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HAMIV_101308_QST_101308.qxd  10/13/2008  4:00 PM  Page 1
ROTATORS
. . . the first choice of hams around the world!
HAM-IV HAM-IV TAILTWISTER SERIES II CD-45II 
The most popular $64995 Forlarge medium antenna Forantenna CD-45II
rotator in the world! arrays up to 20 sq. ft. wind load. arrays up to 8.5 $44995
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-secoWnd 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 W 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 Wgear, 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-
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reliability.  Newindicator potentiometer. tiometer wires,newweather- T-2X tection, dual 58 ball bearing racegives
Newferrite beads reduce RF susceptibility. pAroof AMPconnectors plus $79995 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 tripleD bearing race with 138 T-2XD gear train, North center scale, lighted direc-
bearing strength and electric locking steel ball bearinigs for large load $122995 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 weOdge 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 masWt size of 21/16inches.  low voltage contrSol, 21/16inch max. mast.  duty lower mast support included. 
HAM IVand HAM VRotator Specifications TAILTWISTER Rotator Specifications CD-45II Rotator Specifications
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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/maWst adapter) 7.5 square feet Wind Load (w/ mast adapter) 10 square feet Wind Load (w/ mast adapter) 5.0 square feet
A
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 WElectric Wedge Brake Construction MElectric Wedge Brake Construction Disc Brake
Bearing Assembly du.al 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/steAel U-bolts Mounting Hardware Clamp plate/steel U-bolts
Control Cable Conductors G 8 Control Cable Conductors 8 Control Cable Conductors 8
Shipping Weight i26 lbs. Shipping Weight  31 lbTs. 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 U AR-40 AR-40  OHDR-300A HDR-300A
$10HA9M-V995 a1n5t Fesoqnrunaamr aeer dfreaiueymts  wupinR tdo $la3rge4 FM9/T9V5upa nttoFe on3rn.0ac  soaqmrruapayarsec  tafenedt $14R9ar9ea.9 C5oanrtrrFaoyols rc  ukapbin ltego -c s2oi5zne nsdeqca.ftnto.t rew,n ninneadw load
with DCU-1 load area.  Similar Uwind load area.  Dual 12 ball bear- harUdened stainless steel output shaft,
ing race. Automatic position sensor
to the HAM IV, but newNorth or South centered cali-
includes DCU-1 Mnemvaetri cn eceodnst rroels -e-t tjiunsgt.  d Fiaul lalyn dauto- bratLion, .newferrite beads on
Pathfinderdigital potentiometer wires reduce RF sus-
Etouch for any desired location.
control unit with Solid state, low voltage control, cepHtibility,newlonger out-
gas plasma display. sLafe and silent operation. 21/ put shaift keyway adds relia-
operation of brake and rPortoovr,i dceosm apuattoimblaetic inMcShE LmDa xliigmhut mdu mty alsotw seizr em.as16t tbeirliintyg. Hstee2aevl yc.-ldamutpy  saenldf-cen-
with many logging/contest programs, 6 pre- support. included. hardware. Display accurate
sets for beam headings, 1 degree accuracy, to 1o. MachinedR steel output.
auto 8-second brake delay, 360 degree AR-40 Rotator SHpecifications HDR-300ARotator Specifications
i
choice for center location, more! Wind load capacity (inside tower) 3.0 square feet Wind load capacity (inside tower) 25 sOquare feet
Wind Load (w/ mast adapter) 21.5 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 DRisc 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
O
TSP-1, $34.95.  Lower spacer plate for Control Cable Conductors 5 Control Cable Conductors 7
Shipping Weight 14 lbs. Shipping Weight 61 lbs.
HAM-IVand HAM-V. 
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.
$8995 800-973-6572
rotators.  6 presets for Includes automatic con-
favorite headings, 1Oacc- troller, rotator, Voice:662-323-9538 Fax:662-323-6551
uracy, 8-sec. brake delay, mounting clamps,
DCU-1 choice for center of rotation,crisp mounting hardware.
$74995
plasmadisplay. Computer con- 110 VAC.  One
trolled with many logging/contest programs. Year Warranty.  
RBD-5 NEW!  Automatic Rotator Brake Delay
$2995 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)2008 Hy-Gain.
Life is a JOURNEY.  
MMIINNII  CCOOOOPPEERR  SSHHOOWWNN  WWIITTHH  
CCPP--55MM  UUNNIIVVEERRSSAALL  LLIIPP  MMOOUUNNTT  
OONN  TTHHEE  DDOOOORR  EEDDGGEE..    Enjoy the ride!
