RSGB RadCom 2005 06

100 Pages·2006·11.58 MB·English

by  Michael Dennison

www.rsgb.org
The Radio Society of Great Britain Members’ Magazine
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6
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£3.95 Vol 81 No. 6 June 2005
INSIDE
Amateur radio museums
It’s International Museums Weekend this
month. We take a detailed look BEGINNERS
at two of the radio museums GB4FUN school visit leads to
another new M3 licensee p8
participating p38
Receiver filters and their
specifications p30
REVIEW
SGC SG-211 and SG-239
Smartuners p26
ANTENNAS
Portable magnetic loop
construction project p80
Peter Dodd on VSWR and
‘ISWR’ p61
WHATEVER NEXT
New technology:the ideal
transceiver front panel;
QRP narrowband digital
communications p64
A new transceiver subsystem
from Cumbria Designs p54
EMC
PLT update; PIR security
lights p66
‘TT’
The debut of the software-
defined HF transceiver p69
PROPAGATION
5MHz beacons:design &
construction p85
IN PRACTICE
Ian White on the antenna
‘takeoff angle’ p74
The legality
DATAMODES
of mobile
Andy Talbot on JT65 and
WSJT p65
A ‘guest editorial’
by David Taylor,
NVIS eQSL
G4EBT, a An introduction by Tim Kirby,
Improved understanding of magistrate as G4VXE p18
Near-Vertical Incidence Sky-wave well as a radio
propagation may lead to better amateur and
NVIS antenna designs p76 motorist p22
HF Value Added Package W&S Fifteenth Annual
Hockley Open Day 2005
Buy any 100W HF Transceiver during the foC
month of June and get the following: 29th r dhec
World Prefix Wall Map 100x70cm FREE ek
Transmitting Logbook FREE May ta w
W-184 Boom Mic Headset* FREE 2005 ilseb
W-25SM 25 Amp PSU £39.95
10am
*Boom Headset needs Heil adaptor lead
£14.95
Our Massive Open Day gives you bargains galore!
FREE food & drink plus raffle. Support from Yaesu,
Icom, Kenwood & Repeater groups.
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not B-Stock or old stock clearance.
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The best budget radio at the price. Superb 100W from
Get free entry to any rally we IC-718 £449 C 160m to 10m. As used by Peter Waters, G3OJV FT-847 £999 C
aayotdtuemrn isdCs luuiopbn Cu tnahtreidln 3 ac1nosdmt Mwee at oyw 2tihl0l er0e W5im. &SbSium rssptealy ny pdoa uayrn y dmo suohrn oewy u!s TtIhChaist - bis7e lai0e bs3 uitdsFg rpeeet ercf olIaCrsms-a7 rn0acd3ei o.L BHoegFab u1ot6iof u-k l1 d0£ismp5 laa3ty .a9 p ri ce C TTA10gSS0rWe--a 54ot ur08utpgS0ugte.S dA lmAsooT bai leg rfeoar t 1p6r0icme. to 10m££ w85it99h 95up t o CC C(IFs5o 0tTmhWe-p rl28eem ta4e/n 7s0y0t acotmtioh)ne. rGi nrra eada ibot o ftoxhr!a 1st a6ct0oemmlli te-e s 7 wc0olcor£mske. 3- tuo9p t h9tois 1 p0 ri0CcWe?
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three of our storesand also at rallies and shows.To apply Going HF Mobile? Take the TS-480SAT, remove the auto ATU and offer a put 160m - 70cm. New low price. UKwarranty.
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IaCll-in- 2on7e 2die5-cEast chassis. £269 C KENWOOD TH-F7E HF Linear Amplifiers longitude. A2 Size (LOCW-MAP) £4.99 A
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Does not need extra high TH-D7E £299 C HF linear amp 10-160m 1.5kW Automatic ID System
cOonslty beoxatrrad sif troe qfuunircetdio nis. a 2m/70cm dualband FM handheld transceiver AL-80B £1399.95 C **HNiig-Mh H5 WLo Pngo-wLeifre OBuattpteurty
cGoPmSp raetcibeilveer. £439 C wTiHth -dGata7 c1oEmmunications £179 C HAFL li-n8ea1r 1aHmpX 1C0-E160m 1.5k£W849.95 C *PFrNoBgr-a8m3 m(7a.2bVle, 1K4e0y0sm fAorh )user convenience
TM-G707E £269 C *Split CTCSS/DCS and DCS Encode-Only
Dual Band 2m & 70cm with detachable front 2TmH/7-0Kcm2 Edualband FM hand£h1el3d 9tra n sCceiver HAFL liSne-a5r 0am0pM 10X-1C60Em 500£W8 (43x98.191A5) C Capability. £179.95 B
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HF linear amp 10-160m 600W (export only)
Dual Band 2m FM 60W mobile transceiver 2m FM 5W portable transceiver c/w Ni-MH Loop Tuner
SGC
Yaesu battery/charger This is the most amazing
TH-K4E £139 C HF Linear Amplifiers antenna we have seen in
VHF/UHF Mobile/Base 70cm FM 5W portable transceiver c/w years. For optimum results
Ni-MH battery/charger SG-500 £1399.95 C take a wire around 1/5th
YAESU FT-7800E wave long, bend into
Yaesu “Power Cube” 1.6-30MHz 500W solid state square loop (14ft on 20m
*2m/70cms Dual VHF/UHF Handhelds Yaesu = 3.5ft square) and attach
Band Mobile to MFJ-935. Result: Ultra
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*2m FM Mobile transceiver * High power HL-1FKX £1399.95 C meter and is ideal for base use.£229.95.You
65W * Capable of VHF wideband receiver VX-2E £119 C HF linear amp. 1.8-29.7MHz 500W PEP use your own wire to make loop (approx 1/5 wave
FT-8800E £269 C 2m/70cm miniature handheld transceiver with max, solid state total length for lowest band) or purchase MFJ-57
*2m/70cmDualband FM Mobile transceiver * LViOXN- 1ba1tt0ery/charger £94 C HL-2FKX £2699.95 C wpeitrh s cidroes £s3 a9r.m95 a. ndM wFirJe -fo5r8 20h/a1s7 /a1d5dmit i-o anp opfr owxir e2 fftor
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NiCd & charger 1kW PEPmax, solid state
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Mobile Antenna’s
NiCd & charger 10W in 100W PEPsolid state
Watson Alinco
ANTENNAS
Mini Mag Antenna
VHF/UHF Handhelds
W-2LE 1/4 wave 2m 0.48m 200W £9.95 B
WSM-270 £19.95 B W-285 5/8th 2m 1.33m long 200W £14.95 B
DJ-V5E £159 C W-77LS 2m/70cm 0.42m 50W 14.95 B
W-770HB 2m/70cm 1.1m 200W 24.95 B
Dual Band 2m/70cm 2m/70cm FM 5W dualband handheld transceiver W-7900 2m/70cm 2m/70cm 1.58m £32.95 B
mobile whip. 2.5dB gain DJ-193E £91 C WSM-270 Dual band mini magnetic £19.95 B
BASES
and 1.5:1 VSWR. ).8m
long. Complete system 2m FM transceiver no keypad, Ni-Cds & charger WM-08 8cm diam magnetic £9.95 A
including 3.5m cable. No DJ-195E £99 C WM-14B 14cm diam magnetic £12.95 A
drilling involved. W-3HM Hatch mount £14.95 A
2m FM transceiver with keypad Ni-Cds & charger ECH Cable kit £10.95 B
Powerful micro magnet
DJ-C7E £124 C
in base. Simple and NOTE: All antennas have PL-259 ends. Mag mounts
very effective. 2m/70cm credit size FM handheld have cable attached. Hatch mount needs ECH cable.
