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Re: Jay Allen's AM Portables Mega Shootout -- 2016 Update

Michael <michael.setaazul@...>
 

Jay, we are in acute danger of apoplexy, but we will be
in near-extasy as we contemplate your collection in extremis.

F a n t a s t i c !

The US is blessed with yet-so-many AM transmitters.
The Old World is crumbling, with ever fewer AM broadcasts.
Myopically, our eggs are being dumped into the fragile digi-basket.

And if the bad-boys or other malevolent radiators spike digital
networks, what then ??? I, probably a certifiable crank,
am keeping a couple of radios in a buried metal box.

Again, congratlations!

Michael

On 12.03.16 18:35, gkinsman@pacbell.net [ultralightdx] wrote:

<http://radiojayallen.com/am-portables-mega-shootout-2016-update/>
Jay Allen's AM Portables Mega Shootout -- 2016 Update

Gary Kinsman
 

—————AM Portables Mega Shootout – 2016 Update—————
Re: 3" FSL Tecsun PL-380 TP-DX for 3-11

Gary DeBock
 

<<<   Gary, great catches. What is the height of the platform you use for receiving the big gun TP’s in your backyard?   >>>
 
Thanks for your comment, Jerry! 
 
My back yard platform is about 4 feet high, made of PVC and covered with a sheet of plywood. It works pretty well for DXing and recording MP3's... as long as the DXer doesn't accidentally push the digital recorder over the edge into a temporary patch of muddy water :-)
 
73, Gary
  
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: jerry popiel jerry.popiel55@... [ultralightdx]
To: ultralightdx
Sent: Sat, Mar 12, 2016 3:00 am
Subject: [ultralightdx] Re: 3" FSL Tecsun PL-380 TP-DX for 3-11

 
Gary, great catches. What is the height of the platform you use for receiving the big gun TP’s in your backyard?
3" FSL Tecsun PL-380 TP-DX Recordings for 3-11 (Cont.)

Gary DeBock
 

After recording the best-ever signals received from 594-JOAK and 603-HLSA on the stand-alone 3" FSL-enhanced PL-380 yesterday morning a Sony ICD-SX68 digital recorder accidentally fell into a temporarily flooded part of the back yard (water and mud), apparently knocking it out permanently. Nothing could bring it to life for 14 hours. After a thorough disassembly, dry-out and cleaning by a fanatical Navy-trained technician the model apparently decided that the technician was more stubborn than it was, and finally yielded the lost recordings (along with full operating function).  The MP3 of 603-HLSA at 1337 was far and away the best signal that this tiny stand-alone model has ever received from the station, as is the recording from 594-JOAK at 1343.
 
594  JOAK   Tokyo, Japan   Japanese male speech at good level at 1343; best 594 signal ever received on this model
 
603  HLSA   Namyang, S. Korea   Lionel Ritchie's "Say You, Say Me" at good level at 1337, followed by KBS2's deep-voiced male
 
73 and Good DX,
Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
Stand-alone 3" FSL Tecsun PL-380 Ultralight
(Photo of it receiving 603-HLSA in the predawn darkness this morning
 
 
Re: 3" FSL Tecsun PL-380 TP-DX for 3-11

jerry popiel
 

Gary, great catches. What is the height of the platform you use for receiving the big gun TP’s in your backyard?
3" FSL Tecsun PL-380 TP-DX for 3-11

Gary DeBock
 

This morning's TP-DX MP3's as recorded on the "Science Fiction PL-380"-- putting the thrill back into receiving the big gun TP's :-)  A photo from this morning's predawn session in the back yard is posted at https://app.box.com/s/9o9yta553hqb3s0yizhmii3m6gbjvqpz 
 
594  JOAK   Tokyo, Japan   Good-level Japanese female and male speech at 1357
 
603  HLSA   Namyang, S. Korea   Weak speech from the KBS2 deep-voiced male at 1354
 
693  JOAB   Tokyo, Japan   English lesson lady with good-level speech at 1402
 
972  HLCA   Dangjin, S. Korea   Good-level Korean female and male speech at 1355
 
73 and Good DX,
Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
Stand-alone 3" Bar FSL Tecsun PL-380 Ultralight
 
