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Hy-Gain_rotators_NEW_3.qxd 4/14/2006 10:39 AM Page 1
ROTATORS
. . . the first choice of hams around the world!
HAM-IV HAM-IV TAILTWISTER SERIES II CD-45II
The most popular $55995 Forlarge medium antenna Forantenna CD-45II
rotator in the world! arrays up to 20 sq. ft. wind load. arrays up to 8.5 $38995
For medium communications Available with DCU-1 Pathfinder sq. feet mounted
arrays up to 15 square feet wind digital control (T2XD) or stan- inside tower or 5
load area. New5-second brake dard analog control box (T2X) sq. ft. with mast adapter. Low
delay! NewTest/Calibrate func- with new5-second brake delay temperature grease good to
tion. Newlow temperature and newTest/Calibrate func- -30 F degrees. New
grease permits normal tion. Low temperature Test/Calibrate
operation down to -30 grease, alloy ring function. Bell
degrees F. Newalloy gear, indicator rotator design
ring gear gives extra potentiometer, fer- gives total
strength up to 100,000 PSI for maximum rite beads on poten- weather pro-
reliability. Newindicator potentiometer. tiometer wires,newweather- T-2X tection, dual 58 ball bearing racegives
Newferrite beads reduce RF susceptibility. proof AMPconnectors plus $64995 proven support. Die-cast ring gear, stamped
NewCinch plug plus 8-pin plug at control 8-pin plug at control box, steel gear drive, heavy duty, trouble free
box. Dual 98 ball bearing race for load triple bearing race with 138 T-2XD gear train, North center scale, lighted direc-
bearing strength and electric locking steel ball bearings for large load $102995 tional indicator, 8-pin plug/socket on con-
wedge brake prevents wind induced antenna bearing strength, electric lock- trol unit, snap-action control switches, low
movement. North or South center of rota- ing steel wedge brake, North with DCU-1 voltage control, safe operation, takes maxi-
tion scale on meter, low voltage control, or South center of rotation scale on meter, mum mast size to 21/16inches. MSLD light
max mast size of 21/16inches. low voltage control, 21/16inch max. mast. duty lower mast support included.
HAM IVand HAM VRotator Specifications TAILTWISTER Rotator Specifications CD-45II Rotator Specifications
Wind Load capacity (inside tower) 15 square feet Wind load capacity(inside tower) 20 square feet Wind load capacity (inside tower) 8.5 square feet
Wind Load (w/mast adapter) 7.5 square feet Wind Load (w/ mast adapter) 10 square feet Wind Load (w/ mast adapter) 5.0 square feet
Turning Power 800 in.-lbs. Turning Power 1000 in.-lbs. Turning Power 600 in.-lbs.
Brake Power 5000 in.-lbs. Brake Power 9000 in.-lbs. Brake Power 800 in.-lbs.
Brake Construction Electric Wedge Brake Construction Electric Wedge Brake Construction Disc Brake
Bearing Assembly dual race/96 ball bearings Bearing Assembly Triple race/138 ball brngs Bearing Assembly Dual race/48 ball brings
Mounting Hardware Clamp plate/steel U-bolts Mounting Hardware Clamp plate/steel U-bolts Mounting Hardware Clamp plate/steel U-bolts
Control Cable Conductors 8 Control Cable Conductors 8 Control Cable Conductors 8
Shipping Weight 26 lbs. Shipping Weight 31 lbs. Shipping Weight 22 lbs.
Effective Moment (in tower) 2800 ft.-lbs. Effective Moment (in tower) 3400 ft.-lbs. Effective Moment (in tower) 1200 ft.-lbs.
HAM-V AR-40 AR-40 HDR-300A HDR-300A
HAM-V Formedium $28995 Forcompact $137995 For king-sizedantenna
$94995 a1n5t esqnunaar aer freaeyts wupin tdo large FM/TVupa nttoe n3n.0a saqrruaayrse afenedt area. Coanrtrraoyls c uapb lteo c 2o5n nseqc.ftto. rw, ninedw load
with DCU-1 load area. Similar wind load area. Dual 12 ball bear- hardened stainless steel output shaft,
ing race. Automatic position sensor
to the HAM IV, but newNorth or South centered cali-
never needs resetting. Fully auto-
includes DCU-1 bration, newferrite beads on
matic control -- just dial and
Pathfinderdigital potentiometer wires reduce RF sus-
touch for any desired location.
