lights Radio Society is 6th on the list with 9 Logs
listed.

Badger Contesters is tied for 7th place (with Yankee Clipper
Contest Club), presently showing 7 logs but I believe that
KF8QL's log that shows BC instead of the fully spelled out
"Badger Contesters" was meant to be a log for the Badger
Contesters (Dave, might you be able to edit that from "BC" to
spell out "Badger Contesters" and resubmit?). I believe at least
ONE of those 'needers of reminding' will specify Badger
Contesters as their club; HELLO Ken, W9GA ;-). Nine logs would
put NLRS and BC in a tie for 6th.

I don't see W9FZ/R on the list from his Midwest (almost
Southwest) Mania efforts but his route was well beyond either
the NLRS or BC Club Circle so it can't count for either of the
clubs, just as the run that Mike, WB8BZK, and I made for
September, starting in the Eastern Pennsylvania section (almost
1/2 of our QSOs from EPA) cannot count. If anyone is interested
in the "story" of Mike's and my run, I posted to the ARRL Online
Soapbox - http://www.arrl.org/soapbox/view/8417

I hope this has been useful and interesting. I'll run my
'analysis' again after the Claimed Scores are revealed, probably
Thursday or Friday of this week (10/11-12).

73, JK



From w0zq at aol.com  Mon Oct  8 19:11:02 2012
From: w0zq at aol.com (w0zq at aol.com)
Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2012 19:11:02 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NLRS] AU
Message-ID: <8CF73C151FDD12B-1D94-1D43C@webmail-d161.sysops.aol.com>


Some AU now, 6:10 pm.  Wrked N2CB in EN75 on 2m.   

73, Jon
W0ZQ

From w9fz at w9fz.com  Tue Oct  9 01:00:41 2012
From: w9fz at w9fz.com (Bruce Richardson)
Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2012 00:00:41 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] [BC'ers] Log Submission REMINDER for ARRL September (and
	someanalysis)
In-Reply-To: <002D6CEB1F7F46C79B58FC9AA7A53F0E@Computer7>
References: <1341615665.83272.YahooMailRC@web82904.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<002D6CEB1F7F46C79B58FC9AA7A53F0E@Computer7>
Message-ID: <FDBD09493BD0442DA477819EEF4178CE@BettieServeert>

 Hi John:

Thanks for that posting.

I've been working on my log. For years, post contest, I've loaded the
paperlogs into Roverlog and have been very happy with the process. Well,
due to my interest in getting comfortable with N1MM for HF contests, I
decided to load my log into that. Fortunately, I only had 112 Q's. It
was TEDIOUS.  Particularly editing time and date after the fact.  (Might
go back to roverlog--unless this HF season makes me real comfortable :-)
)

As John mentioned, my log can't be a club entry for any club--unless I
start a panhandles of TX and OK club :-)

Despite low activity levels, I still had a good time. Conditions were
average to below average.  And mostly below average.  Q's that should
have been easy in that flat terrain were difficult or didn't happen.
The Coloradan's watching the Broncos game on Sunday evening didn't help
:-) .

I hope to work up a graphic of the paths I worked.

John, I'm in Amsterdam and can't snail mail my log in. I just uploaded
to the robot and got a reply. Please watch for my log to show on the
received logs list.

Seems that activity is in a downward trend all over the country--at
least confirmed by my visit to TX/OK/KS.

73
Bruce W9FZ/PA



-----Original Message-----
From: badgercontesters-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:badgercontesters-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of John (JK)
Kalenowsky, K9JK
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2012 11:40 AM
To: badgercontesters at mailman.qth.net; nlrs at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [BC'ers] Log Submission REMINDER for ARRL September (and
someanalysis)

Hello BCers and NLRSers,

<snip>


From sprinkies at excel.net  Wed Oct 10 10:17:33 2012
From: sprinkies at excel.net (Todd Sprinkmann)
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:17:33 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] WB9LYH 144.240 and K8TQK 144.252 Nets ON Tonight
Message-ID: <9DCEDC126E7D4059B5D2A5BA77D61934@sprinkma35adeb>

   Hello VHF'ers,

   Weekly reminder about the long-range nets being on tonight.  
If you want to plan ahead a little, go to kc9bqa.com and read 
about the 144.240 net control schedule for October into early 
November.  

    Thanks, 73,
    Todd   KC9BQA   EN63ao   40 N of Milwaukee
    www.kc9bqa.com  For Frequent VHF/UHF Updates
    www.wivuch.com   WI VHF/UHF County Hunters Award  


From w0zq at aol.com  Wed Oct 10 12:54:45 2012
From: w0zq at aol.com (w0zq at aol.com)
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:54:45 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NLRS] NLRS Breakfast
Message-ID: <8CF751F1550F022-1298-28581@webmail-m127.sysops.aol.com>


Its this Saturday at the Old Country Buffet in Roseville.  Carbo loading commences at 8:30 am +/- standard tolerance.  Full info with directions at http://www.nlrs.org/home/nlrs-breakfast   , all are welcomed.

73, Jon
W0ZQ


From n0nas at amsat.org  Wed Oct 10 20:57:09 2012
From: n0nas at amsat.org (Doug Reed)
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:57:09 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] 6GHz Elliptical waveguide
Message-ID: <50761965.8030106@amsat.org>

As I mentioned back in August, I'm helping a friend strip some old 
microwave sites. A couple of the sites still have elliptical waveguide 
running up the side. Since it mates with WR-137, I assume it has about 
the same specs, i.e. 5.8-6.4GHz is the bottom end of its range.

I'm not sure when the elliptical waveguide will be coming off the 
towers, probably not this year, but I'd like to know now if anyone is 
interested and I should try to save some, if the possibility comes up. 
If anyone is interested, it would not be a freebie, it would cost 
somewhere around the amount paid by the recyclers for the same material. 
And your name would certainly be on my list of helpers for taking it 
down....

And if you have any interest in HF experimental antennas, this stuff 
would be excellent for building a 80M or 160M magnetic loop antenna. 
Well, I can't be sure about that since I haven't tried running the 
dimensions through the online calculators yet, but it should certainly 
work for a small loop for 20M to 80M. The key to making an efficient 
small loop is to reduce the loss in the antenna itself. And since this 
stuff is copper and about 1.5"x1", it should be pretty low loss, much 
better than aluminum or steel....

Send me an email if there you have any interest.

73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.

From n0nas at amsat.org  Wed Oct 10 22:14:55 2012
From: n0nas at amsat.org (Doug Reed)
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:14:55 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] 5760 power amps
Message-ID: <50762B9F.8030307@amsat.org>

I mentioned back in August that I have some power amps from old 
microwave sites. Gary W0GHZ asked for one and I'll try to bring it to 
breakfast Saturday for show-and-tell.

These amps are manufactured by Northern Telecom (Nortel) and are spec'ed 
as +32dBm output from 5.8GHz to 6.4GHz. Ray WB0EBG has been playing 
around with one at work. He said the power control circuit is holding it 
steady at +32dBm or +33dBm output from 5.2GHz to over 6.5GHz with over 
40dB of power gain. So far he has not had time to disable the power 
control and see how much it can really do....

This would make an interesting amp for a "portable" station. It requires 
+10.5 volts regulated at about 6 amps, and -15V regulated at under 100ma 
for bias. Note that this is true Class A since it is using 60W DC input 
for about 2W RF output, but it is a very "clean" 2W.  :-) I expect that 
when we kill the power control circuit, we'll probably be able to get 
5W-10W out in ham service without much trouble.

The main negative to the amp is that it comes with about 20 pounds of 
heat sink fins on the casting. This was required for continuous duty 
microwave service. We only need ICAS service unless you want to run a 
beacon. Ray did another experiment where he cut and milled off all the 
heat sink fins and cut the size and weight drastically. The amp didn't 
get warm in a couple minutes of key-down. Just be sure to shut off the 
DC when not transmitting!  :-)

The other options have to do with the TX mixer and RX mixer modules. If 
you want to make a simple mixer RX-TX system, you can modify the TX 
mixer and use it for bi-directional operation. If you want a better 
noise figure than you get with a mixer alone, then you can modify the RX 
mixer since it has an RF amp stage. I've got some small 6GHz splitters 
that were used in the RX diversity system so you can feed both mixers 
from one brick.

If you want to to recrystal a brick, you could modify and screw together 
the rest of the pieces and add a SMA relay for the antenna output..... 
If you can make use of the original brick LO frequency for high side 
injection and use an IF in the 300MHz-400MHz range, it could be very 
cheap to get on 5760MHz.

Of course, small size comes from a more modern approach, such as from 
the W1GHZ mini-transverters, Downeast, or DB6NT. You pay your money and 
make your choice.

73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.

From n0nas at amsat.org  Thu Oct 11 21:23:01 2012
From: n0nas at amsat.org (Doug Reed)
Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2012 20:23:01 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] 5760 power amps
In-Reply-To: <1349965657.98154.YahooMailClassic@web181202.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>
References: <1349965657.98154.YahooMailClassic@web181202.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <507770F5.8000402@amsat.org>

The site had lots of filters. I probably have 50 of them. Ray hasn't 
found any of the Nortel waveguide filters that don't tune to 5760 quite 
easily. They are still 50MHz wide, but the skirts are very sharp.

Interestingly, the other waveguide filters, a different brand and 
construction, didn't retune very well at all. Ray said they were much 
harder to tune.

I've got a few small 5.7GHz filters that are smaller than a candy bar, 
but Ray hasn't had a chance to play with them yet. They were part of the 
Collins MAR-6 equipment, which I pulled recently. They also have a 
different power amp, this one says it is 5W output..... No idea yet what 
the power requirements are....

73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.

aa9il at sbcglobal.net wrote:
> I was fortunate to get some WR137 filters which tune to
> 5760.  There were also these tiny filters about the
> size of a kitkat bar that would tune to 5760.

