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Re: 3 Terminals on Recovered Ferrite Loopsticks - Which ones to use?
Michael <michael.setaazul@...>
Jerry,
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A two-inch ferrite will do fine for the series-tuned trap; for the parallel-tuned coupling winding, a longer ferrite would be preferable, but even a short one would work. Most older radios had a second smaller winding to match the lower input impedance of the junction transistor. Usual configuration: ()()()()() ()()()()()()()()()()()()() I I I I A B C D Tuning capacitor between C and D; B to base of transistor, A connected to C (or : A to base, B to C - depending on the sense of the windings). Some, like the one you refer to, had a tap near the cold end of a single winding : ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() I I I C B D Tuning capacitor between C-D, base to B (or: B-D, base to C) For our purpose, try C-D or B-D and see if either gives better results. Leave the unused end unconnected. MIchael UK
----- Original Message -----
From: jerry_popiel To: ultralightdx@... Sent: 14 July 2011 22:43 Subject: [ultralightdx] 3 Terminals on Recovered Ferrite Loopsticks - Which ones to use? Removed a Ferrite Loopstick from an old mini 6 Transistor AM radio likely from the 60's. The small 2 inch Loopstick has 2 Terminals at one end, and one Terminal at the other end. Does anyone know which Terminal on the End with 2 Terminals to use, or does it matter? Also found an old adjustable Ferrite Rod Loopstick and it has 3 Terminals on it as well!! What is the 3rd Terminal for, since as far as I can tell you should only need an In and Out Terminal? Thanks. Jerry ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links
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Re: Sony SRF-T615: initial test drive
Jay Heyl
On Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 15:00, greekandlatin <greekandlatin@...> wrote:
I've not spent much time listening to FM with it and certainly haven't gone digging for weak signals. I was impressed with what I did hear on FM. The sound quality was hard to believe from such a small device. (I was using audiophile earbuds, not the included ones.)
I've never much cared for radios that use the headphone cord or a little pigtail as an antenna for FM. It's just too hard to keep the "antenna" oriented properly for good reception on fringe signals.
-- Jay
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Sony SRF-T615: initial test drive
greekandlatin <greekandlatin@...>
Hi everyone:
Today the T615 arrived in PA two days after having been shipped from Tokyo and only five business days after having been ordered from the Ebay seller joynetcafe. Nice! I will definitely do business with this seller again. It's clear that the T615 is designed primarily to be used on the AM band. No matter how many different pairs of headphones and earbuds I used, I could not get satisfactory reception on mid to difficult signals on FM. This is a little baffling to me. The SRF-S84, for instance, grabs things clearly and without interference that the T615 can't even hear. The difference between those two radios on the FM band is like night and day. Is this consistent with what other T615 owners have experienced? FM is average - at best. That being said, I have to admit that the AM band is exciting on the T615. I cannot believe that this little wunderkind is a sensitive during the day time as my Sangean PR-D5. The "noise cut" feature, whatever it is, is more effective than I expected it to be on difficult to hear signals. It can really clear things up. All in all, at first glance, I'm satisfied with the radio. Is it really worth what I paid for it? Only time will tell. Best to all, A.C.
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3 Terminals on Recovered Ferrite Loopsticks - Which ones to use?
jerry_popiel
Removed a Ferrite Loopstick from an old mini 6 Transistor AM radio likely from the 60's. The small 2 inch Loopstick has 2 Terminals at one end, and one Terminal at the other end. Does anyone know which Terminal on the End with 2 Terminals to use, or does it matter? Also found an old adjustable Ferrite Rod Loopstick and it has 3 Terminals on it as well!! What is the 3rd Terminal for, since as far as I can tell you should only need an In and Out Terminal? Thanks.
