● Carrying on the Practical Way - An Arduino Morse Tutor ● What Next?

- Callsigns
NOW IN
OUR 86th
YEAR!

Retevis
RT-82
Dual-band Handheld
We take a look
at the new Retevis
RT-82 144/430MHz
Dual-Band DMR

HMS Belfast
and GB2RN
The editor visits HMS
Belfast and its permanent
amateur radio station GB2RN
The Low Bands at
Solar Minimum
Getting the most out of the LF bands

Rejuvenating the
Yaesu FR-50B
Breathing new life into a classic receiver

144MHz QRP Contest Results November 2017

£3.99 ISSN 0141-0857

Results of the 2017 PW 144MHz QRP Contest

Display until 9th November 2017

01-Front Cover.indd 1 26/09/2017 16:18

 This month I want to talk about the great value that
Elecraft offers. Probably the receiver performance is one of
the most important aspects today. After all, if you can’t
hear them you can’t work them. Take for example the K3S;
the only radio that is better, costs a whopping £7,800. The
little KX3 is only just behind the K3S at around £1,000. Of
course some operators have brand loyalty. But when it
comes to value and performance, there really is only one
name. Elecraft. Peter Waters G3OJV

Brought to you by W&S!

Portable Operation at its Best Elecraft K3S 160m-6m 10W or 100W
KX3 160m - 6m 4m or 2m Option Join the “Club” and Experience Real Performance
• Total portability SDR design & DSP
• Includes 5MHx band + receive 1.5-30MHz 100W Kit £2849.95
• SSB CW AM and FM modes 100W Built £2999,95
• Tx and decode RTTY and PSK32
• External 9-14v or (optional) 8 x AA cells 10W Kit £2999.95
• 8 band graphics in Tx and RX
Microphone
• Digital Voice and CW Player 10W Built £2449.95
and key not
included • Direct keypad entry and A/B vfo
• Full QSK with variable selectivity
Kit £999.95 • Notch filter and AF filter
Built £1,079.95 • SSB CW AM FM The K3S is the “sports car” of ham radio
• Speech Compression and VOX transceivers! Its under the bonnet that
• New low noise synthesizer
• USB Port & 12m-6m extra pre-amp counts. The K3S certainly can out perform
It is hard to believe that to beat the receiver performance of both these radios • Multiple Attenuator almost any other ham radio transceiver.
you would need to spend another £3,000 at least! You get top base station • Improved AF output design Its fun to own and fun to operate. It is the
• Now includes rx 470kHz band most popular radio for DXpeditions for
performance in a radio that you can take anywhere. No other portable HF radio both performance and reliability.
gives you so much functionality and flexibility. The KX2 even has a built in mic., • Combines superhet and SDR
• 32 bit DSP design
whilst the KX3 offers 2m or 4m options. It is not difficult to see why more and
• Built in RTTY and PSK send/decoding The Optional P3
more operators are moving up to Elecraft. And to add to the fun, you can even • Firmware update USB via web
opt to build the KX3 yourself if you wish. Both are available as ready built.
Elecraft Receive Ratings*
KX2 80m - 10m • Pocket portable HF transceiver 1st Flex-6700 £7800
• Built-in internal microphone 2nd K3S £2999
• SSB CW AM modes 3rd K3 no longer available
New ! 4th IC-7851 £8,000
The optional P3 enable you to see any
• Same SDR and DSP as KX3 part of the RF spectrum from 2kHz -
• Optional Li-ion battery or external 9-14V 5th PT-8000 £12,000
6th KX3 £1,000 200kHz wide. It has both spectrum and
• Variable selectivity and AF filter waterfall displays. Can also be use for Tx
• Speech compressor and full QSK The performance positions are based on
monitoring with Tx monitor option.
• Includes the 5MHz band independent tests by Sherwood US
Microphone and key • Receiver matches the best base stations! Check: www.sherweng.com Kit £819.95 Built £859.95
not included
Built £859.95
KX2 ACCESSORIES K3 POPULAR ACCESSORIES
CS40 Small compact carry case for KX2, and small accessories....................£38.95 KRX3A.... 2nd Receiver................. £789.95 KAT3A.... Automatic ATU..............£449.95
CS60 Large compact carry case for KX2 & MH3 mic plus more accessories.... £54.95 8 pole Roofing filters 20Hz-13kHz. £184.95 K144XV.. 2m Transverter.............. £449.95
KXAT2 Internal ATU to tune even non-resonant ‘random’ wire antenna...... £219.95 MH2........Electret Microphone........£79.95 KBPF3.....Gen.f coverage BP Filter. £229.95
KXBT2 Internal battery gives up to 8 hours operation from a single charge.. £69.95 KDVR3....Voice Recorder..............£179.95 KTCXO3..High stab. Ref. oscillator. £149.95

Portable All Mode Communications Receivers

Tecsun PL-680 This NEW fully featured portable world Tecsun PL-880 The new Flagship portable radio from
band radio, with SSB reception, keeps prestigious radio manufacturer Tecsun fitted
you in with the action from Long Wave, with analogue Hi-IF circuit, multi conversion
Shortwave to VHF Airband! & DSP decoding technology, which greatly
enhances the sensitivity, selectivity and
• LW MW SW (1.7-30MHz) FM Broadcast
reduces interference from close by stations.
• Air Band 117-138MHz
• AM FM SSB • LW MW SW (1.7-30MHz) FM Broadcast
• Battery Operation (4 x AA) • AM FM SSB
• AC supply included • Rechargeable Battery
• USB Charging Lead
£149.95 • Antenna Pre-Amp £189.95

The sign that means a GREAT DEAL!

Three of the UKs leading Ham Radio Retailers distribution centre in the country housing a wider
(Waters and Stanton, Nevada and InnovAntennas) have selection of products than any other UK based company.
combined and operate from a combined distribution IHSG are hiring!
centre and showroom in Farlington, Portsmouth. The new If you believe you have value you can add to our
facility forms the largest ham radio warehouse and expanding team, mail us! [email protected]

call: 01702 204965 email: [email protected]

Waters & Stanton Ltd • Unit 1 • Fitzherbert Spur • Farlington • Portsmouth • PO6 1TT
@wsplc bblog.hamradiostore.co.uk facebook.com/WatersandStanton Waters and Stanton
W

p002.indd 1 22/09/2017 10:36

 IC-7100 Mobile/Base IC-7300 HF - 4m Transceiver

ID-5100E
Mobile

The IC-7100 is a complete HF-70cms

radio that also includes 4m operation.
You get a remote unit with extension
Dual band 2m / 70cms mobile offering cable and D-Star capability. £998.95
50W output on both bands and
includes DTMF microphone £574.95 IC-7200 HF Base Station Almost every ham operator knows somebody who owns an IC-7300. That in itself is
ID-4100E a great recommendation. It is the most successful radio for many years. Primarily
because it is based on SDR that offers so many advantages and results in such a
Mobile great receiver. And the added bonus with the IC-7300 is the 4m coverage. It’s a
great all in one station with lovely colour screen full of information. The internal
ATU copes well with most antennas and the touch screen makes operations much
easier to navigate the various functions.
We like he IC-7200 a lot. It is a very £1199
rugged HF transceiver and covers all
bands from 160m to 6m. The picture
It’s the latest mobile form ICOM and shows the side handles which are extra, ID-51E Plus2
includes terminal mode and airband but really gives it a military look. The ID-51E PLUS2 is the latest generation of D-STAR
AM monitoring as well as being a dual £799.95 handportable from Icom. This new model incorporates
popular features found in the original including integrated
band D-Star radio. £469.95 SP-10 Mobile Speaker GPS, an independent AM/FM receiver and V/V, U/U, V/U
Dualwatch, but now includes new ‘Terminal Mode’ and
‘Access Point Modes’ enabling you to make D-STAR Callsign
Part routed calls through the Internet, even from areas where no
D-STAR repeater is accessible.
Exchange *“Terminal ID” and “Access Point” features will only work
Saves You through an Icom D-STAR repeater enabled with the latest
Money G3 Software. The ID-51E PLUS2 will function only as a
Get some decent audio in your car with normal D-STAR radio until this implementation occur.
PHONE TODAY this dedicated Icom mobile speaker.
£379.95
£51.95

The NEW IC-7610 Transceiver

The new IC-7610 transceiver is now a reality.
Few can fail to be impressed with the advanced
technical promises. And nobody should be
disappointed once their new radio arrives. We
have good orders in for this radio and so will be
happy to bring your dreams to reality. And if you
need any additional items to go with your new
radio then we are sure that we can delight you
a great deal.
Part Exchange
Welcome!

● 100W HF Transceiver ● External Display Connector

● USB, LSB, CW, RTTY, PSK, AM, FM ● External Keypad and S-meter jacks
● Dual Antenna inputs plus BNC Receive ● Reciprocal Mixing DR 110dB
● Tuning steps down to 1Hz ● Ultra low phase noise
● SDR Design throughout ● Dual Receive (Separate bands)
● Dual select Pre-Amps ● Live Spectrum Display 5kHz to 1MHz
● Auto Antenna Tuner ● 7” Colour Display
● Ethernet and USB Connectors ● SD slot for saving settings

BIG SAVINGS At W&S we are known for our great part exchange deals and it
may be that your new IC-7610 may cost you less than you think.
on this RADIO So give us a call and we will be happy to quote you.

DON’T SEE WHAT YOU NEED? Call us for available stock and BEST PRICES

www.hamradiostore.co.uk
Pay us a visit and check out our amazing demo facility
Sign up to our WEEKLY DEALS at hamradiostore.co.uk for exclusive deals and latest news

p003.indd 1 22/09/2017 10:38

 ONE
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call: 01702 204965 email: [email protected]

Waters & Stanton Ltd • Unit 1 • Fitzherbert Spur • Farlington • Portsmouth • PO6 1TT
@wsplc bblog.hamradiostore.co.uk facebook.com/WatersandStanton Waters and Stanton
W

p004.indd 1 22/09/2017 10:39

 Contents
On Sale
12th
October
2017
Practical Wireless November 2017 ● Volume 93 ● Number 11 ● Issue 1326

10

13 58

6 Keylines 30 Valve & Vintage the future of amateur radio repeaters,

Don is thinking about new data Ben Nock G4BXD reports on two attracting youngsters into science and
modes, propagation, kits and recent acquisitions, a dinghy radio more.
construction, all topics prompted by and a Russian set reputed to have
58 In Focus – GB2RN
the contents of this month’s issue. been used by spies during the Cold
War.
and HMS Belfast
7 News Editor Don Field G3XTT reports on
PW’s monthly roundup of news from 32 Review – Function Generator a recent visit to HMS Belfast and
the UK and internationally, including Kit & 500MHz Counter Module GB2RN.
new products, club news and recent Geoff Theasby G8BMI has another
events. review of a cheap but useful kit and a 60 Making Waves
handy module. Steve White G3ZVW looks at
10 Review – The Retevis Maximum Usable Frequency.
RT-82 144/430MHz 34 The World of VHF
Dual-Band DMR Radio Tim Kirby G4VXE reflects on how the 62 Readers’ Letters
Tim Kirby G4VXE gets his hands on FT8 mode is taking the VHF world by This month’s topics include
the first dual-band DMR handheld that storm and has all the usual operating experiences with royalty, multiple
we have seen. news. callsigns, ‘proper’ CW and emerging
13 2017 PW 144MHz technology.
40 The Low Bands at
QRP Contest Results Solar Minimum 64 Rallies
Once again Colin Redwood G6MXL Steve Telenius-Lowe PJ4DX takes a Locate a rally or event near you; we
has a set of 144MHz QRP Contest look at how best to achieve DX results have our usual comprehensive list.
results – see how you fared this time. on the low frequency bands.
18 A QRP Contest Story 43 Data Modes 65 Classified Adverts
Paul Morrison G0VHT, entering the Mike Richards G4WNC has the 66 Bargain Basement
PW 144MHz QRP Contest for the latest FT8 news, thoughts on keeping 67 Traders’ Table
second time, relates the story as seen accurate time on a Raspberry Pi and a
from his perspective. 68 Warners Group Bookstore
first look at an interesting SDR module
72 Subscriptions
23 Rejuvenating the Yaesu from Analog Devices.
FR-50B Receiver – Part 1 46 Carrying on the Practical Way
Dr Samuel Ritchie EI9FZB restores Inspired by the Datong D70 of years ● Practical
an old Yaesu FR-50B receiver, gone by, Tony Jones G7ETW has Wireless
explaining both the workings of the reproduced its functionality using an 1965-1969
set and the step-by-step process of Arduino. Archive CDs
restoration. are now
51 What Next available.
26 HF Highlights Colin Redwood G6MXL looks at
Steve Telenius-Lowe PJ4DX has amateur radio callsigns.
another packed column, with the
onset of autumn bringing DXers and 56 Emerging Technology
DXpeditioners out of their summer Chris Lorek G4HCL’s topics this time
hibernation. include the liquid cooling of amplifiers,

Copyright © Warners Group Publications Ltd. 2017. Copyright in all drawings, logos, photographs and articles published in Practical Wireless is fully protected
and reproduction in whole or part is expressly forbidden. All reasonable precautions are taken by Practical Wireless to ensure that the advice and data given to
our readers are reliable. We cannot however guarantee it and we cannot accept legal responsibility for it. Prices are those current as we go to press. Published
on the second Thursday of each month by Warners Group Publications Ltd. Printed in England by Holbrooks Printers Ltd., Portsmouth P03 5HX. Distributed by
Warners Distribution, West Street, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PH. Tel: 01778 391000, Web: www.warnersgroup.co.uk
Practical Wireless is sold subject to the following conditions, namely that it shall not, without written consent of the publishers first having been given, be lent,
re-sold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at more than the recommended selling price shown on the cover, and that it shall not be lent, re-sold,
hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any unauthorised cover by way of Trade, or affixed to or as part of any publication or advertising,
literary or pictorial matter whatsoever.