From geraldj at weather.net  Fri Oct 12 09:25:11 2012
From: geraldj at weather.net (Dr. Gerald N. Johnson)
Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2012 08:25:11 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] 5760 power amps
In-Reply-To: <507770F5.8000402@amsat.org>
References: <1349965657.98154.YahooMailClassic@web181202.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>
	<507770F5.8000402@amsat.org>
Message-ID: <50781A37.6070108@weather.net>

In the NTMS printed technical collection, there's mention of the Collins 
62M-1 amplifier. A low power 6 GHz range amp, it runs from -19 volts. 
Its built with grounded drain supply connections and floating source to 
go to the -19 volt input. Which might be a hint of other designs from 
the same group.

73, Jerry, K0CQ

On 10/11/2012 8:23 PM, Doug Reed wrote:
>
>
> The site had lots of filters. I probably have 50 of them. Ray hasn't
> found any of the Nortel waveguide filters that don't tune to 5760 quite
> easily. They are still 50MHz wide, but the skirts are very sharp.
>
> Interestingly, the other waveguide filters, a different brand and
> construction, didn't retune very well at all. Ray said they were much
> harder to tune.
>
> I've got a few small 5.7GHz filters that are smaller than a candy bar,
> but Ray hasn't had a chance to play with them yet. They were part of the
> Collins MAR-6 equipment, which I pulled recently. They also have a
> different power amp, this one says it is 5W output..... No idea yet what
> the power requirements are....
>
> 73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.
>
>

From n0nas at amsat.org  Fri Oct 12 09:42:52 2012
From: n0nas at amsat.org (Doug Reed)
Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2012 08:42:52 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] 5760 power amps
In-Reply-To: <50781A37.6070108@weather.net>
References: <1349965657.98154.YahooMailClassic@web181202.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>
	<507770F5.8000402@amsat.org> <50781A37.6070108@weather.net>
Message-ID: <50781E5C.60607@amsat.org>

Yup, the NTMS surplus amps article is a little light on detailed info, 
but I've got samples of all three of those amps. Plus the Nortel amp 
which is not in the list.

The NTMS article says the first three all run around 6W out at 5760MHz, 
so I guess I'll assume the Nortel will do the same once we defeat or 
adjust the power control circuit.

73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.

Dr. Gerald N. Johnson wrote:
>
>
> In the NTMS printed technical collection, there's mention of the Collins
> 62M-1 amplifier. A low power 6 GHz range amp, it runs from -19 volts.
> Its built with grounded drain supply connections and floating source to
> go to the -19 volt input. Which might be a hint of other designs from
> the same group.
>
> 73, Jerry, K0CQ
>
> On 10/11/2012 8:23 PM, Doug Reed wrote:
>>
>>
>> The site had lots of filters. I probably have 50 of them. Ray hasn't
>> found any of the Nortel waveguide filters that don't tune to 5760 quite
>> easily. They are still 50MHz wide, but the skirts are very sharp.
>>
>> Interestingly, the other waveguide filters, a different brand and
>> construction, didn't retune very well at all. Ray said they were much
>> harder to tune.
>>
>> I've got a few small 5.7GHz filters that are smaller than a candy bar,
>> but Ray hasn't had a chance to play with them yet. They were part of the
>> Collins MAR-6 equipment, which I pulled recently. They also have a
>> different power amp, this one says it is 5W output..... No idea yet what
>> the power requirements are....
>>
>> 73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> NLRS mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

From verngoble at msn.com  Fri Oct 12 15:36:51 2012
From: verngoble at msn.com (VERNON GOBLE)
Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:36:51 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] FW:Hello!
Message-ID: <COL123-W60F48BDF8385590628D410A98C0@phx.gbl>

I thank and recommend the site http://www.dreamsheet.com/work.group.invite.php?id_hotmail=ilokinzelopo
 		 	   		  

From ac0x at ac0x.com  Mon Oct 15 11:13:02 2012
From: ac0x at ac0x.com (=?utf-8?B?TG91aXMgU2ljYSwgSnIu?=)
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:13:02 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] =?utf-8?q?DEMI_2M_Transverter_using_26_MHz=3F?=
Message-ID: <20121015151303.48ADE37386DF@mailman.qth.net>

Hello Group

Contemplating (again) my possible future journeys above 54 MHz...

Anyone ever use the DEMI 2M transverter using 26 MHz instead of the usual 28 MHz? I was wondering if performance degrades on the weak signal end of the band when you do that, and if doing that even gives good performance on the FM end of the band. Or should I just consider a seperate FM rig for local chats?


From geraldj at weather.net  Mon Oct 15 13:11:37 2012
From: geraldj at weather.net (Dr. Gerald N. Johnson)
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:11:37 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] DEMI 2M Transverter using 26 MHz?
In-Reply-To: <20121015151303.48ADE37386DF@mailman.qth.net>
References: <20121015151303.48ADE37386DF@mailman.qth.net>
Message-ID: <507C43C9.4030805@weather.net>

I can't tell from the DEMI assembly manual whether the 26 MHz IF section 
will have lower gain. There's an odd circuit that I don't understand 
instantly but mostly the IF circuit has low pass filtration, the manual 
says rolls off above 32 MHz. There's nothing in the RF section that 
would degrade weak signal performance, just maybe that odd filter in the 
IF. Even then some loss after the mixer should not affect 144.2 MHz 
performance unless its so bad the IF receiver sets the system NF. With 
17 dB rated conversion gain, the RF stage pretty much sets the system 
NF. Get down to 10 dB conversion gain and then the system NF will begin 
to suffer.

I can't tell if the two 144 MHz filters have narrow bandwidth either. 
Sent N2CEI an email but don't expect an answer for a couple weeks.

I built my first (and only) 2m converter with 26 MHz IF back about 1962. 
It still works.

As for working 2m FM, the modern HF rigs probably won't allow FM below 
28 and there is FM down to 144.390 (APRS) and repeaters in the 145 to 
145.5 MHz region. Will your IF do 600 kHz FM splits? Does it have 
provisions for subaudible tone? If not, you won't' be able to use all 
the repeaters on the band. When a Chinese handheld costs not much more 
than the special crystal for the transverter, and a decent kenwood or 
yaesu new 2m mobile costs under $130 new and has all the offsets and 
tones needed its not hard to think separate rig for FM.

I use a FT857 for HF, VHF, and UHF. It may be that I'd hear better with 
a transverter, I've not tested that option. I hear well, I think and I 
get out right now limited by my antenna not the rig. The 859 is not much 
bigger than the DEMI transverter and has more options useful from 100 
KHz to 470 MHz or wider. Its really handy to be able to tune NWS with it 
that the transverter wouldn't allow up at 162 MHz and the FM mobile will 
allow that.

73, Jerry, K0CQ

On 10/15/2012 10:13 AM, Louis Sica, Jr. wrote:
>
>
> Hello Group
>
> Contemplating (again) my possible future journeys above 54 MHz...
>
> Anyone ever use the DEMI 2M transverter using 26 MHz instead of the usual 28 MHz? I was wondering if performance degrades on the weak signal end of the band when you do that, and if doing that even gives good performance on the FM end of the band. Or should I just consider a seperate FM rig for local chats?
>
> ______________________________________________________________
>

From klas0037 at umn.edu  Mon Oct 15 14:39:59 2012
From: klas0037 at umn.edu (Jim Klassen)
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:39:59 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] DEMI 2M Transverter using 26 MHz?
In-Reply-To: <507C43C9.4030805@weather.net>
References: <20121015151303.48ADE37386DF@mailman.qth.net>
	<507C43C9.4030805@weather.net>
Message-ID: <D1BE4660-40E1-4DF6-93F5-E25459D32D48@umn.edu>

I'd agree that in my experience, the feature set and easily accessible controls I want out of a weak signal CW/SSB rig are very different than what I want out of a FM/repeater use rig.  I used to be worried about finding /the/ rig to do it all, but I find I am much happier keeping those two tasks separate. 

Also, keep in mind you'll need different antenna polarization anyway.

73, Jim KB0UAZ

On Oct 15, 2012, at 12:11, "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson" <geraldj at weather.net> wrote:

> 
> 
> I can't tell from the DEMI assembly manual whether the 26 MHz IF section 
> will have lower gain. There's an odd circuit that I don't understand 
> instantly but mostly the IF circuit has low pass filtration, the manual 
> says rolls off above 32 MHz. There's nothing in the RF section that 
> would degrade weak signal performance, just maybe that odd filter in the 
> IF. Even then some loss after the mixer should not affect 144.2 MHz 
> performance unless its so bad the IF receiver sets the system NF. With 
> 17 dB rated conversion gain, the RF stage pretty much sets the system 
> NF. Get down to 10 dB conversion gain and then the system NF will begin 
> to suffer.
> 
> I can't tell if the two 144 MHz filters have narrow bandwidth either. 
> Sent N2CEI an email but don't expect an answer for a couple weeks.
> 
> I built my first (and only) 2m converter with 26 MHz IF back about 1962. 
> It still works.
> 
> As for working 2m FM, the modern HF rigs probably won't allow FM below 
> 28 and there is FM down to 144.390 (APRS) and repeaters in the 145 to 
> 145.5 MHz region. Will your IF do 600 kHz FM splits? Does it have 
> provisions for subaudible tone? If not, you won't' be able to use all 
> the repeaters on the band. When a Chinese handheld costs not much more 
> than the special crystal for the transverter, and a decent kenwood or 
> yaesu new 2m mobile costs under $130 new and has all the offsets and 
> tones needed its not hard to think separate rig for FM.
> 
> I use a FT857 for HF, VHF, and UHF. It may be that I'd hear better with 
> a transverter, I've not tested that option. I hear well, I think and I 
> get out right now limited by my antenna not the rig. The 859 is not much 
> bigger than the DEMI transverter and has more options useful from 100 
> KHz to 470 MHz or wider. Its really handy to be able to tune NWS with it 
> that the transverter wouldn't allow up at 162 MHz and the FM mobile will 
> allow that.
> 
> 73, Jerry, K0CQ
> 
> On 10/15/2012 10:13 AM, Louis Sica, Jr. wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Hello Group
>> 
>> Contemplating (again) my possible future journeys above 54 MHz...
>> 
>> Anyone ever use the DEMI 2M transverter using 26 MHz instead of the usual 28 MHz? I was wondering if performance degrades on the weak signal end of the band when you do that, and if doing that even gives good performance on the FM end of the band. Or should I just consider a seperate FM rig for local chats?
>> 
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 
> ______________________________________________________________
> NLRS mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From ac0x at ac0x.com  Mon Oct 15 14:56:05 2012
From: ac0x at ac0x.com (Louis Sica)
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:56:05 -0000
Subject: [NLRS] DEMI 2M Transverter using 26 MHz?
In-Reply-To: <507C43C9.4030805@weather.net>
References: <20121015151303.48ADE37386DF@mailman.qth.net>
	<507C43C9.4030805@weather.net>
Message-ID: <34FB63FA4BDF42C6B7EBA715CA9DAB30@ac0x>

Good point about FM below 28 MHz on most rigs. Checked the TS-590, and it
will transmit FM on 12M (checked on a Dummy load of course :) ) so I'm
suspecting it would transmit FM down to 26 MHz if "opened". It will also do
600 kHz FM splits and sub audible tones. Thanks for the heads up tho :)

-----Original Message-----
From: nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On
Behalf Of Dr. Gerald N. Johnson
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2012 17:12
To: nlrs at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [NLRS] DEMI 2M Transverter using 26 MHz?