All the mounts attach to van doors, truck 
side doors, SUV doors, etc... and require 
no holes.  Includes 16’ 6” deluxe cable 
assy w/18” mini RG-1888A/U type coax 
for weather seal entry.
 
Choose a mount 
depending on the antenna  
size and vehicle mounting 
location space. W         BNC-24  DUAL-BAND 2M/70CM HT ANTENNA RX range: 100-1200MHz
• Wavelength: 2M 1/4 wave • 440MHz 1/2 wave • Length: 17” • Conn: BNC Super flexible featherweight whip
FFoorr  SSmmaallll  AAnntteennnnaass  &&  LLiimmiitteedd  SSppaaccee
W
MODEL / ANT CONN / COAX CONN
        SMA-24  DUAL-BAND 2M/70CM HT ANTENNA RX range: 100-1200MHz
  EM-5M   SO-239 /  PL-259
• Wavelength: 2M 1/4 wave • 440MHz 1/2 wave • Length: 17” • Conn: SMA Super flexible featherweight whip
Footprint:           1.1”x .75” W
Max Antenna:     40” .
        SMA-503  DUAL-BAND 2M/70CM HT ANTENNA RX range: 100-1200MHz 
FFoorr  MMeeddiiuumm  SSiizzee  AAnntteennnnaass
R• Length: 8.75” • Conn: SMA
MODEL / ANT CONN / COAX CONN
  CP-5M     SO-239  /  PL-259
  CP-5NMO    NMO  /   PL-259 A     MH-209 (BNC Conn) MH-209SMA (SMA Conn) 2M/70CM DUAL-BAND HT ANTENNAS
Footprint:                 3.4” x 1.25” 3” length, soft rubber cover. Good performance in a small package! 
D
Max Antenna:           60” i
FFoorr  TTaallll  oorr  MMuullttii--bbaanndd  HHFF  AAnntteennnnaass
MODEL / ANT CONN / COAX CONN O
                    HD-5M       SO-239  /  PL-259
                    HD- 5 3/8-24  3/8-24 / PL-259 S
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Footprint:                   3.75” x 1.1 “
Max antenna:              80” C
W 59 
59  L-2 A
        NEW!        NEW! CSB750A  DUAL-BAND 2M/440MHZ W/FOLD-OVER Wavelength: 2M 1/2 wave, 70cm 5/8 wave x 2 • VSWR: 1.5:1 or less • Length: 42” • Conn: PL-259 • Max Pwr: 150W        NEW!       NEW! CSB770A  DUAL-BAND 2M/440MHZ W/FOLD-OVERWavelength: 2M 5/8 wave center load, 70cm 5/8 wave x 2 center load • VSWR: 1.5:1 or less • Length: 51” • Conn: PL-2W• Max Pwr: 150W .       NEW!       NEW! CSB790A  DUAL-BAND 2M/440MHZ W/FOLD-OVERGWavelength: 2M 7/8 wave center load, 70cm 5/8 wave x 3 center load • VSWR: 1.5:1 or less • Length: 62” • Conn: Pi• Max Pwr: 150WURU      AX-50  DUAL-BAND 2M/440MHz MWavelength: 2M 1/4 wave • 70cm 9/8 wave • Length: 21”  • Conn: PL-259 • Max Power: 60W E      AX-75  DUAL-BAND 2M/440MHz W/FOLD-OVERLWavelength: 2M 1/2 wave center load • 70cm 5/8 wave x 2 • Length: 30”  • Conn: PL-259 • Max Power: 60WE.      AX-95  DUAL-BAND 2M/440MHz W/FOLD-OVERHWavelength: 2M 1/2 wave • 70cm 5/8 wave x 2 • Length: 38”  • Conn: PL-259 • Max Power: 60W i2M        B-10 / B-10NMO  DUAL-BAND 2M/440MHz .Wavelength: 146MHz 1/4 wave • 446MHz 1/2 wave • Length: 12” RA• Conn: B-10 PL-259 ,B-10NMO - NMO style • Max Pwr: 50WOTO        SBB-2 / SBB-2NMO DUAL-BAND 2M/440MHzWavelength: 146MHz 1/4 wave • 446MHz 5/8 wave center load • VSWR: 1.5:1 or less • Length: 18” R• Conn:  SBB-2  PL-259 • SBB-2NMO NMO style  • Max Pwr: 60W U     EX-107RB / EX-107RBNMO  DUAL-BAND 2M/440MHzLWavelength: 146MHz 1/2 wave • 446MHz 5/8 wave x 2 • VSWR: 1.5:1 or less • Length:29” .• Conn:  EX-107RB PL-259 • Ex-107RBNMO  NMO style  • Max Pwr: 100WHi        SBB-5 / SBB-5NMO  DUAL-BAND 2M/440MHz W/FOLD-OVER2Wavelength:  146MHz 1/2 wave • 446MHz 5/8 wave x 2 • Length: 39” .• Conn: SBB-5 PL-259, SBB-5NMO - NMO style  • Max Pwr: 120WRO        SBB-7 / SBB-7NMO  DUAL-BAND 2M/440MHz W/FOLD-OVERWavelength: 146MHz 6/8 wave • 446MHz 5/8 wave x 3 • Length: 58”  • Conn: SBB-7 PL-259, SBB-7NMO - NMO style  • Max Pwr: 70W
For a complete catalog, call or visit your local dealer. 