Jerry
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Everclear song "AM Radio"
Brian Miller
This song has probably been around for awhile but it was new to me when I watched it earlier. Check it out with this YouTube link....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDiCJkITtes
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Lincoln City, Oregon Ultralight DU's for 7-14
Hello All,
Another DU propagation washout came with the rain this morning on the Oregon beach, as yesterday's favorable propagation seemed like a distant memory. 738-Tahiti was the only South Pacific station with any strength, as the New Zealand and Australia stations stayed at the weak heterodyne level. The steady rain added to the mediocrity, making me wonder if this dicey propagation will stick around, like it seemed to do earlier this month for Walt in Masset. All the DX below was logged on a 7.5" LW loopstick PL-380, which is relatively waterproof. 180 Radio Rossii Poor at 1153, // 279 279 Radio Rossii Very good at 1125 530 ADK Adak, Alaska Good at 1205 738 R.Tahiti Good at 1210 73 and Good DX, Gary DeBock (in Lincoln City, OR)
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Re: FSL Perks and Quirks (Reply to Jerry)
Hi Farmerik,
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There were some limited experiments here with spaced ferrite bars in FSL antennas, but to be honest the performance results were nothing to shout about. My own impression was that the FSL's potential gain boost fizzled out because of the gaps in the ferrite sleeve pattern. I found that a 14-rod FSL with 1/2" gaps barely beat out a single 7.5" loopstick in LW sensitivity, and was much weaker than a smaller diameter, 14-rod FSL with no gaps in between the ferrite. Although it's true that building an effective FSL requires a serious financial outlay, my own recommendation for saving $$ would be to go with fewer ferrite rods in a smaller diameter FSL, rather than trying to build a large model with huge gaps between the ferrite. Also, try shopping around on eBay for some of the smaller Russian surplus rods, which can be much cheaper than the large ones. Combine a large number of these smaller rods in a continuous cylindrical sleeve, and you should have excellent DXing performance for the $$. 73, Gary
-----Original Message-----
From: farmerik <farmerik@...> To: ultralightdx <ultralightdx@...> Sent: Wed, Jul 13, 2011 11:40 am Subject: [ultralightdx] Re: FSL Perks and Quirks (Reply to Jerry) Gary - During experiments, did you find some improvement with say 1/2 as many ferrite rods or 1/4 evenly spaced? Does the number of rods need to be an odd number? { I am thinking of the criss cross loops on the back of old table radios]. - FARMERIK --- In ultralightdx@..., D1028Gary@... wrote: > Hi Jerry, buddy Guy Atkins. Even though we are on vacation here in Lincoln City,(some kindanswer yourthe MW and LW-optimized PL-380's has the back edge trimmed at an angle, toThe plastic frames are attached with super glue to the top frontcabinet surface (only) of the PL-380's, allowing separation of the frontand back cabinets for maintenance.clearer if you would have adjusted the Variable Capacitor on the FSL Antenna?position for 610 kHz before the video was taken. The PL-380 (and all theTecsun Si4734 DSP chip models) typically have this pulsating reception onreading cycled between about 12 and 24 (one short of the PL-380's maximumS/N reading) as the FSL provided its serious inductive coupling boost.quality to the FSL Antenna? >>effective design) will provide a quantum leap in DXing sensitivity over astock Tecsun loopstick, while a serious-sized FSL (8" diameter or larger)everyone, and it didn't get the nickname of the "Financial Sinkhole Loop" foradd the cost of 660/46 Litz wire and a premium variable cap, you areprobably getting beyond the reasonable purchasing range of many hobbyists.On the other hand, the availability of the surplus Russian ferrite isof American-made ferrite would likely push the antenna's cost into the> Great video Gary & Guy- it gives us a good look at the size of the FSL. Wish you would do a Video on the 7.5 inch Loop on the PL 380. I'dwhip Antenna on the PL 380.> 2) How does the 7.5 inch loop compare in reception quality to the FSL Antenna?> Have a great vacation.
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Re: Ultralight South Pacific DX for 7-13
Hello Rob,
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Well, there's nothing like becoming a Beach Boy to get some Good DXing Vibrations going! Just when the mid-summer MW conditions seem like the worst, you can head for the ocean beach and make ridiculously easy loggings of stations over 6,000 miles distant... on the Ultralight radios that we've come to love. I'm sure glad that John B. taught me this South Pacific DXing trick (although to be honest, I thought that he was pulling my leg at the time). This DU-DXing opportunity must be partial compensation for the isolated position of west coast DXers--- who have no hope of logging over 900 stations on Ultralights (like some lucky DXers in the middle of the action!!) 73, Gary
-----Original Message-----
From: Robert S.Ross VA3SW <va3sw@...> To: ultralightdx <ultralightdx@...> Cc: D1028Gary <D1028Gary@...> Sent: Wed, Jul 13, 2011 7:22 pm Subject: Re: [ultralightdx] Ultralight South Pacific DX for 7-13 On 13/07/2011 10:47 AM, D1028Gary@... wrote: Hello All, Here in Lincoln City, Oregon the ocean beach DU propagation improved dramatically this morning, providing the opportunity to log an all-time new Ultralight country from North America (666-Noumea in New Caledonia, French // 738-Tahiti). This was logged on a barefoot PL-380, no less, although it did have a monster boost from the new 8" FSL antenna (the same one that Guy showed in the recent FSL video). New Caledonia is an Ultralight DX country that always eluded my DU-DXing mentor (John Bryant), so I feel honored to receive it with a simple PL-380 and compact FSL antenna. Gary.........Congratulations on the New Caledonia Log on a ULR!!!! John would be Proud!! Hope your Conditions improve for the rest of the week........I wanna see what you can do with some decent Conditions!!! Barring that...hey what the heck..You're at the BEACH!!!! Have FUN!! 73.......ROB VA3SW Robert S. Ross London, ONTARIO CANADA
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Re: Ultralight South Pacific DX for 7-13
On 13/07/2011 10:47 AM, D1028Gary@... wrote:
Gary.........Congratulations on the New Caledonia Log on a ULR!!!! John would be Proud!! Hope your Conditions improve for the rest of the week........I wanna see what you can do with some decent Conditions!!! Barring that...hey what the heck..You're at the BEACH!!!! Have FUN!! 73.......ROB VA3SW Robert S. Ross London, ONTARIO CANADA
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Re: PL-390 FM DX
just_rtfm
howdy!