I can't tell from the DEMI assembly manual whether the 26 MHz IF section 
will have lower gain. There's an odd circuit that I don't understand 
instantly but mostly the IF circuit has low pass filtration, the manual 
says rolls off above 32 MHz. There's nothing in the RF section that 
would degrade weak signal performance, just maybe that odd filter in the 
IF. Even then some loss after the mixer should not affect 144.2 MHz 
performance unless its so bad the IF receiver sets the system NF. With 
17 dB rated conversion gain, the RF stage pretty much sets the system 
NF. Get down to 10 dB conversion gain and then the system NF will begin 
to suffer.

I can't tell if the two 144 MHz filters have narrow bandwidth either. 
Sent N2CEI an email but don't expect an answer for a couple weeks.

I built my first (and only) 2m converter with 26 MHz IF back about 1962. 
It still works.

As for working 2m FM, the modern HF rigs probably won't allow FM below 
28 and there is FM down to 144.390 (APRS) and repeaters in the 145 to 
145.5 MHz region. Will your IF do 600 kHz FM splits? Does it have 
provisions for subaudible tone? If not, you won't' be able to use all 
the repeaters on the band. When a Chinese handheld costs not much more 
than the special crystal for the transverter, and a decent kenwood or 
yaesu new 2m mobile costs under $130 new and has all the offsets and 
tones needed its not hard to think separate rig for FM.

I use a FT857 for HF, VHF, and UHF. It may be that I'd hear better with 
a transverter, I've not tested that option. I hear well, I think and I 
get out right now limited by my antenna not the rig. The 859 is not much 
bigger than the DEMI transverter and has more options useful from 100 
KHz to 470 MHz or wider. Its really handy to be able to tune NWS with it 
that the transverter wouldn't allow up at 162 MHz and the FM mobile will 
allow that.

73, Jerry, K0CQ

On 10/15/2012 10:13 AM, Louis Sica, Jr. wrote:
>
>
> Hello Group
>
> Contemplating (again) my possible future journeys above 54 MHz...
>
> Anyone ever use the DEMI 2M transverter using 26 MHz instead of the usual
28 MHz? I was wondering if performance degrades on the weak signal end of
the band when you do that, and if doing that even gives good performance on
the FM end of the band. Or should I just consider a seperate FM rig for
local chats?
>
> ______________________________________________________________
>
______________________________________________________________
NLRS mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html


From ac0x at ac0x.com  Mon Oct 15 14:57:27 2012
From: ac0x at ac0x.com (Louis Sica)
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:57:27 -0000
Subject: [NLRS] DEMI 2M Transverter using 26 MHz?
In-Reply-To: <D1BE4660-40E1-4DF6-93F5-E25459D32D48@umn.edu>
References: <20121015151303.48ADE37386DF@mailman.qth.net><507C43C9.4030805@weather.net>
	<D1BE4660-40E1-4DF6-93F5-E25459D32D48@umn.edu>
Message-ID: <10AD4E4824644E2B8634CA65A36BAFA4@ac0x>

Ah... didn't think about the need for two different antenna polarizations
for weak signal and local FM work... very good point...

-----Original Message-----
From: nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On
Behalf Of Jim Klassen
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2012 18:40
To: geraldj at weather.net
Cc: nlrs at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [NLRS] DEMI 2M Transverter using 26 MHz?



I'd agree that in my experience, the feature set and easily accessible
controls I want out of a weak signal CW/SSB rig are very different than what
I want out of a FM/repeater use rig.  I used to be worried about finding
/the/ rig to do it all, but I find I am much happier keeping those two tasks
separate. 

Also, keep in mind you'll need different antenna polarization anyway.

73, Jim KB0UAZ

On Oct 15, 2012, at 12:11, "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson" <geraldj at weather.net>
wrote:

> 
> 
> I can't tell from the DEMI assembly manual whether the 26 MHz IF section 
> will have lower gain. There's an odd circuit that I don't understand 
> instantly but mostly the IF circuit has low pass filtration, the manual 
> says rolls off above 32 MHz. There's nothing in the RF section that 
> would degrade weak signal performance, just maybe that odd filter in the 
> IF. Even then some loss after the mixer should not affect 144.2 MHz 
> performance unless its so bad the IF receiver sets the system NF. With 
> 17 dB rated conversion gain, the RF stage pretty much sets the system 
> NF. Get down to 10 dB conversion gain and then the system NF will begin 
> to suffer.
> 
> I can't tell if the two 144 MHz filters have narrow bandwidth either. 
> Sent N2CEI an email but don't expect an answer for a couple weeks.
> 
> I built my first (and only) 2m converter with 26 MHz IF back about 1962. 
> It still works.
> 
> As for working 2m FM, the modern HF rigs probably won't allow FM below 
> 28 and there is FM down to 144.390 (APRS) and repeaters in the 145 to 
> 145.5 MHz region. Will your IF do 600 kHz FM splits? Does it have 
> provisions for subaudible tone? If not, you won't' be able to use all 
> the repeaters on the band. When a Chinese handheld costs not much more 
> than the special crystal for the transverter, and a decent kenwood or 
> yaesu new 2m mobile costs under $130 new and has all the offsets and 
> tones needed its not hard to think separate rig for FM.
> 
> I use a FT857 for HF, VHF, and UHF. It may be that I'd hear better with 
> a transverter, I've not tested that option. I hear well, I think and I 
> get out right now limited by my antenna not the rig. The 859 is not much 
> bigger than the DEMI transverter and has more options useful from 100 
> KHz to 470 MHz or wider. Its really handy to be able to tune NWS with it 
> that the transverter wouldn't allow up at 162 MHz and the FM mobile will 
> allow that.
> 
> 73, Jerry, K0CQ
> 
> On 10/15/2012 10:13 AM, Louis Sica, Jr. wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Hello Group
>> 
>> Contemplating (again) my possible future journeys above 54 MHz...
>> 
>> Anyone ever use the DEMI 2M transverter using 26 MHz instead of the usual
28 MHz? I was wondering if performance degrades on the weak signal end of
the band when you do that, and if doing that even gives good performance on
the FM end of the band. Or should I just consider a seperate FM rig for
local chats?
>> 
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 
> ______________________________________________________________
> NLRS mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
______________________________________________________________
NLRS mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html


From clem.law at usa.net  Thu Oct 18 18:13:44 2012
From: clem.law at usa.net (Richard Clem)
Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2012 17:13:44 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] Rick Gonzalez, AG0I, SK
Message-ID: <339qJRwmS0208S03.1350598424@web03.cms.usa.net>

I am sad to report that Rick Gonzalez, AG0I, passed away this morning after a
20-month battle with cancer.  Rick wasn't active on VHF, but probably some on
this list knew him.

Rick was originally licensed as KA0APC, and held the call AG0I for over thirty
years.  He was an avid CW op and DX'er.  He was found mostly on HF, but
several years ago, a few of us operated a CQ VHF contest from his home with
the call W0YC.  So if W0YC is in your log on VHF, it very well could have been
Rick at the key.  I knew Rick since our days in college at the U of M Radio
Club (W0YC).  Rick was an electrical engineer and held his PE in Minnesota and
other states.  He was also a licensed electrical contractor in Minnesota.  He
resided in Arden Hills, and passed away quietly in his sleep this morning.

Rick is survived by his daughter, stepsons, sister, brother, mother, as well
as other family and friends, both in the U.S. and in his native Argentina,
which he was able to visit this spring.  He is preceded in death by his
father, who was also an active ham.

The obituary will appear and both local papers, and arrangements for a
memorial service are pending.

AG0I, SK.


From n0nas at amsat.org  Fri Oct 19 18:52:56 2012
From: n0nas at amsat.org (Doug Reed)
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:52:56 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA
Message-ID: <5081D9C8.1080303@amsat.org>

<http://www.gie-tv.com/3cm/3cm-pa.html>

For those of you who want to jump to the next level of 10GHz RF power, 
here is a 25 watt amp. Requires 200mw drive for 25W out. I didn't bother 
looking any deeper because I don't have EU1695 to spend.  :-)

73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.

From geraldj at weather.net  Fri Oct 19 22:03:06 2012
From: geraldj at weather.net (Dr. Gerald N. Johnson)
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2012 21:03:06 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA
In-Reply-To: <5081D9C8.1080303@amsat.org>
References: <5081D9C8.1080303@amsat.org>
Message-ID: <5082065A.2010606@weather.net>

I read a couple weeks ago that the DB6NT 50 watt amp is $3500.

