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Re: A new PL-310 - did not like mine.
Michael Evans - Mike MBR <michaelrae65@...>
Hi Rick. Bit late for a reply as only just joined, I sent my PL-380 back, for one thing no external antenna socket, guys said get a 300 which has one, mine had a slow DSP it just would not catch up plus a whine, LW only had two station there should have been 7 min during the day, MW BC band was not that sensitive, in the end I got a Degen de 1103 gret on all bands, friend put in 80 khz filters for VHF CCIR band now a very hot radio. Mike MBR UK.
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--- In ultralightdx@..., Rick Robinson <w4dst@...> wrote:
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OIRT Band on shoot out radios.
Michael Evans - Mike MBR <michaelrae65@...>
Hi. Having read the shoot outs and thinking "Um - Kchibo D96L for me" I noted it has the OIRT band 65-74 MHz which I am interested in.
Now in the USA the spacing is 200 KHz for the CCIR band {I am not living there} in the UK Europe 100 KHz spacing and for the OIRT band 30 khz is this switching auto for each VHF band or is it depending on the DSP doing the job of centring to a tuned frequency, hope you see where I am coming from here as I am not very tech but know about spacings. Mike MBR UK.
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Re: FM Log 8.10.10
wa8lcz
hi tony,
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12 new ones today!!! unbelievable. very nice. did you put up a tower ??? byron
--- In ultralightdx@..., Antonios Kekalos <akekalos@...> wrote:
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Re: Grundig G6
jaypolicow@snet.net <jaypolicow@...>
You have to separate noise floors in the radios you compare with the noise level in your environment. The only really accurate comparisons of radio sensitivity are done where the ambient RF noise level (RFI) is low enough to reveal the inherent signal to noise ratio difference of the rreceivers under test. If there is local RFI the tests ae skewed and not very meaningful.
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Also local noise usually manifests itself as a buzz, not a pure hiss such as when listening to a very weak AM signal in a very quiet RF environment. Jay Allen
--- In ultralightdx@..., Scott Macatee <scottmac112@...> wrote:
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Re: High-Q LW loop for the PL-380
bbwrwy
Peter:
Thank you for posting the photo of your loop. I enjoyed seeing the Selena 212 receiver in the background, but it will never qualify as an ultralight radio. I own several of the Soviet era receivers and ultralight they aren't. My favorite is an Ocean 214 which weigh 4.6 kilograms (10.14 pounds) with six D cells. The export version was the Selena B215. Sadly, I've never been able to get the 214 to work properly. But it's a fantastic conversation piece. And, it might not blow away in a tornado. Good DX. Richard. Richard Allen 36°22'51"N, 97°26'35"W
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FM Log 8.10.10
Antonios Kekalos <akekalos@...>
All times EDT, RX Insignia NS-HD01
0647, 100.3, WGRY, Grayling MI,60K (dupe) 0651, 102.5, WIOG, Bay City MI, 86K, 47mi/76km (dupe) 0656, 102.7, WMOM, Pentwater MI, 6K, 76mi/122km (dupe) 0657, 103.9, WCMW, Harbor Springs, 12K, 60mi/98km, RDS 0705, 106.5, WVFM, Kalamazoo MI, 33K, 169mi/273km -- Tony, N4RNI Traverse City, MI EN74dq FISTS #14949, SWLR-RN072, WA8050SWL Not every conspiracy is a theory-AMC's Rubicon
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Re: Curious minds want to know ... why no SSB?