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MANSON SDC-2010 SGC SG-231 AT-180 £349.95 C 6-BTV £229.95 C
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£9.95 A 1 - 60MHz. 3 - 100W pep into transceivKer foer senamwless oopeoratiodn. Coax only. a5t -gBrouTndV le v el with earth stake. I£de1al 9sm9a.ll9 ga5rd e nCs
(50W CW). Min wire length, 80 - 10m 5-band vert. 7.64m tall 1kW. Can be used
7m. 50 Ohm feed. Needs Internal Auto ATU’s at ground level with earth stake. Ideal small gardens
* Cigar Plug-in DC adaptor
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** S7 t-a bwaaliys eDdC a andda pprtootre scetet.d. £349.95 C A1.8T -- 350 0MHZ 100W ATU specific£all3y d1es9ig.n9ed5 f o r C 4a0t g-r o1u0nmd 4le-bvaenl dw ivthe ret.a 6rt.h5 2smta ktael.l I1dkeWal. sCmaanl lb gea urdseends
* Matches most Yaesu / Alinco use with TS-50 transceiver. Coaxial only. Butternut
SG-239 £189.95 C
* Wsoocrkkse tfsr.om 12 V or 24 V Mini auto ATU 1.8 - 30MHz 1.5 - 200W PEPprimari- Cushcraft Antennas
vehicle systems. ly for long wires - non waterproof. 12V DC HF Antennas
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HF2V £229.95 C
POCKET MORSE READER 1th.8a t -y 6o0uM cHanz 1u0se0 Wou PtdEoPo.r sA. g1r2eVa tD raCndom wire tuner MA5V £239.95 C 80 / 40m high performance vertical. 1kW PEP9.75m
SG-237 £299.95 C Vertical 5-band 20m - 10m. No separate radials tall. Self supporting for ground mount use.
MFJ-461 1.8 - 60MHz 100W PEP. Great for mounting outdoors needed. 250W. Self-supporting. 4.48m tall. HF6V £299.95 C
and feeding long wire. Waterproof. 12V DC A3-S £469.95 D 6 band vertical 80-40-30-20-15-10m. 2kW. 7.9m tall.
Reads CW SG-230 £339.95 C The classic 20 15 10m 3-el beam. 2kW 8dB gain. UHseF o9wnV radials or ground mount£. 349.95 C
1.8 - 30MHz 200W PEP. The original design that han- 8.45 el. Turn radius 4.72m. F/B ratio 25dB.
Just hold near dles end fed or coax unbalanced. Waterproof. 12V A3-WS £379.95 D 9-band 80 40 30 20 17 15 12 10 6m vertical 1kW
receiver speaker SG-235 £749.95 C Dual Band 3 el beam for 17m & 12m. 2kW. El length 7.9m tall. Use radials or ground mount
3.5 - 54MHz. Ahunky 120W PEPtuner that handles 7.66m. Turn radius 4.4m. Gain 8dB. F/B ratio 25dB. Buddipole
£84.95 long wires. Great outdoor design. Waterproof. A4-S £569.95 D
B Icom Tri-band 4 element Yagi. for 20m - 10m. DXers delight. Products
2kW . 8.9dB gain F/B 25dB. Turn radius 5.49m
That’s right - just hold this self-contained decoder near your speaker External Auto ATU’s R-8 £469.95 C
and see the text scroll across the screen. Absolutely amazing 8-band vertical 40m - 6m. No separate radials need-
ed. 1.5kW. Height 8.7m
SG-2020ADSPQRP20W HF Radio AH-3 £479.95 C R-6000 £329.95 C
1.8 - 28MHz. Ahunky 120W PEPtuner that handles 6-band vertical 20m - 6m. No separate radials need-
160m - 10m whips or wire longer than 2.5m. Waterproof. ed. 1.5kW. Height 5.8m. Great small garden ant.
0.1 - 20W Alinco MA5B HF Portable at its Best
Full DSP External Auto ATU’s £369.95 C W3-BP £199.95 B
Diecast Chassis 5-band 2 El mini 40m - 2m adjustable dipole. 250W and max length
EDX-2 £289.95 C beam. 20m - 10m of 4.65m. Packs down to 65cm approx.
