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Re: ULTRALIGHT DX........2 NEW GRAVEYARDERS @ SUNSET tonight!!...
Hi Rob,
I'm glad the Franken-ULR is scaring up some great
Graveyard DX for you! I've uploaded a photo of this analog avenger on the
Ultralightdx photo album, "Roll Your Own DXing Monster." To my knowledge,
It's the only analog ultralight ever to receive Australia from North America
(5AN-891 at Grayland, last July).
73, Gary
In a message dated 2/27/2009 4:03:29 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
va3sw@... writes:
Get a jump start on your taxes. Find a tax professional in your neighborhood today.
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Re: One new one at sunrise- WHBK-1460...QUESTION RE: ID on this Station.......
John Cereghin <jcereghin@...>
Rob,
The station was way down in the muck (with a listed power of 500/139 watts, it's no wonder!) and I didn't hear any such slogans, but the signal was not that strong or steady to begin with. Audio was rather rough at times. I did get the definite call ID (with usual strong southern accent) and their southern gospel music, but not much else. John Cereghin Smyrna DE --- In ultralightdx@..., "Robert S.Ross VA3SW" <va3sw@...> wrote:
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Re: One new one at sunrise- WHBK-1460...QUESTION RE: ID on this Station.......
John Cereghin wrote:
Hi John...... When this station ID'd...did they ever ID as "SOLID GOSPEL"...or "SOLID GOSPEL 105"....... When I heard a UNID last week on 1460 ID'ing as "Solid Gospel 105"...there was some speculation that it may have been WHBK Marshall that was IDing as SOLID GOSPEL 105. Just curious whether you heard any ID's like this from WHBK??? Thanks...ROB Robert S. Ross VA3SW London, Ontario CANADA ._,_.
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HDTV hash solved! (whew...)
satya@...
Hi all:
Thanks to the many suggestions and ideas. I tried 'em all, and the one that worked was to minimize the length of coax between the little UHF circular antenna and the converter box. The converter box itself gives off a little RF but only up close, similar to most modern electronic gear. However, when you hook up an external antenna, the digital converter apparently radiates the noise over the antenna feed cable. I had an elaborate switching network for when I utilized more than one antenna, and bypassing all that got rid of the noise. Hope this helps someone else faced with this problem! "Hash" is a gentle descriptor - it was more like a solid high-pitch whine/buzz which precluded DX on the lower band. Fortunately, peaceful coexistence has been restored between my DXing and the girls' TV viewing (in fact, the signal on the TV is a little better!). Thanks again - Kevin S Bainbridge Island, WA
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Slider decision, comparison of E100 and SWP (both with filter mod)
MarkWA1ION
I have had Steve Ratzlaff modify both an Eton E100 and a C. Crane SWP
for me with the Murata filter. The modification, in both cases, makes these little radios into competent foreign DX machines. Selectivity turns out to be comparable which, I guess, is what you would expect. TA activity was a bit light last night (best on the low end), but both receivers had no problem separating Morocco-612 from the WGIR/CHNC/WIP/WIOD/Cuba "furball" on 610. Closer splits like Algeria- 549 and Canaries-621 were occasionally "sliceable" but needed a bit more signal strength to be comparable to adjacent domestics. A short drive away at the shore, these would have been "lead-pipe cinches". The idea, once both radios were back here, was to choose one to be "sliderized" by Gary DeBock whilst keeping the other one as-is for travel demands where fragility of the slider assembly or undue airport security curiosity could be "negatives". I am choosing to have the SWP modified with the slider on the following grounds: (a) The Eton E100 is somewhat more sensitive above 1000 kHz, about the same 750-1000, and only a bit "deafer" below 750. Thus it has the edge over a greater portion of the band than the SWP, so it needs less help. I can always pull up the Radio Shack passive loop if I need to peak up low band signals. (b) The shortwave frequency ranges are less on the SWP, so it lends itself to being converted to something which will be utilized primarily for medium-wave DX duty. In a couple of months, or sooner if the weather is good, I am going to take 3 to 5 of my more sensitive portables to a local park within 5 miles of several transmitter sites including 50 kW monsters on 680 and 1510. Rejection of spurious responses will be an obvious metric along with the usual testing for audio recovery on weak daytime signals (there are many metro-NYC targets at about 200-250 miles perfect for this) and selectivity next to strong sloppers. I expect that the slider SWP will be among the select group of high sensitivity sets, along with the much larger Sony ICF-S5W and ICF- 2010, the C. Crane CCRadio, and others. Preliminary sensitivity screening here so far shows ICF-S5W as tops in that regard, so it will be interesting to compare the slider SWP when I get it back. The outdoor testing not far from several transmitter sites will sort out the winners from the 'wannabes' in the spur-rejection part of the game. Mark Connelly, WA1ION - Billerica, MA
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Re: ULTRALIGHT DX..... REPLY to JACK LEONARD..RE SONY SRF-...