control unit with ceptibility,newlonger out-
Solid state, low voltage control,
gas plasma display. put shaft keyway adds relia-
safe and silent operation. 21/
Provides automatic 16 bility. Heavy-duty self-cen-
inch maximum mast size.
operation of brake and rotor, compatible MSLD light duty lower mast teringsteel clamp and
with many logging/contest programs, 6 pre- support included. hardware. Display accurate
sets for beam headings, 1 degree accuracy, to 1o. Machined steel output.
auto 8-second brake delay, 360 degree AR-40 Rotator Specifications HDR-300ARotator Specifications
choice for center location, more! Wind load capacity (inside tower) 3.0 square feet Wind load capacity (inside tower) 25 square feet
Wind Load (w/ mast adapter) 1.5 square feet Wind Load (w/ mast adapter) not applicable
ROTATOR OPTIONS
Turning Power 350 in.-lbs. Turning Power 5000 in.-lbs.
MSHD, $99.95. Heavy duty mast support Brake Power 450 in.-lbs. Brake Power 7500 in.-lbs.
for T2X, HAM-IVand HAM-V. Brake Construction Disc Brake Brake Construction solenoid operated locking
MSLD, $39.95. Light duty mast support Bearing Assembly Dual race/12 ball bearings Bearing Assembly bronze sleeve w/rollers
for CD-45II and AR-40. Mounting Hardware Clamp plate/steel bolts Mounting Hardware stainless steel bolts
TSP-1, $34.95. Lower spacer plate for Control Cable Conductors 5 Control Cable Conductors 7
HAM-IVand HAM-V. Shipping Weight 14 lbs. Shipping Weight 61 lbs.
Effective Moment (in tower) 300 ft.-lbs. Effective Moment (in tower) 5000 ft.-lbs.
Digital Automatic Controller AR-35 Rotator/Controller http://www.hy-gain.com
Automatically con- ForUHF, VHF, 6-
AR-35 Nearest Dealer, Free catalog, To Order . . .
trols T2X, HAM-IV, V Meter, TV/FM antennas.
$6995 800-973-6572
rotators. 6 presets for Includes automatic con-
favorite headings, 1 degree troller, rotator, Voice:662-323-9538 Fax:662-323-6551
accuracy, 8-sec. brake mounting clamps,
DCU-1 delay, choice for center of rotation, mounting hardware.
$64995
crispplasmadisplay. Computer 110 VAC. One
controlled with many logging/contest programs. Year Warranty.
RBD-5 NEW! Automatic Rotator Brake Delay
$3495 Provides automatic 5-second brake delay -- insures your
rotator is fully stopped before brake is engaged. Prevents Antennas, Rotators & Towers
accidentally engaging brake while rotator is moving. Use with HAM II,
308 Industrial Park Road,Starkville, MS 39759, USA
III, IV, V, T2Xs. Easy-to-install. Includes pre-assembled PCB, hardware.
Prices/specs subject to change without notice/obligation (c)2006 Hy-Gain.
LifeisaJOURNEY.
Enjoy the ride! MMIINNII CCOOOOPPEERR SSHHOOWWNN WWIITTHH CCPP--55MM
UUNNIIVVEERRSSAALL LLIIPP MMOOUUNNTT AANNDD CCOOAAXX
CCAABBLLEE CCOOMMBBIINNAATTIIOONN..
NNOO HHOOLLEESS TTOO DDRRIILLLL!!
MODEL ANT CONN / COAX CONN
CP-5M SO-239 / PL-259
CP-5NMO NMO / PL-259
CP-5 3/8-24 3/8-24 / PL-259
MH-511 TRI-BAND 6M/2M/70CM HT ANTENNA • Length: 4” • Conn: Male SMA Heavy-duty adjustable lip mount bracket with
16’ 6” deluxe cable assy includes 18” mini
RG-188A/U type coax for weather seal entry.
MH-510 TRI-BAND 6M/2M/70CM HT ANTENNA • Wavelength: 6M 1/4 wave top-load • 2M 1/4 wave
• 440MHz 1/2 wave • Length: 20.75” • Conn: Male SMA Max antenna 70”
Attaches to trunk side/
HT-224 TRI-BAND 2M/220/70CM HT ANTENNA • Wavelength: 2M 1/4 wave • 220MHz 1/2 wave van door/SUV door/
• 440MHz 1/2 wave • Length: 11.5” • Conn: Male SMA truck doors etc..