 
Puyallup, WA Ultralight TP's for 3-11

Gary DeBock
 

Big gun Asian signals showed some good energy from 1300-1400 here, but seemed to fizzle with increasing daylight. The NHK powerhouses on 594, 693 and 747 along with 972-HLCA reached very good levels from 1320-1400, and 603-HLSA managed one of its better sessions of the entire new year with brief fair peaks around 1338. Its 558-HLQH parallel also was stronger than usual (poor to fair) around the same time, while a presumed 738-BEL2 also managed fair peaks in and out of the San Francisco splatter in the predawn darkness. In contrast with yesterday the high band was relatively subdued, with only the regulars on 1566 and 1575 managing stable audio at times. Overall the session wasn't bad at all for March, although the complete lack of any sunrise enhancement after 1400 left signals floundering in mediocrity. By 1420 only paltry signals from 594, 693 and 972 were in evidence, with the more obscure TP's having bailed at the first sign of daylight.  
603  HLSA   Namyang, S. Korea   Korean pop music and KBS2 deep-voiced male with fair peak at 1338
 
73 and Good DX,
Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
7.5" loopstick C.Crane Skywave Ultralight+
15" FSL antenna
 
 
Re: Thai Score

josephrot
 

RE: <<  All PE, polyethylene foam, is basically the same. Some is open cell and some 
is closed cell. The cell size determines the density, the listed density is in pounds 
per cubic. In some cases PE foam is cross linked with other materials that are added to improve the strength.  >>
 
Keep in mind that open-cell foam can be an amazing moisture-and-dirt trap where you might not dare want that to happen.

Also, open cell COULD potentially catch a lot more wind in storms, making whatever is using open-cell to blow down / collapse, etc.
 
Closed cell might be a better overall choice, based on ones needs, the job and materials at hand, and the expected lifetime of your results.

Joe Rotello / Knoxville, TN / USA
Puyallup, WA ltralight TP's for 3-10

Gary DeBock
 

Asian propagation improved quite a lot over yesterday with several strong signals from the big guns on 594, 693, 747, 774, 972 and 1566. 1575-VOA also managed a steady fair level during sunrise enhancement to become the standout performer of the morning.
 
At my 1350 start time several NHK stations were managing good to very good signals in and out, including 594, 693 and 747. 972-HLCA also was strong during the predawn darkness with several S9 runs over "Freedom 970" splatter. The high band already had 1575-VOA as the best performer with a steady fair signal (which it maintained right through the session until around 1430), along with an unusually steady signal from 1503-JOUK and a less vibrant one from 1593-CNR1. Some more obscure low band TP's on 603 (apparently China), 639, 657 and 738 made some halfhearted efforts to maintain audio from 1400-1430 but in general were stuck in the twilight zone between readability and imagination. 1134 also had audio in and out during the period (apparently Japanese, in keeping with the trend) but couldn't seem to shake off Vancouver for any length of time. Overall it was a fairly good session for March, although strong audio was certainly limited to the Japanese and Korean big guns. Stiff wind from the latest weather front played havoc in the back yard, though, with various radios threatening to go airborne at times.
 
73 and Good DX,
Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
7.5" loopstick C.Crane Skywave Ultralight + 15" FSL antenna
"Barefoot" 3" FSL Tecsun PL-380 model
 
 
Re: Is there a "lightweight class?" Sony SRF-T615

keith beesley
 

Thanks Guy, good to know. I may have to add a PR-D15 to my "wish list."

Keith Beesley
Seattle WA USA


On Tuesday, March 8, 2016 10:31 AM, "dx@... [ultralightdx]" wrote:


 
Hi Keith,

I share your enthusiasm for the PR-D5 and the newer model PR-D15.