Hello Jack,
There is a more current Ultralight Shootout review
posted on dxer.ca, the "Ultralight Radio Summertime Shootout," in which the new
Sangean DT-400W is recommended (along with the E100). Since it's currently
on Page 2 of the "Ultralight Radio File" section on dxer.ca, many DXers haven't
even seen it. Five models (SRF-S84, SRF-M37W, SRF-M97, E100 and DT-400W)
are extensively compared, and I hope it helps you.
73, Gary DeBock
In a message dated 2/27/2009 6:04:46 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
jleonard@... writes:
Get a jump start on your taxes. Find a tax professional in your neighborhood today.
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Re: ULTRALIGHT DX..... REPLY to JACK LEONARD..RE SONY SRF-T615 ULR
franktowntrain <jleonard@...>
Richard, thanks for your kind advice, I've just gotten in to AM Dxing
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
but finding it a very rewarding hobby if a little confusing as to what equipment I should be using. Yes the price of the T615 is a problem for me, I am considering the Sangean DT200VX after reading Gary DeBock's 2008 shootout article on DXer.ca. He thinks the DT200VX is worthy rival for the T615. Gary says. "The 2007 Shootout digital winner, the DT-200VX, is tough competition however , with superior memory capacity, superior immunity to urban RF issues, and very competitive AGC and audio. The choice of these two would basically depend on whether urban RF issues are likely to be a major problem." I can buy the Sangean unit here in Canada for less than half the cost of the T615, that's a big difference. Unfortunately there is a 3 week wait from the Canadian supplier right now, but I could handle that. As to the Eton E100, I have come to appreciate that it is a very good AM receiver and no doubt I will learn to use it better as time goes on. As to alignment, I'm afraid I don't have the technical skills to undertake that. I do notice when using the E100 that I can hear sometimes 1 or two stations "under" the main signal I am listening to and I think what you mean by alignment would probably help to seperate those signals? Thanks to all for the help and advice Jack Leonard
--- In ultralightdx@..., "bbwrwy" <richarda@...> wrote:
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One new one at sunrise- WHBK-1460
John Cereghin <jcereghin@...>
Logged WHBK, 1460 in Marshall NC this morning at 0630 with southern
gospel music, weather ending with "...right here on WHBK..." Heard on the DT-200VX barefoot and UL station #515. A 456-mile catch. John Cereghin Smyrna DE
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unidentified on 1290 khz
Allen Willie
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Re: ULTRALIGHT DX..... REPLY to JACK LEONARD..RE SONY SRF-T615 ULR
bbwrwy
Jack:
Thus far, I've only used my SRF-T615 barefoot. I'm not sure what you mean by "holding a signal". The T615 is quite sensitive, but it will not receive the very weak signals sometimes audible on a more expensive communications set like my ICOM R75. Weak signals are always going to be easier to hear with communications receiver I find when the signal fades out on the T615 it's still audible on the ICOM for awhile longer. But for a very miniscule receiver I find it phenomenal. Your E100 probably just needs a good alignment. Look at John Bryant's article "The Eton E100: Disassembly & Alignment" posted at www.dxer.ca. Once aligned, it should be as sensitive or even more than the T615 at the high end of the AM band. However, it will still be