Or contact NCG Company. 15036 Sierra Bonita Lane, Chino, CA  91710 
and        Mobile 909-393-6133 • 800-962-2611 • FAX 909-393-6136 • www.natcommgroup.com
This Month in QST
December 2008  Volume 92  Number 12
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. Canada Post: Publications 
Mail Agreement #40612608. Canada Returns to be sent to Bleuchip International, PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2.
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Technical
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30  A Different Way to “Pound Brass” ......................................................................Barry Feierman, K3EUI 
W  A look at some new ways to try code. 
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33  A Modular Receiver for Exploring the LF/VLF Bands ....................................Larry Coyle, K1QW 
  PaRrt 2 of how to explore the lower-frequency regions of the spectrum by adding Software 
Defi ned Radio. 
38  A LowA Noise Loop that Works — Plus a Bonus 2 Meter Beam.............Rick Darwicki, N6PE
  Enjoy the low bands — and 2 meters — with on almost-free antenna. 
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40  Product Reviewi ........................................................................................................................Mark Wilson, K1RO
  Microtelecom Perseus Software Defi ned Receiver
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12  This Just In ....................................................................................................................Joel P. Kleinman, N1BKE
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  “Eyeball QSOs” at NYCE gala event; Five-ham VK family; Inside HQ; Media Hits; m.ore.
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45  ARRL Benefi ts and Services
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46  Ghost QSOs — Olivia ReturHns from the Noise ...............................Gary L. Robinson, WB8ROL
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  When band conditions are poor, discover the magic of Olivia.  O
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48  Make that List and Check It Twice .............................................................................Joel R. Hallas, W1ZR
  Shopping for new or used “shack enhancements”? Here’s how to do it right! 
51  Happenings ............................................................R................................................S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
  City of Manassas takes over private BPL system; Pennsylvania gets PRB-1 law; new Section 
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Managers visit ARRL HQ; FCC News; more. 
Interested in  US & Possessions: Membership in the ARRL, including a one year subscription  Membership without QST is available to the imme diate family of a member 
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4   December 2008   
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QST Workbench
58  The Doctor is IN
  Ferrite beads; 75 meter band; installing phone jacks; determining headphone impedance;  Harold Kramer, WJ1B
more.  Publisher
Steve Ford, WB8IMY
60  Short Takes ................................................................................................................................Mike Gruber, W1MG
Editor
  Arrow II 146-4BP Antenna 
Joel P. Kleinman, N1BKE
61  Time to Tune Up that Old Key! ....................................................................................Joel R. Hallas, W1ZR Managing Editor
  Adjust your straight key in time to have fun on Straight Key Night and beyond.  Joel R. Hallas, W1ZR
W Technical Editor
62  Hands-On Radio ...................................................................................................................H. Ward Silver, NØAX Larry D. Wolfgang, WR1B   
  Experiment #71 — Circuit Layout  Senior Assistant Technical Editor
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Steve Sant Andrea, WB2GYK
64  Hints & Kinks......................................................................................................Steve Sant Andrea, WB2GYK
Assistant Editor
  Portable lightweigghtt aantteennaa ssuuuuupppppppppppppppppppppooooooortt;; raaaaddioo ddisspppppppppppppppplaaay protector; painting radio cabinets; more. 