November 2017 Practical Wireless 5

05-Contents-November.indd 5 26/09/2017 16:03

 Keylines
Practical Wireless
Warners Group Publications
The Maltings
West Street
Bourne
Lincs PE10 9PH
www.warnersgroup.co.uk
Tel 01778 391000
Don is thinking about new data modes, propagation, kits and construction,
Editor (c/o Warners Group Publications)
all topics prompted by the contents of this month’s issue. Don Field G3XTT

I
[email protected]

commented on the and builds electronic systems received! That’s great for com- Designer
Mike Edwards
new FT8 mode in my for a living, is comfortable with mercial and military operators [email protected]
September Keylines but surface-mount construction who, all too often, have little or Advertisement Sales
hadn’t anticipated just and has an extensive array of no knowledge of radio propaga- Claire Ingram
[email protected]
how rapidly it would test equipment. It’s a tricky tion and rely of the equipment to
Advertising Production and Design
grow in popularity. This month one but in these pages I try to find a path, whether by hopping Nicola Lock
it receives the attention of three achieve a balance, determined to another frequency or, perhaps, [email protected]

of our columnists (HF, VHF and to some extent, of course, by selecting another antenna from a Publisher
Rob McDonnell
Data Modes), an indication of what material I receive. number that are available. [email protected]
the mode’s growing importance. Meanwhile, I’ll admit to In our case, though, that
However, as I said before, it only having recently taken advan- knowledge of propagation is Subscriptions
Subscriptions are available at £44 per annum to
allows ‘rubber stamp’ QSOs so tage of Maplin’s August Bank invaluable, whether, for example, UK addresses, £53 Europe Airmail and £63 RoW
let’s not forget that we can also Holiday sale to buy Arduino in drawing up a band-change Airmail. See the subscription page for full details.

use our hobby to have ‘proper’ and Raspberry Pi ‘starter’ kits strategy for a multiband contest Subscription Administration
Webscribe,
contacts too – a topic that because I’m feeling out of the or deciding the best time and Practical Wireless Subscriptions,
rears its head once again in this loop on these excellent hard- band to catch a DXpedition Unit 8, The Old Mill, Brook Street,
Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 5EF
month’s Letters pages. Apropos ware platforms. operation. Nowadays there are [email protected]
of which, there was a late flurry of plenty of tools, both PC programs Tel: 01442 820580

Kits and Modules

www.mysubcare.com
letters this time round, more than I and online resources, to help with
Components for PW projects
had allocated space for, so some Which leads nicely on to this this but there is nothing to beat In general, all components used in constructing
have had to be held over until month’s pair of ‘reviews’ by personal experience. I’ll always PW projects are available from a variety of
component suppliers. Where special, or difficult
next month, for which I apologise. Geoff Theasby G8BMI. Geoff recall a post on one of the club to obtain, components are specified a supplier
and I are running these ‘shorts’ reflectors from an amateur who will be quoted in the article.
Matters Practical as something of an experi- believed he had just worked an
Photocopies & Back Issues
Our Doing it by Design and Techni- ment. We can’t usually point 8Q (Maldives) station on the 80m We can supply back issues, but we only keep
cal for the Terrified columns have to a specific supplier and part band. To me it didn’t ring true – them for one year. If you are looking for an article
or review that you missed first time around, we
been running for some 11 years number because the nature the Maldives had been in daylight can still help. If we don’t have the actual issue
now under the authorship of Tony of these beasts is that they for several hours at that time. I we can always supply a photocopy or PDF file of
the article. See the Book Store pages for details.
Nailer G4CFY. Sadly, Tony finds come and go. However, there also recognised that by changing
himself unable to submit copy will usually be something very the Q to a P the callsign in ques- Technical Help
for the foreseeable future. In the similar on one of the popular tion suddenly made sense as the We regret that due to Editorial timescales,
replies to technical queries cannot be given
meantime, I hope to find others to auction sites. Our thinking is callsign of an active Barbados over the telephone.
fill his shoes. I know Tony’s articles that, at the prices at which amateur (8P, being the prefix for Any technical queries are unlikely to receive
have always been well received these kits and modules are Barbados). My guess, based immediate attention so, if you require help
with problems relating to topics covered in
and the compilation books and being advertised, it’s crazy on knowledge and experience, PW, please either contact the author of the
CDs are invariably best sellers at to ignore them because you turned out to be correct. article directly or write or send an email to
the Editor and we’ll do our best to reply as
rallies and elsewhere. can end up with some handy Of course, where HF propa- soon as we can.
This month, though, we have an shack accessories for a frac- gation is concerned, greater
interesting Arduino-based project tion of the cost of buying the distances aren’t always harder. I
from Tony Jones G7ETW, which components individually and recently had a play in the Scan-
I have run under the Carrying on often without the tricky solder- dinavian CW Contest and it was
the Practical Way banner but which ing too. I’d welcome reader interesting, on 20m for example,
falls somewhere between that and feedback on whether you find to notice how Finnish stations
Doing it by Design. Indeed, pro- these short articles helpful. were often workable while (closer)
jects such as this don’t fall into a Danish or Swedish stations
simple box. In this case, the hard- Propagation weren’t. The answer is clear
ware side will seem trivial to many We also have another of Steve enough from this month’s Making
old hands whereas the coding White G3ZVW’s Making Waves column – the more distant
may be something of a mystery. Waves. Steve tells me that he signals were hitting the F layer at
To a younger generation, though, it gets relatively little feedback a more glancing angle and being
may well be the coding that seems on the column but what he refracted back to earth while the
straightforward while they have does receive is invariably posi- closer-in signals were simply
less familiarity with a soldering tive. One of the drawbacks of passing through the F layer and
iron. One member of my local club modern data modes (such as out into space. All
occasionally berates me (light- FT8, see above) is that they fascinating stuff!
heartedly, I hasten to add!) for the rather isolate the operator from Subscribe to
old-fashioned (as he puts it) con-
structional articles we feature from
what is actually happening on
the air – often you cannot even Don Field
Practical Wireless
time to time. But, then, he designs hear the signal that is being G3XTT www.subscribe.co.uk/magazine/pw

6 Practical Wireless November 2017

06-Keylines.indd 6 26/09/2017 16:03

 Newsdesk
Send your information to:
Practical Wireless Letters, Warners Group Publications
West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH
E-mail: [email protected]

New Products from W&S

Waters & Stanton, the UK’s official importer
of AOR products, have announced the
release of three new AOR products, the AR-
DV10, AR-5700D and the AR-ALPHA-II.
The AR-DV10 is a handheld version of the
very popular DV-1, an analogue and digital
receiver covering 100kHz to 1300MHz.
The AR-5700D provides 9kHz to 3700MHz

Air Cadets Head up into the Sky

coverage and like the DV-1 and DV-10
covers a number of digital modes (ten on
the 5700D), including TETRA, P25, DMR
and D-STAR. The AR-Alpha-II is the new
flagship model and replaces the AR-ALPHA. Friday September 1st saw the 106 scheme gives the cadets the opportunity
It has coverage of 9kHz to 6000MHz in both Squadron Air Cadets set up camp ready to train for their amateur radio licence
analogue and ten digital modes. Pricing was for the Orsett Show that took place on the and, to date, five cadets have passed the
yet to be advised, contact [email protected] Saturday. As well as having a fund raising Foundation examination with two more
or call 01702 204 965. tent, the Squadron had a communication on the training scheme. The Squadron
W&S, as UK importer of Elecraft products, tent that was manned mainly by the already has an amateur radio station and it
have also announced a new microphone cadets with support from members of is hoped over the coming months to have a
from Elecraft. The MH4 microphone is an the Thurrock Acorns Amateur Radio Club regular evening when the topic of radio and
enhanced replacement for the MH2, which (TAARC). During the day the two stations electronics will be explored.
is no longer available. It can be used with contacted over 50 stations located in Flt Lt Mark Jones RAFVR(T),
the K2, K3 and K3S transceivers. The MH4 the UK and Europe, including Germany, commanding office of 106 Squadron said,
has the same sensitive, high-performance Holland, Poland and Spain. As part of “I was delighted with the way all the cadets
element as the MH2 and can be used with the cadets’ training program there is the performed their different duties at the event.
the same bias and gain settings. Other than opportunity for them to be trained on the They were a credit to the Squadron”. 106
the plug, the MH4 is identical to the MH3 Squadron’s two-way handheld radios, Squadron air cadets meet on a Monday
microphone, used with the KX2/KX3. which were used by many of the cadets and Wednesday evening at the Thames
The MH4 has UP/DN controls, already who acted as marshals during the day. Gateway Cadet Centre, Hogg Lane, Grays
supported by K2/K3/K3S firmware. On a K3 An option in their communication training RM17 5BW.
or K3S, UP/DN can be used to move the
VFO or do channel hopping. On a K2, UP/DN
alternates between VFO A and B. The MH4 Chip G1FJD brought along his FT-817 to
has a slimmer, more modern form-factor than fit a bhi noise reduction unit, a fiddly job but
the MH2, along with a less bulky coiled cord with help it was achieved and worked. He
and a removable bracket that can be used to also brought along a couple of VHF antennas
hang the microphone in mobile applications. he had been given for checking on an
www.wsplc.com analyser before use.
Tracey M5ATR started construction
of the 10W linear kit to go with the dual-
band Weekender radio she had recently
Peterborough Club News completed.
The August meeting of the Peterborough Tony G0IAG brought along a Clansman
Club was an Activity Day at the club QTH. PRC 320 to show members how to set up
Starting around 10am, members turned up and operate it, while other members used the
with projects to work on and equipment to club HF radios on voice and PSK 31 modes.
test. Testing a homebrew HF vertical against With members coming and going all day
a Sigma multiband SE HF 360 for the club and evening, small discussion groups setting
QTH proved interesting, with the Sigma up during the day and a great turn out of
coming out the winner. Because antenna members in the evening, the day was an all
space is limited, it has to be a vertical. round success and will be repeated.

Practical Wireless November 2017 7

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 Newsdesk

ML&S appointed
Distributor for SGC
Products
Martin Lynch & Sons have announced a
new partnership with SGC of the USA. SGC
are a world leader in the manufacture of
remote antenna tuning units and associated
products, supplying the amateur radio
and military markets for many years. From
September 2017 ML&S are able to offer their
entire range, including the SG-230 200W
and SG-235 500W remote tuners. For more
information see:
www.HamRadio.co.uk/SGC

DXpedition News New SDR Product from Nevada

Chris GM3WOJ and Keith GM4YXI will Nevada Radio have been appointed transmit. Its transmitter has a speech
again activate the VK9CZ callsign from exclusive UK dealer for the new range processor, audio equaliser and comes
Cocos-Keeling Island from October 24th to of Aerial-51 Sky SDR transceivers with a hand microphone at no extra cost.
November 7th with two stations. They will be manufactured in Europe. It also includes a USB CAT-Control with
on 160-10 CW, SSB and some RTTY and will First in the range is the SKY-One FTDI decoder and LINE IN/OUT for digital
be a multi-two in the CQWW DX SSB event SDR, an 11-band, All-Mode 5W QRP modes.
October 28/29th. QSL via N3SL. transceiver. The SKY-SDR has most of the The transceiver is very portable,
www.vk9cz2017.com DSP features of larger HF transceivers – measuring just 130x110x80mm (incl.
The upcoming November 9U4M Burundi direct conversion, razor-sharp-adjustable knobs) and weighs 580 grams. The SKY-
DXpedition team plan to be active on FT8. filters, noise reduction, noise blanker, One SDR is available exclusively from
They will be operational from November 6th audio equaliser and even a built-in Nevada and priced at £699.
to 17th. bandscope that works on receive and www.nevadaradio.co.uk
www.mdxc.org/9u4m/2017/09/05/ft8-
from-burundi
Bill G0VDE reports that his long-planned
operation from St Helena as ZD7VDE is
back on. He had booked one of the first CHOTA 2017
commercial flights to the island but the Churches and Chapels on the Air (CHOTA)
planned flights were cancelled due to fears is an amateur radio event run annually
about wind shear on the approach to the under the auspices of WACRAL (The World
runway. Flights from South Africa have now Association of Christian Radio Amateurs and
been approved, using smaller aircraft. Bill Listeners) in which stations are set up at, or
hopes to be there from October 14th with an very close to, historic churches. This year
FT-991, FT-891, Juma amplifier and various over 30 stations were involved.
wire antennas. He plans to include the new CHOTA is timed to occur on the same
FT8 mode in his operating schedule. For day that many churches have their ‘Ride and
more information, including any possible Stride’ open days, when walkers and cyclists the Air! Many frustrated operators sat putting
further delays, see his website: are sponsored to visit as many churches as out “CQ CHOTA” calls but most bands were
www.sthelenadx.com possible. dead, with high noise levels.
A number of Caribbean DXpeditions The WACRAL station was set up at the The team at Swilland were operating with
that were planned for the CQWW Phone porch of the very unusual church in Swilland the callsign GB0SMS (Saint Mary’s Swilland).
Contest at the end of October have been in Suffolk. However, this year proved Over several hours they managed to work
cancelled or their location changed. Details something of a dismal event. The solar flare five non-CHOTA stations in Spain, Portugal,
of forthcoming amateur radio DXpeditions, that occurred a few days before together Russia, Hungary and Germany.
whether for contests or otherwise, can be with being at the minimum point in the 11- In spite of the difficulties, which included
found on the websites below. The NG3K site year propagation cycle resulted in very few the FT-450D reverting to default settings and
also has a large number of other amateur contacts. failing to operate the Atas mobile antenna,
radio resources. In normal years, CHOTA stations try to Paul M6PNC and Steve G0JFM had a fun
https://dx-world.net connect with each other but this year CHOTA time and are looking forward to next year’s
www.ng3k.com could have stood for Can’t Hear anything On CHOTA.

8 Practical Wireless November 2017

07-Newsdesk.indd 8 26/09/2017 16:04

 Newsdesk

would use a small walkie-talkie type radio

and respond to it when called. Thomas did
after some instruction get used to using the
radio and is able to report where he is and
what he is doing. This helps give his dad
peace of mind and allows him to start to trust
Thomas and give him the independence he
so wants in life.
“Other children in the street became
curious about the radio and what we were
up to”, said Preece. “We wondered about
the licence implications and spoke to Ofcom. Chertsey Buildathon
They suggested a simple business licence, Chertsey Radio Club ran its second
which would allow anyone in the street Virtual Buildathon at the end of August.
(indeed, the whole UK) to use the radios”. The project was a diplexer. They had 14
This was discussed at the Chertsey Club, people join them from the UK, Europe and
who decided to run a raffle to raise the funds the USA. The session was presented by
Bob Conduit M6FLT and hosted/filmed
by James Preece M0JFP.