A couple months ago I purchased both the D5 and D15 to try out for close comparisons of DXing performance, features, and ergonomics. 

For me, the D15 won out easily. It surpassed the D5 in half of the DXing tests of selectivity, and was always equal and often better in terms of sensitivity. The handle of the D15 makes a big difference for ease of use in my opinion.

The D5 was returned to Amazon but the D15 is a keeper and I use it every day. On a recent visit to the Oregon coast I had fun pulling in some TPs with the barefoot D15, as well as with my SDRs and other radios along for the trip. I'm finding the D15 to be very versatile and useful. Rarely do I find a radio to be just as adept at everyday, common use around the house as it is a DXing receiver!

73,

Guy Atkins
Puyallup, WA
Re: Thai Score

Everett N4CY
 

All PE, polyethylene foam, is basically the same. Some is open cell and some 
is closed cell. The cell size determines the density, the listed density is in pounds 
per cubic. In some cases PE foam is cross linked with other materials that are added to improve the strength. 

Everett N4CY


On Mar 8, 2016, at 12:36 PM, dx@... [ultralightdx] <ultralightdx@...> wrote:

 

I believe I've read it in a crystal radio enthusiasts forum, but it's my understanding that the "Dissipation Factor" of various plastics, foam, (or other materials) is what makes the difference. A very low dissipation factor is desirable.


Check out this list of "Electrical Properties of Plastics": Electrical Properties of Plastics

 

73, 
Guy Atkins
Puyallup, WA



---In ultralightdx@..., wrote :

Any idea why some foam results in poorer performance?
Last year I tried a "knock-up" with old hotel-radio
ferrites, good litz (with and without a silver-plated
air-spaced variable C) and whatever was to hand. So maybe
the UK-sourced foam was part of the reason for disappointment.
Could it be that some foam has metallic content?
To try again, I would have to try foam from different
sources on a hit-and-miss basis. As LW and MW is dying
in Europe, I am reticent to risk too much outlay and will
probably return to a longer single ferrite rod and/or
1meter dia frame loop

Michael

On 04.03.16 23:50, D1028Gary@... [ultralightdx] wrote:

> <<< I am in the process of gathering materials to build the 3 " FSL
> antenna, I am just wondering where you can buy the Oatey 4x4 foam closet
> spacers? >>>
> The Oatey 4" foam spacer material is sold at Home Depot stores within
> the USA, and is located in the plumbing section of such stores. It is
> extremely cheap, with a full roll of the material (good enough for 2 or
> 3 antenna jobs) costing just over $1.
> Because this material is so cheap and because it is actually quite
> important for proper FSL coil sensitivity, substitutions are not
> recommended. Already one DXer did a very good job in constructing his 3"
> FSL PL-380 model but used a different type of foam, and ended up with
> seriously reduced MW sensitivity as a result.
 
Re: Thai Score

Guy Atkins
 

I believe I've read it in a crystal radio enthusiasts forum, but it's my understanding that the "Dissipation Factor" of various plastics, foam, (or other materials) is what makes the difference. A very low dissipation factor is desirable.

Check out this list of "Electrical Properties of Plastics": Electrical Properties of Plastics

 

73, 
Guy Atkins
Puyallup, WA



---In ultralightdx@..., <michael.setaazul@...> wrote :

Any idea why some foam results in poorer performance?
Last year I tried a "knock-up" with old hotel-radio
ferrites, good litz (with and without a silver-plated
air-spaced variable C) and whatever was to hand. So maybe
the UK-sourced foam was part of the reason for disappointment.
Could it be that some foam has metallic content?
To try again, I would have to try foam from different
sources on a hit-and-miss basis. As LW and MW is dying
in Europe, I am reticent to risk too much outlay and will
probably return to a longer single ferrite rod and/or
1meter dia frame loop

Michael

On 04.03.16 23:50, D1028Gary@... [ultralightdx] wrote:

> <<< I am in the process of gathering materials to build the 3 " FSL
> antenna, I am just wondering where you can buy the Oatey 4x4 foam closet
> spacers? >>>
> The Oatey 4" foam spacer material is sold at Home Depot stores within
> the USA, and is located in the plumbing section of such stores. It is
> extremely cheap, with a full roll of the material (good enough for 2 or
> 3 antenna jobs) costing just over $1.
> Because this material is so cheap and because it is actually quite
> important for proper FSL coil sensitivity, substitutions are not
> recommended. Already one DXer did a very good job in constructing his 3"
> FSL PL-380 model but used a different type of foam, and ended up with
> seriously reduced MW sensitivity as a result.
 
Re: Is there a "lightweight class?" Sony SRF-T615

Guy Atkins
 

Hi Keith,

I share your enthusiasm for the PR-D5 and the newer model PR-D15.

A couple months ago I purchased both the D5 and D15 to try out for close comparisons of DXing performance, features, and ergonomics. 

For me, the D15 won out easily. It surpassed the D5 in half of the DXing tests of selectivity, and was always equal and often better in terms of sensitivity. The handle of the D15 makes a big difference for ease of use in my opinion.

The D5 was returned to Amazon but the D15 is a keeper and I use it every day. On a recent visit to the Oregon coast I had fun pulling in some TPs with the barefoot D15, as well as with my SDRs and other radios along for the trip. I'm finding the D15 to be very versatile and useful. Rarely do I find a radio to be just as adept at everyday, common use around the house as it is a DXing receiver!

73,

Guy Atkins
Puyallup, WA
Re: Thai Score

Michael <michael.setaazul@...>
 

Thanks for the clarification, Gary. It is curious that there can
be such a difference with different foam. Material composition
may be significant, but is thickness and spacing more critical
than quality or composition of the foam?

Has anyone in the Old World experimented with locally
available materials - including hoarded packaging stuff?

With the rods recovered from old hotel radios, I might give
it a try. However without comparison with an optimised design,
I would never know how well my knock-up was performing :-)

Michael

On 07.03.16 02:35, D1028Gary@aol.com [ultralightdx] wrote:
. . .
The choice and thickness of the foam between an FSL's coil and its
ferrite material is a major factor in determining an FSL's ultimate
sensitivity. The 1/4" (6mm) thick Oatey foam is strong and resilient,
and has provided excellent results in FSL antennas since 2011. Along
with substitutions in the type of Litz wire and ferrite material,
substitutions in the type of foam are not recommended if someone wishes
to obtain the designed MW sensitivity in a hard-wired FSL Tecsun PL-380
project.

After the U.K.'s Graham Maynard published his original Ferrite Sleeve
article in 2011 there was a torrent of experimentation here in the U.S.
to determine the best possible components for maximum FSL sensitivity.
Ferrite bars, ferrite rods, Litz wire, foam material, frame material and
variable caps were all thoroughly investigated. Various brands of foam
material were tested in various thicknesses, and the original FSL
experimenters (Steve, Kevin and I) determined that a thickness of about
1/4" (6mm) was close to ideal for maximum sensitivity.
. . .
Re: Thai Score

jerry popiel
 

Jerry, there is another option re the foam tape to try. I used “Aerotape Self-Adhesive  Insulation Foam Tape for 3 of my FSL projects including the latest 3” FSL.  The tape comes in rolls of 1/8” X 2” X 30ft. So you need to double it up to get the required 1/4” spacing. It works well and holds the 100mm Ferrite Bars in as a bonus.
You can find it on Amazon.com. 

Amazon.com: Itp Aerotape Self Adhering Foam Tape 1/8 " X  2 “  X  30FT

See picture below. 
Jerry 

  
Re: Is there a "lightweight class?" Sony SRF-T615

keith beesley
 

I love my PR-D5s! I have a white one I bought new several years ago, and a black one I found recently in a thrift store for $5! (for some reason, radios often seem to come to me in twos). Both work perfectly and they're among my favorite "general purpose" radios--great reception, good sound (better on FM than AM), easy to carry around from room to room or outside on a nice day. 