MH-610 TRI-BAND 2M/220/70CM HT ANTENNA • Wavelength: 2M 1/4 wave • 220MHz 1/2 wave
• 70cm 5/8 wave • Length: 14” • Conn: Male SMA
SBB-224 / SBB-224NMO TRI-BAND 2M/220/440MHz WITH FOLD-OVER • Wavelength: 146MHz 1/4 wave • 220MHz 5/8 wave • 446MHz 5/8 wave x 2 • Length: 36” • Conn: PL-259 or NMO style • Max Pwr: 100W EX-510B / EX-510BNMOTRI-BAND 6M/2M/440MHZ WITH FOLD-OVER • Wavelength: 52MHz 1/4 wave • 146MHz 1/2 wave • 446MHz 5/8 wave x 2 VSWR • Length: 37” • Conn: PL-259 or NMO style • Max Power: 50W FM SB-15 TRI-BAND 6M/2M/440MHZ WITH FOLD-OVER • Wavelength: 52MHz 1/4 wave • 146MHz 6/8 wave • 446MHz 5/8 wave x 3 • Length: 58” • Conn: PL-259 • Max Pwr: 120W UHV-4 QUAD-BAND 10M/6M/2M/440MHZ WITH FOLD-OVER • Wavelength: 10M & 6M 1/4 wave • 2M 1/2 wave • 70cm 5/8 wave x 2 • Length: 55” • Max Power: 10M 120W SSB 6M2M/70cm 100W FM • Conn: PL-259 • 10M and 6M bands have individual tuning stubs UHV-6 HF/6M/2M/440MHZ MOBILE ANTENNA *80/*20/*17/40/15/10/6/2M/70cm Mobile antenna with fold-over hinge• Wavelength: 2M 1/2 wave • 70cm 5/8 wave x 2 • VSWR: HF 1.6:1 or less, 6M-70cm 1.5:1 or less • Length: 44” (min), 78”(max) • *L-14 optional 20M coil *L-18 optional 17M coil *L-3.5 optional Max Pwr: HF 120W SSB, 6M 200W SSB/100W FM, 2M/70cm 100W FM • *80/75M coil • Features: • 6M/2M/ 70cm operation is constant. You CHOOSE the HF coils you want to add, up to four stock or optional. One vertical, the rest horizontal. • Easily mounts to standard trunk/door mount in minutes • Economical • Fold-over hinge built in• Select the duplexer or triplexer for your specific radio(s). CF-706A, CF-530, CFX-514N • Conn: PL-259 UHV-6 in fold-over position. Fold-over hinge included for easy entry to garage, parking structure, drive-thru etc… SB-15 / UHV-4 / UHV-6 / HMC-6S fold-over hinge has a threaded collar to lock the hinge vertically in place. It can’t fold-over by itself at highway speed! HMC-6S *40/20/15/10/6/2/440MHZ MOBILE ANTENNA WITH FOLD-OVER Wavelength: HF 1/4 wave • 2M 1/2 wave • 70cm 5/8 wave x 2 • VSWR: HF-6M 1.6:1 orless 2M/70cm 1.5:1 or less • Length: 66” • Max Power: HF 120W SSB 6/2/70cm150W FM*HMC-7C optional 40M coil • Conn: PL-259
For a complete catalog, call or visit your local dealer.
Or contact NCG Company.1275 N. Grove Street, Anaheim, CA 92806
and Mobile 714-630-4541 • 800-962-2611 • FAX 714-630-7024 • www.natcommgroup.com
This Month in QST
April 2007 Volume 91 Number 4
QST (ISSN:0033-4812) is published monthly as its offi cial journal by the American Radio Relay League, Inc, 225 Main Street,
Newington, CT 06111-1494, USA. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT, USA and at additional mailing offi ces.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: QST, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111-1494, USA.
Technical
28 Remote Control of the Amateur Station ....................................................Lou Fiore, W2LTF
Operate your Amateur Radio station from anywhere in the world.
32 A 2 Element Quad for 17 and 12 Meters Using a Combined Feed .....L. B. Cebik, W4RNL,
How to drive two antennas with one transmission line. and Robert Cerreto, WA1FXT
37 A Practical Demonstration of Fourier Series .............................................Paul Danzer, N1II
Synthesize repetitive waveforms on your PC.
38 Life Could Be a DReaM ...........................................................................Steve Ford, WB8IMY
A beginners guide to the free WinDRM HF digital voice software.