Ham Aid to the They used webex to share the build

video in order to share webcam and audio

Caribbean between the group. The session was a real

success and was enjoyed by everyone
Following the various hurricanes that recently who joined in. The video can be viewed
caused such havoc in the Caribbean, radio at: http://chertseyradioclub.blogspot.
amateurs were involved in a number of ways. co.uk/2017/09/virtual-build-thon-2-70-
The ARRL, for example, supplied Ham Aid diplexer.html
kits (complete portable stations) for use in
Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. A
number of Hurricane Nets were established
for passing health and welfare traffic. The
ARRL photo shows equipment being packed
for shipping. Extensive news reports are
available on the ARRL website.
www.arrl.org

Kenya Gains 5MHz

Following a request from the Radio
Exercise Blue Ham and then approach the National Autistic Society of Kenya (RSK), Kenya state radio
UK Air Cadets will once again be running society and share the project in their support. regulator, CAK (Communications Authority
Exercise Blue Ham on 5MHz, over the The project has been well received and the Kenya) advised the RSK that a new 60m
weekends of October 21st/22nd and 28/29th Club will update its social media and blog allocation has been granted between
from 08:00 to 20:00 local. There have been with local branch updates as they start using 5275kHz and 5450kHz on a secondary
some changes to the scoring system and the radios. basis. All modes are permitted with a
other aspects as a result of feedback from For more information please visit the maximum power of 400W PEP.
last year. Full details are available on the website or contact the Club via e-mail:
website below. As has been explained in PW [email protected] Twitter @
previously, this is an opportunity for UK Full
licensees to engage with Cadet stations on
chertseyrc #projectthomaswatch
http://chertseyradioclub.blogspot. UK Special
the 5MHz band.
https://alphacharlie.org.uk/exercise-blue-
co.uk/2017/05/test.html
Contest Callsigns
ham The UK’s short Special Contest Callsigns
have been mentioned several times
Wrexham Amateur recently here in PW. Chris Tran GM3WOJ
has posted a history of their use on his
Project Thomas Watch Radio Society website, below:
Project Thomas Watch came about after On October 21st, Members of Wrexham www.qsl.net/gm3woj/uksccs.htm
James Preece M0JFP, whose 11-year old Amateur Radio Society will put on a Special
Son (Thomas) is autistic, decided to try using Event Station (SES) at the Brymbo Heritage
walkie-talkie style radios to help give his son
some independence while riding his bike.
Project, during their open day. They will use
the callsign of GB1BSW and will operate on Kidderminster
Thomas has just learned to ride and really
enjoyed the freedom it gave him while James
both the HF and VHF bands.
Wrexham Amateur Radio Society meets Repeater Group
stood outside watching his son riding up and every first and third Tuesday at Brymbo The Kidderminster Repeater Group is
down and around the block. On occasion, Sports and Social Club, Brymbo from 7:30 having a talk by John Scott G8UAE on
Thomas would take longer than expected to (for an 8pm start). For more information, the subject of the BC-221 Frequency
do a lap of the block or sometime wander off please see the website (below), or follow Meter on October 18th. The KRG meet
too far, or just stop and sit down for a bit. their Twitter and Instagram feeds – both at: every third Wednesday of the month at the
As a concerned parent, this made James @GW4WXM Contact Wrexham ARS via the Queens Head Public House in the village
have to go chasing around the street trying to Club Secretary, Eifion Parry, at: wrexham. of Wolverley DY11 5XB, 19:30 for 20:00.
find or call Thomas and became somewhat [email protected] or on 07484 100597 www.krg.club
limiting. James wondered whether Thomas www.wrexham-ars.com

November 2017 Practical Wireless 9

07-Newsdesk.indd 9 26/09/2017 16:04

 Review by Tim Kirby, G4VXE
• Tim Kirby, G4VXE, Willowside, Bow Bank, Longworth OX13 5ER E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @g4vxe

Review – The Retevis

RT-82 144/430MHz
Dual-Band DMR Radio
Tim Kirby G4VXE gets his hands on the first dual-band DMR handheld that we have seen.

about two of the DMR repeaters in the Zone for each DMR repeater you use)
UK are on UHF made me wonder how I discovered you had to use the small
worthwhile a dual-band radio would be trackball in the centre of the front panel.
and whether it would be worth the extra I found using the trackball rather fiddly
money compared with a single-band and I wasn’t convinced how well it would
model like the TYT MD-380. stand up to getting wet or dirty, given that
my handhelds tend to get damp when
What the Manufacturer Has to Say used on walks and outside.
Quite often the feature list of Chinese Fortunately, I found a way, in the
radios seems to lose a bit in translation codeplug, which allows you to define
so I’ve edited the list a little bit but the what some of the various buttons on the
sidebar will give you a flavour of the rig do, programming the up/down buttons
features. on the side of the rig to replicate the
As far as I was concerned, the most trackball’s up/down functionality, which
important thing was to discover that the was much more positive to use.
rig was compatible with Motorola Tier I James had kindly programmed the
and II. Some early dual-band models from radio for me, with my DMR ID and some
other manufacturers weren’t and thus a of my local repeaters, both analogue and
transmission ostensibly on one timeslot digital. My first experiment was to see
would tie up both timeslots, rendering the whether I could hear and access the local
user not very popular on a local repeater 2m FM repeaters, GB3WH and GB3RD,
although absolutely fine if you are only which are both a similar distance from

R
using a local hotspot. me. Sure enough I could, although I felt
egular PW readers will reception was perhaps a little bit more
have seen a variety of First Impressions noisy than I might have expected. On
DMR radios reviewed On unboxing the rig, and clipping the 70cm FM, I could similarly hear the local
in these pages, but all battery on, the first impression is of a repeaters although, again, I felt they too
the ones that we have reasonably heavy unit, slightly heavier were slightly noisier than I expected. More
seen so far have been single-band and larger than an MD-380, for example, on that a little later.
(UHF) models. It’s only in the last few but it’s quite comfortable to hold in the The Swindon 70cm digital repeater
months that we have started to see some hand. GB7TC is fairly weak here on a handheld
dual-band (VHF/UHF) models reach the The rig comes with a drop-in charger, but I found that the rig picked it up as well
market. a belt clip and an instruction manual. as one of the other rigs would have done
It was with some interest then that I Mine came with a programming lead when placed in a strategic location. Of
received an e-mail from James Preece too but check with your vendor whether course, that’s the great thing about digital
M0JFP at the Chertsey Radio Club they supply one with the rig or not (you’ll – once you find those places and have a
offering to send me one of the latest probably want one). solid signal it’s all Q5, no noise at all!
Retevis dual-band models, the RT-82, to I found it reasonably easy to navigate I also tried using the rig around the
have a look at. the basic controls – switching on, house, on low power, through my local
Although I felt a dual-band model had adjusting the volume and so on. To digital radio hotspot on 70cm, the Shark
to be a good thing, the fact that all but change the Zone (usually you have a RF openSPOT. It worked just fine for

10 Practical Wireless November 2017

10-Review Retevis RT82 2 pages.indd 10 26/09/2017 16:04

 which came as a great relief.
There’s also the ability to update the RT-82 Functionality
firmware. Being a review model, I decided Frequency band: 136-174 & 400-480MHz
I wouldn’t do that, but I’m interested to 10,000 Contacts
IP67 Waterproof
note that one version of the firmware (TDMA) digital function
allows 100,000 contacts to be stored Dual timeslot for repeater
and a second version allows you to store Dual timeslot for point-to-point
Firmware upgradeable
10,000 contacts and to use an audio GPS
record function. The version of firmware Compatible with Motorola Tier I & II
that the radio came with did not appear Single/group/all call
to include a record function but it sounds Analogue and digital combined
Comply with digital protocol
as though that might be quite useful ETSI TS 102 361-1,-2,-3
and worthy of investigation. You can Colour LCD display
download the revised firmware at the URL Up to 3,000 channels
Private/Group call match (Promiscuous)
below. The download includes a utility to
Record
upload the firmware into the radio. CTCSS/DCS
www.retevis.com/rt82-resources Monitor
Having just come back from two VOX
TOT
weeks by the sea, when the rig arrived Squelch
The Retevis RT-82 alongside the TYT MD-380 I thought I’d program a couple of Keypad lock
Marine channels into the rig while I was Clock
accessing the various DMR networks amending the codeplug. This worked very
Specifications as provided by Retevis
available through the hotspot and I was well when I was close to the Thames in
pleased to get some good audio reports London. General Specification
from a number of users. My thanks Frequency 136-174 & 400-480MHz
particularly to Steven M6LBE and David Performance Out and About Channel 3,000
Frequency Stability ± 1ppm
M3EVF for their help with some test I was interested to see whether I could Operating Temperature −30°C~+60°C
contacts. receive or use the 2m DMR repeater at Operating Voltage 7.4V DC
One thing that I was already enjoying Tring, GB7CT with the rig, because the Dimension (Hxuxd) 131.5x36.8x64
about the rig was the ability to effectively signal seems quite strong at home on Weight 300g (with battery)
Battery Type Li-ion
monitor two channels at the same time, the collinear and if I listen on a mobile Battery Capacity 2200mAh
within a particular zone, so on a DMR antenna but initial experiments proved Antenna impedance 50Ω
repeater that might be two separate unsuccessful. I was a bit puzzled and Audio output power 1W @ 16Ω
Channel Spacing 12.5kHz
talkgroups or, if you have set up a zone even checked in the codeplug that
for FM repeaters, you could monitor two the correct frequencies had been Transmitter
different repeater outputs, for example. programmed – they had. On my lunchtime Power UHF≤5W, VHF≥4W
A word, perhaps, about the instruction walks in Central London, I found I could Transmitter current Analogue≤1.6A
manual. It suffers somewhat from use GB7NS on 70cm quite successfully Digital≥0.9A
Standby current 0.18A
Chinglish. For example there’s a section but not a peep from GB7CT on 2m. FM modulation mode 11K0F3E @ 12.5kHz
entitled ‘Launch and Receive Calls’ rather Then a few days later, I was doing 14K0F3E @ 20KHz
than ‘Transmitting and Receiving’ but as some reading and I found someone say 16K0F3E @ 25KHz
I’ve commented in previous reviews, so that they hadn’t found the performance 4FSK digital mode 12.5kHz(data
only):7K60FXD
much of the operation of a DMR radio is of the supplied antenna very good, 12.5kHz(data and
down to the codeplug that the manual particularly on 2m. I wondered if that voice):7K60FXW
doesn’t help hugely anyway. If you’re might have been the reason and fitted Modulation distortion <5%
Hum & Noise ≥45dB@25kHz
the sort of person that likes to have a a Nagoya NA-771 dual-band antenna ≥[email protected]
comprehensive user guide to refer to, instead. It’s a lot longer than the supplied Adjacent channel power ≥[email protected]
though, this may not be for you. antenna and I use it when I need a little Audio response +1~−3dB
more gain out of the handheld antenna. Digital protocol ETSI-TS102
361-1,-2,-3
Codeplug and Firmware Programming On a walk up Faringdon Folly hill
I downloaded the programming software in west Oxfordshire, I tried to access Receiver
for the RT-82, installed it on my Windows GB7CT on 2m using the RT-82 and the Analogue Sensitivity 0.2μV @ 12dB SINAD
10 machine and connected up the NA-771 antenna. Success, whereas on Digital Sensitivity 0.25μV(BER:5%)
USB cable. I was pleased to find that Adjacent Channel
the supplied antenna there was nothing
Selectivity ≤−[email protected]
there were no problems establishing at all. Similarly, on 70cm, the GB3UK Co-channel rejection ≥65dB
communication with the radio and analogue repeater some 35 miles away Spurious response ≥70dB
performing functions such as adding was inaudible on the standard antenna Audio response +1~−3dB
Rated audio distortion <5%
repeaters, talkgroups, contacts and so but readable and accessible on the NA- Audio power 1W
on. As I mentioned before, I was able to 771. My impression is that the supplied Modulation noise ≥45dB@25kHz
program the side buttons to perform up antenna is fine for strong local signals ≥[email protected]
and down, rather than using the trackball, but you might want to change it if, like

November 2017 Practical Wireless 11

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 The Retevis RT-82 144/430MHz Dual-Band DMR Radio

me, you are also interested in more decide to install the ‘hacked’ software, I was glad that I was able to get around
distant signals. From what I could tell, this is obviously not supported by the that by programming the side buttons
there weren’t any issues with the receiver manufacturer or vendor. on the rig. Other than that, I found the
sensitivity. rig easy to use and didn’t have to resort
Battery life seemed good and the Conclusion to the instruction manual, which was
supplied battery seemed to last for many Although, in practice, it was not probably a blessing.
operating sessions, particularly because I particularly useful to me having DMR Bear in mind that the supplied antenna
used the rig mostly on low power with the capability on 2m, it was nice to have seems quite poor to me so be prepared
openSPOT around the house. The drop-in a DMR rig that could also listen and to replace it – this need not be expensive
charger seemed quite quick to charge the transmit on 2m FM. I used that more to do. RF performance of the rig itself
rig, compared, especially, to the MD-380, than I thought. James M0JFP also seemed good.
which seems to take forever! programmed the rig to use on the AO-85 The review model didn’t contain an
Comparing the RT-82 with other rigs, satellite. I suspect QSOs would be a bit onboard GPS but these are available at a
I noticed that it is almost identical to the hard to come by with that setup but it small additional cost when you order the
MD-2017 dual-band transceiver, although would be fine for receiving the satellite as rig. In my view, there’s little advantage,
the display is slightly different. So too, well as the ISS voice and packet (you’ll currently, in having GPS capability on
is the antenna connector, which on the need to use a separate decoder). Decide your DMR rig, although the Brandmeister
MD-2017 is particularly fragile, a problem for yourself whether you need a dual- network is starting to add some GPS
that happily does not seem to be the case band DMR rig. It’s certainly nice having based functionality, which could be
on the RT-82. Compared to the MD- the two bands available on one rig rather useful.
380, I missed some of the functionality than carrying a UHF DMR rig and an FM If you are in the market for a DMR
improvements that have been added dual-bander and if you don’t have an FM radio the RT-82 is well worth looking
through the ‘hacked’ MD-380 Tools(z) dual-bander already, the RT-82 would at. My thanks to James M0JFP of the
firmware but I know that a variant of the probably be cheaper than two separate Chertsey Radio Club for the loan of the
‘hacked’ firmware is being worked on for rigs. rig. The Retevis RT-82 is available in the
the MD-2017/RT-82 so hopefully that will I wasn’t fond of the trackball at all (I UK, from Martin Lynch & Sons, priced
be available in time. That said, should you am trying not to write that I hated it) but £169.95.









 

 
 
 
 

 

 
12 Sotabeams.indd 1
Practical Wireless 21/09/2017
November 12:34
2017

10-Review Retevis RT82 2 pages.indd 12 26/09/2017 16:04

 Feature by Colin Redwood G6MXL
Colin Redwood G6MXL E-mail: [email protected]

2017 PW 144MHz
QRP Contest Results
Once again Colin Redwood G6MXL has a set of 144MHz
QRP Contest Results – see how you did this year.

