|
Gary DeBock
Hello All,
Thanks to Richard and Kevin for their initial DXing reports on these PL-360
7.5" upgrade loopsticks. The concept of plugging in a highly sensitive loopstick
to this DSP model appears to be very popular, and serious orders have been
placed with Amidon (and other suppliers) to keep up with the demand.
7.5" Loopsticks have already been shipped to Richard, Kevin, Tony, Greg,
and Barry. Phil's package will go out today, and John's should go out
Monday. Many more loopsticks are currently being constructed for deserving
DXers, and the "mini-factory" here should be in operation for at least another
month. Those DXers who have expressed interest in the loopsticks may
receive them a little sooner than expected, due to improvements in the
construction process.
Since the project offers a rare opportunity for non-technical DXers to
receive a huge AM (or LW) sensitivity boost without any radio modification,
these 7.5" plug-in loopsticks are being offered at cost only, with charges
only for material and shipping ($31 total, for North American DXers).
With over 20 orders already, however, a maximum of 25 loopsticks for
the current project is planned, to provide time for other upcoming hobby and
family projects.
Initial work has also started on a new project to modify Tecsun PL-380
units (with their awesome 1 kHz DSP selectivity) to accept these 7.5" plug-in
loopsticks, designed for the PL-360. The electrical modification is very simple,
and only a few more mechanical refinements in the design will be necessary.
Those who have purchased these monster plug-in loopsticks for the PL-360 may
have yet another transoceanic DX-chasing option, just in time for the Fall TA
and TP-chasing season :-)
73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
|
|
|
Mine is sitting in Mississauga Postal Centre (the other side of Toronto), where it arrived at 3 am this morning, according to tracking. I am looking forward to plugging it in when it finishes the final 65 miles of its journey Gary, possibly as early as Monday as it is through Customs already. I am also warming up a few of my classic Sonys --- like the 2010 --- and hope to have time to play with this little beauty on other, less elaborate circuits. No doubt I will have to prod it to resonate it off the 360. Now if only 1134 Croatia hadn't chopped their evening hours a couple of months ago --- I was hearing that barefoot nightly on the PL380 not so vry long ago ...
Your efforts, and contribution to the hobby, is very much appreciated by me, and all others whose opposing thumbs are opposed mostly (it seems) to fine work Gary, and I thank you on behalf of Klutzes everywhere!
Tony (VE3NO) ComputerViz, NYAA Starfest On-Line tonyward@... http://www.nyaa.ca
Now spending the BBQ Season channelling the Inner Carbon of Cows...
From: "D1028Gary@..."
To: ultralightdx@...
Sent: Sat, May 15, 2010 3:12:29 PM
Subject: [ultralightdx] Tecsun PL-360 7.5" Plug-in Loopstick Project Update
Hello All,
Thanks to Richard and Kevin for their initial DXing reports on these PL-360 7.5" upgrade loopsticks. The concept of plugging in a highly sensitive loopstick to this DSP model appears to be very popular, and serious orders have been placed with Amidon (and other suppliers) to keep up with the demand.
7.5" Loopsticks have already been shipped to Richard, Kevin, Tony, Greg, and Barry. Phil's package will go out today, and John's should go out Monday. Many more loopsticks are currently being constructed for deserving DXers, and the "mini-factory" here should be in operation for at least another month. Those DXers who have expressed interest in the loopsticks may receive them a little sooner than expected, due to improvements in the construction process.
Since the project offers a rare opportunity for non-technical DXers to receive a huge AM (or LW) sensitivity boost without any radio modification, these 7.5" plug-in loopsticks are being offered at cost only, with charges only for material and shipping ($31 total, for North American DXers). With over 20 orders already, however, a maximum of 25 loopsticks for the current project is planned, to provide time for other upcoming hobby and family projects.
Initial work has also started on a new project to modify Tecsun PL-380 units (with their awesome 1 kHz DSP selectivity) to accept these 7.5" plug-in loopsticks, designed for the PL-360. The electrical modification is very simple, and only a few more mechanical refinements in the design will be necessary. Those who have purchased these monster plug-in loopsticks for the PL-360 may have yet another transoceanic DX-chasing option, just in time for the Fall TA and TP-chasing season :-)
73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
|
|
|
Gary DeBock
Thanks Tony,
Your 7.5" plug-in loopstick package is traveling faster than
expected, considering that it's a weekend with NHL playoff distractions :-)
A Monday arrival would be great.
Yes, 1134-Croatia made a few booming appearances even right here in western
Washington last fall, and it's too bad they cut their hours. On peak evenings
they would fade in around 5 PM here in October, and stick around until
about 8:30 PM. I was able to receive it barefoot on a stock PL-310 (the only TA
ever received barefoot here), and boost up its signal to a very healthy
level with the 6' PVC tuned passive loop in the back yard.
Tony, I hope you will have as much fun with your 7.5" plug-in loopstick as
I've had making them (and sending them out). There is something weirdly fun
about boosting up the AM sensitivity of this "Clark Kent" radio, and making
it a super DX performer!
