On CC&R DXpedition Model | A 3BTV For High Band Operations

3BTV before removal of 40m capacitance hat.

Local RF Technologist Scott, WA6EAT working on RG58/U feed line.

3BTV without capacitance hat after successfully proving antenna system.

My intended goal is on the radio horizon. Pacific, Oceania, and Asian multiplier grid.

Antenna systems evolve and take patience before achieving one's desired signal. And my goal is an efficient system with low loss. Every watt counts in RadioSport. And rushing an antenna into operation, at least for me, is counter productive.

This afternoon, RF Technologist Scott, WA6EAT and I, worked on my 3BTV. We removed the capacitance hat (link, link, & link) on 40m since my vertical will function on 10, 15, and 20m. Then we checked our length against that in the instruction manual. And soon discovered an antenna lengthened for SSB operation. We corrected previous measurements that are in line with the CW portions of each band. However, fine adjustments are needed, because the vertical is still short.

I remember, perhaps a year ago, abandoning Project Vertical. However the idea gained momentum after suggestions from other RF Technologists.

Goals For Next Weekend.

• Make fine standing wave ratio (SWR) adjustments.
  
• Construct radial system.
  
• Test and prove antenna system.

73 from the shackadelic.

Ham Radio India | VU2QAR Quilon Amateur Radio League "Come, let us do something noble and useful..."

Where is one antenna among many antennas transmitting vision into the ionosphere? Sai, VU2SGW (link) is a kilowatt of inspiration whose signal is 59+ on the central coast of California. I would like to welcome VU2QAR Quilon Amateur Radio League (link) to ham radio's blogosphere.

We are converging and Sai, VU2SGW is a member of the new ham radio network connecting itself via the Internet. I believe, India, has a fundamental role in this development as we move forward.

Quilon Amateur Radio League (QARL).

• "Ham radio is not just a medium of communication, it is a great hobbyhorse to ride providing a lot of knowledge, entertainment and securing friends all over the World."
• "Let us sit together and think as to what we can do. To be useful to others is a noble virtue."

The recognition that ham radio is not just but provides knowledge, entertainment, and friendship is the new paradigm. We, as individuals and as a whole, reach beyond our wireless radios. Our life's indeed influence the life's of others. However, as an individual the I can accomplish much but it is the We that amplifies the I.

Wherein, "Let us sit together and think as to what we can do."

In some respects, ham radio is a selfish pursuit, when I stand alone. What purpose as a ham radio operator am I fulfilling when borrowing time from life's budget? The enterprise of building a station is mostly an individual pursuit. The action of operating my station is mostly individual.

QARL Goal.

• Our road map is to have 1,00,000 Hams in India by 2010 in the place of 23,000 Hams right now.

Two years to achieve one million. And I believe ham radio India will achieve this goal. Only when We put our energy, talent, creativity, and wisdom into the effort. And growing a community of 23k operators into 1M is an effort requiring bold, innovative organizational vision. But the idea is elegant in its simplicity. Growth.

Facing My Ham Radio Challenge.

I'm facing challenges at all levels. But I cannot chose to ignore these facts either. This time, my challenges, are not going to disappear. And the vigor and longevity of ham radio depends on today's choices.

The shack is a place of innovation. The shack is the living, breathing symbol of ham radio. But the shack is not a dead end either.

I welcome ham radio India as a source of innovation, creativity, and inspiration. I'm taking cues from the developing social web of ham radio operators connecting via the Internet not just wireless. I'm looking beyond traditional boundaries into the realm that is beyond the fence.

After all as VU2QAR stated, "Let us sit together and think as to what we can do. To be useful to others is a noble virtue."

73 from the shackadelic.

On ARRL November Sweepstakes | Scot, K9JY replied "This is a very good list; especially important..."

Read comment (link).

Sweepstakes 75 fires up the ionosphere in a few hours to the cheers of stadium Earth fans. This is is the moment when preparation meets performance. Antenna systems checked? Transceivers checked? Contest logging programs checked? Family schedule squared?

Thousands of ham radio operators from all across the United States and Canada will propagate the toughest exchange known to RadioSport.

Memory Jogging.

• Precedence is power level for example A is Alpha = low power up to 150 watts of output, B is Bravo = greater than 150 watts of output and Q is Quebec = 5 watts or less of output. Read rules (link) for greater detail.
• Check is the last two digits of the year one is licensed for either the operator or station. Be very clear when transmitting check.
• Write a post-it note if precedence and check are confusing. Post the note below one's computer screen. This procedure really makes the difference when an operator needs a precedence or check repeat.

Verify your ARRL section before Sweepstakes. My section is Santa Barbara in the state of California. Not all states have sections like California, Washington, Texas, or Florida.

The most important suggestion from KA3DRR LowPower, LowProfile RadioSport Contesting At 50Watts? Have a lot of ham radio fun this weekend!

Contest on.