70 Product Review .........................................................................................Mark Wilson, K1RO
Alpha 8100 HF Linear Amplifi er; Alinco DJ-V17T 2 Meter Handheld FM.
News and Features
9 It Seems to Us: Preparing for Major Disasters ....................................David Sumner, K1ZZ
12 This Just In .......................................................................................Joel P. Kleinman, N1BKE
New Education Services Manager named; ARRL graphic artist team wins second consecu-
tive design award; In Brief; Media Hits; Inside HQ; more.
41 ARRL Board Accepts National Emergency Response Planning Committee Report
The ARRL Board of Directors acted on this and several other issues during its J anuary
annual meeting in Windsor, Connecticut.
44 ARRL Board Names Leonard, Knight Award Winners
Two deserving hams honored with professional media and distinguished service awards.
45 Digital Meteor Scatter Equals Maximum Fun .................................Randy Tipton, WA5UFH
Find out what’s been happening with MS since WSJT arrived on the scene.
48 Throw a Party for 1000 of Y our Best Friends .........................................Norm Fusaro, W3IZ
Some tips on how to put on a whiz-bang hamfest.
50 The Great Armadillo Reunion of 2006 .................................................Tom Taormina, K5RC
Twenty years after the Great Armadillo Run in Texas, these hams reconnected in Nevada for
Field Day.
52 Emergency Communications and You ....................................................Allen Pitts, W1AGP
Introducing the ARRL’s 2007 public relations campaign.
75 Happenings ............................................................................................Rick Lindquist, N1RL
Bill seeks BPL interference study; FCC Chair perpetuates BPL “rural service” myth; Mr Lincoln
retires from ARRL HQ at age 92; FCC News; more.
US & Possessions: Membership in the ARRL, including a one year subscription Membership without QST is available to the imme diate family of a member
to QST, is available to individuals at $39. Age 65 and over, with proof of age, living at the same address, and to anyone who is legally blind, for $8 per year.
$36. Licensed radio amateurs age 21 and under and the eldest licensee in Foreign remittances should be by international postal or express money order
the household may qualify for the rate of $20. Life Membership, inc luding a or bank draft negotiable in the US and for an equivalent amount in US funds.
subscription to QST is available at $975.* Age 65 and over, $900.* Member-
ship and QST cannot be separated. Libraries and institutions, $39 per year. Copyright © 2007 by the American Radio Relay League Inc. Title registered
Single copies $5. at the US Patent Offi ce. International copyright secured. All rights reserved.
Quedan reservados todos los derechos. Printed in the USA.
International
To compensate for additional postage for mailing outside the US, the follow- QST®, DXCC®, VUCC®, DX Century Club®, ARES® and Amateur Radio
ing rates apply: Emergency Service® are registered trademarks of the American Radio Relay
League, Inc.
Canada: Membership in the ARRL, including a one year subscription to
QST, $49, payable in US funds. Life Membership, including a subscription to The ARRL and QST in no way warrant the products described or reviewed
QST is available at $1225.* Libraries and institutions, $49 per year. herein.
All Other Countries: Membership in the ARRL, including a one year QST is available to blind and physically handicapped individuals on audio cas-
subscription to QST, $62, payable in US funds. Life Membership, including a sette from the Library of C ongress, National Library Service f or the Blind and
subscription to QST is available at $1550.* Libraries and institutions, Physically Handicapped. Call 1-800-424-8567.
$62 per year. Indexed by Applied Science and Technology Index, L ibrary of Congress
*Payment arrangements available. Please write for details. Catalog Card No: 21-9421.
4 April 2007
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QST Workbench
54 The Doctor Is IN
Harold Kramer, WJ1B
Remote control aircraft; wires through trees; rental cars and power sources; more.
Publisher
56 Short Takes ......................................................................Richard Van Wyckhouse, KG4UHC Steve Ford, WB8IMY
Editor
Ham Radio Deluxe Version 3.4
Joel P. Kleinman, N1BKE
57 Getting to Know Your Radio ...................................................................Joel R. Hallas, W1ZR Managing Editor
What’s that extra antenna port on the back of my transceiver?
S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
59 A Portable Equipment Support Frame ................................................Steven Pituch, W2MY Assistant Editor
Joel R. Hallas, W1ZR
Need to use your base station in the fi eld? This equipment frame can help.
Technical Editor
61 Making Sense of Decibels ......................................................................Joel R. Hallas, W1ZR Larry D. Wolfgang, WR1B
Dean Straw, N6BV
Get a handle on understanding decibels and how to use them.