73, Gary
In a message dated 5/15/2010 12:41:59 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
tonyward@... writes:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Mine is sitting in Mississauga Postal Centre (the other side of
Toronto), where it arrived at 3 am this morning, according to tracking. I am
looking forward to plugging it in when it finishes the final 65 miles of
its journey Gary, possibly as early as Monday as it is through Customs
already. I am also warming up a few of my classic Sonys --- like the 2010 ---
and hope to have time to play with this little beauty on other, less
elaborate circuits. No doubt I will have to prod it to resonate it off the
360. Now if only 1134 Croatia hadn't chopped their evening hours a couple
of months ago --- I was hearing that barefoot nightly on the PL380 not so vry
long ago ...
Your efforts, and contribution to the hobby, is very much appreciated by
me, and all others whose opposing thumbs are opposed mostly (it seems) to fine
work Gary, and I thank you on behalf of Klutzes
everywhere!
Tony (VE3NO) ComputerViz, NYAA Starfest
On-Line tonyward@... http://www.nyaa.ca
Now spending the BBQ Season channelling the Inner Carbon of Cows...
From: "D1028Gary@..."
To:
ultralightdx@...
Sent: Sat, May 15, 2010 3:12:29
PM
Subject: [ultralightdx]
Tecsun PL-360 7.5" Plug-in Loopstick Project Update
Hello All,
Thanks to Richard and Kevin for their initial DXing reports on these
PL-360 7.5" upgrade loopsticks. The concept of plugging in a highly sensitive
loopstick to this DSP model appears to be very popular, and serious orders
have been placed with Amidon (and other suppliers) to keep up with the demand.
7.5" Loopsticks have already been shipped to Richard, Kevin, Tony, Greg,
and Barry. Phil's package will go out today, and John's should go out
Monday. Many more loopsticks are currently being constructed for
deserving DXers, and the "mini-factory" here should be in operation for at
least another month. Those DXers who have expressed interest in the
loopsticks may receive them a little sooner than expected, due to
improvements in the construction process.
Since the project offers a rare opportunity for non-technical DXers to
receive a huge AM (or LW) sensitivity boost without any radio
modification, these 7.5" plug-in loopsticks are being offered at cost
only, with charges only for material and shipping ($31 total, for North
American DXers). With over 20 orders already, however, a maximum of
25 loopsticks for the current project is planned, to provide time for
other upcoming hobby and family projects.
Initial work has also started on a new project to modify Tecsun PL-380
units (with their awesome 1 kHz DSP selectivity) to accept these 7.5" plug-in
loopsticks, designed for the PL-360. The electrical modification is very
simple, and only a few more mechanical refinements in the design will be
necessary. Those who have purchased these monster plug-in loopsticks for the
PL-360 may have yet another transoceanic DX-chasing option, just in time for
the Fall TA and TP-chasing season :-)
73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
|
|
|
Do I have any chance here in San Diego to get that station on 1134? I have a local 10kW on 1130 (KSDO) that's 6.33 miles away at a heading of 350.03°, so that may pose a bit of a challenge. A few barefoot signal readings in 1kHz BW, while facing KSDO's transmitter, are: 1130-1131=63dBu, 1132~50-54, 1133-1135~38-51, 1140~38-51, at which point the chatter starts to quiet down. On 1141 it's 37-39dBu with some chatter but not nearly as much as on 1140, on 1142 there's little bits of chirps here and there at 37dBu, 1143 is fairly quiet with about 35dBu.
Also what about the TPs on 747 and 774? I have a local 50kW nighttime KFMB on 760 7.3 mi away, heading 320.65°, which is giving me readings of 39dBu on those frequencies. I also have yet to log the TP on 594, thanks in part to 600 KOGO, whose 5kW IBOC signal, 7.72 mi @ hdg 249.21°, is 34dBu.
Are there any TPs or TAs I should try for barefoot with the somewhat high RF here? Before I got the PL-380 and was trying a couple other radios, I remember I had the G8, and some of the local signals were indicating upwards of 75-80dBu on their assigned frequencies. I kinda wish the PL-380 wasn't limited to indicating 63dBu, as I have several stations that indicate that here.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In ultralightdx@..., D1028Gary@... wrote:
Thanks Tony,
Your 7.5" plug-in loopstick package is traveling faster than expected,
considering that it's a weekend with NHL playoff distractions :-) A Monday
arrival would be great.
Yes, 1134-Croatia made a few booming appearances even right here in western
Washington last fall, and it's too bad they cut their hours. On peak
evenings they would fade in around 5 PM here in October, and stick around until
about 8:30 PM. I was able to receive it barefoot on a stock PL-310 (the
only TA ever received barefoot here), and boost up its signal to a very
healthy level with the 6' PVC tuned passive loop in the back yard.
Tony, I hope you will have as much fun with your 7.5" plug-in loopstick as
I've had making them (and sending them out). There is something weirdly fun
about boosting up the AM sensitivity of this "Clark Kent" radio, and
making it a super DX performer!
73, Gary
In a message dated 5/15/2010 12:41:59 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
tonyward@... writes:
Mine is sitting in Mississauga Postal Centre (the other side of Toronto),
where it arrived at 3 am this morning, according to tracking. I am looking
forward to plugging it in when it finishes the final 65 miles of its
journey Gary, possibly as early as Monday as it is through Customs already. I am
also warming up a few of my classic Sonys --- like the 2010 --- and hope
to have time to play with this little beauty on other, less elaborate
circuits. No doubt I will have to prod it to resonate it off the 360. Now if only
1134 Croatia hadn't chopped their evening hours a couple of months ago ---
I was hearing that barefoot nightly on the PL380 not so vry long ago ...