dhsatyadhana <satya@...>
Hi Neil:
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Thanks for your question! I'll put in my two cents. In general, one of the attractions of Ultralights is that one can take a small consumer-grade, AM-only receiver (as opposed to one built with a DX hobbyist in mind) and still pull in an incredible amount of DX. With the limitation of AM-only, additional skill and luck is required, which is part of the fun and challenge. With SSB or synch, one has the ability to inject/augment the carrier (which enhances the ability to hear a weak or fading station), and more importantly to select an individual sideband, which is a tremendous advantage in tough DX situations. SSB also allows the detection of split-frequency heterodynes, another big advantage when listening for trans-oceanic signals. If one did not want this artificial handicap, then one would use a communications receiver, but for me part of the fun and challenge is to see what can be received using minimal equipment, analogous to crystal set builders who voluntarily place even bigger obstacles in front of themselves. The ULR definitions were crafted with this general principle in mind. Some receivers now have DSP filtering, but are still exclusively AM receivers without the ability to isolate an individual sideband. As with all AM radios, they can favor one sideband to some degree, but it falls well short of what a synch or SSB-equipped receiver can do. For example, synch and SSB on my Sony 7600GR, even with its ho-hum filtering, make it a better DX rig IMHO than the Tecsun PL-380. Truth be told, the DSP filters on the newer radios don't have particularly good skirt selectivity, compared to even cheap filters found in analog sets, much less the DSP filters on a Perseus SDR: as such, the consumer-grade DSP filtering is something of a trade-off. Also, since DSP is the apparent wave of the future for even cheap consumer-grade receivers, disqualifying DSP sets would eventually rule out buying any new Ultralights(!). If a small radio had an RF gain control or a pre-amp, being able to boost or cut the RF signal wouldn't, in my experience, provide the same sort of advantage as SSB or synch, and would not be a disqualifier. I am not aware of these controls being in a small, under-$100 set - my guess is that it would cost too much to implement - so it may not ever be an issue. As you say, large external antennas do indeed offer a big advantage, which is why we differentiate between "barefoot" class and "unlimited" class for reception records and contests. Putting new filters and ferrites into off-the-shelf receivers also propels one into the unlimited class. Even with these augmentations, as monstrous as they may be at times, one still has the limitation of processing the signal on a cheap little AM-only receiver. For me, who like others had lost a degree of enthusiasm for DXing with a communications receiver, Ultralight DXing offered (and continues to offer) a much-appreciated shot in the DX arm for interest and enthusiasm. Thanks - Kevin S Bainbridge Island, WA
--- In ultralightdx@..., "neilkj6fba" <neil.bell@...> wrote:
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Re: Curious minds want to know ... why no SSB?
Mike Mayer <mwmayer@...>
That may be old information. I don’t see the G5 on their web site. Maybe they already sold them all? I suppose individual stores may still have stock.
========================================================== From:
ultralightdx@... [mailto:ultralightdx@...] On Behalf Of dmccorm@...
On that
subject yet, OT. I just read that the G5 is being put on clearance at
RadioShack's that have them. Just FYI. It's a great rig in the DE/KA 110x
series of radios IMHO.
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Re: Curious minds want to know ... why no SSB?
dmccorm@...
On that subject yet, OT. I just read that the G5 is being put on clearance at RadioShack's that have them. Just FYI. It's a great rig in the DE/KA 110x series of radios IMHO.
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---- neilkj6fba <neil.bell@...> wrote:
The definition of "Ultralight" radios seemingly excludes radios with SSB
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Curious minds want to know ... why no SSB?
neilkj6fba <neil.bell@...>
The definition of "Ultralight" radios seemingly excludes radios with SSB
or sync capabilities since they would have an unfair advantage. However, radios with DSP are readily accepted. Does not a DSP radio have an advantage of over radios? How about small sized radios with RF gain controls or pre-amps? What makes synchronous detection so disqualifying? Does not a LARGE external antenna give an advantage over a "barefoot" radio? Is a radio using a 6 foot square directional loop still "consumer grade?" Sure doesn't fit in my pocket! I can certainly understand the goal of keep low cost as a factor in ranking a radio as ultralight and also the importance of size. But aren't both of these factors stretched substantially when large antennas are used to create "records of achievement" or internal modifications far beyond the ability of consumers? I realize that there are criteria for the awards program that divide into Barefoot and Unlimited.
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Re: Curious minds want to know ... why no SSB?
Hi Neil, Kevin and Others,
Kevin's detailed explanation concerning the unsuitability of SSB in
"consumer-grade" Ultralight radios is quite profound, and reflects the original
thinking of John Bryant in setting up the ULR group classification system
in early 2008. John solicited ideas from the leaders of the movement at
that time (including Kevin, who by the way is the originator of the
"Ultralight Radio" moniker), and we all agreed that SSB capability would create
an unfair advantage in chasing DX on pocket radios (although at that time,
nothing like the G6 existed).
DSP capability was discussed by the Definitions Committee (plus John
and me) when the first PL-300WT models came out, and we reached a quick
consensus that this was a positive change for ULR's, and something that would
not create an unfair advantage. The fact that many barefoot ULR DXers
continue to prefer traditional models like the SRF-T615 and the E100 confirms
that thinking. We had a DSP-related discussion about the multiple filters (which
were not originally allowed), and decided to allow them.