There are some bare chips from Triquint that will do 90 watts for only 
$240 each in small quantities. Trouble is they need wire bonding after 
soldering to the heat sink with Sn/Au alloy solder. I think there's a 
presentation this weekend at MUD that's not in the printed proceedings. 
Maybe it will be in the CD if there is a CD. Set for 3:30 Saturday:
"3:30 50W 10GHz SSPA using GaN, WA6KBL" from the presentation schedule. 
I wish I could see that presentation or read it. I have my own ideas 
thinking a Sn/Bi low temperature solder would be far easier to find and 
to use and that rather than multiple ball bonds one might solder down PC 
board traces right close to the bare chip and make the chip connections 
with silver bearing epoxy and thin copper foil. Then cover the assembly 
with a good curing board coating though that might increase the 
dielectric constant and be a poor quality dielectric at the same time. 
Just to project the chip from the atmosphere. There is a 10 watt version 
of the Triquint chip far less expensive that is like 1/8 th of the 90 
watt chip. In fact the S parameters on the high power chip are for the 
10 watt chip, repeated 8 or 9 times for the 90 watt part.

73, Jerry, K0CQ

On 10/19/2012 5:52 PM, Doug Reed wrote:
>
>
> <http://www.gie-tv.com/3cm/3cm-pa.html>
>
> For those of you who want to jump to the next level of 10GHz RF power,
> here is a 25 watt amp. Requires 200mw drive for 25W out. I didn't bother
> looking any deeper because I don't have EU1695 to spend.  :-)
>
> 73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.
> ______________________________________________________________
>

From ve4ma at shaw.ca  Sat Oct 20 02:33:44 2012
From: ve4ma at shaw.ca (Barry Malowanchuk)
Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 00:33:44 -0600 (MDT)
Subject: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA
In-Reply-To: <5082065A.2010606@weather.net>
Message-ID: <673442328.13418318.1350714824118.JavaMail.root@cds035>

Hi Jerry,

It is not on the CD...wish you were here !

Barry VE4MA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson" <geraldj at weather.net>
To: nlrs at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Friday, October 19, 2012 9:03:06 PM
Subject: Re: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA



I read a couple weeks ago that the DB6NT 50 watt amp is $3500.

There are some bare chips from Triquint that will do 90 watts for only 
$240 each in small quantities. Trouble is they need wire bonding after 
soldering to the heat sink with Sn/Au alloy solder. I think there's a 
presentation this weekend at MUD that's not in the printed proceedings. 
Maybe it will be in the CD if there is a CD. Set for 3:30 Saturday:
"3:30 50W 10GHz SSPA using GaN, WA6KBL" from the presentation schedule. 
I wish I could see that presentation or read it. I have my own ideas 
thinking a Sn/Bi low temperature solder would be far easier to find and 
to use and that rather than multiple ball bonds one might solder down PC 
board traces right close to the bare chip and make the chip connections 
with silver bearing epoxy and thin copper foil. Then cover the assembly 
with a good curing board coating though that might increase the 
dielectric constant and be a poor quality dielectric at the same time. 
Just to project the chip from the atmosphere. There is a 10 watt version 
of the Triquint chip far less expensive that is like 1/8 th of the 90 
watt chip. In fact the S parameters on the high power chip are for the 
10 watt chip, repeated 8 or 9 times for the 90 watt part.

73, Jerry, K0CQ

On 10/19/2012 5:52 PM, Doug Reed wrote:
>
>
> <http://www.gie-tv.com/3cm/3cm-pa.html>
>
> For those of you who want to jump to the next level of 10GHz RF power,
> here is a 25 watt amp. Requires 200mw drive for 25W out. I didn't bother
> looking any deeper because I don't have EU1695 to spend.  :-)
>
> 73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.
> ______________________________________________________________
>
______________________________________________________________
NLRS mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From w9sz.zack at gmail.com  Sat Oct 20 10:43:22 2012
From: w9sz.zack at gmail.com (Zack Widup)
Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 09:43:22 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA
In-Reply-To: <5082065A.2010606@weather.net>
References: <5081D9C8.1080303@amsat.org>
	<5082065A.2010606@weather.net>
Message-ID: <CANJxhWgHYqxz9bGvmNJjK4K=sqvZ+qV_DfVFZx6yFKcvfmXSpg@mail.gmail.com>

I spoke with Jeffrey Pawlan, WA6KBL, recently. I believe he is the one
presenting the paper at MUD. He said he was too late in getting it
prepared to have it in the proceedings, but I think he will make it
available on the web somewhere.

I can see using this kind of power level for EME but what is really
necessary for terrestrial work? Both stations would most likely have
to have comparable setups to have a QSO if conditions are marginal. I
have a feeling not too many people are going to have power at 10 GHz
at this level.

During a big opening in 2008, I worked K4ZR and W4ZRZ on 10 GHz from
EN50rl. That was close to a 500 mile path. I was running 2.5 watts.
Signals were loud at both ends on all bands through 10 GHz. Openings
like that don't happen often, but you don't need a lot of power if you
do happen to catch such an opening. Otherwise, if one station is
running 50 watts and the other is running 2, I don't think a 2-way QSO
is going to happen.

73, Zack W9SZ


On 10/19/12, Dr. Gerald N. Johnson <geraldj at weather.net> wrote:
>
>
> I read a couple weeks ago that the DB6NT 50 watt amp is $3500.
>
> There are some bare chips from Triquint that will do 90 watts for only
> $240 each in small quantities. Trouble is they need wire bonding after
> soldering to the heat sink with Sn/Au alloy solder. I think there's a
> presentation this weekend at MUD that's not in the printed proceedings.
> Maybe it will be in the CD if there is a CD. Set for 3:30 Saturday:
> "3:30 50W 10GHz SSPA using GaN, WA6KBL" from the presentation schedule.
> I wish I could see that presentation or read it. I have my own ideas
> thinking a Sn/Bi low temperature solder would be far easier to find and
> to use and that rather than multiple ball bonds one might solder down PC
> board traces right close to the bare chip and make the chip connections
> with silver bearing epoxy and thin copper foil. Then cover the assembly
> with a good curing board coating though that might increase the
> dielectric constant and be a poor quality dielectric at the same time.
> Just to project the chip from the atmosphere. There is a 10 watt version
> of the Triquint chip far less expensive that is like 1/8 th of the 90
> watt chip. In fact the S parameters on the high power chip are for the
> 10 watt chip, repeated 8 or 9 times for the 90 watt part.
>
> 73, Jerry, K0CQ
>
> On 10/19/2012 5:52 PM, Doug Reed wrote:
>>
>>
>> <http://www.gie-tv.com/3cm/3cm-pa.html>
>>
>> For those of you who want to jump to the next level of 10GHz RF power,
>> here is a 25 watt amp. Requires 200mw drive for 25W out. I didn't bother
>> looking any deeper because I don't have EU1695 to spend.  :-)
>>
>> 73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.
>> ______________________________________________________________
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> NLRS mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

From ve4ma at shaw.ca  Sat Oct 20 11:09:39 2012
From: ve4ma at shaw.ca (Barry Malowanchuk)
Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 09:09:39 -0600 (MDT)
Subject: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA
In-Reply-To: <CANJxhWgHYqxz9bGvmNJjK4K=sqvZ+qV_DfVFZx6yFKcvfmXSpg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <612550644.13544045.1350745779191.JavaMail.root@cds035>

I have 50 W on tropo.  Often having 50 W means that the 2 W station will find you, get lined up and then a QSO may be possible...even if its only on a tropo peak.  Unless 2 W stations are lined up they may never find the tropo peaks.  This is especially usefull on rain scatter as long as you dont get too sharp on the antennas ( stay to ~18 inz0

Barry VE4MA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Zack Widup" <w9sz.zack at gmail.com>
To: "NLRS List" <nlrs at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2012 9:43:22 AM
Subject: Re: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA



I spoke with Jeffrey Pawlan, WA6KBL, recently. I believe he is the one
presenting the paper at MUD. He said he was too late in getting it
prepared to have it in the proceedings, but I think he will make it
available on the web somewhere.

I can see using this kind of power level for EME but what is really
necessary for terrestrial work? Both stations would most likely have
to have comparable setups to have a QSO if conditions are marginal. I
have a feeling not too many people are going to have power at 10 GHz
at this level.

During a big opening in 2008, I worked K4ZR and W4ZRZ on 10 GHz from
EN50rl. That was close to a 500 mile path. I was running 2.5 watts.
Signals were loud at both ends on all bands through 10 GHz. Openings
like that don't happen often, but you don't need a lot of power if you
do happen to catch such an opening. Otherwise, if one station is
running 50 watts and the other is running 2, I don't think a 2-way QSO
is going to happen.

73, Zack W9SZ


On 10/19/12, Dr. Gerald N. Johnson <geraldj at weather.net> wrote:
>
>
> I read a couple weeks ago that the DB6NT 50 watt amp is $3500.
>
> There are some bare chips from Triquint that will do 90 watts for only
> $240 each in small quantities. Trouble is they need wire bonding after
> soldering to the heat sink with Sn/Au alloy solder. I think there's a
> presentation this weekend at MUD that's not in the printed proceedings.
> Maybe it will be in the CD if there is a CD. Set for 3:30 Saturday:
> "3:30 50W 10GHz SSPA using GaN, WA6KBL" from the presentation schedule.
> I wish I could see that presentation or read it. I have my own ideas
> thinking a Sn/Bi low temperature solder would be far easier to find and
> to use and that rather than multiple ball bonds one might solder down PC
> board traces right close to the bare chip and make the chip connections
> with silver bearing epoxy and thin copper foil. Then cover the assembly
> with a good curing board coating though that might increase the
> dielectric constant and be a poor quality dielectric at the same time.
> Just to project the chip from the atmosphere. There is a 10 watt version
> of the Triquint chip far less expensive that is like 1/8 th of the 90
> watt chip. In fact the S parameters on the high power chip are for the
> 10 watt chip, repeated 8 or 9 times for the 90 watt part.
>
> 73, Jerry, K0CQ
>
> On 10/19/2012 5:52 PM, Doug Reed wrote:
>>
>>
>> <http://www.gie-tv.com/3cm/3cm-pa.html>
>>
>> For those of you who want to jump to the next level of 10GHz RF power,
>> here is a 25 watt amp. Requires 200mw drive for 25W out. I didn't bother
>> looking any deeper because I don't have EU1695 to spend.  :-)
>>
>> 73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.
>> ______________________________________________________________
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> NLRS mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
______________________________________________________________
NLRS mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From geraldj at weather.net  Sat Oct 20 11:19:23 2012
From: geraldj at weather.net (Dr. Gerald N. Johnson)
Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 10:19:23 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA
In-Reply-To: <673442328.13418318.1350714824118.JavaMail.root@cds035>
References: <673442328.13418318.1350714824118.JavaMail.root@cds035>
Message-ID: <5082C0FB.8060809@weather.net>

I'm sure its fun and interesting and the surplus tour made the stores 
lots of money, but I decided I'd rather spend the money on radios than 
travel this time. Take good notes and tell me what Pawlan has to say 
about the GaN amplifier construction. I'm sure he won't keep it a secret 
long, he likes to be published. And will probably send a copy of the 
presentation if asked or even have copies at the conference to hand out. 
Thank Will for the boards he sent, they will make 24 GHz even more 
practical, and the copper foil for making grounds for the transistors 
just arrived, half mil thick. Need to get some transistors on order.