Perfect for QRP. SSB / CW and 2kW. Elements 5.2m W3-MBP £199.95 B
DteolSe 1cP0tr0poHrnozicc. e kBseusyiilnet-gri.n. M PSaaWxs sRTb xam ndedrta edinro aw4nAnd. £589.95 B 1w.i8th - D3X0M-7H0 zt r1a5n0scWe ivloenMr.g WwairFtee rtpuJrnoeorf .designed for use T(5DduiBrpn o grleaa idnoi uns 1 27./71m2m.) WSa3me-sB asS W3-BPbut packs eve£n 1sm3al4ler..9 5 B
Diamond
Size 15 x 6.5 x 18cm. 680g. Internal Auto ATU’s 40m - 2m vertical is half a Buddipole. Ideal for QRP
HF Antennas and rucksack - as used by Peter Waters G3OJV.
Antenna PeterWaterssays:I think these prod-
Accessories MFJ-993 DIAMOND CP6 ucts are great. Superbly engineered and very
efficient. Optionsinclude adaptor for dipole to
*Auto ATU with digital data decorators pole £6.95, Field tripod £89.95,
2.45m telescopic mast £49.95, mini tripod for
Dipole Bits display *1.8-30MHz *Long Buddistick.
KFFWleevx-PlwaVreCa-v5e05S500trmmon mcgl eu4al0tri0- sPlbtVr asCntr da2 im2nm m lmi nw ewir 2eir0e0ft £££223299...999555 AAA w**3Cir0reo0,sW cso nSaeSxe B&d, l eb1 a5ml0aeWntce eCridnW gli ne £249.95 C Canogvleer s friavde iaptoiopnu larm HaFkebsa ndist aindde athl e f6omr bDanXd.w Loorkw. AnStuepnenras
HDCW 50m hard drawn 16g copper £14.95 A MFJ-991 £209.95 C Outperforms dipoles for long distance contacts and
Insul-8 Black ribbed insulator £0.99 A 1.8 - 30MHz auto ATU. Similar to MFJ-993 but no digi- compares favourably with beams located 10m+ above
WDC-50 SO-239 dipole centre insulator £6.49 A tal display. Works with any HF transceiver. 150W PEP ground.
Egg-m Medium ceramic egg insulator £2.15 A MFJ-994 £349.95 C *Bands: 3.5 -50MHz *Power: 200W *VSWR:Better than 1.5:1
EWgSg--2s580 25Spmcsa l3l ”c elardadmeicr leingeg sinpasucelartsor ££91..9795 AA 1C.W8 .- T3u0nMeHs zw hirieg,h c pooawx earn adu btoa lAaTnUce. d6 0fe0eWd. PEP/ 300W **SRoacdkieatl:s S: O1.-823m9 r*iHgiedig ahdt: ju4.s6tmab le£239.95 C
Diamond 50 Ohm Balunas
BU-50 1:1 1.7MHz 40MHz 1.2kW £26.95 A SGC Radio Works MP1-SA £139.95 B
BAUn-t5e5nna T1r:1a p3s.5 M(pHazi r-s 7)5MHz 500W £34.95 A Internal Auto ATU’s HF Antennas S70ccremw. d1r5iv0eWr s PtyEleP .a Mdjauxs teaxbtleen HdFe dQ 1R8P5cwmh iapp 4p0romx -
MP2-SA £199.95 B
TR-200 200W 14MHz (20m) £44.95 B
TR-200-10200W 10MHz (30m) £47.95 B MAC-200 £259.95 C CW-160 £129.95 C Electrically tuned version of the above. Requires
TR-200-7 200W 7MHz (40m) £49.95 B 1.8 - 60MHz 200W PEP. Wire, coax and balanced 8-band 160m - 10m dipole with 22ft vertical radiat- MarouPnd- 89V0 - Mswitch control box no£t i2nc9lud.e9d5. A
TR-200-3.6200W 3.6MHz (80m) £53.95 B feeder. Features auto antenna switching. ing feeder. 1.5kW. Balun fed. 265ft long.
TR-1000-141kW 14MHz (20m) £59.95 B SG-237PCB £279.95 C CWS-160 £119.95 C Add on 80m coil to extend the LF coverage of the
TR-1000-101kW 10MHz (30m) £61.95 B 1.8 - 60MHz 100W PEP. Same as SG-237 but without Compact 8-band 160m - 10m dipole with 22ft verti- MP1 and MP2.
TR-1000-71kW 7MHz (40m) £64.95 B housing for building into your own housing. cal radiating feeder. 1.5kW. Balun fed. 133ft long. High Sierra
TR-1000-3.61kW 3.6MHz (80m) £73.95 B SG-211 £189.95 C CW-80 £89.95 C Mobile Whips
German Made High Quality Baluns 1.8 - 60MHz works off internal dry cells. Zero drain 7-band 80m - 10m dipole with 22ft vertical radiating
HHHBBB---146---222000000 146:::111 333...555 - --3 033M00MMHHHz zz2 022000W00WW £££222555...999555 BBB wait state. 60W PEYP. aIdeael fosr pourtable (Min 1W). CfeWedeSr. 1-.85k0W . Balun fed. 133ft £lon1g0. 9.95 C H£3S7-91.89050 /PCRO
Compact 7-band 80m -
HB-1-1 1:1 3.5 - 30MHz 1kW £34.95 B Internal Auto ATU’s 10m dipole with 22ft The ultimate mobile whip. Electrically
HB-4-1 4:1 3.5 - 30MHz 1kW £41.95 B vertical radiating feed- tuneable 80m - 6m 1kW PEPIncludes
HB-6-1 6:1 3.5 - 30MHz 1kW £41.95 B er. 1.5kW. Balun fed. switch box and 12V cable. Massive 2”
Remote 4:1 1.5kW Balun FC-20 £249.95 C 66ft long. coil. Made in USA. Superb!!