W S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
  . Happenings
Mark J. Wilson, K1RO
R Product Review
Bob Allison, WB1GCM
33A Product Review Lab Testing
Steve Ewald, WV1X
D Public Service
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Mary M. Hobart, K1MMH
At the Foundation
O Sean Kutzko, KX9X
69
Radiosport
S Bill Moore, NC1L
W DX and VHF/UHF Century Clubs
87 C
John Troster, W6ISQ 
W Paul L. Rinaldo, W4RI
A
Al Brogdon, W1AB
Bernie McClenny, W3UR
W M John Dilks, K2TQN 
. H. Ward Silver, NØAX 
Gene Zimmerman, W3ZZ
Radiosport G A Paul Wade, W1GHZ
i T Contributing Editors
Michelle Bloom, WB1ENT
U O Production Supervisor
67  This Month in Contesting ..........................Sean Kutzko, KX9X  Jodi Morin, KA1JPA
68  Contest Corral ..........................................R.....H. Ward Silver, NØAX  RAssistant Production Supervisor
Maty Weinberg, KB1EIB
69  “Just the Facts” —  U Production Coordinator
Our Cover U
 ARRL Field Day 2008  ........................Dan Henderson, N1ND May the wonder of this holiday season  Carol Michaud, KB1QAW
81  Wet and Wild — 2008 June VHF QSO PartyM  bring joy and peace to you and your  PLroduction Assistant
loved ones, both near and far. On our  .
 Results ..................................................................Rick Rosen, K1DS Sue Fagan, KB1OKW
E cover, the fi rst place winning photograph  Graphic Design Supervisor
85  The 2009 ARRL International DX Contest Announcement  by Bob Johnson, W7LRD, of Renton,  H
LWashington, in our Third Annual Photo  David Pingreie, N1NAS
85  2009 Kids Day Announcement Contest illustrates the magic and marvel  Senior Technical Illustrator
86  2009 Straight Key Night Announcement E.oFfr oamll  tohuart  fwaimntielyr  tbor iynogusr s(f,r ownet  hsenroew agtl obe).  Ed Vibert, Nanc2y G.. Hallas, W1NCY
86  2009 January VHF Sweepstakes Announcement ARRL HQ wish you the most delightful  Proofreaders
of holiday seasons. A more personalized  R
87  2009 ARRL RTTY Roundup Announcement gHreeting appears on page 37. Debra Jahnke, K1DAJ
i Business Services Manager
QST Advertising O
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. Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R
Departments Sales & Marketing Manager
Amy Hurtado, KB1NXO
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Circulation Manager
Diane Szlachetka, KB1OKV
Amateur Radio World .............................66 Inside HQ ....................................O.............13 Advertising Graphics Designer
ARRL Emergency Communications  Life Members Elected .............................97
 Course Honor Roll ................................97 New Products ..........................................50
ARRL VEC Volunteer Examiner  Old Radio .................................................94
 Honor Roll ...........................................100 Public Service .........................................55 In order to ensure prompt delivery, 
Coming Conventions..............................96 Season’s Greetings from the  we ask that you periodically check 
Correspondence .....................................24  ARRL Staff and Contributing Editors..37 the  address information on your 
mailing  label. If you fi nd any inaccura-
Eclectic Technology ...............................93 Silent Keys ..............................................98
cies, please contact the Circulation 
Feedback .................................................98 Special Events ........................................87  Department at [email protected] 
Field Organization Reports ....................98 Strays ...............................................89, 100 or 860-594-0200 immediately. Thank 
Guide to ARRL Member Services .........14 Up Front in QST ......................................20 you for your assistance.
Ham Ads ................................................164 VHF/UHF Century Club Awards.............80 Reprints and permissions: 
[email protected]
Hamfest Calendar ...................................96 W1AW Schedule .....................................99
See page 14 for detailed contact 
Hamspeak ..............................................101 The World Above 50 MHz .......................90 information.
How’s DX? ...............................................88 75, 50 and 25 Years Ago .........................99 Telephone: 860-594-0200
Index of Advertisers .............................166 Fax: 860-594-0259
   December 2008   5
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Description:For large medium antenna arrays up to 20 sq. ft Conn: B-10 PL-259 ,B-10NMO - NMO style • Max Pwr: 50W. SBB-2 / SBB- . Licensed radio amateurs age 21 and under and the eldest licensee in  their membership, purchase ARRL books, and  from the 19th edition of The ARRL Antenna. Book