Do the modern NE3517S02 work better than the NE32584C used in Europe but 
are no longer made? Better than the 36077 at 24 GHz? Leads may be a bit 
short and hand assembly is going to be a pain. I see 32584 can be bought 
from Italy and on epay from China. What are the odds they are something 
else remarked and so bogus like many of the MRF286 from China these days?

73, Jerry, K0CQ

On 10/20/2012 1:33 AM, Barry Malowanchuk wrote:
> Hi Jerry,
>
> It is not on the CD...wish you were here !
>
> Barry VE4MA
>
>

From geraldj at weather.net  Sat Oct 20 11:38:59 2012
From: geraldj at weather.net (Dr. Gerald N. Johnson)
Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 10:38:59 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA
In-Reply-To: <CANJxhWgHYqxz9bGvmNJjK4K=sqvZ+qV_DfVFZx6yFKcvfmXSpg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <5081D9C8.1080303@amsat.org>	<5082065A.2010606@weather.net>
	<CANJxhWgHYqxz9bGvmNJjK4K=sqvZ+qV_DfVFZx6yFKcvfmXSpg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <5082C593.9010008@weather.net>

Maybe when they send my copy of the proceedings that I've requested they 
can include a copy of Jeffrey's presentation. I negotiated papers with 
him and others, I have 6 in the proceedings, some from a couple years 
back in Central States from my web files. One is new for MUD.

One time I worked Houston TX from Gilbert IA on 2.3 watts on 1296. That 
was a wide area practically stationary high pressure dome.

With the present price tags for EME power amplifiers, not many will have 
them, though seeing I3OBW gets useful power on 24 GHz from a 11 GHz 
Siemens TWT encourages me that the RW89 I have with power supply (need 
the power input mating connector) might produce useful power on 10.368 GHz.

73, Jerry, K0CQ

On 10/20/2012 9:43 AM, Zack Widup wrote:
>
>
> I spoke with Jeffrey Pawlan, WA6KBL, recently. I believe he is the one
> presenting the paper at MUD. He said he was too late in getting it
> prepared to have it in the proceedings, but I think he will make it
> available on the web somewhere.
>
> I can see using this kind of power level for EME but what is really
> necessary for terrestrial work? Both stations would most likely have
> to have comparable setups to have a QSO if conditions are marginal. I
> have a feeling not too many people are going to have power at 10 GHz
> at this level.
>
> During a big opening in 2008, I worked K4ZR and W4ZRZ on 10 GHz from
> EN50rl. That was close to a 500 mile path. I was running 2.5 watts.
> Signals were loud at both ends on all bands through 10 GHz. Openings
> like that don't happen often, but you don't need a lot of power if you
> do happen to catch such an opening. Otherwise, if one station is
> running 50 watts and the other is running 2, I don't think a 2-way QSO
> is going to happen.
>
> 73, Zack W9SZ
>
>
>

From geraldj at weather.net  Sat Oct 20 11:51:35 2012
From: geraldj at weather.net (Dr. Gerald N. Johnson)
Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 10:51:35 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA
In-Reply-To: <612550644.13544045.1350745779191.JavaMail.root@cds035>
References: <612550644.13544045.1350745779191.JavaMail.root@cds035>
Message-ID: <5082C887.1050207@weather.net>

Antenna aiming is critical.

I had it easy on the UP, just before leaving home for my round about 
trip to the UP, I was measuring relative noise figures for the 
transverter and transverter plus preamp so I had the AGC turned off on 
the reciever. For the first half day on the UP it was still turned off 
and then peaking by ear was really easy.

One problem these days is that the very find AGC of the radios hides the 
peak, and the bar graph s-meter has too coarse steps to be a benefit. We 
should campaign for users turning the AGC off and backing off on the RF 
gain manually for strong signals. Antenna aiming would be much easier. 
At home I have an external meter on my FT857 which has much better 
resolution, but I don't expect it to survive the rover situation and I'm 
sure its magnetic field would put more bias than the speaker magnets in 
any magnetic compasses in the vicinity trying to figure out direction.

On my September solo rove in Iowa every spot I used was on a road on or 
parallel to a section line so I didn't need (or have) a compass, but 
that's not true everywhere, even some places in Iowa have diagonal 
roads, but not many because for many decades legislation prohibited 
diagonal roads. With my GPS showing a destination of Buck Hill, its 
compass rose was good enough to get me close to the optimum path. And 
under some weather conditions and on long paths, the optically direct 
path is not the one with the strongest signal. There is refraction or we 
wouldn't get out to 200 miles without enhancements. It isn't always just 
vertical refraction. And then there are tall objects that may be useful 
as reflectors as proposed by Ben in the past couple years.

And on the UP a compass was generally useless because much of the 
remaining iron ore is magnetized from being deposited while molten in 
the earth's magnetic field. I knew the orientation of the road at Great 
Sand Bay and on Mt. Brockway and that was good enough for my reference.

73, Jerry, K0CQ

On 10/20/2012 10:09 AM, Barry Malowanchuk wrote:
>
>
> I have 50 W on tropo.  Often having 50 W means that the 2 W station will find you, get lined up and then a QSO may be possible...even if its only on a tropo peak.  Unless 2 W stations are lined up they may never find the tropo peaks.  This is especially usefull on rain scatter as long as you dont get too sharp on the antennas ( stay to ~18 inz0
>
> Barry VE4MA
>
>

From taring at taring.org  Sat Oct 20 21:14:15 2012
From: taring at taring.org (tom ring)
Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 20:14:15 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] FS 16 inch LCD TV/Monitor
Message-ID: <50834C67.18750.4CA9B98@taring.taring.org>

I have a 16 inch 720P LCD TV with VGA, Composite, Component and HDMI inputs for 
sale.  Also has an NTSC/ATSC tuner.  It has less than 200 hours on it.

$75 or best offer.

tom



-----------------------------------------
Tom Ring K0TAR, ex-WA2PHW  EN34hx
taring at taring.org

What happens if a big asteroid hits the Earth?  Judging from realistic 
simulations 
involving a sledge hammer and a common laboratory frog, we can 
assume it will 
be pretty bad.
                - Dave Barry
-----------------------------------------


From clem.law at usa.net  Fri Oct 19 17:24:04 2012
From: clem.law at usa.net (Richard Clem)
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:24:04 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] Fwd: Rick Gonzalez Memorial
Message-ID: <762qJsVXe5536S04.1350681844@web04.cms.usa.net>


Forwarded message is attached.


From tosca005 at umn.edu  Mon Oct 22 00:32:52 2012
From: tosca005 at umn.edu (tosca005 at umn.edu)
Date: 21 Oct 2012 23:32:52 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA
In-Reply-To: <5082065A.2010606@weather.net>
References: <5081D9C8.1080303@amsat.org> <5082065A.2010606@weather.net>
Message-ID: <Gophermail.2.0.1210212332520.270@vs-a.tc.umn.edu>

On Oct 19 2012, Dr. Gerald N. Johnson wrote:

>
>
>I read a couple weeks ago that the DB6NT 50 watt amp is $3500.
>
>There are some bare chips from Triquint that will do 90 watts for only 
>$240 each in small quantities. Trouble is they need wire bonding after 
>soldering to the heat sink with Sn/Au alloy solder. I think there's a 
>presentation this weekend at MUD that's not in the printed proceedings. 
>Maybe it will be in the CD if there is a CD. Set for 3:30 Saturday:
>"3:30 50W 10GHz SSPA using GaN, WA6KBL" from the presentation schedule. 
>I wish I could see that presentation or read it. I have my own ideas 
>thinking a Sn/Bi low temperature solder would be far easier to find and 
>to use and that rather than multiple ball bonds one might solder down PC 
>board traces right close to the bare chip and make the chip connections 
>with silver bearing epoxy and thin copper foil. Then cover the assembly 
>with a good curing board coating though that might increase the 
>dielectric constant and be a poor quality dielectric at the same time. 
>Just to project the chip from the atmosphere. There is a 10 watt version 
>of the Triquint chip far less expensive that is like 1/8 th of the 90 
>watt chip. In fact the S parameters on the high power chip are for the 
>10 watt chip, repeated 8 or 9 times for the 90 watt part.
>
>73, Jerry, K0CQ

Hmmm...

Maybe NB0M can offer some insight into the assembly issues. He has 
experience with wirebonding (and I believe he owns the equipment to do it). 
Ed???

73 de W0JT


From lloydberg at charter.net  Tue Oct 23 12:46:08 2012
From: lloydberg at charter.net (Lloyd Berg N9LB)
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:46:08 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NLRS] Excellent long distance propagation this week,
 including this weekend's CQWW DX Contest
Message-ID: <2c3e73e1.74a13.13a8e845823.Webtop.45@charter.net>


All,

Solar numbers are high and getting even better.

Long distance propagation on 10-meters has been very good the last few 
days and is getting even better.
( Maybe will lead to some 6M F skip ???? )

On 10-meters, this could be one of those rare times when you can talk 
all over the world on a 17' dipole or 8' 8" vertical antenna.  Should be 
a great weekend for working DX in the CQWW contest with modest antennas 
and low power.  Just work some DX stations even if you are not 
participating in the contest.