RPWEaPMtLc--h7B0 ALLeaFVdo lsro wco laoxs sto 7 l5acdmde Pr Lli-n2e5 9match ££64.59.595 BA 1t1Fo..8p8C -u- n66-i0t03 MMto0HH mzz a 1 1t0c00h0W Wtra .m nDsaectsceihigveneder sdfo. frCo Fro T£au-xs12 e0s y04ws/iFtt9eht-m .8F94sT 7-o5.n Dl ye .s kC G5RV Plus £59.95 C S£2ID4E9.K9I5C KC AWsa tuesresd G b3yO PJeVt/eMr
WPL-50 Standard 50cm PL-259 £2.99 A 857/FT897. Coaxial input / output. Get mobile on all bands from 80m to 6m in
WPL-50BNC BNC version of above £2.99 A FC-40 £239.00 C Rugged 2kW balun matched G5RV minutes. This compact screwdriver antenna
HHQQ--6160m 6160cmm l oRnGg -P2L1-32 P59L-259 ££144.9.999 AA 1u.s8e -w 6it0hM FHTz-8 19070 /W F. TN-8e5w7 waantde rmprooboilfe A oTpUe rdaetsioignn.ed for wliniteh. 1R0e2qfut ierelesm AeTnUt .a Mnda d3e1 fitn l aUdSdAer cgito oism o aenns o waumrit h3a -zcwianabgyl e pmse arafgonnrdme cteiocrn matrnoodlu bnootn x(ly£. 3D19.e3.s97i5gm ne exdtr ato)
maximum!
CCaarrrriiaaggee CChhaarrggeess:: AA==££22..7755,, BB==££66,, CC==££1100
CONTENTS
JUNE2005
RADIO COMMUNICATION
Contents
Editor
Steve Telenius-Lowe,G4JVG
Technical Editor
George Brown,M5ACN
Secretarial
Vicky Keep
Advertising Design
Jodie Escott,M3TPQ
All contributions and correspondence
concerning the content of RadCom should be
posted to:
The Editor,Radio Communication,
Lambda House,Cranborne Road
Potters Bar,Herts EN6 3JE
Tel:[phone]
Fax:[phone]
E-mail:[email protected]
ADVERTISING
All display and classified advertising enquiries
(excepting Members’ Ads)
should be sent to:
Chris Danby,G0DWV,Danby Advertising,
299 Reepham Road,
Hellesdon,Norwich NR6 5AD
p18 – How many eQSLs are waiting p43 – Three ZD8s – see ‘HF’.
Tel:[phone]; Fax:[phone];
E-mail: [email protected] for you to collect?
Notices to readers concerning errors and
omissions and advertisements can be found at
www.rsgb.org.uk/news/radcom.htm#notices
NEWS AND REPORTS DOWN TO EARTH - AMATEUR 80 The G3HBN portable
RadCom is published by the Radio Society
RADIOFROMTHEGROUNDUP magnetic loop
of Great Britain as its official journal on 6 RSGB Matters
the first day of the relevant month and is Society news and 29 Newcomers’ News A simple design of
sent free and post paid to all members of wide-band loop for the
developments. Compiled by Steve
the Society. HF bands by James
Closing date for contributions,unless 8 Another new M3 licensee Hartley, G0FUW. Bolton, G3HBN.
otherwise notified,is five weeks prior to following GB4FUN 30 Receiver filters and their
publication date. 85 Design and construction of
school visit specifications
three 5MHz beacons,Part 1
Afolrl mleantgetrhia,lc lianr Ritya,dsCtyolme, ipsu snucbtujeactti otno, editing 10 RadCom News Idaens cProiboeles, tGh3e YsWorXt ,of fil- Andy Talbot, G4JNT,
grammar,legality and taste. 18 An introduction to eQSL ters used in receivers describes in detail how
the beacons GB3RAL,
No responsibility can be assumed for the Tim Kirby, G4VXE, today and how the differ-
GB3WES and GB3ORK
return of unsolicited material introduces this new way ent types of filter affect
(if in doubt,call us first!) of ‘collecting’ DX the receiver’s selectivity. were designed, construct-
ed and tested.
© RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN 2005 countries.
Articles are accepted on the strict 22 Just how legal is /M TECHNICAL FEATURES
understanding that they are not currently on
offer to any other publication.Unless operation? 64 Whatever next REGULARS
otherwise indicated the RSGB has purchased A ‘guest editorial’ by Electronic identity theft  8 Supporters of the Radio
all rights to published articles. David Taylor, G4EBT. The next generation of Communications Foundation
38 Amateur radio museums transceiverJoining 12 Club & regional news
Designed and printed by Space Matters,
60 Borough High Street,London SE1 1XF. A look at two museums forces 42 IARU,Don Beattie
featuring amateur radio 69 Technical topics
43 HF,Don Field
RSGB MEMBERSHIP – Annual Rates equipment to coincide Debut of software-defined
Home Corporate £42.50 with International HF transceivers  45 HF propagation,Gwyn
Overseas Corporate £42.50 Museums Weekend Handset folded antennas Williams
Corporate(Senior Citizens) £33.50 this month. and a 50MHz halo The 46 Contest,Tim Kirby
(Applications should provide 7360B-switching mixer 
53 LF,Dave Pick
proof of age at last renewal date) REVIEWS Here & there The GEC
Corporate(50 years membership) Navy receiver model 54 QRP,George Dobbs
25 Book review
50% DISCOUNT CJA/CJC 58 VHF/UHF,Norman Fitch
This month, the Radio
Corporate(60 years membership) FREE
Today Ultimate Scanning 74 In practice 60 Helplines
Family member £18.50
(Must reside with existing member. Guide 2nd edition, com- Ian White, G3SEK, 61 Antennas,Peter Dodd
piled by Richard Allport, answers readers’ letters 
Does not include RadCom) 65 Data,Andy Talbot
and ON4UN’s Low-Band Myths of the ‘takeoff
Student Members £28.50
DXing (4th edition), by angle’Antennas and 66 EMC,David Lauder
(Applications should include
evidence of full-time student status) John Devoldere, ON4UN. Araldite 90 Members’ ads
HamClub(under 18) £18.50 26 SGC SG-211 and SG-239 76 Elevation angle measure- 90 Congratulations
Affiliated Societies(UK or Overseas) £42.50 Smartuners ments for NVIS propagation
90 Silent keys
Subscriptions include VAT where applicable. Steve White, G3ZVW, Elevation angles of some
Special arrangements exist for blind and reviews two microproces- 200 signals from stations 91 Rallies & events
disabled persons.Details and membership sor-based automatic up to 100 miles distant 91 GB calls
application forms are available from RSGB HQ. antenna tuners from well- give information on NVIS
93 The last word
P&P on RSGB orders:£1.75 for 1 item,£3.30 known US company SGC. and ground-wave
for 2 or more items.Overseas rates on request. propagation.