Your efforts, and contribution to the hobby, is very much appreciated by
me, and all others whose opposing thumbs are opposed mostly (it seems) to
fine work Gary, and I thank you on behalf of Klutzes everywhere!
Tony (VE3NO) ComputerViz, NYAA Starfest On-Line
tonyward@...
http://www.nyaa.ca
Now spending the BBQ Season channelling the Inner Carbon of Cows...
____________________________________
From: "D1028Gary@..." <D1028Gary@...>
To: ultralightdx@...
Sent: Sat, May 15, 2010 3:12:29 PM
Subject: [ultralightdx] Tecsun PL-360 7.5" Plug-in Loopstick Project Update
Hello All,
Thanks to Richard and Kevin for their initial DXing reports on these
PL-360 7.5" upgrade loopsticks. The concept of plugging in a highly sensitive
loopstick to this DSP model appears to be very popular, and serious orders hav
e been placed with Amidon (and other suppliers) to keep up with the demand.
7.5" Loopsticks have already been shipped to Richard, Kevin, Tony, Greg,
and Barry. Phil's package will go out today, and John's should go out
Monday. Many more loopsticks are currently being constructed for deserving DXers,
and the "mini-factory" here should be in operation for at least another
month. Those DXers who have expressed interest in the loopsticks may receive
them a little sooner than expected, due to improvements in the construction
process.
Since the project offers a rare opportunity for non-technical DXers to
receive a huge AM (or LW) sensitivity boost without any radio modification,
these 7.5" plug-in loopsticks are being offered at cost only, with charges
only for material and shipping ($31 total, for North American DXers). With
over 20 orders already, however, a maximum of 25 loopsticks for the current
project is planned, to provide time for other upcoming hobby and family
projects.
Initial work has also started on a new project to modify Tecsun PL-380
units (with their awesome 1 kHz DSP selectivity) to accept these 7.5" plug-in
loopsticks, designed for the PL-360. The electrical modification is very
simple, and only a few more mechanical refinements in the design will be
necessary. Those who have purchased these monster plug-in loopsticks for the
PL-360 may have yet another transoceanic DX-chasing option, just in time for
the Fall TA and TP-chasing season :-)
73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
|
|
|
Sadly Stephen, Croatia's broadcasts are reported now confined to 1600-2245Z on 1134. This has always been a somewhat magical European --- no doubt due to great ground, and an ocean view from the tower. But if this stays stable the reliable evening signal is gone, and even hearing it will be a Winter phenomenon only. I heard many Europeans last winter, but the only comparable signal was the French transmitter of TWR which seemed to pour an awful lot of RF this way on 1467 some evenings. When heard it seemed to switch antennas and disappear abruptly at 2215 as I reacll (warning, carbon-based RAM in use here!). Good luck on the TP's. I used to DX from NZ, till 1968, and it was easier from there. (G)
Tony (VE3NO) ComputerViz, NYAA Starfest On-Line tonyward@... http://www.nyaa.ca
Now spending the BBQ Season channelling the Inner Carbon of Cows...
From: Stephen
To: ultralightdx@...
Sent: Sun, May 16, 2010 7:50:54 AM
Subject: [ultralightdx] Re: Tecsun PL-360 7.5" Plug-in Loopstick Project Update
Do I have any chance here in San Diego to get that station on 1134? I have a local 10kW on 1130 (KSDO) that's 6.33 miles away at a heading of 350.03°, so that may pose a bit of a challenge. A few barefoot signal readings in 1kHz BW, while facing KSDO's transmitter, are: 1130-1131=63dBu, 1132~50-54, 1133-1135~38-51, 1140~38-51, at which point the chatter starts to quiet down. On 1141 it's 37-39dBu with some chatter but not nearly as much as on 1140, on 1142 there's little bits of chirps here and there at 37dBu, 1143 is fairly quiet with about 35dBu.
Also what about the TPs on 747 and 774? I have a local 50kW nighttime KFMB on 760 7.3 mi away, heading 320.65°, which is giving me readings of 39dBu on those frequencies. I also have yet to log the TP on 594, thanks in part to 600 KOGO, whose 5kW IBOC signal, 7.72 mi @ hdg 249.21°, is 34dBu.
Are there any TPs or TAs I should try for barefoot with the somewhat high RF here? Before I got the PL-380
and was trying a couple other radios, I remember I had the G8, and some of the local signals were indicating upwards of 75-80dBu on their assigned frequencies. I kinda wish the PL-380 wasn't limited to indicating 63dBu, as I have several stations that indicate that here.
--- In ultralightdx@..., D1028Gary@... wrote:
>
> Thanks Tony,
>
> Your 7.5" plug-in loopstick package is traveling faster than expected,
> considering that it's a weekend with NHL playoff distractions :-) A Monday
> arrival would be great.
>
> Yes, 1134-Croatia made a few booming appearances even right here in western
> Washington last fall, and it's too bad they cut their hours. On peak
> evenings they would fade in around 5 PM here in October, and stick around until
>
about 8:30 PM. I was able to receive it barefoot on a stock PL-310 (the
> only TA ever received barefoot here), and boost up its signal to a very
> healthy level with the 6' PVC tuned passive loop in the back yard.