less sensitive at the lower end of the band. That's why DXers have been modifying their E100 with "slider" antennas. I would use my E100 more if it were not for the extreme nulling capability of the T615. The Etón has advantages over the T615, such as direct frequency entry and ability to be tune in 1 kHz steps. I have heard Japan and Croatia in Oklahoma with a barefoot, stock E100. Before spending a lot of money (almost double from a year ago) on a T615, my suggestion is have your E100 re-aligned. If you don't feel comfortable aligning it yourself, there is somebody here that will help you. Best wishes. Richard Allen 36°22'51"N / 97°26'36"W (near Perry OK USA)
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Re: dxing at sunrise: WBOB
At 07:11 AM 2/26/2009, you wrote:
Allen, Allen...this Station...WBOB in Florida seems to get out quite well in the AM. I have heard it twice on Sunrise Skip here in ONTARIO on The T-615 ULR!! And John...we have a Local FM Station here in London Ontario on 102.3 FM....that also uses the Slogan "Turn your Knob to Bob!!"....However...I don't know if they have the Bumper Stickers as well...I should check that out!! I know they have BillBoards here in London that say that!! 73....ROB. Robert S. Ross VA3SW Box 1003, Stn. B. London, Ontario CANADA N6A5K1 Antique/Vintage Radio Enthusiast Amateur Radio Stations VA3SW/VE3JFC Enjoy Ultralight Radio DXing......It's like being a KID again!! Defy Physics.....Play Table Tennis!! (Ping Pong with an Attitude) «¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«
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Re: Sony SRF T615
Jay Heyl
On Thu, Feb 26, 2009 at 12:48 PM, jmallery2002 <jmallery@...> wrote:
Sony has it listed in their 2009 "Overseas" catalog for 9400 Yen (~$95) before taxes. I believe the whole point of the catalog is to list items that are supposed to be for sale outside Japan, so it would make sense that some official Sony outlet would have them available. Interestingly, the catalog also lists the ICF-SW7600GR at 40,000 Yen, which would be $406 at today's exchange rate. US list price is $200. Amazon has it for less than $140. Makes me wonder how much the SRF-T615 would cost if it was actively marketed in the US. Probably more like $50. -- Jay
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Composite log partners ?
Carl DeWhitt
Does anyone in Tennessee or any of the states bordering it want to do a
composite log like the 3 Okies are doing ?I think i would be interested in this once i get back online from home and have a chance to get my log on my computer.I should be back online at home within 1-2 weeks. 73 and good dx Carl DeWhitt Maryville,Tn.
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Re: Cuban on 900 khz
Carl DeWhitt
---I dont think i heard a Cuban on 900 kHz yet.But i heard Radio
Ciudad de La Habana on 820 kHz.This is a station normally not heard here on this frequency. Congratulations on your Latin success on 900 kHz and other frequencies.The Venezuelan and Radio Amanecer in Dominican Republic are nice catches. 73 and good dx Carl DeWhitt Maryville,Tn. In ultralightdx@..., "Kirk Allen" <kirk74601@...> wrote: Cuban again this morning but still as a tentative. Noted what soundedlike a obvious SS station NOT from Mexico. Hrd around 1230 UTC. Once againI sure thought I hrd a R. Progreso ID. I'm about 99.9% sure it's aCuban station. Very heavy QRM from XEW and various other stations thisa Cuban on 900 khz? Seems like Carl DeWhitt nailed R. Cadena de laHabana on this freq last year from TN.