www.rsgb.org RadCom June 2005 5
RSGB MATTERS
RSGB matters
RADIO SOCIETY
OF GREAT BRITAIN
THANKS FOR “OVERWHELMING”RESPONSE
THE NATIONAL SOCIETY
WHICH REPRESENTS UK
RSGB General Manager Peter Kirby, G0TWW, The RSGB sought and received assurances
RADIO AMATEURS
would like to thank the clubs and individual from Ofcom that they would not introduce any
amateurs, both members and non-members of policies that would affect the standing and sta-
Founded in 1913 incorporated 1926.
the RSGB, for the letters and e-mails in support tus of amateur radio and radio amateurs in the
Limited by guarantee
of the RSGB’s position on the future of amateur UK. The RSGB welcomed Ofcom’s acknowledg-
Member society of the
radio licensing. The response has been over- ment of the contribution that radio amateurs
International Amateur Radio Union
whelming and it is not possible to acknowledge continue to provide in the area of experimenta-
Patron: HRH Prince Philip, or reply to each group or individual personally, tion and innovation in radio communications,
Duke of Edinburgh,KG,KT but a record of the responses is being kept to much of which is taken up commercially. Ofcom
pass to Ofcom. It is important that all amateurs also welcomed the work that the RSGB was
Membership is open to all those with an active continue to voice their views. doing in the field of education and again
interest in radio experimentation and RSGBPresidentJeffSmith,MI0AEX, and acknowledged that this work was essential if the
communication as a hobby.Applications for
General Manager, Peter Kirby, G0TWW, met Vic UK’s skills base was to be grown and main-
membership should be made to the Subscriptions
Department from which full details of Society Brashko, Ofcom’s Director of Operation, and tained to meet the requirements of the ‘wireless’
services may also be obtained. Professor William Webb, the author of Ofcom’s environment.
Spectrum Review consultation on 12 April to The future of licensing is still the key issue,
GENERAL MANAGER AND COMPANY
SECRETARY: discuss the input that the RSGB had received and the Society welcomed the news that due to
Peter Kirby,FCMI,MISM,G0TWW from clubs and individuals. They discussed the the RSGB’s intervention, the Ofcom Board has
concerns of amateurs over the future manage- asked for some revisions to be made to the
HONORARY TREASURER:
ment of the radio spectrum andanypolicy ‘FutureLicensingConsultationDocument’. These
Position vacant
changesinthisareathat will affect amateur revisions we believe concern the area of deregu-
BOARD OF THE SOCIETY radio operation. The future of amateur radio lation. It is now expected that the consultation
PRESIDENT
licensing also featured in the discussions. document will be published at the end of May.
J D Smith,MI0AEX
MEMBERS
G L Adams,G3LEQ
R J Constantine,G3UGF CONGRATULATIONS! Laws, M3IKQ; Neil Foster, Melvyn Lomax, 2E0AWX;
E A Cabban,GW0ETU
M3KIF; Gary Benson, M3LGB; Anthony Pegg, 2E0AXK; David
D G C Hicks,G6IFA
K A Wilson,M1CNY Congratulations to the follow- Christopher Small, M3MTS; Hamby, 2E0AXM; Roy Bonney,
C J Thomas,G3PSM ing RSGB members who suc- Robert Clifford,M3ORD;David 2E0AXY; Martin Longbottom,
A G Annan,C Eng,MIEE,MM1CCR cessfully upgraded to the Poole,M3PXD; Robin 2E0AYK;VernonHocking,
D V Wilson,M0OBW
Intermediate licence by taking Humphries, M3RRH; Steven 2E0AZJ; Edward Simms,
REGIONAL MANAGERS the exams on 21 February and Beatie,M3SBF;HenryAlexander 2E0DDA; Roger Spensley,
K A Wilson,M1CNY 16 March: James, M3SIB; Henry James, 2E0EUS; Christopher Pomfrett,
G M Darby,G7GJU PhilipRobinson,M3AIR;Guy M3TFR; Carl Ratcliffe, M3VMT; 2E0FUH; Robert Faulkner,
E A Cabban,GW0ETU
G Hunter,GM3ULP Randle, M3BGR; Steven William Denison, M3WHD; 2E0IAM; Ian Reichenfeld,
R Clarke,G8AYD Bradley, M3CND; Barry Cooper, David Lindsay, MM3IEB; Ellis 2E0IGR; Simon Meakin,
K Frankcom,G3OCA. M3FHU; Brian Porter, M3FHU; Cohen, MM3IEC; Robert 2E0MEA;MauriceTitcombe,
B Scarisbrick,G4ACK
Paul Sweatman, M3FJK; John Tripney, MM3MMF; Andrew 2E0MLT; AlanWatts,2E0MZX;
P Thomson,GM1XEA
G Price,GW3MPP Park, M3FJP; Ian Fraser-Have, McIntyre, MM3USU; Lee RichardHawkins, 2E0RHS;
P Berkeley,M0CJX M3FRZ; Geoffrey Rigby, M3GXJ; Jessup, MW3HXU; James Carlo Carrado, 2E0ZCC;
I Rosevear,G3GKC Alan Bowness, M3GYO; Paul Davies, MW3IDG; Kevin Smith, Anthony Renshaw, 2E1IED;
P Lowrie,MI5JYK
Hickman, M3HKN; Hugh MW3IJL; Mark Roynon, JamesHume, 2M0GUL; Alex
P Brooks,G4NZQ
Details of the Society’s volunteer officers Wright, M3HMW; Anthony MW3IJY. Crawford, M3HSK; Richard
can be found in the RSGB Yearbook 2005 Elliot, M3HQA; Michael Josi, Also to the following mem- Stable, M3IFL; Neil Foster,
M3HSX; Richard Gooch, bers who upgraded to Full M3KIF; Sophy White, M3TTM;
HEADQUARTERS AND REGISTERED OFFICE
M3HZK; EdwardsEvans, licence by taking the Advanced Martin Harrigan, MI3GZX;
Lambda House,Cranborne Road,
Potters Bar,Herts EN6 3JE M3IFW; Ian Jameson, M3IGQ; exam on 16 March: Michael Crogan; Terry
Tel: [phone] Mike Capper, M3IKG; Paul Ralph Browne, 2E0ATY; Brookes.