>
> Tony, I hope you will have as much fun with your 7.5" plug-in loopstick as
> I've had making them (and sending them out). There is something weirdly fun
> about boosting up the AM sensitivity of this "Clark Kent" radio, and
> making it a super DX performer!
>
> 73, Gary
>
>
> In a message dated 5/15/2010 12:41:59 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> tonyward@... writes:
>
>
>
>
>
> Mine is sitting in Mississauga Postal Centre (the other side of Toronto),
> where it arrived at 3 am this morning, according to tracking. I am looking
> forward to plugging it in when it finishes the final 65 miles of its
> journey Gary, possibly as early as Monday as it is through Customs already. I am
> also warming up a few of my classic Sonys --- like the 2010 --- and hope
> to have time to play with this little beauty on other, less elaborate
> circuits. No doubt I will have to prod it to resonate it off the 360. Now if only
> 1134 Croatia hadn't chopped their evening hours a couple of months ago ---
> I was hearing that barefoot nightly on the PL380 not so vry long ago ...
>
> Your efforts, and contribution to the hobby, is very much appreciated by
> me, and all others whose opposing thumbs are opposed mostly (it seems) to
> fine work Gary, and I thank you on behalf of Klutzes everywhere!
>
> Tony (VE3NO) ComputerViz, NYAA Starfest On-Line
>
> tonyward@...
> http://www.nyaa.ca
>
>
>
> Now spending the BBQ Season channelling the Inner Carbon of Cows...
>
>
>
>
> ____________________________________
> From: "D1028Gary@..."
> To: ultralightdx@...
> Sent: Sat, May 15, 2010 3:12:29 PM
> Subject: [ultralightdx] Tecsun PL-360 7.5" Plug-in Loopstick Project Update
>
> Hello All,
>
> Thanks to Richard and Kevin for their initial DXing reports on these
> PL-360 7.5" upgrade loopsticks. The concept of plugging in a highly sensitive
> loopstick to this DSP model appears to be very popular, and serious orders hav
> e been placed with Amidon (and other suppliers) to keep up with the demand.
>
>
> 7.5" Loopsticks have already been shipped to Richard, Kevin,
Tony, Greg,
> and Barry. Phil's package will go out today, and John's should go out
> Monday. Many more loopsticks are currently being constructed for deserving DXers,
> and the "mini-factory" here should be in operation for at least another
> month. Those DXers who have expressed interest in the loopsticks may receive
> them a little sooner than expected, due to improvements in the construction
> process.
>
> Since the project offers a rare opportunity for non-technical DXers to
> receive a huge AM (or LW) sensitivity boost without any radio modification,
> these 7.5" plug-in loopsticks are being offered at cost only, with charges
> only for material and shipping ($31 total, for North American DXers). With
> over 20 orders already, however, a maximum of 25 loopsticks for the current
> project is planned, to provide time for other upcoming hobby and family
>
projects.
>
> Initial work has also started on a new project to modify Tecsun PL-380
> units (with their awesome 1 kHz DSP selectivity) to accept these 7.5" plug-in
> loopsticks, designed for the PL-360. The electrical modification is very
> simple, and only a few more mechanical refinements in the design will be
> necessary. Those who have purchased these monster plug-in loopsticks for the
> PL-360 may have yet another transoceanic DX-chasing option, just in time for
> the Fall TA and TP-chasing season :-)
>
> 73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
>
|
|
|
Gary DeBock
Hi Stephen (and Tony),
As Tony related, it would be tough to receive 1134-Croatia on the west
coast if they are not transmitting :-) Their new hours (1600-2245 Z)
certainly don't sound good for west coast DXers!
As far as your chances to receive DX on 1134 kHz with your pest 1130-KSDO
only 6 miles away, unfortunately it's probably a long shot at best. Unless you
are able to null the station and still face the bearing of 300 degrees (for
TP's) or about 040 (for TA's), you are probably out of luck.
Trying to receive TA's on the west coast using ULR's is not easy,
except for the super-stations like 1134-Croatia (previously), 1575-Farda and
1215-Absolute. Trying to receive any other TA's on the west coast with
Ultralight radios is really going "against the grain," and requires some
serious external antenna help. I was able to receive 675-Radio Maria
(Holland), 693-BBC and 756-DLF (Germany) last fall using the 9' PVC loop in the
back yard, but signals were typically like this 693-BBC recording
on Oct.21: http://www.mediafire.com/?qyunz2hxmmz
On the other hand, TA super-stations like 1134-Croatia would really boom in at
times, like on this recording of Oct. 15: http://www.mediafire.com/?o25zzewmedz .
As tough as it is to receive TA's on Ultralights on the west coast, it is
even tougher to receive TP's on Ultralights on the east coast. The only DXer I
know who has accomplished this was Brent Taylor during a DXpedition on Canada's
Prince Edward Island, receiving several Japanese "big guns" (747 and 774
kHz?) using a humble Sony SRF-59, inductively coupled to a Radio Shack
loop.
73, Gary
In a message dated 5/16/2010 4:54:47 A.M. Pacific Daylight
Time, pianoplayer88key@... writes:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Do I have any chance here in San Diego to get that station on 1134? I have
a local 10kW on 1130 (KSDO) that's 6.33 miles away at a heading of 350.03°, so
that may pose a bit of a challenge. A few barefoot signal readings in 1kHz BW,
while facing KSDO's transmitter, are: 1130-1131=63dBu, 1132~50-54,
1133-1135~38-51, 1140~38-51, at which point the chatter starts to quiet down.