D
espite the strong winds,
2017 saw 66 entrants
submit logs in the
33rd Practical Wireless
144MHz QRP contest Fig. 3: The Wrexham Amateur Radio Society
held on Sunday June 17th 2017. This GW4WXM/P.
represents an increase of over one-third in
the number of entrants compared to 2016 Club GM4GRC/P, operating from IO86JF.
(48 entrants). The entrants made a total of The leading GI/EI station is Joe Bigham
2576 (1985) valid contacts with stations in GI4TAJ/P, operating from IO74AU.
47 (40) different squares, Fig. 1. The leading Channel Island station is
Chris Rees GU3TUX/P from IN89VR.
2017 Winners The leading overseas station is Jean-
Demonstrating the advantages of height Jacques De Rey ON7EQ/P, operating
and a clear take-off, the overall winner, from JO10UT in Belgium.
leading multi-operator and leading Welsh Fig. 1: Map showing locator squares of stations Full details of the results can be found
station is the Hereford VHF Contest that entered (in dark blue) and other stations in the tables in this article. As usual
Group GW1YBB/P, operated by Steven worked (light blue). certificates will be sent to all the leading
Clements G1YBB and Paul G1YFC from stations above and the leading station in
Pen-Y-Gadair (800m ASL), the second each square. Additionally, plaques will go
highest peak in the Black Mountains in to the leading Single- and Multi-Operator
South Wales (IO81KW). They used a Yaesu entrants.
FT-817 transceiver and a 9-element DK7ZB Checklogs were received with thanks
antenna. They summed up the contest, from A G Stewart Wilkinson G0GLS,
“GREAT! Great activity, great height, great Bryan Turner G3RLE, Duncan Fisken
radio conditions, but also great WIND. GW3WZD/A, Tony Collett G4NBS, Don
4-season mountaineering tent poles both Field G3XTT/P and Colin Redwood
bent”. G6MXL.
In second place and the leading
English station is the SADGITS G4RLF/P, Propagation & Activity
operating from IO80WX using a Trio TS- The general consensus among entrants
770 + LNA and a 13-element Cushcraft was that conditions were generally fairly
antenna, Fig. 2. flat. Nevertheless some noted an increase
The leading single operator station is in activity, although this was by no means
Steve Marsh G4TCU/P, operating from universal.
IO82QJ. Galashiels And District Amateur
The leading fixed station is the Halifax Radio Society GM4YEQ/P reported, “No
& District Amateur Radio Society calls were heard from EI, GI, GD or the
GX2UG, operating from IO83XR. continent, which we have worked regularly
The leading Scottish station is in the past. No SOTA stations were
Glenrothes & District Amateur Radio Fig. 2: The SADGITS team operating from Dorset. heard, which is unusual because we hear

November 2017 Practical Wireless 13

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 2017 PW 144MHz QRP Contest Results

Fig. 5: Andy Pym M6IQU is seen calling CQ, while Jon Wheeler G0IUE waits to log at Chippenham &
District Amateur Radio Club G3VRE/P.

Fig. 4: Alan Barnes M3AFF, operating from his

garden.

them calling from the Lake District most

weekends. Several other Scottish stations
to the north of us were heard very well but
we failed to make a contact with them. The Fig. 6: The Bittern DX Group’s G6IPU/P station was run by a YL team of operators comprising Sue
majority of our contacts were in a southerly Ziolkowska M6ZTT and Linda Leavold G0AJJ, supported by Adam Ziolkowski M0OAS, Thomas
direction with little traffic from the south- Ziolkowski M0TEO and Alec Adams G3YOA.
east or south-west. After a promising start
at about 10:30, we had a major downpour opening came after the closing time of good signals received from the continent.
and all signals faded. All we could hear was the contest, although the signals from No issues with signals or overload despite
static till about 11:00 when the rain passed SE Europe were not very strong. With the higher power this year.”
and the band opened again and several surprising ease I managed to work three Pieter Smit submitted the Hambleton
more stations worked.” Welsh stations. I usually need all my power Amateur Radio Society’s entry and said
Cambridge & District Amateur Radio to get there! I really enjoyed working DX on that, “Overall radio conditions seemed
Club G2XV/P found, “Conditions at our Low Power and hope all participants did!” relatively poor. We noticed a lot of fading.
location were good prior to the contest. Second placed SADGITS G4RLF/P No Scottish or Irish stations were heard at
However, the band went to average/below thought that, “Conditions seemed flat all despite beaming in those directions.”
average. Little activity West through North, with not much DX. However, we didn’t
we guess due to the poor weather? Our struggle with too many contacts this year, Wind and Rain
location was much better than usual. To so perhaps the extra two watts made Strong winds and rain featured in the
say we are disappointed with this result is some difference. Operating standards and feedback from many entrants. For several
an understatement.” transmission quality were much improved this meant keeping antennas lower than
Tony Collett G4NBS submitted a from previous years”. planned, overcoming challenges to keep
checklog and said it was, “Good to see so Andrew Vare GW4XZL thought that, shelters from blowing away and early
many portables and activity. A shame the “Band activity was good, better than last closing down.
Es didn’t reach 2m till much later”. year, although there seemed to be very Steve Marsh G4TCU/P says, “I was
Frank Laanen PE1EWR concurred, little activity from GM. No evidence of hoping to complete the full time during
stating that, “It was a pity that the Es enhanced tropo conditions but still some this contest but struggled with winds of

14 Practical Wireless November 2017

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 Description Name/Team Callsign The rain was intermittent and sometimes
very heavy, the wind was a constant strong
Overall Winner Hereford VHF Contest Group GW1YBB/P
south-westerly and consistently noisy. A
Runner Up SADGITS G4RLF/P beam antenna was erected at 12 feet (it
Leading Fixed Station Halifax & District Amateur Radio Society GX2UG was too windy to erect the mast any higher
Leading Single Operator Steve Marsh G4TCU/P or to erect a tent) for the contest.”
Glenrothes and District Amateur
Leading Multi-Operator Hereford VHF Contest Group GW1YBB/P
Radio Club GM4GRC/P also encountered
Leading English Station SADGITS G4RLF/P many very heavy rain showers with strong
Leading Welsh Station Hereford VHF Contest Group GW1YBB/P gusty winds. They were pleased to work
Leading Scottish Station Glenrothes & District Amateur Radio Club GM4GRC/P very well to the south of the UK.
In Northern Ireland it was no better,
Leading GI/EI Station Joe Bingham GI4TAJ/P
with heavy showers and horizontal rain/
Leading Channel Islands Station Chris Rees GU3TUX/P high winds reported by Joe Bingham
Leading Overseas Jean-Jacques De Rey ON7EQ/P GI4TAJ/P.
In North Wales, Eiffon Parry MW6EYU,
Table 1: Leading stations.
Secretary of the Wrexham Amateur
Square Name Call No. entries Radio Society GW4WXM/P, says they
needed three people to hold down their
IN89 Chris Rees GU3TUX/P 1
tent on Nantyr Mountain, Fig. 3. Their
IO62 Paul Norris EI3ENB 1 perseverance paid off with 28 more
IO70 John Brooks M0HJO 5 contacts than last year!
IO71 Simon Gosby GW8OVZ/P 1 Andrew GW4XZL/P says, “The big
feature for this year was the wind. It was
IO72 Carmarthen Amateur RS GC4YCT/P 1
so strong that I seriously thought that the
IO74 Joe Bingham GI4TAJ/P 1 shelter was going to be destroyed before
IO80 SADGITS G4RLF/P 3 it was even pegged down. Using every
IO81 Hereford VHF Contest Group GW1YBB/P 7 last piece of rope and string from the
IO82 Steve Marsh G4TCU/P 10 bottom of the kitbag and any nearby rocks,
I managed to get it secure. I found it very
IO83 Michael Heywood M0ICK/P 8
difficult to hear the weak stations over the
IO84 Yorkshire Dales CG MX0YCG/P 3 relentless howling wind noise, I didn’t bring
IO85 Galashiels And DARS GM4YEQ/P 1 headphones unfortunately!”
IO86 Glenrothes & DARC GM4GRC/P 1 Simon Pryce GW0EIY/P found the
weather was mostly dry but very blustery
IO90 Vecta Contest Group M0VCT/P 2
so he stayed in the car, which was a bit
IO91 Jon Page G1POS/P 8 of a nuisance when he needed to turn the
IO92 Ricky Amos Joe Hobbs M0ZAV/P 2 beam.
IO93 Sheffield & District Wireless G5TO/P 5 Simon Gosby GW8OVZ was,
Society “Disappointed this year because the wind
IO94 Hambleton ARS G0JQA/P 2 was blowing very hard and I couldn’t
extend the antenna. In the end it was about
JO01 Robert White G4AGO 1
one metre above ground level and directed
JO02 Cambridge & DARC G2XV/P 4 with a rope of the back like a sail! After
JO10 Jean-Jacques De Rey ON7EQ/P 1 about 90 minutes it was too cold and damp
JO11 807 ARO PE1EWR 1 in the cloud so I had to pack up.”
JO20 Walter Palings ON7PX/P 1
Foundation
JO21 Veron Afdeling Nieuwe Waterweg PI4VNW 1 The PW contests are excellent ways for
JO22 Contest Group Alkmaar PI4ALK/P 1 Foundation Licence holders to participate
Table 3: Square winners. on a level playing field in a contest with
others. Regular entrant Alan Barnes
M3AFF operated from his garden, Fig. 4,
40 to 50MPH for the whole time. The several times I was blown off balance while the Chippenham & District Amateur
antenna was damaged by the wind as by powerful wind gusts. British summer Radio Club G3VRE/P saw Andy Pym
the reflector was bent into a ‘U’ shape. indeed!” M6IQU on the microphone, Fig. 5.
It became clear it was getting dangerous The wind was no better farther north A number of teams had Foundation
and I was concerned the antenna might where the Galashiels and District Licence holders as participants. This year
come crashing down. I struggled on for Amateur Radio Society GM4YEQ/P were the Bittern DX Group’s G6IPU/P station
four hours and gave in. It was difficult to “Sitting in cars in the low cloud with gale was run by a YL (young lady) team of
walk back down from the summit because force wind and rain until the rain stopped. operators comprising Sue Ziolkowska

November 2017 Practical Wireless 15

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 2017 PW 144MHz QRP Contest Results

M6ZTT and Linda Leavold G0AJJ. They wrong details being logged. A case in point
were ably supported by Adam Ziolkowski was where one station sent “you are 58 59
M0OAS, Thomas Ziolkowski M0TEO in ….” This was logged as a RS 58 report
and Alec Adams G3YOA who looked and serial number of 059 by the station
after the technical side of things and the receiving the exchange. This was in fact an
all-important tea making, Fig. 6. This was RS 59 report and their 58th contact (serial
Sue’s first attempt at operating and logging number of 58).
in a contest and she really enjoyed the Frank Laanen PE1EWR noted that,
experience. “One operator was clearly not very
experienced: he gathered that I kept asking
First-time for information and kept on repeating serial
For Martin Mills M0MLZ it was his first and locator. But what I needed was his
time out in this contest. He says that he, report, which he gave only once”.
“Loved it and it was a great day”. It looks
as though Martin was luckier than most Logging
with the weather, Fig. 7. Most logs were sent by e-mail. A variety
of contest logging software was used
Welcome Back by entrants. Logging accuracy varied a
Joe Bingham GI4TAJ first took part in the lot this year. Some stations submitted
contest in 1985, making over 100 contacts. 100% or near 100% accurate logs. Others
In 1998 he packed away his equipment lost out with the /P missing from many
as work and children took over from the callsigns. In some cases stations were
hobby. Joe retired from teaching in 2016 inconsistent in sending /P with several
and started operating again in November. stations who worked them noting this in
Joe says, “I’ve always enjoyed 2m SSB their comments. One station compounded
portable working so thought I would give the problem with sometimes sending /A
the contest another go. The weather and sometimes /P.
was OK at the start but as the morning Transcription errors such as swapping
progressed it changed to high winds and Fig. 7: Martin Mills M0MLZ/P operated from his letters in callsigns, logging part of the
horizontal rain showers. The antenna, camper van. station’s own locator rather than the
which is 30 years old, just wanted to point station being worked also contributed to
west into the wind so I had to get out of loss of points.
the car in the rain to turn it.” Another station was somehow
convinced that all locators start with IO
Technical Problems and logged them as such, despite working
Besides the weather, Andrew GW4XZL/P many stations in locators starting JO and
had to content with technical problems, IN, resulting in the loss of many valuable
“About 3 hours 40 minutes in, the logging multipliers and contacts. A quick sanity
PC crashed and then the rig locked on check of the log before submitting It,
transmit – disaster! I got the rig working perhaps cross-referring to a locator map,
again but the logging PC kept crashing could have spotted this.
and I was just about to resort to a paper
log when the horizontal rain arrived and the Date for Your Diary
shelter started to leak badly so I reluctantly The provisional date for the 2018 PW
had to call it a day, again.” On a more 144MHz QRP Contest is Sunday June 11th
positive note, Andrew observed that, “at 2017. As usual the event will be arranged
least no static rain this year!” to run alongside the RSGB 144MHz
Backpackers contest for the benefit of
On-board entrants to both contests. Keep an eye
Regular entrant Dave Hewitt G(W)8ZRE on Practical Wireless and the PW Contest
was off on a cruise on the day of the website at:
contest. It didn’t prevent him from making Fig. 8: Dave Hewitt G8ZRE made a single contact www.pwcontest.org.uk
a single contact before the ship left dock, before his cruise ship set sail.
Fig. 8. Dave says he’ll be back on dry land Thanks
next year and up the hills in Wales. by their report (RST), serial number and Many entrants expressed thanks to
locator. In some cases stations were heard other stations taking part or giving points
Contest Exchanges sending their serial number and then their away. I would like to thank everyone who
At least one station was heard sending report. Not only does this make logging participated in 2017, and Neill Taylor
their contest exchange in a ‘non-standard’ difficult (no matter whether using paper G4HLX for devising what is without doubt
sequence. Stations at the other end are logs or computer logs) but in some cases it one of the most widely supported single-
expecting to hear both callsigns followed may not be obvious and can easily result in band contests in the VHF calendar.