Six meters, there is a possibility for long distance F2 communications!

Suggested operating:

Russia & Mid-East in the morning
Europe and Africa mid morning
South America during mid-day
South Sea Islands & Australia mid/late afternoon
Asia in late afternoon, early evening

73 es good DX

Lloyd - N9LB

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Subject: X-class Solar Flare on Oct. 23rd
Date: 10/23/12 8:58:37 AM
From: "SpaceWeather.com" <swlist at spaceweather.com>

Space Weather News for Oct. 23, 2012

http://spaceweather.com

HIGH SOLAR ACTIVITY:  New sunspot AR1598 has boosted solar activity to 
high levels.  This morning, Oct. 23rd, it produced a powerful X1-class 
solar flare.  There have been four significant flares since the active 
region emerged three days ago, and it seems that more could be in the 
offing.
Check http://spaceweather.com for more information and updates.

New subscribers may sign up for free space weather alerts at 
http://spaceweather.com/services/ .

From Melvynkc0p at aol.com  Thu Oct 25 18:20:23 2012
From: Melvynkc0p at aol.com (Melvynkc0p at aol.com)
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:20:23 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NLRS] HP 620B operation
Message-ID: <7018.1d3579d.3dbb1527@aol.com>

I am trying to get a HP 620B SHF Signal Generator operational. In the  lower
left hand corner is a white pushbutton labeled Line off and on. When I  push
it in the fan comes on but it does not latch into the On position. Do I  
have
to hold it in until something times out ? I notice there is a seven pin  
socket
on the rear labeled Repeller and it has nothing plugged in. Do I need  to
provide a short between a couple of pins ? There is a lightning  symbol
in red near this socket, maybe it was to be a connection to the  anti-static
matt.
 
Mel KC0P/R

From rohrssen at centurytel.net  Thu Oct 25 18:32:22 2012
From: rohrssen at centurytel.net (rohrssen at centurytel.net)
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:32:22 -0400
Subject: [NLRS] FS Am 6155
Message-ID: <20121025183222.2hlfw8sgqv9wogcw@webmail2.centurytel.net>



I am down sizing shack I have 2 AM 6155 amps one si on 144 the other 222
N0akc set them up for me and well I have TE amps 
I also have a extra hv for them   $600 takes all
call me 715 879 4543   
KB9PJL
Robert

From geraldj at weather.net  Thu Oct 25 18:49:07 2012
From: geraldj at weather.net (Dr. Gerald N. Johnson)
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:49:07 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] HP 620B operation
In-Reply-To: <7018.1d3579d.3dbb1527@aol.com>
References: <7018.1d3579d.3dbb1527@aol.com>
Message-ID: <5089C1E3.2050108@weather.net>

bama.edebris.com/manuals/hp/618c_620b/ has the operating and service manual.

73, Jerry, K0CQ

On 10/25/2012 5:20 PM, Melvynkc0p at aol.com wrote:
>
>
> I am trying to get a HP 620B SHF Signal Generator operational. In the  lower
> left hand corner is a white pushbutton labeled Line off and on. When I  push
> it in the fan comes on but it does not latch into the On position. Do I
> have
> to hold it in until something times out ? I notice there is a seven pin
> socket
> on the rear labeled Repeller and it has nothing plugged in. Do I need  to
> provide a short between a couple of pins ? There is a lightning  symbol
> in red near this socket, maybe it was to be a connection to the  anti-static
> matt.
>
> Mel KC0P/R
>

From wa2voi at mninter.net  Thu Oct 25 19:10:17 2012
From: wa2voi at mninter.net (Donn, WA2VOI)
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:10:17 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [NLRS] HP 620B operation
References: <7018.1d3579d.3dbb1527@aol.com>
Message-ID: <099901cdb305$fded2d00$0200a8c0@wa2voiloki>

NLRS didn't like THREE recipients, so....
******************************************


Hi Mel.

Go to <http://www.ko4bb.com/manuals/index.php?dir=HP_Agilent>

Scroll down to " HP 620B Operating and Service Manual" and download.  It IS
big... 6.3M, so it make take some time depending on your connection.

I suspect that anti-static mats were not invented when the 620 sig gen was in
use.  Vaccum tubes didn't (don't ?) need them.  Usually, a lightning symbol
means "HIGH  VOLTAGE," so be careful.  The repeller voltage on a klystron can be
several hundred volts.  The connector may be for a synchronizer interface, or
may need to have a jumper plug built-up and used.  The manual "should" explain
it.

73 Donn
WA2VOI/0

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Melvynkc0p at aol.com>
To: <10ghzcontest at www.chris.org>; <nlrs at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 10:20 PM
Subject: [NLRS] HP 620B operation


>
>
> I am trying to get a HP 620B SHF Signal Generator operational. In the  lower
> left hand corner is a white pushbutton labeled Line off and on. When I  push
> it in the fan comes on but it does not latch into the On position. Do I
> have
> to hold it in until something times out ? I notice there is a seven pin
> socket
> on the rear labeled Repeller and it has nothing plugged in. Do I need  to
> provide a short between a couple of pins ? There is a lightning  symbol
> in red near this socket, maybe it was to be a connection to the  anti-static
> matt.
>
> Mel KC0P/R
> ______________________________________________________________
> NLRS mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html 


From w0zq at aol.com  Thu Oct 25 19:40:30 2012
From: w0zq at aol.com (w0zq at aol.com)
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:40:30 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NLRS] V31MW
Message-ID: <8CF812140AFBCA9-834-355B8@webmail-m062.sysops.aol.com>


Rich, N0HJZ is operating as V31MW (Belize) for this weekends CQWWDX Fone contest.  He is parked on 18.145 MHz right now.

73, Jon
W0ZQ

From earl at jarosh.org  Mon Oct 29 12:58:29 2012
From: earl at jarosh.org (S. Earl Jarosh)
Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:58:29 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA
In-Reply-To: <673442328.13418318.1350714824118.JavaMail.root@cds035>
Message-ID: <20121029165823.ACAA680781B3@mailman.qth.net>

Barry,

Maybe you can touch on the highlights or provide some synopsis at Aurora for
the rest of us?? 


S. Earl Jarosh, N0HZ
Cell:  612.868.1313
Off:   763.545.3275
Home:  763.546.7897
Fax:   763.546.7897
earl at moneycenters.com

 
-----Original Message-----
From: nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On
Behalf Of Barry Malowanchuk
Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2012 1:34 AM
To: geraldj at weather.net
Cc: nlrs at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA



Hi Jerry,

It is not on the CD...wish you were here !

Barry VE4MA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson" <geraldj at weather.net>
To: nlrs at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Friday, October 19, 2012 9:03:06 PM
Subject: Re: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA



I read a couple weeks ago that the DB6NT 50 watt amp is $3500.

There are some bare chips from Triquint that will do 90 watts for only $240
each in small quantities. Trouble is they need wire bonding after soldering
to the heat sink with Sn/Au alloy solder. I think there's a presentation
this weekend at MUD that's not in the printed proceedings. 
Maybe it will be in the CD if there is a CD. Set for 3:30 Saturday:
"3:30 50W 10GHz SSPA using GaN, WA6KBL" from the presentation schedule. 
I wish I could see that presentation or read it. I have my own ideas
thinking a Sn/Bi low temperature solder would be far easier to find and to
use and that rather than multiple ball bonds one might solder down PC board
traces right close to the bare chip and make the chip connections with
silver bearing epoxy and thin copper foil. Then cover the assembly with a
good curing board coating though that might increase the dielectric constant
and be a poor quality dielectric at the same time. 
Just to project the chip from the atmosphere. There is a 10 watt version of
the Triquint chip far less expensive that is like 1/8 th of the 90 watt
chip. In fact the S parameters on the high power chip are for the 10 watt
chip, repeated 8 or 9 times for the 90 watt part.

73, Jerry, K0CQ

On 10/19/2012 5:52 PM, Doug Reed wrote:
>
>
> <http://www.gie-tv.com/3cm/3cm-pa.html>
>
> For those of you who want to jump to the next level of 10GHz RF power, 
> here is a 25 watt amp. Requires 200mw drive for 25W out. I didn't 
> bother looking any deeper because I don't have EU1695 to spend.  :-)
>
> 73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.
> ______________________________________________________________
>
______________________________________________________________
NLRS mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net

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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html


From geraldj at weather.net  Mon Oct 29 14:18:21 2012
From: geraldj at weather.net (Dr. Gerald N. Johnson)
Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:18:21 -0600
Subject: [NLRS] PA3GIE 10GHz high power SSPA
In-Reply-To: <20121029165823.ACAA680781B3@mailman.qth.net>
References: <20121029165823.ACAA680781B3@mailman.qth.net>
Message-ID: <508EC86D.5040105@weather.net>

Barry is kind of busy preparing to head south for the winter next week.

What he told me was that Jeffrey was playing with a packaged GaN 
amplifier chip from Cree, and made a drastic change in the load tuner 
and suddenly lost half his power out while doubling the supply current. 
He fried the part with too great an SWR when the part was only rated at 
5:1 SWR survival. Before frying the part it was not very linear, for the 
25 watt part, P1 was 5 watts and gain was down 10 dB at 25 watts out. 
Barry said: "I was rather disappointed how he optimized the output with 
an EH WG tuner, connected through a Coax WG transition and a relatively 
long coax jumper." I have noticed that the few Cree parts are pricey 
looking at DigiKey who carries some.

The bare chips from Triquint have a bit better SWR survival, but between 
being small and physically unprotected appear to be significantly 
difficult to use in the hamshack that's not equipped with a controlled 
atmosphere reflow oven and wire bonding apparatus along with a supply of 
tin/gold solder foil and gold bonding wire. I think there may be other 
options for mounting probably somewhat compromising maximum power 
capabilities. Packaged parts probably will include relatively narrow 
band matching that is not a part of the bare chip.