Fax: [phone]
All calls to the RSGB are charged at National Rate
QSL Bureau address:
PO Box 1773,Potters Bar,Herts EN6 3EP RSGB REGIONAL Kirby, G0TWW. The main pur- on the future of amateur radio
E-mail addresses: MEETINGS pose of Peter’s visit was to licensing.
[email protected]
present a certificate of thanks
(books,filters,membership & general enquiries)
[email protected] The RSGB will be holding a to Phil Mayer, G0KKL, who
(GB2RS and club news items) number of Regional Meetings had recently retired as the
[email protected] across the UK over the next two RSGB Deputy Regional
(news items,feature submissions,etc)
months. The full programme of Manager for Dorset. Phil has
[email protected]
(Examinations,beacons,repeaters,GB calls, the meetings’ dates and venues supported the RSGB locally
licensing) will be published shortly. and nationally for many years.
[email protected] (Islands On The Air) The presentation came as a
[email protected] (managerial)
RETIRING DRM THANKED complete surprise, and for
Website:www.rsgb.org
once Phil was at a loss for
WebPlus:Members-only web site At the Poole Radio Society words. After thanking Phil,
www.rsgb.org/membersonly Use your callsign
(www.qsl.net/g4prs) AGM on 8 Peter Kirby updated members
in lower case as the user name,and your
membership number (see RadCom address label) April, members welcomed on the recent discussions
as the password. RSGB General Manager Peter between the RSGB and Ofcom
66 June 2005 RadCom www.rsgb.org
RSGB MATTERS
CORRECTION CORNER every month. RSGB SHOWS CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO
Applicants should have an MORSE AS MEANS OF COMMUNICATION
Apologies to Chris Whitmarsh, excellent command of English,
G0FDZ, who was referred to no be computer literate, have a The Northern Ireland Morse Proficiency Team completed the first
fewer than three times as broad knowledge of amateur Morse Proficiency Tests at Downshire Community College,
‘Dave’ on page 14 of the May radio matters and be able to Carrickfergus, on Tuesday 20 April. The successful candidates
RadCom (Cray Valley club to work to tight deadlines. A were presented with their certificates by RSGB President Jeff
visit Isles of Scilly). current UK amateur radio Smith, MI0AEX.
callsign would be a distinct Further test sessions are planned to take place in Greystone
advantage. Community Centre, Antrim, on 4 June, 3 September and 3
IOTA CLUB This staff position is based at December and at the Carrick Rally on 22 October. Advanced book-
PRESENTATIONS RSGB headquarters in Potters ing is necessary, 10 days prior to the test date. For further infor-
Bar, Hertfordshire. The salary mation and test bookings, please contact John Branagh, GI3YRL,
Jim Kellaway G3RTE, RSGB is negotiable depending upon tel: [phone]; e-mail: [email protected] or Jim Henry,
Islands On The Air Committee relevant qualifications and GI0DVU, tel: [phone]; e-mail: [email protected]
member, has taken on the task experience. These test sessions are open to all persons interested in Morse,
of attempting to find speakers If you are interested, please whether or not they are licensed amateurs, professional operators
on IOTA for local club meetings send an application and your or just want to demonstrate their skills.
in the UK. If your club would CV to the General Manager,
like a talk about this popular RSGB, Lambda House,
award and activity programme Cranborne Road, Potters Bar,
managed by the RSGB, or if Herts EN6 3JE, or e-mail:
you are an enthusiastic IOTA [email protected]
chaser and would be willing to
give a talk (some basic QSL BUREAU NEWS
Powerpoint slides can be pro-
vided) please contact Jim by e- W N Sampson, M5WNS, has
mail at [email protected] Jim given up as RSGB QSL
IwIhaOAreooTlRupuAl Und ped ranVo lttmAshhoeCuo tlsAUieki aKNeIsO. CttTsoY A wh aielatli rnr agfrl lotioems BGZTbHehZu0ueZerDnn e nGAs atieA0uasr Dek i-Sete AtsuDn,A b dZG o -uZMv0 eDeRaa rZtnNn obZdFa y i g lsG (leIQe ar8hr TnAiefeHoaAsrRlA thth) h;a-.es PHOTO:JOHN BRANAGH,GI3YRL
while the G8AAA - ZZZ series George McHugh,GI4SRQ (Morse tester); David Poots,MI0SRR (first candidate); RSGB
IARU Region 1 wishes to is now being handled by David President Jeff Smith,MI0AEX; Colin Williamson,GI0RQK (second candidate); Jim Henry,
appoint a person to the post of Helliwell, G6FSP, 1 Beechfield GI0DVU (Morse tester).
Coordinator, Information Avenue, Barton, Torquay
Programme for Handicapped TQ12 8HU. Also, R E
RON BROADBENT MBE,G3AAJ,SK
Radio Amateurs (IPHA). If you Quaintance, G0DIZ, is giving
are interested in volunteering up as QSL Sub Manager for
for this position, please contact the G0EAA - EZZ and the Ron Broadbent MBE, G3AAJ, A summary of some of Ron's
the General Manager, Peter G4EAA - EZZ series, also due died on 24 April at the age of achievements can be found on
Kirby, G0TWW, e-mail: to ill health. Jeff Pascoe, 80. He was awarded the MBE the AMSAT-UK website
[email protected] and ask G4ELZ (QTHR), is taking over for his services to amateur (www.amsat.org/amsat/fea-
for a copy of the terms of both callsign series. radio in 1995. Ron joined the tures/g3aajmbe.html).
reference. RSGB members are RSGBat the age of 19 and had
reminded to inform the beenamemberforover61years.