Senior Assistant Technical Editors
62 Hands-On Radio ......................................................................................H. Ward Silver, NØAX
Rick Lindquist, N1RL
Experiment #51 — Filter Design #2 Happenings
Mark J. Wilson, K1RO
64 A Microphone Port for Those Sound Card Modes .............................Nenad Rotter, 9A5AN
Product Review
Don’t have enough places to plug in those sound card leads? Here’s how to make it play. Mike Tracy, KC1SX
Product Review Lab Testing
68 Hints & Kinks ...................................................................................Larry D. Wolfgang, WR1B
Steve Ewald, WV1X
Battery clamps; tuning forks; a fast circuit breaker; more. Public Service
Tom Hogerty, KC1J
Contests
Mary M. Hobart, K1MMH
Operating At the Foundation
Bill Moore, NC1L
DX Century Club
Eileen Sapko
100 2006 ARRL International ...................Marc Franco, N2UO
VHF/UHF Century Club
EME Competition Results
John Troster, W6ISQ
101 Straight Key Night 2007 ................Dan Henderson, N1ND Paul L. Rinaldo, W4RI
Al Brogdon, W1AB
102 2007 IARU HF World Championships Contest Bernie McClenny, W3UR
Announcement John Dilks, K2TQN
H. Ward Silver, NØAX
Gene Zimmerman, W3ZZ
70 Paul Wade, W1GHZ
Contributing Editors
Michelle Bloom, WB1ENT
Production Supervisor
Jodi Morin, KA1JPA
Assistant Production Supervisor
59 OUR COVER Joe Shea
Whether they’re waiting out the long Ant- Production Assistant
arctic winter, atop Mount Blanc or operating Maty Weinberg, KB1EIB
from a speck of land in the South Pacifi c, Production Coordinator
hams are actively seeking contacts. One
50
good way to work toward the prestigious Sue Fagan, KB1OKW
ARRL DXCC Award (for contacts with 100 Graphic Design Supervisor
different entities) is the IARU World Cham-
David Pingree, N1NAS
pionships (see page 102 of this issue). The
representative DX hams on the cover are Senior Technical Illustrator
[top inset photo] Andrea, HB9DUR (seated) Devon Neal, KB1NSR
and Oscar, IW2HUZ, at station YMØKA, Technical Illustrator
located on an island off the coast of Turkey;
[bottom inset photo] Barry, VK2BJ, operating Ed Vibert
from 9M6AAC in East Malaysia; and [large Proofreader
photo] Carlos, D44AC, in the white shirt, in-
stalling a new antenna system in back of his Debra Jahnke, K1DAJ
home in Mindelo, Cape Verde, off the west Business Services Manager
coast of Africa. Photos by the well traveled
Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R
Henryk Kotowski, SMØJHF.
Sales & Marketing Manager
Amy Hurtado, KB1NXO
Departments Circulation Manager
Diane Szlachetka, KB1OKV
Advertising Graphics Designer
Coming Conventions .............................94 New Products .....40, 55, 63, 67, 69, 74, 102
Contest Corral .........................................97 Old Radio .................................................90 In order to ensure prompt delivery, we
ask that you periodically check the
Correspondence .....................................24 Public Service .........................................80 address information on your mailing
Eclectic Technology ...............................89 Silent Keys ..............................................92 label. If you fi nd any inaccuracies, please
Feedback .................................................67 Special Events ........................................99 contact the Circulation D epartment at
[email protected] or 860-594-0200
Guide to ARRL Member Services .........14 Strays ...........................................58, 67, 92 immediately. Thank you for your as-
Ham Ads ................................................140 Up Front in QST ......................................20 sistance.
Hamfest Calendar ...................................94 VHF/UHF Century Club Awards ............84 Reprints and permissions:
Hamspeak ..............................................103 W1AW Schedule .....................................93 [email protected]
How’s DX? ...............................................85 The World Above 50 MHz .......................82 See page 14 for detailed contact infor-
mation.
Index of Advertisers .............................158 75, 50 and 25 Years Ago .........................93
Telephone: 860-594-0200
Microwavelengths ..................................87
Fax: 860-594-0259
April 2007 5
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Description:New ferrite beads reduce RF susceptibility. New Cinch plug plus 8-pin . For a complete catalog, call or visit your local dealer. Or contact NCG . QST, $49, payable in US funds. ARES database, mutual aid agreements, and the .. ARRL is an incorporated association without capital stock chartered