The TGF2023 family of parts from Triquint are made up of a group of 
transistors on the same wafer. The basic device has one gate connection, 
two through holes to the back side for the source, and bar for the drain 
connection. The twice that power part has two of those scrunched 
together with three through holes and two gate pads. The higher power 
parts add more until the 90 watt part has 16 of the small parts in 
parallel sharing adjacent source through holes. And they want two bond 
wires to each gate pad and two for each drain position. I think at 10 
GHz that straps rather than wires may work better moving the matching to 
the PC board rather than using the bond wires as inductors in the 
matching network. I've not done it so I may be more full of it than I 
wish to be. The 90 watt part is about .8mm x 4.6mm x .1 mm. I'm thinking 
Sn/Bi solder for low temperature chip mounting (at a cost of poorer heat 
transfer, but trying to keep the solder film thin because Sn/Bi 
soldering paste is quite reasonable priced and available) and either 
silver epoxy or that Sn/Bi soldering past for connecting copper foil 
"broad" conductors to the gate pads and the drain bar. Flip chip using 
the top side source through holes and the drain bar for heat sinking and 
board connection might have merit too, depending on the distance of the 
heat inside the part from the two surfaces.

MACOM tech just announced some packaged GaN parts, but they are only 
good to 3.5 GHz and about 25 watts, not a market that I perceive as 
neglected though the GaN parts have some nice characteristics like a 28 
volt supply to raise the load impedance to a few ohms at 90 watts 
instead of a fraction of an ohm at 6 volts supply and power added 
efficiency upwards of 55% compared to 10% in the parts we use now at 10 
GHz (that have three stages and three times the package gain of the 
unpackaged chips). And GaN on SiC has a reputation of being tougher than 
nails standing absurd device temperatures without damage. But Jeffrey 
was able to do damage probably by voltage break down. Carborundum has a 
long history of being tough as one of the toughest abrasives in industry.

Its a field that isn't standing still.

There is an interesting article on Triquints web pages about the TGF2023 
25 watt part titled: "Compact Highly Integrated X Band Amplifier using 
Commercialy Available Discrete GaN FETs." It looks like an IEEE article 
but their copy doesn't show that.

73, Jerry, K0CQ

On 10/29/2012 10:58 AM, S. Earl Jarosh wrote:
>
>
> Barry,
>
> Maybe you can touch on the highlights or provide some synopsis at Aurora for
> the rest of us??
>
>
> S. Earl Jarosh, N0HZ
> Cell:  612.868.1313
> Off:   763.545.3275
> Home:  763.546.7897
> Fax:   763.546.7897
> earl at moneycenters.com
>

From w0zq at aol.com  Mon Oct 29 20:19:23 2012
From: w0zq at aol.com (w0zq at aol.com)
Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2012 20:19:23 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NLRS] January VHF contest and new operating catagories
Message-ID: <8CF844B592FC225-408-50E49@webmail-m164.sysops.aol.com>


Hello NLRS land

The ARRL has updated the January VHF contest rules to add two new operating categories.  These two new operating categories are the single operator three band category for stations running low power on 6, 2, and 432 while the second category is the single operator FM only category using 6, 2, 223 and 446.   Full rules at http://www.arrl.org/january-vhf and rationale for the rule changes at http://www.arrl.org/files/file/About%20ARRL/Committee%20Reports/2012/January/Doc_31.pdf  .   These new rules apply to the January, June, and September VHF contests.   

73, Jon
W0ZQ

From tosca005 at umn.edu  Mon Oct 29 23:29:44 2012
From: tosca005 at umn.edu (tosca005 at umn.edu)
Date: 29 Oct 2012 22:29:44 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] January VHF contest and new operating catagories
In-Reply-To: <8CF844B592FC225-408-50E49@webmail-m164.sysops.aol.com>
References: <8CF844B592FC225-408-50E49@webmail-m164.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <Gophermail.2.0.1210292229440.29891@vs-w.tc.umn.edu>

Jon:

I think that there is an error in the published rules! Wasn't there recent 
discussion about power levels on bands above 902 MHz? The printed January 
rules say that the SOLP category is defined as:
  3.1.2. Low Power (150 W PEP or less

As written, that rule means no more than 150 watts PEP on *ANY* band! Is 
that really what was decided? I thought that it was supposed to be 150 
watts on 6M & 2M, 100 watts on 222 and 432, and an increase to 50 watts on 
902 and up. I see that there is an opening parenthesis but no closing 
parenthesis. Perhaps there is missing text describing lower powers on 
higher bands that would be followed by a closing parenthesis.

Or maybe I have developed Alzheimer's Disease and I am completely confused 
about the decision that was made about raising power levels on higher 
bands???

W0JT


On Oct 29 2012, w0zq at aol.com wrote:

>Hello NLRS land
>
 The ARRL has updated the January VHF contest rules to add two new 
operating categories. These two new operating categories are the single 
operator three band category for stations running low power on 6, 2, and 
432 while the second category is the single operator FM only category using 
6, 2, 223 and 446. Full rules at http://www.arrl.org/january-vhf and 
rationale for the rule changes at 
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/About%20ARRL/Committee%20Reports/2012/January/Doc_31.pdf
. These new rules apply to the January, June, and September VHF contests.
>
>73, Jon
>W0ZQ
>______________________________________________________________
>NLRS mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

From ve4ma at shaw.ca  Tue Oct 30 07:15:29 2012
From: ve4ma at shaw.ca (Barry VE4MA)
Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2012 06:15:29 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] FW: [Mw] How to Order MUD 2012 Conference Proceedings Book
	and CDROM
Message-ID: <00c901cdb68f$def725d0$9ce57170$@ca>

I don't know if anyone is interested and might not be on the microwave
reflector?

Barry VE4MA

-----Original Message-----
From: microwave-bounces at lists.eclectechs.com
[mailto:microwave-bounces at lists.eclectechs.com] On Behalf Of Microwave
Update
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 10:46 PM
To: Microwave at lists.eclectechs.com
Subject: [Mw] How to Order MUD 2012 Conference Proceedings Book and CDROM

If you didn't make it to MUD 2012, you missed a great conference!
But we still have a few copies of the MUD 2012 Proceedings book and CD
available for sale.


To order a copy of the MUD 2012 Conference Proceedings book and CDROM please
use  
PayPal (www.paypal.com) to send the following  amount to mud2012 at pacbell.net
: 

	* One Book & CD to a U.S. address: $25 postpaid
	* One Book & CD to Canada or Mexico: $32 postpaid
	* One Book & CD to all other countries: $36 postpaid
Please be sure that your PayPal order includes your email, name and shipping

address. 


For more info please see: http://www.microwaveupdate.org/content.php

Mike Lavelle, K6ML
_______________________________________________
Microwave mailing list
microwave at lists.valinet.com
http://lists.valinet.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/microwave


From w0zq at aol.com  Tue Oct 30 09:11:14 2012
From: w0zq at aol.com (w0zq at aol.com)
Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2012 09:11:14 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NLRS] January VHF contest and new operating catagories
In-Reply-To: <Gophermail.2.0.1210292229440.29891@vs-w.tc.umn.edu>
References: <8CF844B592FC225-408-50E49@webmail-m164.sysops.aol.com>
	<Gophermail.2.0.1210292229440.29891@vs-w.tc.umn.edu>
Message-ID: <8CF84B72CB93193-980-4F694@webmail-d126.sysops.aol.com>


Hi John -

Sharp eyes for such an old Op !   It seems that the text in the January VHF rules, section 3.1.2, got muffed.  

Check out the General Rules For ARRL Contests Above 50MHz at http://www.arrl.org/general-rules-for-arrl-contests-above-50-mhz .  Section 2.1 covers all the Single Op categories (including the two new categories).  For the Single Operator Low Power category (section 2.1.1), it states that the station cannot run more than 200 watts PEP on 50 and 144 MHz, 100 watts on 222 and 432 MHz, and 50 watts on 902 MHz and up.  I'm sure that this is what section 3.1.2 in the January rules was trying to say.  

I will drop a note to KX9X to let him know.   

73, Jon
W0ZQ




-----Original Message-----
From: tosca005 <tosca005 at umn.edu>
To: nlrs <nlrs at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Mon, Oct 29, 2012 10:43 pm
Subject: Re: [NLRS] January VHF contest and new operating catagories



Jon:
I think that there is an error in the published rules! Wasn't there recent 
iscussion about power levels on bands above 902 MHz? The printed January 
ules say that the SOLP category is defined as:
 3.1.2. Low Power (150 W PEP or less
As written, that rule means no more than 150 watts PEP on *ANY* band! Is 
hat really what was decided? I thought that it was supposed to be 150 
atts on 6M & 2M, 100 watts on 222 and 432, and an increase to 50 watts on 
02 and up. I see that there is an opening parenthesis but no closing 
arenthesis. Perhaps there is missing text describing lower powers on 
igher bands that would be followed by a closing parenthesis.
Or maybe I have developed Alzheimer's Disease and I am completely confused 
bout the decision that was made about raising power levels on higher 
ands???
W0JT

n Oct 29 2012, w0zq at aol.com wrote:
>Hello NLRS land

The ARRL has updated the January VHF contest rules to add two new 
perating categories. These two new operating categories are the single 
perator three band category for stations running low power on 6, 2, and 
32 while the second category is the single operator FM only category using 
, 2, 223 and 446. Full rules at http://www.arrl.org/january-vhf and 
ationale for the rule changes at 
ttp://www.arrl.org/files/file/About%20ARRL/Committee%20Reports/2012/January/Doc_31.pdf
 These new rules apply to the January, June, and September VHF contests.

73, Jon
W0ZQ
______________________________________________________________
NLRS mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

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ome: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
elp: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
ost: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net
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From taring at taring.org  Tue Oct 30 21:35:07 2012
From: taring at taring.org (tom ring)
Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2012 20:35:07 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] HF Contesting
Message-ID: <5090804B.4312.385D5CDE@taring.taring.org>

The first thing I have to say is that I have taken a couple days to calm down 
from how I felt this weekend.  Because if I hadn't you all would likely have 
stopped reading by now.