Society when they upgrade He became involved with ama-
HQ STAFF VACANCY - their licence and change teur satellites in the 1970s and
RADCOM EDITOR their callsign. This is so that by 1978 was secretary of
we are able to confirm that AMSAT-UK, a post he held for
RadCom editor Steve Telenius- you are a member when you 16 years. He was made an
Lowe, G4JVG, is to retire send your QSL cards to the Honorary Vice-President of the
shortly and there is a vacancy bureau for distribution. Only RSGB in 1994.
for a person to edit RadCom, current RSGB members may Ron’s career was with
the Society’s journal and one send their cards via the QSL Trinity House, attending to
of the most respected amateur bureau system. If you have the UK's lighthouses and
radio publications in the world. recently changed your lightships. He retired in 1985
The work includes planning callsign it would help if you but thereafter worked almost
the content of the magazine, either quoted your full-time, 12 hours a day,
commissioning articles, sub- membership number, which seven days a week and virtu-
editing copy sent in by contrib- may be found on your ally for free for the amateur
utors and regular columnists, RadCom wrapper each satellite movement. One of his
liaising with designers and the month, or enclosed the notable achievements was Ron Broadbent,G3AAJ,receiving his
advertising agent, and ensur- RadCom wrapper itself when organising the AMSAT-UK MBE at Buckingham Palace on 14
ing the magazine is produced you send your QSL cards for Colloquium for over 10 years. February 1995.
to a high standard and on time distribution.
www.rsgb.org RadCom June 2005 7
NEWS FEATURE
Another new M3 licensee
following GB4FUN school visit
Disbanding Packet Cluster group supports RCF charity
Supporters of the Radio
Communications Foundation
We asked members when renewing their
membership to include a donation to help to
continue to support the work of the Radio
Communications Foundation.The following is the
list of those members who have kindly sent in a
donation by the deadline date for this issue.
Contributions continue to be wanted: if you
would like to help,please send your donation to
RCF,c/o RSGB HQ.
RCF ‘Big Hitters’
Yorkshire Cluster Support Group
T
he RSGB was delighted to This is the second time in the last Left to right: Peter H Walker,2E0KOI P J Buttery,G8PFP
receive a letter from Louis Ayres couple of months that we have been Hart,G3SJX; Nigel G Barak,EA7ESM F Hetherington,
recently, stating that he had able to report that a school visit by Cawthorne G3TXF Dr D Gallagher,EI4DCB GM3UCN
taken the Foundation course and GB4FUN has led directly to a young- (CDXC); Rob Ferguson, P R Elms,G0IJU A E Upcott,GW6HMJ
was now licensed as M3UWG. Louis ster becoming licensed. The first GM3YTS (GMDX R A Wells,G0RXH J H F Markham,
is a student at St Bedes School in was Zac Ardern, M3INQ (see Group),John P D Hart,G0THD GW6INF
Boston, Lincolnshire. GB4FUN visit- RadComApril 2005, page 8). Dunnington,G3LZQ K D Hatcher,G0WCW B H Giles,M0BHG
ed the school in September 2004 (YCSG); Phil Catterall, B T Thomas,G1ZZG S D Thirlaway,M0BZB
and Louis was fascinated by what he YCSG SUPPORTS RCF G4OBK (YCSG); Fred T H Harris,G2KF G Sturanovic,M0EAA
saw. Without neglecting his school When the Yorkshire Cluster Support Handscombe,G4BWP J E Saunders,G3KAZ A Vine,M0GJH
work, Louis spent as much time as Group (YCSG) decided to disband it (RSGB DXpedition R M F Inman,G3MYG J L Welford,M0JLW
he could in the GB4FUN vehicle and was agreed that the assets be dis- Fund); Bob Whelan, N Wright-Williams, M Lawson,M1MCL
found out about a Foundation tributed to worthy causes within G3PJT (RCF). G3UTE R G Warren,M1RGW
course that was being held locally. amateur radio. Two charitable C E Riley,G4JQX A Roberts,M3GNP
He took the course and was delight- organisations , the Radio C Greenwood,G4KAM T N R Horsfield,M3TNR
ed to pass and later receive the call- Communications Foundation (RCF) P E Biddle,G4LUX M Crozier,MI3GMI
sign M3UWG. and RAIBC have benefited. In addi- M R P Hollinghurst, P R Pugh,MW0PRP
When he heard of Louis’s success, tion, CDXC (Chiltern DX Club, the G4NOE G Waters,MW0SWR
Board member Richard Constantine, UK DX Foundation), the GMDX P Withall,G4ZSW A J M de Graauw,
G3UGF, the RSGB’s Director of Group and the RSGB DXpedition K I Gaunt,G7CIY PA3GRR
Education and Training, sent a con- Fund received cheques to help their B Young,G7UAN P Hawker,RS188467
gratulatory letter to Louis, saying, support of DXpeditions. Finally, F W Gibbs,G7UUB A Simms,RS96658
“This is just the sort of news that we funds are being made available to P W Barnett,G8BIZ J A Rogers,VK7JK
like to receive, as GB4FUN is a big the North Wakefield ARC to enable J L Simkins,G8IYS D E Sawyer,W1PIE
part of what we do at RSGB. Its work the expansion of its very successful M J R Wade,G8OGO G R Lengling,W9DHI
is supported by many RSGB mem- training programme which brings
bers, both in this country and over- new recruits into amateur radio.
seas. It’s great to hear that new peo- The cheque presentations were The RSGB is also grateful to those many
ple are discovering and taking up the made at the GMDX Group generous members who have sent donations
hobby, it just makes it all worth- Convention, held in Stirling on 23 anonymously,or who have asked us not to
while.” April. publish their names.
88 June 2005 RadCom www.rsgb.org
G r e a t Ti t l e s
RRSSGGBB
SSHHOOPP
RSGB
Lambda House
Cranborne Road
Potters Bar
£6.74 Herts.EN6 3JE
Tel. [phone]
plus p&p Fax.[phone]
25%OFF
ORDER 24 HOURS
A DAY ON OUR
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Who’s Who?