On 1141 it's 37-39dBu with some chatter but not nearly as much as on 1140, on
1142 there's little bits of chirps here and there at 37dBu, 1143 is fairly
quiet with about 35dBu.
Also what about the TPs on 747 and 774? I have a
local 50kW nighttime KFMB on 760 7.3 mi away, heading 320.65°, which is giving
me readings of 39dBu on those frequencies. I also have yet to log the TP on
594, thanks in part to 600 KOGO, whose 5kW IBOC signal, 7.72 mi @ hdg 249.21°,
is 34dBu.
Are there any TPs or TAs I should try for barefoot with the
somewhat high RF here? Before I got the PL-380 and was trying a couple other
radios, I remember I had the G8, and some of the local signals were indicating
upwards of 75-80dBu on their assigned frequencies. I kinda wish the PL-380
wasn't limited to indicating 63dBu, as I have several stations that indicate
that here.
--- In ultralightdx@...,
D1028Gary@... wrote:
>
> Thanks Tony,
>
> Your 7.5"
plug-in loopstick package is traveling faster than expected,
>
considering that it's a weekend with NHL playoff distractions :-) A Monday
> arrival would be great.
>
> Yes, 1134-Croatia made a few
booming appearances even right here in western
> Washington last fall,
and it's too bad they cut their hours. On peak
> evenings they would
fade in around 5 PM here in October, and stick around until
> about
8:30 PM. I was able to receive it barefoot on a stock PL-310 (the
>
only TA ever received barefoot here), and boost up its signal to a very
> healthy level with the 6' PVC tuned passive loop in the back
yard.
>
> Tony, I hope you will have as much fun with your 7.5"
plug-in loopstick as
> I've had making them (and sending them out).
There is something weirdly fun
> about boosting up the AM sensitivity
of this "Clark Kent" radio, and
> making it a super DX performer!
>
> 73, Gary
>
>
> In a message dated
5/15/2010 12:41:59 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> tonyward@...
writes:
>
>
>
>
>
> Mine is sitting
in Mississauga Postal Centre (the other side of Toronto),
> where it
arrived at 3 am this morning, according to tracking. I am looking
>
forward to plugging it in when it finishes the final 65 miles of its
>
journey Gary, possibly as early as Monday as it is through Customs already. I
am
> also warming up a few of my classic Sonys --- like the 2010 ---
and hope
> to have time to play with this little beauty on other, less
elaborate
> circuits. No doubt I will have to prod it to resonate it
off the 360. Now if only
> 1134 Croatia hadn't chopped their evening
hours a couple of months ago ---
> I was hearing that barefoot nightly
on the PL380 not so vry long ago ...
>
> Your efforts, and
contribution to the hobby, is very much appreciated by
> me, and all
others whose opposing thumbs are opposed mostly (it seems) to
> fine
work Gary, and I thank you on behalf of Klutzes everywhere!
>
>
Tony (VE3NO) ComputerViz, NYAA Starfest On-Line
>
> tonyward@...
> http://www.nyaa.ca
>
>
>
> Now spending the BBQ Season channelling the Inner Carbon of Cows...
>
>
>
>
>
____________________________________
> From: "D1028Gary@..."
> To: ultralightdx@...
>
Sent: Sat, May 15, 2010 3:12:29 PM
> Subject: [ultralightdx] Tecsun
PL-360 7.5" Plug-in Loopstick Project Update
>
> Hello
All,
>
> Thanks to Richard and Kevin for their initial DXing
reports on these
> PL-360 7.5" upgrade loopsticks. The concept of
plugging in a highly sensitive
> loopstick to this DSP model appears to
be very popular, and serious orders hav
> e been placed with Amidon (and
other suppliers) to keep up with the demand.
>
>
> 7.5"
Loopsticks have already been shipped to Richard, Kevin, Tony, Greg,
>
and Barry. Phil's package will go out today, and John's should go out
>
Monday. Many more loopsticks are currently being constructed for deserving
DXers,
> and the "mini-factory" here should be in operation for at
least another
> month. Those DXers who have expressed interest in the
loopsticks may receive
> them a little sooner than expected, due to
improvements in the construction
> process.
>
> Since the
project offers a rare opportunity for non-technical DXers to
> receive
a huge AM (or LW) sensitivity boost without any radio modification,
>
these 7.5" plug-in loopsticks are being offered at cost only, with charges
> only for material and shipping ($31 total, for North American DXers).
With
> over 20 orders already, however, a maximum of 25 loopsticks for
the current
> project is planned, to provide time for other upcoming
hobby and family
> projects.
>
> Initial work has also
started on a new project to modify Tecsun PL-380
> units (with their
awesome 1 kHz DSP selectivity) to accept these 7.5" plug-in
>
loopsticks, designed for the PL-360. The electrical modification is very
> simple, and only a few more mechanical refinements in the design will
be
> necessary. Those who have purchased these monster plug-in
loopsticks for the
> PL-360 may have yet another transoceanic
DX-chasing option, just in time for
> the Fall TA and TP-chasing season
:-)
>
> 73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA,
USA)
>
|
|
|
And on the other hand I could sit on a beach in NZ in 1962 or so and listen to KFI, CKWX, and I don't remember how many other West Coast AM stations on a "9 transistor" National Pansonic, barefoot (both of us). I even heard 500watt WKWF Key West 1600 KHZ more than once --- and several other stations with their towers rooted in salt marshes. I would occasionally drop into the offices of local 1YZ, then on 800 KHz, and check their North American reports. Hank (a DX-legend at the time, cannot I fear recall his last name) had sent one report from Burlington Vt that I recall.... If it was really easy it would not be worth doing .... Do your best; in 20 years today will be "The Good Old Days" I fear ...