16 Practical Wireless November 2017

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 Pos’n Call Name Single QSOs Squares Score Locator Transceiver Antenna Ht. m asl
1 GW1YBB/P Hereford VHF Contest Group 177 33 5841 IO81KW Yaesu FT-817 9-ele Yagi 800
2 G4RLF/P SADGITS 132 30 3960 IO80WX Trio TS-770 + LNA 13-ele Cushcraft 277
3 M0VCT/P Vecta Contest Group 116 29 3364 IO90JO Yaesu FT-225RD + Mutek 7-ele Yagi 225
4 G4TCU/P Steve Marsh S 111 23 2553 IO82QJ Kenwood TR-751e A144S10 533
5 G0HAS/P 2 Men And A Dog 96 23 2208 IO81WG Trio TR-751E + Pre-amp 8-ele LFA 230
6 GW4XZL/P Andrew Vare S 95 23 2185 IO82KA Yaesu FT-817ND 9-ele Tonna 4
7 G1POS/P Jon Page S 96 21 2016 IO91AW Yaesu FT-817 4 x 4-ele HB LFA Yagi 282
8 G0VHT/P Paul Morrison S 87 22 1914 IO91GI Yaesu FT-857D 17-ele Tonna 297
9 GW4WXM/P Wrexham ARS 91 19 1729 IO82KW Trio TS-700 + Speech Proc. 10-ele 360
10 M0ICK/P Michael Heywood S 80 18 1440 IO83RO Icom IC-7000 8-ele LFA HB 400
11 MC0YAD/P Cwmbran And DARS 73 17 1241 IO81LQ Yaesu FT-897 9-ele Tonna 310
12 G2XP/P Sutton And Cheam RS 75 15 1125 IO91UH Yaesu FT-817 7-ele Yagi 143
13 G0ROC/P Rochdale & DARS 69 16 1104 IO83VP Yaesu FT-991 11-ele Yagi 476
14 MX0YCG/P Yorkshire Dales CG 81 13 1053 IO84VB Yaesu FT-857 16-ele Yagi + 7-ele Yagi Vert 386
15 G5TO/P Sheffield & District Wireless Society 44 18 792 IO93FL Icom IC-7100 12-ele HB Yagi 320
16 G8HXE/P Keith Haywood S 50 15 750 IO83RO Yaesu FT-817 SOTA SB5 380
17 GW0HRG/P Halkyn Radio Group 44 17 748 IO83JG Yaesu FT-817 + Pre-Amp 10-ele Cushcraft Yagi 270
18 G3XNO/P Otley ARS 38 15 570 IO93DV Trio TR-751E Cushcraft Boomer 260
18 G2XV/P Cambridge & DARC 38 15 570 JO02AH Icom IC-7100 + DG 8 pre-amp 2 x 9-ele Tonna 14
20 M0ZAV/P Ricky Amos Joe Hobbs 34 15 510 IO92OP Yaesu FT-817 6-ele Cubical Quad 150
21 GW8OVZ/P Simon Gosby S 35 14 490 IO71OW Yaesu FT-817 7-ele Yagi 530
22 G3VRE/P Chippenham & DARC 37 13 481 IO81VJ Icom IC-706 MKIIG 9-ele Tonna 120
23 G0JQA/P Hambleton ARS 34 14 476 IO94IJ Yaesu FT-847 9-ele Tonna 298
24 M1VHT/P Keith Morrison S 29 15 435 IO84VG Yaesu FT-817 16-ele Cushcraft beam 668
25 G6IPU/P Bittern Dx Group 36 12 432 JO02QU Yaesu FT-847 17-ele Tonna 39
26 GU3TUX/P Chris Rees S 33 13 429 IN89VR Yaesu FT-817 HB9CV 70
27 2W0JYN/A Marches ARS S 37 11 407 IO82LX Icom IC-910 6-ele Yagi 200
28 GX2UG Halifax & DARS 33 12 396 IO83XR Yaesu FT-991 9-ele Tonna 400
29 GW0EIY/P S.G.Pryce 33 10 330 IO82LQ Yaesu FT-817 + BHI DSP + Mutek 5-ele Yagi 380
30 G8KVM/P Bernard Rhead 26 12 312 IO93AD Yaesu FT-817ND 3-ele Quad 396
31 M0HJO John Brooks S 28 11 308 IO70PP Icom IC-910HX 9-ele Tonna 90
31 G3ASR/A Edgware & DRS 28 11 308 IO91TN Yaesu FT-817ND 5-ele Yagi 51
33 ON7EQ/P Jean-Jacques De Rey S 23 13 299 JO10UT Yaesu FT-817 9-ele Tonna 135
34 GW6PVK/P Gwil Jones S 33 9 297 IO83LC Yaesu FT-817ND 8-ele 300
35 G0IPE/P Peter Gardner S 24 12 288 IO90QV Yaesu FT-897 5-ele Yagi 4
36 G4AGO Robert White S 22 13 286 JO01BR Yaesu FT-290R MK1 9-ele Powabeam 80
37 M5AEO Jonathan Kempster S 35 8 280 IO91XM Yaesu FT-897 5-ele Yagi 30
37 G3YDD Hereford ARS 28 10 280 IO82PE Yaesu FT-817 10-ele Yagi 105
39 GC4YCT/P Carmarthen Amateur RS 21 13 273 IO72WA Icom IC-7100 8-ele Yagi 381
40 G0OVA Tony Crake S 24 11 264 IO91PJ Icom IC-7000 9-ele Tonna 75
40 M0MLZ/P Martin Mills 24 11 264 IO70UM Yaesu FT-991 9-ele Tonna 338
40 GW4MCQ/P DMS Old Timers 33 8 264 IO81LS Yaesu FT-857D 3-ele Quad 513
43 GI4TAJ/P Joe Bingham S 19 11 209 IO74AU Yaesu FT-817ND 13-ele Tonna 340
44 PI4ALK/P Contest Group Alkmaar 17 12 204 JO22IV Icom IC-706 MKII 9-ele Tonna 15
45 G0FCA/P Iain Groom S 24 8 192 IO83VS Icom IC-9000 8-ele Yagi 350
46 2E0VCC/P Darrell Jones S 18 10 180 IO70SP Yaesu FT-857D 9-ele Tonna 261
47 PE1EWR 807 ARO S 14 12 168 JO11SL Kenwood TS-790E + 3SK121 10-ele Parabeam 9
48 G4TSW Tiverton (SW) ARC S 19 8 152 IO80FV Yaesu FT-817ND + Digital filter 9-ele Yagi 241
49 G4PGJ David Ward 16 9 144 IO92ET Icom IC-7100 7-ele ZL Special 133
49 MW1DOU/P Barry, Huw & Stuart 16 9 144 IO82CX Yaesu FT-100 Diamond 10-ele Yagi 460
51 GM4YEQ/P Galashiels And DARS 14 10 140 IO85MM Yaesu FT-991 3-ele beam HB 485
52 GW1YQM Richard Evans S 16 7 112 IO82KR Yaesu FT-817 17-ele Tonna 106
53 G1IZB/P Frank Smith S 9 10 90 IO93WH Yaesu FT-857 8-ele loop Yagi 0
54 GM4GRC/P Glenrothes & DARC 12 7 84 IO86JF Yaesu FT-817ND 12-ele HB yagi 370
55 G7RHF/P Al Rich S 12 6 72 IO82QL Yaesu FT-817 10-ele beam 274
56 M3AFF/P Alan Barnes S 12 5 60 IO70VT Yaesu FT-817ND 5-ele HB Quad 350
56 G4YBS/P Morecambe Bay ARS 12 5 60 IO84NA Kenwood TS-2000X 5-ele Yagi 31
58 G8IBL Huw Hallybone S 13 4 52 IO91QE Elecraft K3S 2x 9-ele Ms 90
59 PI4VNW Veron Afdeling Nieuwe Waterweg 5 10 50 JO21BX Kenwood TM-255 E 10-ele Yagi 25
60 G4CIB Brian Woodcock S 11 4 44 IO81VX Icom IC-202S 5-ele ZL Special 20
61 ON7PX/P Walter Palings S 7 6 42 JO20HU Yaesu FT-817 + preamp 9-ele Yagi 80
62 EI3ENB Paul Norris S 7 5 35 IO62JH Yaesu FT-736R 13-ele Cushcraft Yagi 70
63 G4KKR/P Richard Page S 7 4 28 JO02PG Yaesu FT-817 5-ele Yagi 62
64 G4AHO/P Ken Jones S 4 3 12 IO82XI Icom IC-706 MKIIG 5/8 Vertical 0
64 G3YJR G. J. Coyne 3 4 12 IO93FJ Elecraft K3 9-ele Yagi 235
66 G8ZRE/P Dave Hewitt S 1 1 1 IO94GX Yaesu FT-817 Rubber Duck 2

Table 2: Overall results table, PW 144MHz QRP Contest 2017.

November 2017 Practical Wireless 17

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 A PW QRP Contest Story
Paul Morrison G0VHT E-mail: [email protected]

QRP Contest
necessary reassurance that there would be
no flat battery or power related failures on
the day.
As a precaution, I decided to take my
trusty FT-817 and a 22Ah SLA battery with
me, paired with a vertical antenna on a
Elsewhere in this issue we have the results of this separate mast. This ‘belt and braces’ ap-
proach provided additional resilience to en-
year’s PW 144MHz QRP Contest. Here’s Paul Morrison sure most eventualities would be covered
in the event that Murphy struck (or at least
G0VHT’s story, entering for the second time. that’s what I thought).

Contest Day

I
Finally, the day of the contest arrived. My
have only formally entered one brother and I set off at the crack of dawn
contest previously (and that heading for our respective mountains and
was the PW QRP contest in molehills. The weather forecast for my area
2015) despite being part of our was cloudy but dry. However, the wind was
wonderful hobby for the best expected to be quite blustery at a consis-
part of 23 years. tent 11MPH when arriving on site and the
So as a bit of fun, I rang my brother forecast warned that this would rise to over
Keith M1VHT earlier this year and asked 16MPH by 2pm. What I wasn’t expecting,
if he was wanted to enter the 2017 PW however, was the ferocity and impact of
144MHz QRP contest. His response was the gusting winds but more about this later.
an immediate “yes” followed by the obliga- Once parked up, I set about putting the
tory and expected quip “you’ve got no Yagi together, relieved that there were no
chance bro”, so the challenge was on! other stations that beat me to this beautiful
Keith lives in Northumberland and I’m location. I was considerably quicker setting
down in Berkshire. We both immediately up this time around compared with my
set about identifying potential locations first attempt and within an hour I was in
to operate from. Within a couple of days, the front seat of the vehicle checking the
we were sorted. I decided to operate The brothers, Keith and Paul – friends but layout and usability of my new portable
from Walbury Hill (IO91) near Hungerford, contest rivals. ‘shack’. With everything seemingly working
jokingly described as “a mere molehill” well, out came my compass to help identify
by my brother at 297m high. Despite this, felt it was therefore time for a dry run of some general beam headings. These were
research proved it was the highest hill in my own, setting up the station to iron out scribbled on a piece of paper and held
Berkshire and the highest natural point in any potential problems before the event in place next to my antenna courtesy of
south-east England. He, on the other hand, itself. On a lovely, calm Saturday morning, my rear wiper blade – a perfect low-tech
elected to drive down to a site near Hawes I drove to my local park and put together solution to save bringing out the compass
in the Yorkshire Dales (IO84), a whopping the antenna supported on an ex-military every 15 minutes.
667m above sea level. I clearly had my fiberglass swaged mast, clamped to the A quick phone call to my brother to
work cut out if I was going to have any tow eye of my Land Rover. agree a frequency, a tweak of the beam to
chance of out-scoring my brother in this The whole set up took almost two hours a northerly direction and I gave him a call.
contest. to complete from start to finish, much Bingo! He came right back with a 54, a
longer than expected but incredibly useful. weak but perfectly readable signal report.
Station Planning Also, I didn’t fully appreciate the length By cranking up the speaker volume and
I realised that a decent 144MHz beam of the antenna boom, which proved to be running outside to turn the beam (by hand
antenna was hugely important but I only over 20ft (6.1m) long when assembled! At of course), Keith became a solid 59 signal
owned a vertical collinear at home (most of least when the VSWR was checked, it was in no time. This was a very encouraging
my usual operating is HF). Kempton Park less than 1.3.1 in the segment of the band start and we both agreed we would be
radio rally came to the rescue in the form I was planning to use – what a relief! each other’s first contact when the compe-
of a second-hand purchase, an ageing but Turning my attention away from the an- tition began in earnest.
very impressive looking 17-element Tonna tenna, I decided to use my FT-857 because At 10am local time, that’s exactly what
beam – all for the bargain price of just £35. the recently revised competition rules now we did although I immediately noticed his
Roll forward a couple of weeks prior to allowed a maximum of 5W RF output (the signal strength was down on our earlier
the contest and the e-mails/text messages minimum output of an FT-857) and as it contact. A quick check of the antenna
from my brother were coming in thick and happened, the radio was already perma- identified the problem. The wind was pick-
fast with jibes about my choice of location nently installed in my vehicle. While this ing up and had started to rotate the beam
and recently acquired ‘elderly’ beam. Keith particular arrangement was not very power all by itself. I left it where it was because
really was raring to go, with everything in efficient for QRP operation, my leisure bat- I wanted to get some contacts in the log
place for the big day. With this in mind I tery/vehicle charging system provided the and was hoping the problem would go

18 Practical Wireless November 2017

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 away. Unfortunately for me the beam kept joined the party and boosted my locator
rotating around at the behest of the swirl- square multipliers.
ing winds so I had no option other than to There were several club stations that
revert to plan B. The antenna was rapidly doggedly continued much to their credit
lowered and a length of Para cord rope but I made an executive decision to raise
tied to the front of the beam, dropping the white flag and pack up. If I’m honest, I
down to a metal stake that I hammered was quite exhausted by then and my voice
into the ground in the direction I wanted. was more hoarse than red rum!
That fix solved the wandering antenna
problem. It wasn’t pretty and it also wasted Lessons Learned
time when the beam heading needed to be It took less than 45 minutes to load up the
changed. Land Rover and head back down Walbury
Despite this, over the next couple of Hill to the considerably milder climate of
hours a steady, consistent stream of con- Windsor and Maidenhead, some 50 miles
tacts found their way into my log. I settled away. On the journey home I pondered to
on a strategy of fixed frequency calling myself what lessons I had learned from this
combined with 15 minutes beaming in one experience and what could I have done
direction followed by an incremental turn better. Well, the truth is many things and
of the antenna of roughly 30° and a further I’m not afraid to admit it.
15 minutes of calling and so on, which I Next time I intend to increase the
repeated until a full 360° circle had been Getting windy! robustness of my mast and replace the
completed. I would then simply reverse the single long Yagi (unmanageable in windy
process to stop the coax coiling up around wave of my hand and kept going – how conditions) with two or even three smaller
the base of the mast and hoped to pick up odd and somewhat aloof I must have ap- independent antennas pointing North,
some new stations on the way back. peared to them. South, East and West respectively – all
coaxes will feed into a three-way switch,
A Change of Tactics Unexpected News giving me the ability to switch direction in
After a fairly active period, there was a A quick phone call from my brother seconds and all without moving a muscle.
bit of a lull in the proceedings. I admit to brought the unexpected news that he was I must get myself a headset/microphone
losing discipline at this point and changed heading home. He had had enough of the combination used in conjunction with
strategy using the good old ‘search and strong winds and several heavy down- my radio’s VOX. Faffing about with a fist
pounce’ technique. To be honest, this pours. He told me his score and number microphone, clipboard and pen was tricky
ended up backfiring spectacularly because of squares worked. I quietly enjoyed the in the confines of a vehicle.
there were far too many “we’ve worked moment as Keith magnanimously admitted Logging with paper is fine but I could
before old man” type comments – a result defeat in relation to our brotherly challenge have made my life so much easier (not to
of a scribbled paper-based log and poor and wished me luck. Morale boosted, I mention gaining a few extra points) had
short-term memory. So it was back to the was back in the contest! I used my Mac and logging software to
revolving beam, fixed frequency method. Calling CQ repeatedly for a number of speed up recording and quickly identify
By 1pm, the log was filling up nicely hours meant there was precious little time stations I’d worked before, thus helping
but the wind was ramping up with gusts of for a break so my cheese sandwiches with the search-and-pounce technique
around 30 to 35MPH. On inspection, my remained in the kids’ packed lunch box when the band appeared quiet.
beam was looking in a rather sorry state and all I managed to eat was the occa- Finally, I should have bought myself a
compared to when it was first erected, sional chocolate bar. I was left wondering decent masthead preamplifier. The number
with two elements having worked loose just how do serious DXers manage those of times a station evidently heard me but
from the boom and dropped to the ground extended 24/48 hour-plus contests? Hats was very hard to hear at my end was an-
(I knew hand-tight wasn’t a good idea). off to them all. noying to say the least.
The beam itself was now angled at 30° to Interestingly, I found almost all stations In the end, this contest was seriously
the horizontal, twisted by a combination I worked to be incredibly courteous and good fun and nothing could distract from
of strong winds versus the pegged down polite, even when the conditions were hard that. It was both strenuous and exhilarat-
front end. Still, by this time I considered going. Clearly the wind was playing havoc ing at the same time. I don’t really mind
that I had passed the point of no return with a number of portable stations aside where I end up on the scoreboard. I gave
and defiantly soldiered on, come what from me and there were plenty of humor- the contest my very best effort but, most
may. ous exchanges to this effect. importantly, I beat my brother’s score
There were a handful of inquisitive indi- By 2.45pm local time, the wind was re- by a healthy margin – something I will of
viduals who approached me directly during ally making things difficult and the number course ‘dine out’ on for at least the next 12
the contest (mainly hill and dog walkers). of stations remaining in the contest tailed months.
I regretted not having printed an A3 note off considerably. I assessed my log and If you didn’t enter the contest this year,
in the windscreen describing what I was while noting a disappointing absence of I hope this article has encouraged you to
doing and why in layman’s terms. All I did Scottish contacts, I was really pleased to have a go in 2018. I look forward to log-
in the cut and thrust of the contest was to log stations from the Netherlands, Belgium, ging you then. Let’s hope for a calm and
acknowledge these people with a nod or France and Germany – so pleased they dry summer’s day next time.