As for large external antennas, Neil, the "barefoot" award class
rules these out, and would be the perfect competitive forum for those ULR-DXers
not enthused with tinkering, monster loops, and similar fanaticism. The
"unlimited" ULR award class was essentially set up by two incurable antenna
fanatics-- John B. and me. We took great pleasure in trying to outdo each other,
and really didn't care how big the antennas became (as long as we were rolling
in the TP's at Grayland). Seriously, though, the ULR "Unlimited Class" has
really been a boon for antenna experimentation of all types, and if you assess
the current AM-DXing community for centers of technical enthusiasm and
innovation, you will find that our booming ULR group is right at the top of the
list. The combination of relatively cheap receivers and supremely innovative
DXers has created this unique situation, a definite tribute to John,
Kevin and the other founding fathers.
73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA)
In a message dated 8/10/2010 10:53:18 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
satya@... writes:
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Re: Tropo Logs- August 8-9
MarkWA1ION
Spreadsheet may have been going by "old" WBMX on 98.5, which is now WBZ-FM. It transmits from Needham Heights (a bit south of Route 9, and just off Routes 128/I-95), about 10 miles west-southwest of downtown Boston. 98.5 also had previous lives as WROR (now on 105.7) and WRKO-FM (one of the first places to hear FM stereo top 40 around here in 1966).
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104.1 was previously famed rocker WBCN and had been on the top of "the Pru" since the early '70s (or before) when it had moved there from the nearby "old" John Hancock building. 107.9 ("Kiss 108") has also transmitted from the Prudential Tower since the '70s when it was a leader in disco music. Mark Connelly, WA1ION Billerica, MA + South Yarmouth, MA
--- In ultralightdx@..., John Cereghin <jcereghin@...> wrote:
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FM Log 8.9.10
Antonios Kekalos <akekalos@...>
All times EDT, RX Insignia NS-HD01 and Grundig G8
0710, 98.9, WKLT, Kalkaska MI, 32K, 27mi/43km, NS-HD01 0717, 99.3, WROE, Neenah-Menasha WI, 13K, 147mi, NS-HD01 0719, 101.5, WMTE, Manistee MI, 6K, 48mi/77km, "Your Classic Hits Station Kool 101.5", NS-HD01 0727, 106.3, WKLA, Ludington MI, 4.9K, 66mi/107km, "The Lakeshores Hit Music Station KLA", NS-HD01 0750, 91.9, WGCP, Cadillac MI, 2.1K, 35mi/56km, G8 0802, 91.9, WHDI, Sister Bay WI, 3.4K, 78mi/126km, "Wisconsin Public Radio", G8 0824, 106.3, WMXG, Stephenson MI, Upper Peninsula, 50K, 111mi/179km, G8 -- Tony, N4RNI Traverse City, MI EN74dq FISTS #14949, SWLR-RN072, WA8050SWL Not every conspiracy is a theory-AMC's Rubicon
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Re: High-Q LW loop for the PL-380
slowfly55
Hello Gary
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Thank you for your comment that is much appreciated. I agree, that a 6' or even bigger loop would boost LW reception wildly and I hope, that you'll find time to prove it. My idea was to get maximum sensitivity with a small antenna.What is very useful here in Europe with stations only 6 kHz apart (177,183) is the small bandwith of the loop. I put a photo of the loop into the photo section. In the background you see my reference receiver Selena 212, that is definitely better on LW than my Sony ICF-2010. 73, Peter K. in Schaffhausen/Switzerland
--- In ultralightdx@..., D1028Gary@... wrote:
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Re: Tropo Logs- August 8-9
bbwrwy
John:
Congratulations on your successful session. I monitorwd your activity on the Internet Sunday night. With the typical August high temperatures and low humidity, tropospheric propagation has dried up here, but July was good month. Too bad the E-skip season was so short. Best wishes for many more new stations this summer. Richard. Richard Allen 36°22'51"N / 97°26'35"W
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Re: Tropo Logs- August 8-9
John Cereghin <jcereghin@...>
Thanks, Mark. I was using Gerald Westerberg's FM spreadsheets for the distances to WXKS and WBMX,
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On Mon, Aug 9, 2010 at 10:19 AM, MarkWA1ION <MarkWA1ION@...> wrote:
--
John Cereghin WDX3IAO KB3LYP Smyrna, Delaware My radio page www.pilgrimway.org/dx The Ultralight Scoreboard www.pilgrimway.org/ulradio
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Re: New logs from Connecticut
terribly wet
Don't ask me how I missed that. Dumb me. I guess I never look up 1040.