with the PL-390 off, you press and hold "FM ST", until "OFF" is on the display. this keeps the back light off. there are no other lights. SSB is not necessary for MW, FM, or SW. it is for hams, utilities, etc. i like the 2 speakers, but mostly use earbuds. ETM is great on SW where programming changes by the hour. once in "VM" (memory) mode, you can recall memories using, for example, "3" ENTER or "003" or turn the tuning wheel. regards, phil :)
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Re: Coupling a longwire antenna to a G3
jerry_popiel
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Re: Buliding a Flag, Pennant or Split Delta ?
Rik
You may want to check with any local green house supply, some flexible fiberglass poles are used for row crop covers. They are bent to support a Quonset hut like arch, with both ends in the ground. - FARMERIK
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--- In ultralightdx@..., "chuck_rippel" <Chuck.Rippel@...> wrote:
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Re: FSL Perks and Quirks (Reply to Jerry)
Rik
Gary - During experiments, did you find some improvement with say 1/2 as many ferrite rods or 1/4 evenly spaced? Does the number of rods need to be an odd number? { I am thinking of the criss cross loops on the back of old table radios].
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- FARMERIK
--- In ultralightdx@..., D1028Gary@... wrote:
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Re: Buliding a Flag, Pennant or Split Delta ?
Gerald Wolczanski <jerrywolczanski@...>
These poles are nice; I use 8 of them for my TV antenna mount. It's
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pinned to the peak of the roof at about the 18 - 20' height and easily supports my 8-bay channel master antenna. I've pinned them all together with screws so I can rotate it from the bottom (the famous "Armstrong" rotor). The bottom section just sits in the dirt. Jerry W KI4IO Warrenton, VA
On Wed, 2011-07-13 at 15:44 +0000, chuck_rippel wrote:
E-Bay seller has a number of non-metallic, fiberglass sectional poles for sale. Labled "tent poles," they were originally used to support cammo netting but are perfect as non-metallic supports for MW antennas. $7.50 + $20.97 S/H gets you 12 poles or enough for 48'.
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Re: Buliding a Flag, Pennant or Split Delta ?
maurits van driessche <mauritsvandriessche@...>
Im using this fiberglass poles for my Super
Kaz antennas .Its very very strong material
73,
Maurits Van Driessche
Belgium
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Buliding a Flag, Pennant or Split Delta ?
chuck_rippel <Chuck.Rippel@...>
E-Bay seller has a number of non-metallic, fiberglass sectional poles for sale. Labled "tent poles," they were originally used to support cammo netting but are perfect as non-metallic supports for MW antennas. $7.50 + $20.97 S/H gets you 12 poles or enough for 48'.
Its my understanding that you can stack them approx 30' high when guyed at the top and middle. http://cgi.ebay.com/12-Military-Fibreglass-Mast-Support-Poles-Ham-Radio-48-/160530378014?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25605b2d1e Chuck Rippel Chesapeake, VA
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Ultralight South Pacific DX for 7-13
Hello All,
Here in Lincoln City, Oregon the ocean beach DU propagation improved dramatically this morning, providing the opportunity to log an all-time new Ultralight country from North America (666-Noumea in New Caledonia, French // 738-Tahiti). This was logged on a barefoot PL-380, no less, although it did have a monster boost from the new 8" FSL antenna (the same one that Guy showed in the recent FSL video). New Caledonia is an Ultralight DX country that always eluded my DU-DXing mentor (John Bryant), so I feel honored to receive it with a simple PL-380 and compact FSL antenna. Besides 666-Noumea there were strong signals from 567-2YA, 603-Waatea, 639-Fiji, 738-Tahiti and 891-5AN this morning, as well as various Longwave NDB's from Alaska and Hawaii. The two new Ferrite Sleeve Loop antennas taken along during this DXpedition (8" MW model and 6.5" LW model) are performing like a DXer's dream, providing enough of an inductive coupling boost to boost very weak signals into a powerful state (just like in the 610-KONA video). It seems like science fiction that such DXing gain can be provided by a one cubic foot antenna, but the reality is sinking in fast! 73 and Good DX, Gary DeBock (in Lincoln City, OR)
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FSL Perks and Quirks (Reply to Jerry)
Hi Jerry,