November 2017 Practical Wireless 19

18-contest 2 pages.indd 19 26/09/2017 16:07

 Moonraker UK Limited Sales line 01908 281705
Cranfield Road E-mail [email protected] Web www.moonraker.eu
Woburn Sands Postage (UK Mainland Only):
Bucks MK17 8UR Small items just £2.99
Open Mon-Fri 9-5:30pm Medium items just £4.99
Maximum charge just £7.99

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Power Supplies
PS30SWIII 30A peak switching power
Amplifiers supply provides 13.8 VDC at 20 Amps
The BLA 600 is a wideband Antenna Tuners continuous,30Ampssurge.Theoutput
compact linear amplifier for the HF See our website for full details. voltage is adjustable from 9 to 15VDC.
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MFJ-902B 3.5-30MHz 150W mini travel tuner ........................................ £134.95
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amplifier with fans .............. £429.95 MFJ-904 3.5-30MHz 150W mini travel tuner with SWR/PWR......... £149.95 modePSUwithvariableoutputvoltage
HLA150V+ 1.8-30MHz 150W all mode MFJ-904H 3.5-30MHz 150W mini travel tuner with SWR/PWR 4:1 balun£184.95 and cigar socket also includes noise
amplifier with fans .............................................................................£349.95 MFJ-901B 1.8-30MHz 200W Versa tuner ................................................... £119.95 offset function
LA250V 140-150MHz 200W professional amplifier with LCD£499.95 MFJ-971 1.8-30MHz 300W portable tuner ............................................... £139.95 SPECIAL OFFER £99.95 £89.95
ULA100 420-440MHz 100W compact linear for 70cms ........£399.95 MFJ-945E 1.8-54MHz 300W tuner with meter ....................................... £149.95
QJ1830SB 30 AMP Linear PSU,
MFJ-941E 1.8-30MHz 300W Versa tuner 2 ................................................ £164.95
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MFJ-949E 1.8-30MHz 300W deluxe Versa tuner with DL .................. £199.95
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MFJ-934 1.8-30MHz 300W tuner complete with artificial GND .... £229.95
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MFJ-969 1.8-54MHz 300W all band tuner ................................................ £249.95
Tuners MFJ-962D 1.8-30MHz 1500W high power tuner .................................. £339.95 QJE QJPS30II 30 AMP Switch Mode
LDG Z-817 1.8-54MHz ideal for the Yaesu FT-817 .....................£129.95 MFJ-986 1.8-30MHz 300W high power differential tuner£399.95MFJ-989D
LDG Z-100 Plus 1.8-54MHz the most popular LDG tuner ......£169.95 Power Supply Unit
1.8-30MHz 1500W high power roller tuner............................................. £439.95 Includes noise offset control to elimi-
LDG IT-100 1.8-54MHz ideal for IC-7000 ......................................£179.95
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LDG Z-11 Pro 1.8-54MHz great portable tuner ..........................£179.95
LDG KT-100 1.8-54MHz ideal for most Kenwood radios ........£209.95 X-Needle SWR/WATT........................................................................................... £589.95 circuit.Thispatentpendingfunctionis
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LDG AT-1000 Pro II 1.8-54MHz continuously ..............................£519.95 MFJ-259C 530 KHz to 230MHz ......................... £299.95 mayvarydependingonthefrequency
LDG AT-600 Pro II 1.8-54MHz with up to 600W SSB .................£394.95 World’s most popular SWR analyser is super easy-to- and mode.
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20 Practical Wireless November 2017

Moonraker 3 pages.indd 20 25/09/2017 14:58

 Mobile Antenna Mounts GRP Fibreglass Base Antennas
Yagi Antennas TRIMAG-STriple magnetic mount with SO239 antenna fitting with 4m
Diamond quality –
All Yagis have high quality gamma match fittings RG58 and PL259 fitted – ideal for those larger antennas just £39.95
with stainless steel fixings! (excluding YG4-2C) TURBO-Ssingle170mmmagneticmountwithSO239antennafittingwith Moonraker pricing
4m RG58 and PL259 fitted – will suit most antennas upto 5ft.£19.95 Diamond quality – Moonraker prices ! These
YG27-35 Dual band 3/5 element 3.5/12.5 dBd gain with
HKITHD-SO Heavy duty hatch back mount with SO239 antenna fitting high gain antennas have been pre-tuned for your
one feed! .................................................................................................£79.95
with 4m RG58 and PL259 fitted ....................................................... £32.95
YG4-2C 2 metre 4 Element (Boom 48”) (Gain 7dBd) ...............£29.95 convenience, easy to use, easy to install, and a
HKITM-S Mini hatch back mount with SO239 antenna fitting with 4m
YG5-2 2 metre 5 Element (Boom 63”) (Gain 10dBd) ...............£69.95 choice of connection … look no further
RG58 and PL259 fitted ......................................................................... £32.95
YG8-2 2 metre 8 Element (Boom 125”) (Gain 12dBd) .............£99.95 SQBM100P 2/70cm 3.00/6.00dBd, RX 25-2000MHz,
YG3-4 4 metre 3 Element (Boom 45”) (Gain 8dBd) ..................£79.95 Length 100cm SO239 .............................................................
YG5-4 4 metre 5 Element (Boom 104”) (Gain 10dBd) .............£99.95
£49.95 special offer £39.95
YG3-6 6 metre 3 Element (Boom 72”) (Gain 7.5dBd) ..............£99.95
YG5-6 6 metre 5 Element (Boom 142”) (Gain 9.5dBd) ......... £119.95 SQBM200P 2/70cm, Gain 4.5/7.5dBd, RX 25-2000MHz,
Length 155cm, SO239 .................................. £54.95 special offer £44.95
SQBM500P 2/70cm, Gain 6.8/9.2dBd, RX 25-2000MHz,
ZL Special Yagi Antennas Length 250cm, SO239 .................................. £74.95 special offer £69.95
The ZL special gives you a massive gain for the smallest boom SQBM800N 2/70cm, Gain 8.5/12.5dBd, RX 25-2000MHz,
length … no wonder they are our best selling Yagis! Length 520cm, N-Type................................£139.95 special offer £99.95
ZL5-2 2 Metre 5 Ele, Boom 95cm, Gain 9.5dBd ........................ £69.95 Multiband Mobile SQBM1000P 6/2/70cm, Gain 3.0/6.2/8.4dBd, RX 25-2000MHz,
ZL7-2 2 Metre 7 Ele, Boom 150cm, Gain 11.5dBd .................. £79.95 Why buy loads of different antennas when Moonraker has
ZL7-70 70cm 7 Ele, Boom 70cm, Gain 11.5dBd .......................£49.95 one to cover all! SPX series has a unique fly lead and Length 250cm, SO239 ..........................................................................£84.95
ZL12-70 70cm 12 Ele, Boom 120cm, Gain 14dBd .................. £59.95 socket for quick band changing SQBM223N 2/70/23cm, Gain 4.5/7.5/12.5dBd, RX 25-2000MHz,
SPX-100 9 Band plug n’ go portable, Length 155cm, N-Type..........................................................................£79.95
6/10/12/15/17/20/30/40/80m,Length165cmretractedjust SQBM4010P Quadband 10/4/2/70cm Gain 2.5/3.2/3.6/5.5dBi
HB9CV 0.5m,Power50Wcompletewith38thPL259orBNCfittingto Length 120cm...............................................................................£69.95
Brilliant 2 element beams … suit all applications, mobile portable or SQBM6010P Quadband 10/6/2/70cm Gain 2.5/3.0/3.6/5.5dBi
ideal for portable use base - brilliant! ........................................................... £44.95
Length 120cm...............................................................................£69.95
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Length 130cm, Power 120W, PL259 fitting .................................. £44.95 SQBM4060P Quadband 6/4/2/70 Gain: 2.5/3.0/3.6/5.5dbi Length
HB9-4 .......................................................................................................£49.95 120cm ........................................................................................................£69.95
HB9-6 .......................................................................................................£59.95 SPX-300S 9 Band plug n’ go mobile, 6/10/12/15/17/20/30/40/80m,
Length 165cm, High Power 200W,PL259 fitting ........................£59.95

Halo Loops
Our most popular compact antennas,
great base, mobile, portable, or wherever!
HF Wire Antennas
HLP-4 4 mtr (size approx 600mm square ) ................................£44. 95 All our HF wire antennas are made
HLP-6 6 mtr (size approx 800mm square) ..................................£49.95 VHF/UHF Mobiles with complete waterproof potted
GF151 Glass Mount 2/70cm, Gain 2.9/4.3dBd, Length 78cm complete
baluns and high quality “original” flexweave antenna wire.
with 4m cable and PL259 ....................................................................£29.95
MDHF-80 3.5MHz balun matched mono dipole, length 40m£59.95
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magnetic base with 4m coax and BNC ..........................................£19.95
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MR700 2/70cm, Gain 0/3.0dBd, Length 50cm, 3/8 fitting ..........£9.95
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OSHF-40 7.0-30MHz balun matched off set dipole, length 22m£44.95
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QRP Antennas MRQ525 2/70cm, Gain 0.5/3.2dBd, Length 43cm, PL259 fitting
OSHF-20 14-30MHz balun matched off set dipole, length 11m£39.95
The Moonraker Whizz range are great for getting on HF in a neat LWHF-160 1.8-50MHz unun match end fed antenna, length 42m£49.95
(high quality)............................................................................................£19.95 LWHF-80 3.5-50MHz unun match end fed antenna, length 20m£44.95
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MRQ500 2/70cm, Gain 3.2/5.8dBd, Length 95cm, PL259 fitting LWHF-40 7.0-50MHz unun match end fed antenna, length 10m£39.95
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antennaisjustnotanoption-getonairtodayforjust£99.95 Get great results with the Moonraker
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fitting (high quality) ..............................................................................£39.95 £22.95!
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ideal for QRP Transceivers when space is
MRQ2732/70/23cmGain3.5/5.5/7.5dBdBd,Length85cm,PL259fitting HF Mobiles
(high quality)............................................................................................£49.95
limited or using portable with aYaesu FT-
MRQ900 10/6/2/70cm Gain 10m (2.15dB) 6m(2.5dB) 2m (2.8dB) 70cm
817NDorsimilar.Canbeusedindoorswith
(5.5dB) Length: 125cm PL259 fitting ...............................................£49.95 AMPRO-10 Slim line design 28MHz 2m approx. 3/8th fitting£22.95
surprisingresultsandhandyfortravelling
AMPRO-11 Slim line design 27MHz 2m approx. 3/8th fitting£22.95
due to its “pocket” size antenna ideal for
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AMPRO-17 Slim line design 18MHz 2m approx. 3/8th fitting£22.95
AMPRO-20 Slim line design 14MHz 2m approx. 3/8th fitting£22.95
Whizz Loop V2 (right) same as above AMPRO-30 Slim line design 10MHz 2m approx. 3/8th fitting£22.95
but with a frequency range from 40- Coax Switches AMPRO-40 Slim line design 7MHz 2m approx. 3/8th fitting £22.95
10m.................................£79.95 CS201 2 Way Switch 3 X SO239, 2500W 1-1000MHz AMPRO-60 Slim line design 5MHz 2m approx. 3/8th fitting £24.95
.................................................................................... £19.95 AMPRO-80 Slim line design 3.5MHz 2m approx. 3/8th fitting£27.95
CS201N 2 Way Switch 3 X N-Type, 2500W AMPRO-160 Slim line design 28MHz 2m approx. 3/8th fitting£59.95
1-1000MHz............................................................. £24.95
Other frequencies available. Call or see online for more details.