A similar radio I like a lot is the Sangean H201 "shower radio," far more than just an average bathroom radio. Sturdy build, reception as good or almost as good as the PR-D5 despite having only a small wire antenna for FM, and it also gets the NOAA weather forecasts. 

Keith Beesley
Seattle WA 
Re: Thai Score

Gary DeBock
 

Hi Jerry,
 
<<<   I am going to use Sill Seal, 5 1/2" width found at
Menard's, by Plymouth Foam Co.    >>>
 
You are of course welcome to use any type of foam that you wish, but already one DXer tried using window sill foam instead of the Oatey foam, and ended up with seriously reduced MW sensitivity as a result. The model's MW sensitivity was fully restored when the window sill foam was replaced with the Oatey foam.
 
73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)

  
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Jerry Rappel ww0e@q.com [ultralightdx]
To: ultralightdx
Sent: Mon, Mar 7, 2016 6:16 pm
Subject: Re: [ultralightdx] Re: Thai Score

 
I am going to use Sill Seal, 5 1/2" width found at


Jerry  WWØE

From: "jga747@... [ultralightdx]" <ultralightdx@...>
To: ultralightdx@...
Sent: Monday, March 7, 2016 5:47:26 PM
Subject: Re: [ultralightdx] Re: Thai Score

 
Gary,

         I've looked at several local Home Depots and Lowe's for the foam closet spacers and have had no luck, I've even checked the website and they only list the 4x82 foot sections. So I may have to take you up on your offer. Please let me know your email address and we can coordinate.

Thanks,

Joe
Re: Thai Score

Jerry Rappel <ww0e@...>
 

I am going to use Sill Seal, 5 1/2" width found at
Menard's, by Plymouth Foam Co. 

 http://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/insulation/insulation-accessories/plymouth-foam-5-1-2-x-50-standard-foam-sill-sealer/p-1444451015061.htm


Jerry  WWØE

From: "jga747@... [ultralightdx]"
To: ultralightdx@...
Sent: Monday, March 7, 2016 5:47:26 PM
Subject: Re: [ultralightdx] Re: Thai Score

 

Gary,


         I've looked at several local Home Depots and Lowe's for the foam closet spacers and have had no luck, I've even checked the website and they only list the 4x82 foot sections. So I may have to take you up on your offer. Please let me know your email address and we can coordinate.

Thanks,

Joe
Re: Thai Score

Gary DeBock
 

Hi Joe,
 
<<<      I've looked at several local Home Depots and Lowe's for the foam closet spacers and have had no luck, I've even checked the website and they only list the 4x82 foot sections. So I may have to take you up on your offer. Please let me know your email address and we can coordinate.  >>>
 
No problem. My email address is d1028gary@... , and I can send you a pack of the Oatey foam ASAP if you give me your shipping address privately, along with a $5 PayPal payment (I assume that you are in the U.S.). For those outside of the U.S. who really want to build the 3" FSL Tecsun PL-380 but who can't find the Oatey foam, please send me an email, and I'll try to help out.
 
73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
 
 
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: jga747@... [ultralightdx]
To: ultralightdx
Sent: Mon, Mar 7, 2016 3:47 pm
Subject: Re: [ultralightdx] Re: Thai Score

 
Gary,

         I've looked at several local Home Depots and Lowe's for the foam closet spacers and have had no luck, I've even checked the website and they only list the 4x82 foot sections. So I may have to take you up on your offer. Please let me know your email address and we can coordinate.

Thanks,

Joe
Re: Thai Score

Joe
 

Gary,

         I've looked at several local Home Depots and Lowe's for the foam closet spacers and have had no luck, I've even checked the website and they only list the 4x82 foot sections. So I may have to take you up on your offer. Please let me know your email address and we can coordinate.

Thanks,

Joe
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