Cycle 24 CCD Bakeout | Sunspot Count Hits 18

Global high frequency (HF) investors remain bullish as region 1008 produced a B1 flare earlier this morning according to Space Weather Prediction Center (link). Demand for improved HF communication reached an all time patience record and Cycle 24 is now producing notable sunspot activity. However pent demand for high band activity in spectrum spaces like 10m, 12m, and 15m reaches frustrated proportions. Remarkably, HF investors are not dumping high band hardware derivatives into the global ham radio market at this time.

Perhaps Helios Incorporated has taken note of global HF demand? One can only speculate on near term sunspot production but 18 is an enormous improvement since 3Q 2008 reports. Will Helios Inc. solar flux indice (SFI) continue trending upward? That, of course, depends on Helios Inc.

73 from the shackadelic.

Antenna Case Study | Mac, KE5QDA replied "For HF I put up a flagpole in my back yard..."

Read comment (link).

FlagPole Antenna.

• SGC's 23 Foot Vertical FlagPole Antenna (link).
• International Antenna Company (IAC) StealthBazooka (link).
• Analysis of Force12 FlagPole and FP-40C by VK1OD (link).
• FlagPole Antenna Solutions Using Hustler 4-BTV by David Koch (link).
• ARRL Limited Space and Indoor Antennas Reference Page (link).
• RadioBanter FlagPole Antenna Experiences (link). [Note: According to RadioBanter, one must pay attention to PVC carbon content therefore check PVC grade for carbon content, interesting indeed.]
• ARRL Vertical Antenna Reference Page (link).
• Stealth Ham Antennas with links and additional information by WB0DGF (link).
• Practical Antenna Handbook [Fourth Ed.] by Joseph J. Carr (link). [Note: Google Book and some pages are omitted]

73 from the shackadelic.

The DX List | CQ World Wide DX CW 2008

LZ9W Bulgaria

LN3Z Norway

HD2M Ecuador

EY8MM Tajikistan

E21EIC Thailand

C91LW Mozambique

D4C Cape Verde Island

Contest on.

Antenna Case Study | Questions For Apartment, CC&R, and HOA High Frequency (HF) Operators?

Living in an apartment, CC&R, or HOA defined community with low-tolerance for antenna systems needed for high frequency (HF) operations? But we want to operate. And we are searching for efficient HF antenna systems?

I'm learning based on my living conditions in a CC&R defined community that 1.) Do not be discouraged, if there is a will, there is a way to HF operation, 2.) Understand the age demographic eg. a retired couple, a married couple with or without children, or someone who is single will perceive ham radio in different ways, 3.) We are ham radio marketing agents and, 4.) Our marketing message depends on the age demographic at hand.

Our operating profile is neither sufficient for optimal antennas at optimal heights or one that lends itself to antenna systems that are normalized. By that I mean, do not expect normal results because apartment, CC&R, or HOA operating conditions account for A.) Geography profiles, B.) Living unit density, C.) Construction materials inside our living units, D.) Height restrictions. E.) Proximity to consumer electronics and, F.) Sufficient space for normalized antenna systems.

Yes, we have a difficult situation but, one that is a challenge and not an obstacle. I would like to hear from those who are operating HF inside apartments, CC&R and HOA defined communities.

My Questions.

1. What type of antenna systems are used that is antenna and feed line?
   
2. What antenna system worked?
   
3. What antenna system did not work?
4. Are folded dipoles, end fed wires, long wires, or verticals a practical solution?
   
5. How did you approach your neighbors?
6. Is your antenna system inside your living unit?
   
7. Is your antenna system outside, if so, how do you support your antenna system?
8. Are you operating QRP, high power, or low power?
   
9. Is electromagnetic interference a major drawback to HF operation?
10. Is high power (250-watts or more) important to you?
11. What is most important to you regarding HF operation?
    

73 from the shackadelic.

Northern California DX Foundation, Inc.

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The Link

On HamSphere | Tim, KA0KOU asked "How Do I Get The Other Bands Like 20M 15M 10M..."

Read comment (link).

I suggest reloading HamSphere (link) and see if that solves the problem. If not contact Kelly, SM7NHC directly. His email address is on the HamSphere screenshot [HamSphere ver-26].

73 from the shackadelic.

Bob, K0NR commented "I am very concerned about the Cycle 24 issue you raise."

Read comment (link).

The appearance and longevity of sunspot number 1007 did not satisfy demand. The scarcity of sunspots has high frequency (HF) operators withholding radio frequency (RF) investments in spectrum spaces like 10-, 12-, and 15meters. The high bands are suffering terribly from the down turn however there is good news for the broader spectrum market.

Significant RF investment continues flowing into low band spectrum spaces like 160-, 80-, 30-, and 40meters. However an overall sunspot crunch is not healthy for the RF spectrum. HF operators with a range of hardware derivatives have taken a significant hit in the last few months.

Is Cycle 24 in need of stimulus? Perhaps.

73 from the shackadelic.