There are a number of members that are serious HF contesters as well as the 
normal, for here, VHF and up.  I'm asking maybe for advice or solutions or 
maybe something else.

This weekend while Sandy was hitting the east coast there were also a lot of 
ships out there that depend on the Maritime Mobile Service Net and it's 
associated nets for weather reports and a place to call for help.

There was a contest this weekend.  I have no idea who ran it, nor does it 
matter.  Except for the fact that contestants in all contests repeatedly 
transmit on top of or within 2.5 KHz of the net.  Many refuse to leave or 
ignored repeated calls to leave from stations that I am absolutely sure they 
can hear.  These operators who are idiots, lids, sociopaths and especially not 
amateur radio operators as described in the part of the rules where we are 
described as a service, were endangering peoples lives.  And didn't care a bit. 
 Even when told they were doing it.  I am much less upset now than I was then, 
but I am still very very upset.  Obviously.  (I edited out quite a few things 
after reviewing the previous paragraph.)

I am asking for those of you with connections to use them to stop this.

First 14.300 is an ITU internationally designated emergency frequency.  That 
means to me that you aren't supposed to contest there.  It may not exactly 
state that, but it seems to be in the spirit of the designation. 

If the contest organizers would state something like "No contestant shall 
transmit with a carrier point frequency within 3 KHz of any designated 
emergency frequency which shall include 14.300, xx.xxx, etc.  The penalty for 
the first offense will be banning from the current contest results and a second 
offense ....".  Or whatever is appropriate but it had better be harsh as the 
people doing this don't seem to give a rat rear for anyone but themselves.

I would love to hear thoughts and other solutions.

Thanks,
tom
K0TAR

-----------------------------------------
Tom Ring K0TAR, ex-WA2PHW  EN34hx
taring at taring.org

What happens if a big asteroid hits the Earth?  Judging from realistic 
simulations 
involving a sledge hammer and a common laboratory frog, we can 
assume it will 
be pretty bad.
                - Dave Barry
-----------------------------------------


From ray at w9ray.org  Wed Oct 31 18:48:59 2012
From: ray at w9ray.org (Ray J)
Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:48:59 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] HF Contesting
In-Reply-To: <5090804B.4312.385D5CDE@taring.taring.org>
References: <5090804B.4312.385D5CDE@taring.taring.org>
Message-ID: <5091AADB.209@w9ray.org>

Why should the Maritime Mobile net be solely entitled to that frequency? 
That is what this is about, isn't it?  FCC has said again and again no 
groups or organizations are entitled to operate on any one set frequency..
   If you are in a ocean  going vessel you should have sat phone or a 
real marine radio.. The The Maritime Mobile Service Network has been 
trying to ram rod this down peoples throat for years that 14.300 is 
entirely there's,  now they have the ITU and radio manufactures joining 
in with them..

  A search on Google didn't find any official government statement  that 
14.300 is a emergency frequency..  the  ITU is not a usa governmental 
unit.. it's United Nations organization..  In the USA..  We answer to 
the FCC, who say nothing about 14.300 as a off limits emergency 
frequency.. Until that changes, this problem is going to continue

  But yes...  NO.. people should Ever be interfering with "real" 
emergency traffic..

W9Ray


On 10/30/2012 8:35 PM, tom ring wrote:
>
>
> The first thing I have to say is that I have taken a couple days to calm down
> from how I felt this weekend.  Because if I hadn't you all would likely have
> stopped reading by now.
>
> There are a number of members that are serious HF contesters as well as the
> normal, for here, VHF and up.  I'm asking maybe for advice or solutions or
> maybe something else.
>
> This weekend while Sandy was hitting the east coast there were also a lot of
> ships out there that depend on the Maritime Mobile Service Net and it's
> associated nets for weather reports and a place to call for help.
>
> There was a contest this weekend.  I have no idea who ran it, nor does it
> matter.  Except for the fact that contestants in all contests repeatedly
> transmit on top of or within 2.5 KHz of the net.  Many refuse to leave or
> ignored repeated calls to leave from stations that I am absolutely sure they
> can hear.  These operators who are idiots, lids, sociopaths and especially not
> amateur radio operators as described in the part of the rules where we are
> described as a service, were endangering peoples lives.  And didn't care a bit.
>   Even when told they were doing it.  I am much less upset now than I was then,
> but I am still very very upset.  Obviously.  (I edited out quite a few things
> after reviewing the previous paragraph.)
>
> I am asking for those of you with connections to use them to stop this.
>
> First 14.300 is an ITU internationally designated emergency frequency.  That
> means to me that you aren't supposed to contest there.  It may not exactly
> state that, but it seems to be in the spirit of the designation.
>
> If the contest organizers would state something like "No contestant shall
> transmit with a carrier point frequency within 3 KHz of any designated
> emergency frequency which shall include 14.300, xx.xxx, etc.  The penalty for
> the first offense will be banning from the current contest results and a second
> offense ....".  Or whatever is appropriate but it had better be harsh as the
> people doing this don't seem to give a rat rear for anyone but themselves.
>
> I would love to hear thoughts and other solutions.
>
> Thanks,
> tom
> K0TAR
>
> -----------------------------------------
> Tom Ring K0TAR, ex-WA2PHW  EN34hx
> taring at taring.org
>
> What happens if a big asteroid hits the Earth?  Judging from realistic
> simulations
> involving a sledge hammer and a common laboratory frog, we can
> assume it will
> be pretty bad.
>                  - Dave Barry
> -----------------------------------------
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> NLRS mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

From taring at taring.org  Wed Oct 31 22:13:58 2012
From: taring at taring.org (tom ring)
Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:13:58 -0500
Subject: [NLRS] HF Contesting
In-Reply-To: <5091AADB.209@w9ray.org>
References: <5090804B.4312.385D5CDE@taring.taring.org>,
	<5091AADB.209@w9ray.org>
Message-ID: <5091DAE6.16194.3DA74814@taring.taring.org>

I found this as the first entry in my search.  It seems pretty clear it's been 
assigned as a worldwide emergency frequency.  Yes US operators can ignore it.  
And also that it's clear that any sociopath will ignore it.

http://forums.qrz.com/archive/index.php/t-339946.html

And regarding your comment on other means of communication, sometimes things 
fail or elements of the system are out of range when you need them.  And some 
people only have amateur radio.  Failbacks are a good thing.  Hope you never 
need one.

tom
K0TAR

On 31 Oct 2012 at 17:48, Ray J wrote:

> 
> 
> Why should the Maritime Mobile net be solely entitled to that frequency? 
> That is what this is about, isn't it?  FCC has said again and again no 
> groups or organizations are entitled to operate on any one set frequency..
>    If you are in a ocean  going vessel you should have sat phone or a 
> real marine radio.. The The Maritime Mobile Service Network has been 
> trying to ram rod this down peoples throat for years that 14.300 is 
> entirely there's,  now they have the ITU and radio manufactures joining 
> in with them..
> 
>   A search on Google didn't find any official government statement  that 
> 14.300 is a emergency frequency..  the  ITU is not a usa governmental 
> unit.. it's United Nations organization..  In the USA..  We answer to 
> the FCC, who say nothing about 14.300 as a off limits emergency 
> frequency.. Until that changes, this problem is going to continue
> 
>   But yes...  NO.. people should Ever be interfering with "real" 
> emergency traffic..
> 
> W9Ray
> 
> 
> On 10/30/2012 8:35 PM, tom ring wrote:
> >
> >
> > The first thing I have to say is that I have taken a couple days to calm down
> > from how I felt this weekend.  Because if I hadn't you all would likely have
> > stopped reading by now.
> >
> > There are a number of members that are serious HF contesters as well as the
> > normal, for here, VHF and up.  I'm asking maybe for advice or solutions or
> > maybe something else.
> >
> > This weekend while Sandy was hitting the east coast there were also a lot of
> > ships out there that depend on the Maritime Mobile Service Net and it's
> > associated nets for weather reports and a place to call for help.
> >
> > There was a contest this weekend.  I have no idea who ran it, nor does it
> > matter.  Except for the fact that contestants in all contests repeatedly
> > transmit on top of or within 2.5 KHz of the net.  Many refuse to leave or
> > ignored repeated calls to leave from stations that I am absolutely sure they
> > can hear.  These operators who are idiots, lids, sociopaths and especially not
> > amateur radio operators as described in the part of the rules where we are
> > described as a service, were endangering peoples lives.  And didn't care a bit.
> >   Even when told they were doing it.  I am much less upset now than I was then,
> > but I am still very very upset.  Obviously.  (I edited out quite a few things
> > after reviewing the previous paragraph.)
> >
> > I am asking for those of you with connections to use them to stop this.
> >
> > First 14.300 is an ITU internationally designated emergency frequency.  That
> > means to me that you aren't supposed to contest there.  It may not exactly
> > state that, but it seems to be in the spirit of the designation.
> >
> > If the contest organizers would state something like "No contestant shall
> > transmit with a carrier point frequency within 3 KHz of any designated
> > emergency frequency which shall include 14.300, xx.xxx, etc.  The penalty for
> > the first offense will be banning from the current contest results and a second
> > offense ....".  Or whatever is appropriate but it had better be harsh as the
> > people doing this don't seem to give a rat rear for anyone but themselves.
> >
> > I would love to hear thoughts and other solutions.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > tom
> > K0TAR
> >
> > -----------------------------------------
> > Tom Ring K0TAR, ex-WA2PHW  EN34hx
> > taring at taring.org
> >
> > What happens if a big asteroid hits the Earth?  Judging from realistic
> > simulations
> > involving a sledge hammer and a common laboratory frog, we can
> > assume it will
> > be pretty bad.
> >                  - Dave Barry
> > -----------------------------------------
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > NLRS mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> NLRS mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nlrs
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:NLRS at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> 



-----------------------------------------
Tom Ring K0TAR, ex-WA2PHW  EN34hx
taring at taring.org

What happens if a big asteroid hits the Earth?  Judging from realistic 
simulations 
involving a sledge hammer and a common laboratory frog, we can 
assume it will 
be pretty bad.
                - Dave Barry
-----------------------------------------