Base Antennas Lightning Arrestors

Simple plug and play HF antennas radial free and at ST-1 SO239 to PL259 adapter with earth wire
a great price connection................................................................£4.95
CDX-1 Lightning Arrestor 2 X SO239 sockets 400W
GP2500 All Band 80-6M Vertical TX 80-6M RX 2-90MHz, .................................................................................... £19.99 Baluns & Ununs
Power 250W Length 7.13M ............................... £199.95 High quality TX, RX baluns, and Ununs all fully potted and weather
GPA-80 budget version of GP2500 80-6M Dummy Loads protected with SO239 socket
Length 6.0M .............................................................£99.95 DL-15 PL259 DC-800MHz 15W CW 20W 50 Ohms
.................................................................................... £24.95 MB-1 1-30MHz 1:1 Current Balun 400W 50 Ohms ..................... £29.95
DL-15N N-Type DC-800MHz 15W CW 20W 50 Ohms MB-4 1-30MHz 4:1 Current Balun 400W 50 Ohms ..................... £29.95
.................................................................................... £29.95 MB-6 1-30MHz 6:1 Current Balun 400W 50 Ohms ..................... £29.95
MB-1X 1-30MHz 1:1 Current Balun 1000W 50 Ohms................ £39.95
Portable HF Kits SWR Meters MB-4X 1-30MHz 4:1 Current Balun 1000W 50 Ohms................ £39.95
SWR-100 Frequency 26-30MHz 100W 50 MB-6X 1-30MHz 6:1 Current Balun 1000W 50 Ohms................ £39.95
Great dual band kits for portable use, MU-9 1-50MHz 9:1 Unun 500W 50 Ohms ..................................... £29.95
two compact dipoles on an upto 14ft Ohms........................................................................ £16.95
SWR-270 Frequency 120-500MHz 100W 50 Ohms LWB-1 0-40MHz Receive only 50 Ohms......................................... £24.95
mast just requires coax
.................................................................................... £29.95
PK1217 HF Kit for 12/17M ... £149.95
PK1520 HF Kit for 15/20M ... £149.95 Ferrites
PK3060 HF Kit for 30/60M .. £154.95 High quality ferrites to suit all the popular cables
PK4080 HF Kit for 40/80M ... £159.95 FCS-S to suit 6mm cable such as RG58 .......... £1.95
(please note each kit requires two feeds) FCS-M to suit 7mm cable such as MINI8 ....... £2.95
FCS-L to suit 9mm cable such as RG213 ...... £3.95

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November 2017 Practical Wireless 21

Moonraker 3 pages.indd 21 25/09/2017 14:59

 Moonraker UK Limited
Cranfield Road
Sales line 01908 281705
E-mail [email protected] Web www.moonraker.eu
Woburn Sands
Bucks MK17 8UR Follow
Open Mon-Fri 9-5:30pm us on

Our website shows real-time stock

RadioCommunicationsManufacturerandReseller so you can buy with confidence
Portable Telescopic Masts Mounting Hardware & Clamps
Cable LMA-S Length 17.6ft open 4ft closed 2-1” diameter.... £79.95 We have all the mounting brackets you could
RG58 Standard, 5mm, 50 ohm, per metre ........................................... £0.35 LMA-M Length 26ft open 5.5ft closed 2-1” diameter .. £89.95 possibly want - for all options see our website
RG58-DRUM-50 Standard, 5mm, 50 ohm, 50m reel ...................... £19.95 LMA-L Length 33ft open 7.2ft closed 2-1” diameter .... £99.95 TRIPOD-HDA Free standing, heavy duty, fold away tripod,
RG58-DRUM-100 Standard, 5mm, 50 ohm, 100m reel....................£29.95 CARPLATE-HDT brilliant drive on plate with tilt – ideal which adjusts from 50-65mm ....................................................£149.95
RG58M Mil spec, 5mm, 50 ohm, per metre (best seller).................. £0.60 to be used in conjunction with the portable telescopic TRIPOD-25L Free standing heavy duty tripod to suit masts 65mm or less................. £79.95
RG58M-DRUM-50 new 50m reel of mil spec RG58 in a great handy size only ...... masts and only ..................................................... £44.95 TRIPOD-20L Free standing heavy duty tripod to suit masts 2 inch or less................... £74.95
£24.95 CARPLATE-HD without tilt ............................... £24.95 TRIPOD-15L Free standing heavy duty tripod to suit masts 1.5 inch or less
RG58M-DRUM-100 Mil spec, 5mm, 50 ohm, 100m reel ............... £44.95 .................................................................................................................................................................................. £69.95
RGMINI8 Mil spec, 7mm, 50 ohm, per metre, (amateur favourite)£0.75 TK-24 Heavy duty galvanised pair of T & K brackets, 24 inches total length .................... £29.95
RGMINI8-DRUM-50 mil spec, 7mm, 50 ohm, 50m reel ............ £34.95 20ft Swaged Mast Sets TK-18 Heavy duty galvanised pair of T & K brackets, 18 inches total length..................... £24.95
RGMINI8-DRUM-100 Mil spec, 7mm, 50 ohm, 100m reel ................£64.95 These heavy duty masts sets have lovely push fit TK-12 Heavy duty galvanised pair of T & K brackets, 12 inches total length..................... £19.95
RG213 Mil spec, 9mm, 50 ohm, per metre ........................................... £1.30 swaged sections to give a strong mast set. Ideal for SO-9 Heavy duty galvanised single stand off bracket, 9 inches total length ...................... £9.95
RG213-DRUM-50 Mil spec, 9mm, 50 ohm, 50m reel.......................£59.95 (5ft Sections)
portable or permanent installations also available singly SO-6 Heavy duty galvanised single stand off bracket, 9 inches total length ........................ £6.95
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£69.95 MSP-175 4 section 1.75inch OD mast set ..................................... £49.95 ................................................................................................................................................................................. £24.95
450-20M Ladder Ribbon, best USA quality, 450 ohm, 20m pack£19.95 MSP-200 4 section 2.00inch OD mast set ..................................... £59.95 CROSS-2 Heavy duty cross over plate to suit 1.5 to 2” vertical to horizontal pole
450-DRUM Ladder Ribbon, best USA quality, 450 ohm, 100m reel MSPX-200 heavy duty 2.65mm 2.00 inch OD mast set .............£79.95 ...................................................................................................................................................................................£14.95
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FWPVC-50 Original clear PVC covered copper wire, 4mm ........ £44.95 30mm ★ Approx 40ft erect 9ft collapsed................ £299.95
FW-100 Original high quality flexweave antenna wire, 100m reel.................... £59.95 TMF-3 Fiberglass mast * 6 sections 240cm each * 65-23mm *
FWPVC-100 Original PVC coated flexweave antenna wire, 4mm, 100m reel....................£79.95 Approx 50ft erect 8ft collapsed ................................... £349.95
Connectors
Rigging Accessories PL259-6mm Standard plug for RG58 ............................................ £0.99p
Get rigged up, for full list of all options visit our website! Patch Leads PL259-9mm Standard plug for RG213 .......................................... £0.99p
PULLEY-2 Adjustable pulley for wire antennas, suits all types of rope .....................£24.95 PL58-0.5 ½m Standard RG58 PL259 to PL259 lead .......................£3.50 PL259-7mm Standard plug for Mini8............................................ £0.99p
GUYKIT-HD10 Complete HD adjustable guying kit for up to 40ft masts................£54.95 PL58-10 10m Standard RG58 PL259 to PL259 lead .......................£8.95 PL259-6C Compression type for RG58 ............................................ £2.50
GUYKIT-P10 Complete LD/portable guying kit to suit up to 40ft masts ................£39.95 PL58-30 30m Standard RG58 PL259 to PL259 lead ....................£16.95 PL259-9C Compression type for RG213 ...........................................
...........................................£2.50
SPIDER-3 Fixed 3 point mast collar for guy ropes ................................................... £5.95 PL58M-0.5 ½m Mil Spec RG58 PL259 to PL259 lead.....................£4.50 PL259-103C Compression type for Westflex 103 ......................... £5.50
SPIDER-4 Fixed 4 point mast collar for guy ropes ................................................... £6.95 PL58M-10 10m Mil Spec RG58 PL259 to PL259 lead .................£12.95 NTYPE-6 Compression type plug for RG58 .................................... £3.95
PTP-20 Pole to pole clamp to clamp up to 2” to 2”................................................. £5.95 PL58M-30 30m Mil Spec RG58 PL259 to PL259 lead ................£27.95 NTYPE-9 Compression type plug for RG213 .................................. £3.95
DPC-W Wire dipole centre to suit either 300 or 450ohm ladder line ................. £5.95 PL213-10 10m Mil Spec RG213 PL259 to PL259 lead ...............£18.95 NTYPE-103 Compression type plug for westflex 103 ................ £6.00
DPC-S Wire dipole centre with SO239 to suit cable feed connections ................. £6.95 PL213-30 30m Mil Spec RG213 PL259 to PL259 lead ...............£39.95 BNC-6 Compression type for RG58 .................................................. £1.50
DPC-A Dipole centre to suit ½ inch aluminium tube with terminal connections........... £7.95 PL103-10 10m Mil Spec Westflex 103 PL259 to PL259 lead ....£29.95 BNC-9 Compression type for RG213................................................. £3.50
DPC-38 Dipole centre with SO-239, 3/8th sockets to make mobile dipole .....................£6.95 PL103-30 30m Mil Spec Westflex 103 PL259 to PL259 lead ....£69.95 SO239-N Adapter to convert PL259 to N-Type male .................. £3.95
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DOGBONE-L Large ribbed wire insulator .................................................................. £1.50 BNC-PL Adapter to convert BNC to PL259...................................... £2.00
DOGBONE-C Small ceramic wire insulator ............................................................... £1.20 BNC-N Adapter to convert BNC to N-Type male ...........................£3.95
EARTHROD-C 4ft copper earth rod and clamp .....................................................£24.95 PAM Kit A great portable freestanding tripod which can be BNC-SMA Adapter to convert modern SMA radio to suit BNC £3.95
EARTHROD-CP 4ft copper plated earth rod and clamp ....................................£16.95 extended to 4m. Perfect for field days at a perfect price. SO239-SMA Adapter to convert modern SMA radio to suit SO239.....
G5RV-ES In-line SO239 replacement socket for 300 or 450 ohm ladder line.................. £6.95 Just £59.95 complete £3.95
AMA-10 Self amalgamating tape for connection joints, 10m length ................... £7.50 PL259-38 Adapter to convert SO239 fitting to 38th thread......£3.95

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22 Practical Wireless November 2017

Moonraker 3 pages.indd 22 25/09/2017 14:59

 Feature by Dr Samuel Ritchie EI9FZB
Dr Samuel Ritchie EI9FZB E-mail: [email protected]

Rejuvenating the Yaesu

FR-50B Receiver – Part 1
Dr Samuel Ritchie EI9FZB restores an old Yaesu FR-50B receiver, explaining both
the workings of the set and the step-by-step process of restoration.

M
y first amateur
receiver was a
third- or fourth-
hand Yaesu FR-50B.
I learned to tune SSB
the old-fashioned way and sat up many
nights listening to amateurs and broadcast
stations while using a longwire antenna.
The radio chassis was already badly
rusted when I got it and after two decades
and while packing to move to another
continent I had no choice but to consign it
to the dump.
Then there was eBay and in 2012 I was
able to pick up a well-used replacement.
I spent a few weeks repairing, aligning,
undoing the previous owner’s poor work-
manship and enjoying tuning around the
pre-WARC bands once again with a 1960s
piece of technology.
More recently I again noted a number
of these receivers being traded on eBay. I
thought it might be of value to share what I closed. sis from the cabinet.
have learned and the editor agreed. The user manual and schematics The second article will cover:
are freely available for download on the • why electrolytic capacitors age and how
Background internet and if you don’t have these, you to go about changing these capacitors in
The Yaesu F-line, which included the FR- should download a copy of each to follow an FR-50B; and
50 receiver, came out in 1966 at a time these articles. My assumption is that your • the reported problem of this receiver
when amateur radio transceivers were receiver works to some degree and that model drifting in frequency and how to
not common and receivers usually had damaged valves or components have cure this instability.
a matching transmitter. In this case the been repaired. If not, then you may need The third and final article covers:
matching transmitter was the FL-50. When some expert assistance to get you going. • being sure of what frequency you are
paired with the FR-50, it used the re- tuned to – adding a frequency counter,
ceiver’s variable frequency oscillator (VFO) Approach • what is AGC and sorting out this re-
to also set the frequency of transmission. In this first part, I cover: ceiver’s AGC problem; and
In Europe these radios were also marketed • how this radio converts radio signals into • advice on aligning the receiver.
under the Sommerkamp brand name and audio – a discussion on how this double At least some of the discussion will be
often appear in this guise. conversion receiver works; relevant to rejuvenating other radios of a
In 1969 the B model was released with • why this radio struggles to separate similar vintage.
what appear to be small changes in the closely spaced signals – a discussion on
front panel layout and internal improve- what is ‘selectivity’ and why this receiver Converting RF to Audio
ments to the mechanical filters, until 1973 suffers from a lack of selectivity; I have drawn a basic block diagram of
when the FR/FL-50B production line was • the missing link; and removing the chas- the FR-50B receiver, Fig. 1. The frequen-

November 2017 Practical Wireless 23

23-Rejuventating the FR50b-2.indd 23 26/09/2017 16:07

 Rejuvenating the Yaesu FR-50B Receiver – Part 1

Antenna

Product Detector
1st Mixer 2nd Mixer IF Amp Audio Amp
RF Amp Speaker
fRF
3 600 000 Hz fRF IF1 IF2 IF2
3 600 000 Hz 5 173 900 Hz 455 000 Hz 455 000 Hz Audio Audio

fLO1 fLO2
8 773 900 Hz 5 628 900 Hz fLO3
453 000 to 457 000 Hz

VFO Crystal Osc. BFO

Fig. 1: Basic block diagram of the FR-50B. Fig. 4: Necessary link (orange wire)

ceived signal. There are some finer details resulting in only the audio remaining. This
such as a preselector that forms part of passes through an amplifier and on to the
the amplifier. speaker. If the BFO frequency is 455kHz,
The next circuit is the first mixer – the then the output of the product detector
function of this device is to mix the incom- will be the audio being received. For CW
ing signal (fRF) with a signal that comes reception, tuning the BFO to 456kHz (for
from the first oscillator (fLO1). This first example) would mix with the CW carrier to
oscillator is the VFO and is driven by the produce a 1kHz audio tone.
tuning knob on the front panel. This tuning
knob also drives the dial that indicates Mixer Mathematics
the frequency you are listening to. For We can now develop a simple equation to
Fig. 2: 455kHz IF filter shape. this example the VFO has been tuned to determine, knowing what frequency you
oscillate at a frequency of 8,773,900Hz. want to receive, the frequency the VFO
The output of the first mixer contains a (fLO1) must be tuned to and for the 80m
Cathode of Cathode of
V1 V4 number of different frequencies as a result band it is simply:
of the mixing process but only one of fLO1 = IF1 + fRF
those is selected by a filter – in this case This is called high-side conversion, that
R7
it is always a frequency of 5,173,900 Hz. is to say, the VFO operates at a higher
R23
150Ω 180Ω No matter what frequency you are tuned frequency than the received frequency.
to, the wanted output of this first mixer will There is, however, one more complication
always be 5,173,900Hz – this is known as to be revealed.
RF Gain the first intermediate frequency (IF1). Table 1 shows in column 3, using the
VR1 10K
The signal IF1 is then mixed in the equation above, what the expected VFO
second mixer with the signal from a crystal tuning range should be to cover the band
Link on
back panel
Monitor oscillator (fLO2), which, being controlled shown in column 2. Compare this to the
MUTE VR2 100K
by a crystal, always outputs a frequency actual tuning range of the VFO in column 4
GND
of 5,628,900Hz. Again there is a filter and you notice that three bands (high-
on the output of the mixer so that only lighted in gold) do not follow the equation
the frequency of 455,000Hz (the differ- above. This is because for these three
Fig. 3: RF gain and monitor circuit. ence between the two frequencies being bands the receiver designer used low-side
mixed) is selected and passed on to the conversion (the VFO operates at a lower
cies in red are those that are selectable IF amplifiers – this is known as the second frequency than the received frequency)
or variable and those in black are fixed. I intermediate frequency (IF2). where the equation changes to:
will explain the double-conversion receiver The main function of the second IF fLO1= fRF - IF1.
architecture by assuming we want to listen amplifier (ignoring automatic gain control Both equations are valid because they
to SSB on the 80m band frequency of (AGC), which is discussed later) is to in- both result in the right value of IF1 and the
3.6MHz and the receiver has been set to crease the signal strength of the second IF choice to do this switch between high-
do exactly that. All the frequencies in Fig. signal before it is passed to the demodu- side and low-side conversion results in
1 are given in Hertz – for those not familiar lator to strip the audio off the 455kHz the engineer having to design an oscillator
with changing units 3.6MHz = 3,600 kHz = carrier. If you are listening to amplitude that only operates between 8.6 – 24MHz
3,600,000Hz. modulation (AM), then a simple diode instead of the wider frequency range of
detector is used but as we are listening to 8.6 – 34MHz that would otherwise be
Basic Block Diagram SSB, a third oscillator and mixer are re- the case. This knowledge is critical when
Any signal(s) with a carrier frequency of quired. The third mixer is called a product it comes to the practicality of adding a
3.6MHz impinging on the antenna is col- detector and the third oscillator is known frequency counter to the receiver.
lected and passed through an RF amplifier as a beat frequency oscillator (BFO). The A word about the band marked Aux
so no frequency conversion takes place at BFO can tune between 453 – 457kHz and on the BAND switch on the front panel. In
this stage, just a strengthening of the re- is mixed against the 455kHz second IF the manual it appears that there was an