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Sony SRF T615
jmallery2002
Hello to all,
I've emailed SonyStyle.com to request that they sell the SRF T615 on their website. The vendor prices in Japan seem to keep going up so maybe we can get a break direct from Sony. It might help if some of our members made a similar request from Sony. Regards, John M. Shawnee, KS
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Re: some audio observations
Carl DeWhitt
--- By the way,if anyone is interested,AM mode hams can be found 1-2
hours before local sunrise on or about 3885 kHz.Their are frequencies in other bands but i only know this one.You will see what i meant if you hear W0XV or someone else with audio like his. In ultralightdx@..., "Carl DeWhitt" <carl_elissa@...> wrote: if any U.S. stations are still using tube transmitters ? I know thatthe older tube receivers have better audio than many new solid statequalities tubes vs. solid state until recently.G-6 Aviator,i heard a group of AM mode hams.The loudest,W0XV inMississippi was pegging my meter and his audio was incredible ! He put theaudio of some AM broadcast stations to shame ! He was using a home brewtube transmitter.audio ? This could be useful as better audio should make a station easierto catch if it can be heard at all in the dxer,s area.Thanks.
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some audio observations
Carl DeWhitt
I meant to send this in my last post,but my computer time on the
library computer ran out and i had to get another computer. Has anyone of you noticed an audio quality difference among AM stations,especially older stations vs. newer ones ? I also wonder if any U.S. stations are still using tube transmitters ? I know that the older tube receivers have better audio than many new solid state rigs.But i had not thought about transmitters having the same qualities tubes vs. solid state until recently. When tuning through the 75 meter phone band recently on my Grundig G-6 Aviator,i heard a group of AM mode hams.The loudest,W0XV in Mississippi was pegging my meter and his audio was incredible ! He put the audio of some AM broadcast stations to shame ! He was using a home brew tube transmitter. Which AM stations in your respective areas seem to have the best audio ? This could be useful as better audio should make a station easier to catch if it can be heard at all in the dxer,s area.Thanks. 73 and good dx, Carl DeWhitt Maryville,Tn.
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Nice conditions overnight. 1380 La Fabulosa question.
Paul Logan
Hi all,
added a few more stations to the barefoot tally last night with conditions favoring southern latitudes. 1700 WEUP Huntsville, AL 1kw USA 06:30 26/02/2009 3909 miles 1660 WFNA Charlotte NC 1kw USA 06:45 26/02/2009 3657 miles 710 CMW, Radio Rebelde, La Julia 150kw Cuba 06:05 26/02/2009 1610 Caribbean Beacon, Anguilla 06:25 26/02/2009 Anyone know what power they use?. Now up to 414 stations barefoot after a long hiatus with Anguilla being country number 68 with 5 continents heard. Also a question on a station heard on my main set up: I had a station on 1380 with very good peaks between about 0630 and 0745 - non stop Latin romantic songs Id'ing as "La Fabulosa" signal was very good at times, with general conditions favoring the southern US / Mexico. I see a WPYR in Baton Rouge, LA, that is Fabulosa, relaying WFNO 830, but they have a small nightime power. Im wondering was this what I was listening to. Wonder were they on daytime output. I have recordings if anyone wants to mail me off group. Any info would be gratefully received. regards Paul Logan Northern Ireland
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2 new ones after hiatus
Carl DeWhitt
i have logged 2 news after taking a break to do some sw dxing.My totals
are now at 345 stations. WEAM 1580 Columbus,Ga.1956-2000 EST 2.16.09 mention of Columbus.ads.id. sx nx. poor-very poor KWAM 990 MEmphis,Tn. o820-0831 EST mention of Shelby County,i-40 and partial i.d.'990 am ? WAM" tfc and wx. poor -ve3ry poor mixing with semi-local WRJZ.Both heard on E-100 +sELECT-a-Tenna.
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One New One Last Night- WFTH-1590
John Cereghin <jcereghin@...>
Logged WFTH Richmond VA on 1590 yesterday at 1700 with gospel music,
"The Afternoon Praise Party with Ace Alexander". As with most urban gospel stations, they don't like to run IDs but local ads (with 804 area codes) plus "Faith 1590" slogans sealed it. Only 160 miles away, this is one of those stations that I have overlooked. I've logged them before but always assumed I already had them in my log, which I didn't. Also had KRHW Sikeston MO-1520 in two nights ago at 2000 with their classic country music, under WKBW. first time heard on the UL. Both logs on the E-100 barefoot. UL total now at 514 stations. John Cereghin Smyrna DE
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