Tony (VE3NO) ComputerViz, NYAA Starfest On-Line tonyward@... http://www.nyaa.ca
Now spending the BBQ Season channelling the Inner Carbon of Cows...
From: "D1028Gary@..."
To: ultralightdx@...
Sent: Sun, May 16, 2010 5:16:10 PM
Subject: Re: [ultralightdx] Re: Tecsun PL-360 7.5" Plug-in Loopstick Project Update
Hi Stephen (and Tony),
As Tony related, it would be tough to receive 1134-Croatia on the west coast if they are not transmitting :-) Their new hours (1600-2245 Z) certainly don't sound good for west coast DXers!
As far as your chances to receive DX on 1134 kHz with your pest 1130-KSDO only 6 miles away, unfortunately it's probably a long shot at best. Unless you are able to null the station and still face the bearing of 300 degrees (for TP's) or about 040 (for TA's), you are probably out of luck.
Trying to receive TA's on the west coast using ULR's is not easy, except for the super-stations like 1134-Croatia (previously) , 1575-Farda and 1215-Absolute. Trying to receive any other TA's on the west coast with Ultralight radios is really going "against the grain," and requires some serious external antenna help. I was able to receive 675-Radio Maria (Holland), 693-BBC and 756-DLF (Germany) last fall using the 9' PVC loop in the back yard, but signals were typically like this 693-BBC recording on Oct.21: http://www.mediafir e.com/?qyunz2hxm mz On the other hand, TA super-stations like 1134-Croatia would really boom in at times, like on this recording of Oct. 15: http://www.mediafir e.com/?o25zzewme dz .
As tough as it is to receive TA's on Ultralights on the west coast, it is even tougher to receive TP's on Ultralights on the east coast. The only DXer I know who has accomplished this was Brent Taylor during a DXpedition on Canada's Prince Edward Island, receiving several Japanese "big guns" (747 and 774 kHz?) using a humble Sony SRF-59, inductively coupled to a Radio Shack loop.
73, Gary
In a message dated 5/16/2010 4:54:47 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, pianoplayer88key@ yahoo.com writes:
Do I have any chance here in San Diego to get that station on 1134? I have a local 10kW on 1130 (KSDO) that's 6.33 miles away at a heading of 350.03°, so that may pose a bit of a challenge. A few barefoot signal readings in 1kHz BW, while facing KSDO's transmitter, are: 1130-1131=63dBu, 1132~50-54, 1133-1135~38- 51, 1140~38-51, at which point the chatter starts to quiet down. On 1141 it's 37-39dBu with some chatter but not nearly as much as on 1140, on 1142 there's little bits of chirps here and there at 37dBu, 1143 is fairly quiet with about 35dBu.
Also what about the TPs on 747 and 774? I have a local 50kW nighttime KFMB on 760 7.3 mi away, heading 320.65°, which is giving me readings of 39dBu on those frequencies. I also have yet to log the TP on 594, thanks in part to 600 KOGO, whose 5kW IBOC signal, 7.72 mi @ hdg 249.21°, is 34dBu.
Are there any TPs or TAs I should try for barefoot with the somewhat high RF here? Before I got the PL-380
and was trying a couple other radios, I remember I had the G8, and some of the local signals were indicating upwards of 75-80dBu on their assigned frequencies. I kinda wish the PL-380 wasn't limited to indicating 63dBu, as I have several stations that indicate that here.
--- In ultralightdx@ yahoogroups. com, D1028Gary@.. . wrote:
>
> Thanks Tony,
>
> Your 7.5" plug-in loopstick package is traveling faster than expected,
> considering that it's a weekend with NHL playoff distractions :-) A Monday
> arrival would be great.
>
> Yes, 1134-Croatia made a few booming appearances even right here in western
> Washington last fall, and it's too bad they cut their hours. On peak
> evenings they would fade in around 5 PM here
in October, and stick around until
> about 8:30 PM. I was able to receive it barefoot on a stock PL-310 (the
> only TA ever received barefoot here), and boost up its signal to a very
> healthy level with the 6' PVC tuned passive loop in the back yard.
>
> Tony, I hope you will have as much fun with your 7.5" plug-in loopstick as
> I've had making them (and sending them out). There is something weirdly fun
> about boosting up the AM sensitivity of this "Clark Kent" radio, and
> making it a super DX performer!
>
> 73, Gary
>
>
> In a message dated 5/15/2010 12:41:59 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> tonyward@... writes:
>
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robert ross
Tony Ward wrote:
And on the other hand I could sit on a beach in NZ in 1962 or so
and listen to KFI, CKWX, and I don't remember how many other West Coast
AM stations on a "9 transistor" National Pansonic, barefoot (both of
us). I even heard 500watt WKWF Key West 1600 KHZ more than once --- and
several other stations with their towers rooted in salt marshes. I
would occasionally drop into the offices of local 1YZ, then on 800 KHz,
and check their North American reports. Hank (a DX-legend at the time,
cannot I fear recall his last name) had sent one report from Burlington
Vt that I recall....