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I was thinking it was my receivers and maybe something to do with HD hsssssssssssssssssssss So NYC ESPN 1050 'is' also on 1040. WNJE AM 1040 kHz DA3 Daytime B B LIC FLEMINGTON NJ US BL-20080111AGM 15.0 kW 28130 NASSAU BROADCASTING II,LLC WNJE AM 1040 kHz DA3 Nighttime B B LIC FLEMINGTON NJ US BL-20080111AGM 1.5 kW 28130 NASSAU BROADCASTING II, LLC WNJE AM 1040 kHz DA3 Critical Hours B B LIC FLEMINGTON NJ US BL-20080111AGM 7.5 kW 28130 NASSAU BROADCASTING II, LLC
--- In ultralightdx@..., "ferrite61" <dxrx@...> wrote:
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Re: Grundig G6
Kevin S <satya@...>
Thanks Paul. I have tried the G5 - it seemed about as good as my Sony
7600GR on LW. Both respond quite well to the Q Stick on LW, FWIW. Unfortunately, I think my biggest challenge is that I live across the continent from Europe, so when there is a LW opening, I need an antenna almost the size of Europe to hear anything! You guys on the East Coast have all the luck... :-) Kevin 18-20 of them here in one sitting around dusk. I put a typical log in thefiles under the "Members loggings and DXpeditions" as g5LW. /OT
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Re: Grundig G6
ferrite61 <dxrx@...>
OT: point about LW performance
"LW on the G8 is abysmal, while it is passable on the PL-310 and PL-380. Truth be told, without a good external or big passive loop, I seriously doubt you would hear any of the Asian of European LW stations, though. Even the Sony 7600GR, a definite step up sensitivity-wise on LW, needs serious help as well: the Quantum Q Stick works well, but a large PVC-framed passive loop is probably the ticket from your location. Hope this helps - Kevin" Kevin... have you ever tried the DE-1103 or E5/G5 on LW? Jeez, I get 18-20 of them here in one sitting around dusk. I put a typical log in the files under the "Members loggings and DXpeditions" as g5LW. /OT Paul S. in CT
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Re: Grundig G6
ferrite61 <dxrx@...>
If we're talking Ultralights, then Tecsun makes a good variety of consistently high-quality radios. Right now there's the R-911, and R-9012 analogs, and the PL-300wt, PL-310, and PL-380 DSP models. The only one missing is the more-expensive PL-210 that is availible at eCrater. (I haven't checked Amazon for that model... should be about $65-$70 Shipped)
If you want to go just outside the Ultralight box, Tecsun makes a PL-450 model that is essentially a PL-200 thats a little larger and uses 3 AA batteries. Its not an ultralight because its volume is 21 cubic inches, just above the maximum 20 cu. in. permitted. All of the features and functions of a PL-200 with 600 memories. The Pl-450 reviews as good as the PL-200 functionally, with a bit better audio quality. (An example of size matters.) Degen makes equally good radios, they're just not ultralights. Reviews of the newer 11xx series are mixed, which is a bit concerning here. The 1102's and 1103's are considered excellent bang for buck with SSB and quiet noise floor. (The Eton E5 or G5 are direct equivilent, and have better tuning controls for about the same price.) And of course there's the legendary Sony analogs that started the whole idea models SRF-39, 49, 59 models, and the newer 615-T. Others like the Sangean DT-400W or DT-200x. Both of the Sangeans tested well here. Paul S. in CT "Well, that looks like a consensus there, folks. Is the mini 400 any better? I could snag one from Amazon right now for $30. Or which of these brands is better: Tecsun or Degen, and is either better than Grundig/Eton? I'm not much into SWL, but if it performs better than my G8 in that respect, I might give it a whirl. I'm mainly concerned with MW and FM (especially), because longwave is useless down here, and it takes a special radio to pick up the OCCASIONAL tropospheric episode we get. Thanks to all!" Scott Hobbs, NM
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