Air Band Radio Guide
In Amateur Radio
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By Graham Duke in Amateur Radio? makes
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For many thousands of aviation enthusiasts part of the an invaluable guide to the
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Low-Band DXing
The book examines in detail the technology involved, the
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as the legal position, the nature of the transmissions that can something in here for every active low-band operator,
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ISBN: 07110 30758 photographs.) amateur radio spectrum.
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Contesting in Africa
The DXCC Countries
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This is Roger Western's second book associated with HF DX and contesting. The official source of
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Roger is probably the UK's best-known CW DXpeditioner and contest
the DXCC Entities you've
operator. Together with some buddies from the USA and the UK he formed worked and QSLed! This
the 'VooDoo Contest Group', a loose formation of like-minded individuals new edition includes a
complete listing of DX
who have operated the CQ World Wide DX CW contest from different Century Club rules incl. the
locations in West Africa each November for the past 10 years. This book is not latest changes and
clarifications.
a series of DXpedition articles; rather it is a record of the group's combined
£3.39 members
wisdom gleaned through almost a complete sunspot cycle-worth of radio £3.99 non members
activity from the tropics. There are chapters on multiplier-hunting, logging
accuracy and pile-up tactics.
£10.19
190 pages, Size: 228 x 151mm, paperback.
plus p&p
ISBN: 0-9617577-4-4 Non members price £11.99 plus p&p
All prices plus p&p
E&OE
NEWS
2m call brings the emergency services Guinness
Amateur radio recognises
amateur
saves a life
radio
record
Yet again, amateur radio has ATV talk-back frequency I had
shown its worth in a life-or- very bad chest pains and col-
death situation. On 21 April lapsed on the floor in my Guinness World Records Ltd
RSGB HQ received the follow- shack and was unable to get Mobile phone camera image of Kevin has awarded a certificate to
ing message from Kevin help via my telephone. So I put Johnson,M3RRL,in hospital.Get well Jukka Heikinheimo, OH2BR,
Johnson, M3RRL: “I am send- an emergency call out on the soon Kevin! for a record number of con-
ing this e-mail via my mobile ATV frequency and Mark, tacts made by an individual
phone from my local hospital. 2E1HOZ, and Chris, M1EEV, big thank you to the pair of from one location in one year.
I have had my M3 licence since came back to me and contact- them who saved my life. Operating as VP6BR from
October 2004. Whilst listening ed the emergency services and Without them I would not be Pitcairn Island, Jukka made
to a couple of mates on the my partner. I just wish to say a here now.” 56,239 contacts between 25
January and 21 April 2000.
Jukka’s achievement was
New light-weight PSUs
noted in the Finnish national
daily newspaper Helsingin
Sanomat.
There are two new small light-
weight switch-mode power
supplies from ML&S’s own
brand, MyDEL. The MP-250A
is a desk-top power supply
providing 13.8V DC at 22 -
25A which, despite its compact
dimensions (5.75W x 4.5H x
Satellite
6Din), features two large back-
lit meters showing volts and
logos amps. It costs £89.95. The
second PSU is the MP-4128, a
more usual ‘slab’ design with-
New satellite logos have been out metering, retailing at
designed for the Amateur £69.95.
Phase 3 Express (P3E) and
Mars Orbiter (P5A) satellites
Amateur radio out of this world
and are available for download
from www.amsat-dl.org/
logos/logos-p3e-p5a.htm for Members of the Norfolk Amateur Radio Club (www.norfolkama-
you to demonstrate your sup- teurradio.org)arehopingforclearskiesduringthe weekend of
port of the projects. 25 / 26 June when GB6NAS takes to the air from Seething
P3E is scheduled for launch Observatory as part of the Norwich Astronomical Society (NAS)
this autumn into a highly 60th anniversary celebrations. Not only will the event include CDXC
elliptical earth orbit. It will be SSB and CW operation on HF and VHF, but stations contacting
in range for up to eight hours GB6NAS on SSTV and ATV will be treated to live images from the Kenwood
each orbit and will provide telescopes in the observatory's two domes. Everyone contacting
world-wide coverage using a GB6NAS will receive an 'out-of-this world' colour QSL featuring Challenge
transponder operating on some of the best work of NAS’s astrophotographers.
either 70cm to 2m or 70cm Visitors are welcome, particularly on the Saturday night (bring goes to G3XTT
to 13cm. Mars Orbiter should warm clothes, just in case!) and members of NAS will be on hand
be launched into earth orbit all weekend to give guided tours and to answer astronomical
in 2007, it will then fire its questions. The observatory is near Norwich and full details are at Between 1 February and 31
onboard motor to send it to www.norwich.astronomicalsociety.org.uk/info/finding.htm December 2004, members of
Mars. It will be the first ama- the 670-strong CDXC (Chiltern
teur satellite to go to another Norwich Astronomical Society's 20ft DX Club - The UK DX
planet. There will be a beacon telescope against Hale Bopp. Foundation) were competing
onboard operating in the for the Kenwood Challenge.
amateur 10GHz band: the The aim was to work as many
ultimate in DX! DXCC entities as possible on
There will be a presentation HF and 6m for the prize of a
on these satellites at the TS-480HX transceiver, gener-
AMSAT-UK ously donated by Kenwood UK.
(www.uk.amsat.org) Space Top place went to RadCom‘HF’
Colloquium to be held at the columnist Don Field, G3XTT,
University of Surrey in NAS with a score of 330 made up of
Guildford from 29 to 31 July MOORE, 267 entities on HF and 63 on
(Ged-3emWtaaGiills:M gf,r3 otwemgl: m J0i@1m2a 5mH8se ac4kt5.,o3r9g5)9, PHOTO:STEVE 6Bonmu t.Hc ThFhe are,n rGdu 3n5Ln1A eoSrn-, u s6pcm,o rJ.eodh n268
10 June 2005 RadCom www.rsgb.org