Tony......I ain't old enough to remember this :^).......but, is it Hank
Bennett you are thinking of????
73...ROB VA3SW
Robert S. Ross
London, Ontario CANADA
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--- In ultralightdx@..., D1028Gary@... wrote:
Hi Stephen (and Tony),
As Tony related, it would be tough to receive 1134-Croatia on the west
coast if they are not transmitting :-) Their new hours (1600-2245 Z) certainly
don't sound good for west coast DXers!
As far as your chances to receive DX on 1134 kHz with your pest 1130-KSDO
only 6 miles away, unfortunately it's probably a long shot at best. Unless
you are able to null the station and still face the bearing of 300 degrees
(for TP's) or about 040 (for TA's), you are probably out of luck.
Yeah, 1134 would be tough, with 1134's 50+dBu splatter coming from a 350 deg heading. Trying to receive TA's on the west coast using ULR's is not easy, except
for the super-stations like 1134-Croatia (previously), 1575-Farda and
1215-Absolute. I wonder if 1215 may be possible? KPRZ San Marcos-Poway's ~48-52dBu signal on 1210 is about 25.71 mi away, heading 326.09 degrees. As for 1575, that may be tougher, even though their pest is farther away. KMIK Tempe, AZ's 50kW IBOC signal often touches 55-58dBu here, and it's 299.64 mi, heading 79.39 degrees. Trying to receive any other TA's on the west coast with Ultralight
radios is really going "against the grain," and requires some serious
external antenna help. I was able to receive 675-Radio Maria (Holland), 693-BBC
and 756-DLF (Germany) last fall using the 9' PVC loop in the back yard,
but signals were typically like this 693-BBC recording on Oct.21:
_http://www.mediafire.com/?qyunz2hxmmz_ (http://www.mediafire.com/?qyunz2hxmmz) On
the other hand, TA super-stations like 1134-Croatia would really boom in at
times, like on this recording of Oct. 15:
_http://www.mediafire.com/?o25zzewmedz_ (http://www.mediafire.com/?o25zzewmedz) . Would 675 be possible with the Select-A-Tenna? KIRN 670 Simi Valley isn't exactly a blowtorch, rarely topping 40dBu, but KNBR 680 San Fran, at sometimes 48dBu, may be a bit of a pest. As for 756, am I out of luck even WITH the SAT? KFMB's 50kW hails from 7.3 mi, 320.65 deg, and is around 40-42dBu on 747 and 774, and probably 54-63dBu on 756. As tough as it is to receive TA's on Ultralights on the west coast, it is
even tougher to receive TP's on Ultralights on the east coast. The only DXer
I know who has accomplished this was Brent Taylor during a DXpedition on
Canada's Prince Edward Island, receiving several Japanese "big guns" (747
and 774 kHz?) using a humble Sony SRF-59, inductively coupled to a Radio
Shack loop.
73, Gary Speaking of dBu on local blowtorches, Gary, what do you typically indicate on some of your local pests on their channel with the stock antenna, and off, but nearby? For example, I get around 63dBu (max scale) on 600 24/7, 690 day, 760 fulltime, 910 night, 1130 fulltime, 1170 day and 1360 day. Daytime I get ~45dBu on 1155 and 1185 (around 1170, my strongest daytime signal), and ~40dBu on 747 and 774 (around 760, my strongest nighttime signal). For you, with 1450 KSUH a mile or so away, do you get any 50,00 readings 15-20kHz away, for example?
In a message dated 5/16/2010 4:54:47 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
pianoplayer88key@... writes:
Do I have any chance here in San Diego to get that station on 1134? I have
a local 10kW on 1130 (KSDO) that's 6.33 miles away at a heading of 350.03°,
so that may pose a bit of a challenge. A few barefoot signal readings in
1kHz BW, while facing KSDO's transmitter, are: 1130-1131=63dBu, 1132~50-54,
1133-1135~38-51, 1140~38-51, at which point the chatter starts to quiet
down. On 1141 it's 37-39dBu with some chatter but not nearly as much as on
1140, on 1142 there's little bits of chirps here and there at 37dBu, 1143 is
fairly quiet with about 35dBu.
Also what about the TPs on 747 and 774? I have a local 50kW nighttime KFMB
on 760 7.3 mi away, heading 320.65°, which is giving me readings of 39dBu
on those frequencies. I also have yet to log the TP on 594, thanks in part
to 600 KOGO, whose 5kW IBOC signal, 7.72 mi @ hdg 249.21°, is 34dBu.
Are there any TPs or TAs I should try for barefoot with the somewhat high
RF here? Before I got the PL-380 and was trying a couple other radios, I
remember I had the G8, and some of the local signals were indicating upwards
of 75-80dBu on their assigned frequencies. I kinda wish the PL-380 wasn't
limited to indicating 63dBu, as I have several stations that indicate that
here.
--- In _ultralightdx@... (mailto:ultralightdx@...)
, D1028Gary@ wrote:
Thanks Tony,
Your 7.5" plug-in loopstick package is traveling faster than expected,
considering that it's a weekend with NHL playoff distractions :-) A
Monday
arrival would be great.
