[Premium-Rx] Beacon Hunting

[Ben Dover]

Hello Sid.

I'm a beacon hunter here too, at least during the winter.

It sounds like you're using about the best method for weak beacon reception;
essentially, by using the narrow B/W what you're doing is shaving off the 
carrier and just treating an AM sideband like a CW signal. 

I too use a DSP box with the receiver, either a JPS Communications NRU600 or
a Rat Shack... guess which one I like best?  <<grin>> For really tough cases
I can squeeze the IF filters down to 100 Hz. Interestingly, I also use a 
couple of receivers that have ISB capability (typical SSB bandwidths) to good
advantage; the guard band null built in between the upper and lower sidebands
can be put to good use, smack on top of the carrier, leaving the sidebands in
the clear.

I add one other thing that you don't mention, tho I assume it was an
oversight;
a GOOD loop antenna! With DSP, ISB, and directivity to get rid of interference
you can really dig 'em out during band openings. I don't know of a single 
serious LF / VLF person who doesn't use a loop or loopstick of some sort.


As far as receivers are concerned...  Racal nut here. Favorite is RA-1772 with
ISB, followed by RA-6790/GM with the ISB board. Third place is RA-6778C (no
ISB installed). The Racals have pretty much taken beacon hunting away from my
other LF / VLF receivers (Collins R-389, Magnavox R1134/WRR3, JRC NRD525, and 
modified Icom R71A). The R1134/WRR3 still gets a LITTLE use; that 300 Hz 
crystal filter in the IF seems to have VERY steep skirts. 

I had a CEI 340A for a couple of years. I'd rate it as OK, but not a really
outstanding VLF receiver; I always had problems with frequency drifting, and
the Racal rigs have much more versatility, especially in IF bandwidth options.
However, remember that these things tend to be subjective; you might love the
rig, but for me it wasn't exactly my cup of tea.


73's,

Tom, W9LBB



At 06:48 PM 3/30/2005 -0600, you wrote:
>Greetings all,
>
>I am new to the group and thought I would introduce myself as well as
>ask a question..
>
>I live in Spring, TX and besides being a Ham, I have become an avid Low
>Frequency (NDB) Beacon hunter.  I have not tried many receivers but my
>current Icom ProIII with external DSP (Timewave 599zx) seems to be the
>best that I currently own.
>
>Not having experience in using many different receivers, I was wondering
>what some of the opinions might be for under 500Kc reception of these AM
>DSB beacons.  I listen on CW with narrow BW's.
>
>I have always wanted the CEI/WJ 340A7 receiver without knowing the
>performance.  I have issues with older radios such as these that I can
>not repair..
>
>Some thoughts would be appreciated..
>
>Thanks
>
>Sid Leben  KC2EE 
>
>
>
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