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Thanks for your comments on the FSL video, which was actually a spur-of-the-moment idea of my fellow Puyallup, Washington DXing buddy Guy Atkins. Even though we are on vacation here in Lincoln City, Oregon, yesterday morning's beach DX was nothing to shout about (some kind of solar disturbance, I think), so there was a little time to answer your questions last night. The custom orange plastic 7.5" loopstick frames that I make for the MW and LW-optimized PL-380's has the back edge trimmed at an angle, to allow free movement of the whip antenna for FM and SW operation. The plastic frames are attached with super glue to the top front cabinet surface (only) of the PL-380's, allowing separation of the front and back cabinets for maintenance. << 1) Would the pulsating reception on 610 Hz have been clearer if you would have adjusted the Variable Capacitor on the FSL Antenna? >> The 8" FSL's variable cap was already adjusted to the optimal position for 610 kHz before the video was taken. The PL-380 (and all the Tecsun Si4734 DSP chip models) typically have this pulsating reception on weaker AM-DX signals, as the DSP chip samples the station's signal level every few seconds. As you can see on the video, the S/N reading cycled between about 12 and 24 (one short of the PL-380's maximum S/N reading) as the FSL provided its serious inductive coupling boost. << 2) How does the 7.5 inch loop compare in reception quality to the FSL Antenna? >> In general, Jerry, a 7.5" transplanted MW or LW loopstick (of effective design) will provide a quantum leap in DXing sensitivity over a stock Tecsun loopstick, while a serious-sized FSL (8" diameter or larger) will provide an additional quantum leap in sensitivity over that provided by a 7.5" loopstick. << 3) How expensive are all the Ferrite Rods for the FSL? >> Well, Jerry, the FSL antenna is certainly not suitable for everyone, and it didn't get the nickname of the "Financial Sinkhole Loop" for nothing. Each of the 63 ferrite rods in the video FSL cost $2 each, plus another $2 each for shipping from Eastern Europe. When you add the cost of 660/46 Litz wire and a premium variable cap, you are probably getting beyond the reasonable purchasing range of many hobbyists. On the other hand, the availability of the surplus Russian ferrite is probably important in keeping the cost within general reason. Use of American-made ferrite would likely push the antenna's cost into the stratosphere. 73 and Good DX, Gary DeBock (currently in Lincoln City, Oregon)
-----Original Message-----
From: Jerry Popiel <jerry_popiel@...> To: ultralightdx <ultralightdx@...> Sent: Mon, Jul 11, 2011 11:58 pm Subject: Re: [ultralightdx] Re: Ferrite Sleeve Loop (FSL) Antenna Demonstration Video Great video Gary & Guy- it gives us a good look at the size of the FSL. Wish you would do a Video on the 7.5 inch Loop on the PL 380. I'd like to see what the back end looks like to keep clearance for the whip Antenna on the PL 380. If your not on vacation could I ask: 1) Would the pulsating reception on 610 Hz have been clearer if you would have adjusted the Variable Capacitor on the FSL Antenna? 2) How does the 7.5 inch loop compare in reception quality to the FSL Antenna? 3) How expensive are all the Ferrite Rods for the FSL? Have a great vacation. Jerry
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Re: Coupling a longwire antenna to a G3
Charly <calpublic@...>
Hi group,
With Michael's agreement, I've uploaded a PDF version if his previous email about coupling a long wire to the G3. The file can be found in the "Files > 5 Antennas and Equipment" section of the group (direct link : http://tinyurl.com/6jwpyuo). Hope this can help people who got a scrambled diagram. Charly
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Re: Coupling a longwire antenna to a G3
Michael <michael.setaazul@...>
Jerry, the MFJ 16010 is designed for frequencies above
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the AM band, so would probably not perform optimally on AM. It is designed to connect directly to a longwire, not through a balun. Also, it would provide a direct connection between the longwire and the receiver, increasing overload and risk of surge damage. If you can experiment with the principle suggested instead, you will probably have greater success as you will be able to reduce the unwanted local signal, peak wanted signals and vary the coupling distance to the receiver to optimise reception - and minimise risk of surge damage to the receiver. The MFJ would not be needed. Michael UK
----- Original Message ------------------------------------------------
From: Jerry Popiel To: ultralightdx@... Sent: 13 July 2011 07:39 Subject: Re: [ultralightdx] Coupling a longwire antenna to a G3 Thanks a lot for the great advice Michael. Does the MFJ 16010 Antenna Tuner (with the Earth Ground now connected to it) which the Longwire Antenna is in series with my G3 radio provide me with any Isolation re Overload? That is, would I still use the MFJ 16010 Tuner if I build the Circuit that you are proposing?
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