Yes, 1134-Croatia made a few booming appearances even right here in western
Washington last fall, and it's too bad they cut their hours. On peak
evenings they would fade in around 5 PM here in October, and stick around until
about 8:30 PM. I was able to receive it barefoot on a stock PL-310 (the
only TA ever received barefoot here), and boost up its signal to a very
healthy level with the 6' PVC tuned passive loop in the back yard.
Tony, I hope you will have as much fun with your 7.5" plug-in loopstick as
I've had making them (and sending them out). There is something weirdly fun
about boosting up the AM sensitivity of this "Clark Kent" radio, and
making it a super DX performer!
73, Gary
In a message dated 5/15/2010 12:41:59 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
tonyward@ writes:
Mine is sitting in Mississauga Postal Centre (the other side of Toronto),
where it arrived at 3 am this morning, according to tracking. I am looking
forward to plugging it in when it finishes the final 65 miles of its
journey Gary, possibly as early as Monday as it is through Customs already. I am
also warming up a few of my classic Sonys --- like the 2010 --- and hope
to have time to play with this little beauty on other, less elaborate
circuits. No doubt I will have to prod it to resonate it off the 360. Now if only
1134 Croatia hadn't chopped their evening hours a couple of months ago ---
I was hearing that barefoot nightly on the PL380 not so vry long ago ...
Your efforts, and contribution to the hobby, is very much appreciated by
me, and all others whose opposing thumbs are opposed mostly (it seems) to
fine work Gary, and I thank you on behalf of Klutzes everywhere!
Tony (VE3NO) ComputerViz, NYAA Starfest On-Line
tonyward@
_http://www.nyaa.ca_ (http://www.nyaa.ca/)
Now spending the BBQ Season channelling the Inner Carbon of Cows...
____________________________________
From: "D1028Gary@" <D1028Gary@>
To: _ultralightdx@... (mailto:ultralightdx@...)
Sent: Sat, May 15, 2010 3:12:29 PM
Subject: [ultralightdx] Tecsun PL-360 7.5" Plug-in Loopstick Project Update
Hello All,
Thanks to Richard and Kevin for their initial DXing reports on these
PL-360 7.5" upgrade loopsticks. The concept of plugging in a highly
sensitive
loopstick to this DSP model appears to be very popular, and serious orders hav
e been placed with Amidon (and other suppliers) to keep up with the demand.
7.5" Loopsticks have already been shipped to Richard, Kevin, Tony, Greg,
and Barry. Phil's package will go out today, and John's should go out
Monday. Many more loopsticks are currently being constructed for
deserving DXers,
and the "mini-factory" here should be in operation for at least another
month. Those DXers who have expressed interest in the loopsticks may receive
them a little sooner than expected, due to improvements in the construction
process.
Since the project offers a rare opportunity for non-technical DXers to
receive a huge AM (or LW) sensitivity boost without any radio modification,
these 7.5" plug-in loopsticks are being offered at cost only, with charges
only for material and shipping ($31 total, for North American DXers). With
over 20 orders already, however, a maximum of 25 loopsticks for the current
project is planned, to provide time for other upcoming hobby and family
projects.
Initial work has also started on a new project to modify Tecsun PL-380
units (with their awesome 1 kHz DSP selectivity) to accept these 7.5" plug-in
loopsticks, designed for the PL-360. The electrical modification is very simple, and only a few more mechanical refinements in the design will be
necessary. Those who have purchased these monster plug-in loopsticks for the
PL-360 may have yet another transoceanic DX-chasing option, just in time for
the Fall TA and TP-chasing season :-)
73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
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Or Hank Tyndall. --- In ultralightdx@..., "Robert S.Ross VA3SW" <va3sw@...> wrote:
Tony Ward wrote:
I would occasionally drop into the offices of local 1YZ, then on 800
KHz, and check their North American reports. Hank (a DX-legend at the
time, cannot I fear recall his last name) had sent one report from
Burlington Vt that I recall....
Tony......I ain't old enough to remember this :^).......but, is it Hank
Bennett you are thinking of????
73...ROB VA3SW
Robert S. Ross
London, Ontario CANADA
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It was Hank Bennett for certain. I asked Intel for a memory upgrade for my brain several years ago, but they said they no longer make 2-bit Carbon-based RAM ...
Tony (VE3NO) ComputerViz, NYAA Starfest On-Line tonyward@... http://www.nyaa.ca
Now spending the BBQ Season channelling the Inner Carbon of Cows...
From: MarkWA1ION
To: ultralightdx@...
Sent: Mon, May 17, 2010 4:01:25 PM
Subject: [ultralightdx] Re: Tecsun PL-360 7.5" Plug-in Loopstick Project Update
Or Hank Tyndall.
--- In ultralightdx@..., "Robert S.Ross VA3SW" wrote:
>
> Tony Ward wrote:
I
> > would occasionally drop into the offices of local 1YZ, then on 800
> > KHz, and check their North American reports. Hank (a DX-legend at the
> > time, cannot I fear recall his last name) had sent one report from
> > Burlington Vt that I recall....
>
>
> Tony......I ain't old enough to remember this :^).......but, is it Hank
> Bennett you are thinking of????
>
> 73...ROB VA3SW
>
> Robert S. Ross
> London, Ontario CANADA
>
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