24 Practical Wireless November 2017

23-Rejuventating the FR50b-2.indd 24 26/09/2017 16:07

 Threaded Hole
Band Dial Markings (MHz) Expected VFO (Hz) Actual VFO (Hz)
Cabinet 80m 3.5 – 3.8 8 673 900 – 8 973 900 8 673 900 – 8 973 900
Original
A Foot 40m 7 – 7.5 12 173 900 – 12 673 900 12 173 900 – 12 673 900

Correct length
20m 14 – 14.5 19 173900 – 19 673900 8 826 100 – 9 326 100
screw
15m 21 – 21.5 26 173900 – 26 673900 15 826 100 – 16 326 100
10m 28 – 29.2 33 173900 – 34 373900 22 826 100 – 24 026 100
}
Incorrect length
screw
Fouling Chassis
Aux 1.2 – 1.7 6 373 900 – 6 873 900 6 373 900 – 6 873 900
Cabinet

Table 1: Discrepancies in the mixer mathematics.

B ing circuitry from non-linear operation that operating the transmitter would mute the
New
Foot might occur due to strong out-of-band receiver. This receiver has a facility called
signals. In the FR-50B the first mixer is MONITOR that allowed the user to hear
V2b and the second mixer is V3. Between their transmissions, useful when send-
Fig. 5: Correct and incorrect screw length. V2b and V3 is only a peaking transformer ing CW. Instead of completely muting the
called L6 – there is no roofing filter. receiver, this system greatly reduces the
optional extra available to tune the time The principal filtering takes place after RF gain of the receiver so that the receiver
and frequency standard stations WWV and the second mixer, in our case at 455kHz, becomes very, very deaf but still adequate
JJY by providing reception of the band and this stage is responsible for the bulk to demodulate the transmitter operating
10.0 to 10.5MHz. In my particular FR- of this receiver’s selectivity. In a modern alongside. I have reproduced this part of
50B coverage of the band 1.2 – 1.7MHz receiver we would expect to see a number the circuit, Fig. 3.
is provided instead. This is the top end of filters that are switched in or out of the If you don’t have the link in place, then
of the Medium Wave (MW) band and ap- signal path depending on what mode of VR2, which is ten times larger than VR1,
pears to be factory installed because the operation (AM, CW or SSB) is being used. dominates control of the RF gain. Now you
components used match the other VFO This allows the filter to be matched to the can see why setting the MONITOR control
oscillator components. The preselector bandwidth of the wanted signal to cut out to maximum, which cancels out must of
does not, however, cover this band so not the maximum amount of unwanted signals the resistance of VR2, is needed to get the
unsurprisingly the it has no peaking effect and/or noise. In the FR-50B receiver the RF GAIN control to have any effect. Install-
on MW signals. Although the receiver has schematic shows only a single second IF ing a link as shown in Fig. 4 (orange wire)
reduced sensitivity (because the preselec- filter called MF1.2, which is always in the solves this problem.
tor acts like a band-stop filter at these low signal path irrespective of the mode being
frequencies) it is still possible to listen to used. There is no switching of filters. Removing the Chassis
broadcast stations after dark from all over The manual speaks of “two 4kc me- In order to remove the chassis, you need
Europe because these signals arrive with chanical filters” providing a bandpass of to remove the four screws on the under-
considerable field strength here in Ireland. ±5kHz measured at −50 dB and ±1.8kHz side of the cabinet – two at the front and
The second mixer mathematics has at −6 dB and these are marked by MF1.2 two at the back. To be safe you should
only one form and each term in the equa- on the schematic diagram. These are not also remove the four feet before attempt-
tion determining the frequency of the mechanical filters that appear in a long ing to slide the chassis out of the cabi-
crystal oscillator (fLO2) is a constant: flat box or cylinder but rather look like two net. The original feet are mounted using
fLO2 = IF2 + IF1. slightly larger TOKO coils mounted on a screws that just enter the cabinet, which
PCB, linked by a 400pF capacitor and is dimpled to ensure the screw does not
Receiver Selectivity mounted over a cut-out in the chassis. I poke above the level of the cabinet – see
A receiver’s selectivity is to what degree measured the shape of the IF filter and this Fig. 5A.
a receiver is able to focus on a wanted is shown in Fig. 2. My experience with both receivers I
signal in the presence of other (possibly The performance of this filter is not owned is that at some point the owners
much stronger) unwanted signals. How great and combined with the lack of a removed the original feet (at least at the
close the wanted signal and an unwanted roofing filter and selectable mode specific front) in order to put in much taller feet to
signal can be and how strong the unwant- IF filters, explains the receiver’s lack of raise the angle of the front panel for better
ed signal can be relative to the wanted selectivity. viewing. This resulted in longer screws
signal before the receiver treats them being required and those used in both my
as one signal are defining parameters in The Missing Link receivers stuck up far beyond the cabinet,
modern receivers. If you are using this receiver on its own, preventing the chassis from sliding out
The selectivity characteristics of any then there is a link on the back panel that because the screws at best caught on the
receiver are determined by the filter(s) that needs to be in place to ensure correct op- front panel and at worst caught on com-
are used and where in the receiver chain eration. If you find that you need to set the ponents mounted under the chassis – see
that filtering is done. The first filter that MONITOR control to maximum in order Fig. 5B.
affects selectivity is usually a so-called for the RF GAIN control to have any effect, In the next instalment I will look at
roofing filter, which is placed as close to then the link is missing. replacing the electrolytic capacitors and
the antenna as possible, usually after the The FR-50B was made to be used curing the receiver’s tendency to drift in
first mixer. This filter protects the follow- with a matching transmitter and when frequency.

November 2017 Practical Wireless 25

23-Rejuventating the FR50b-2.indd 25 26/09/2017 16:07

 HF Highlights with Steve Telenius-Lowe PJ4DX
● E-mail: [email protected]

Don’t forget – all reports to Steve by the 1st of each month please!

FT8, YOTA and More

Steve Telenius-Lowe PJ4DX has a packed column this month, with the onset of
autumn bringing DXers and DXpeditioners out of their summer hibernation!

I
t’s not often a new mode comes
along that really captures
amateurs’ imagination. In the
1950s it was SSB and later Packet
on VHF and PSK31 on HF. The WSJT
suite of data mode programs by Joe Taylor
K1JT is the most recent example. Initially
developed as far back as 2000, WSJT
was originally intended for VHF weak-
signal modes such as meteor scatter and
‘moonbounce’. But one WSJT program
in particular was also adopted by HF
operators: JT65. It allows signals below the
noise floor to be decoded: important, as Fig. 1: Joshua DC7IA, one of the 40m SSB
many amateurs’ noise levels continue to operators at GB17YOTA (photo from YOTA ‘Daily
grow. It has also meant that those running Diary’ on YouTube).
very low power, or with inefficient antennas,
could make DX contacts for the first time. communicates with the logging program
There is, however, one issue that dissuaded RUMLogNG but these were swiftly resolved
many HF operators from utilising JT65 – it by the author, Anders Östlund SM0THU.
is very slow, with the bare minimum of All then went very smoothly. Fig. 2: Vertical antenna at the Europa Point
information exchange for a valid contact “Overall, the impression is that it is a Lighthouse, Gibraltar.
taking several minutes to complete. very useful mode, albeit not as sensitive as
Now, though, FT8 has been introduced the better-known JT modes. It is certainly For one week in August, YOTA 2017 was
in the latest WSJT release and its use getting very popular and it can sometimes held in the UK. 80 young radio amateurs
has taken off astronomically. According be difficult to find a slot in the sub-band, from 26 countries enjoyed many aspects of
to an ARRL press release on July 12th, which usually resides a couple of kilohertz amateur radio, making lots of new friends
FT8 offers sensitivity down to −20dB and below the JT modes. at the same time.
contacts four times faster than JT65 or “This new data sub-mode has now been I made contacts with the YOTA special
JT9. By that date, Frank Donovan W3LPL recognised by the ADIF committee at the event station GB17YOTA on 20m and 40m
reported that A92AA, OY1DZ, TR8CA, ARRL and an update has been made to SSB, Fig. 1, and the station notched up
VR2XMT, YE2IJ and YI3WHR had all been the TQSL software so that it is recognised more than 10,300 SSB, CW and data mode
heard using the new mode. by LoTW [the ARRL’s Logbook of the contacts. Apart from HF activity, YOTA
Regular HFH contributor Terry Martin World]. I hope that this new mode, which participants took part in Summits On The
M0CLH is a keen advocate of WSJT and can complete a QSO in one minute, will be Air and ARDF (direction finding) events,
has been trying FT8. “This month has considered and adopted by DXpeditions in made a contact with astronaut Paolo
been dominated by the exploration of the the future.” Nespoli IZ0JPA operating as NA1SS from
capabilities of the new FT8 data mode Terry’s log for August included more the International Space Station, built a CW
introduced by Joe Taylor in the latest (Beta) than 140 contacts made using FT8, some transceiver kit, took the UK Foundation
release of WSJT-X 1.8 rc1. This is available of which are in the band reports section. licence examination and visited Bletchley
for all the usual platforms, the Mac version He concluded by saying, “In summary, it is Park and Ofcom (that’s more varied activi-
being utilised here. On first test, the preset fast, furious, effective and most importantly, ties than many accomplish in a lifetime of
frequencies disappeared but could be great fun!” amateur radio!). A series of Daily Diaries
reset by selecting ‘Frequencies’ in ‘Prefer- were uploaded to YouTube by the RSGB
ences’ and ‘CTRL’ clicking in the window YOTA 2017 and can be accessed via:
to bring up the ‘Reset’ option. This only Youngsters On The Air is an annual inter- rsgb.org/yota-dd
needs to be done once. Some issues were national event for radio amateurs below I started in amateur radio when I was 13
discovered in the JT-Bridge software that the age of 25 organised by IARU Region 1. years old and was licensed (originally as

26 Practical Wireless November 2017

26-HF Highlights 4 pages.indd 26 26/09/2017 16:07

 G8FEO) when I was 16. I just wish there
had been such programmes around in
the 1960s and 70s when I was becoming
interested in the hobby. Congratulations to
all who helped bring this about, as well as
to all the participants.

ILLW 2017
Following hot on the heels of YOTA 2017
came ILLW 2017 – the International Light-
house and Lightship Weekend. Every year
Carl Gorse 2E0HPI chooses two different
lighthouses to operate from. He wrote that
this year, “The first lighthouse was Seaham
North Breakwater Lighthouse (UK-0210)
and I set up with my tarp to get out of the
wind.” He worked no fewer than eight GB
special event stations, all operating from
lighthouses, on 40m SSB. “The second
lighthouse was South Gare Lighthouse
(UK-0211), which took a good while getting Fig. 4: The set-up of OS8D/M, in this case operating from Luxembourg.
to by public transport then a four mile walk
along the beach. I arrived a little later than over 3000km! Mike wrote, “We set up our
planned but still spent two hours operat- inverted-V antenna atop the 15m port-
ing, again only on 40m SSB, before walking able mast and used poles over a council
back.” concrete table and a tarp over it for our op-
ZB2LGT at Europa Point Lighthouse erating position. An FT-897D and MFJ-948
(GI-0001, Fig. 2) was activated by Gibraltar ATU connected to a 100Ah GRM battery
Amateur Radio Society members John with an 80W solar charger composed the Fig. 3: Look for J5T from Bubaque Island
King ZB2JK, Robert Morgan ZB2TT, operating equipment... We made contact between November 13th and 25th.
Ronald Pincho ZB2B, SWLs Steve and with 16 ILLW stations in Australia and New
Andy, and Kevin Hewitt ZB2GI, who wrote Zealand, including the VK8GM team at the on the higher bands and vertical arrays on
to tell us about the event. “The station Todd River Lighthouse at Alice Springs in the low bands.
comprised a Yaesu FT-450 running into 5m central Australia. They were in very good Guinea-Bissau is an easy path from
of wire wound on to a 9m telescopic fishing spirits and justly proud of their lighthouse, the UK and the Italian DXpedition Team
rod connected via a 9:1 balun. We also as they should be.” Mike concluded by has a good record, having made over
used a 15m sloping wire connected via a saying, “It’s this co-operative spirit and 63,000 contacts as TL8TT (Central African
9:1 balun and an inverted-V dipole for 6m. obvious pride in the lights selected by the Republic) last February and more than
Initially transmitting at 50W running from various groups as well as the opportunity 91,000 from 3XY1T (Guinea) in 2016. It
batteries, this was increased to 100W when to set up and operate as a portable station should therefore be fairly easy – even for
mains power became available. The station along with its social nature makes this those with ‘modest’ stations – to work J5T,
operated on 60, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12 and event unique... The efforts of the organis- particularly after a few days when the initial
10m plus 6m. Despite poor band condi- ers are much appreciated for its ongoing pile-ups have died down somewhat.
tions the log included around 700 SSB, 100 success.” The Italian DXpedition Team has devel-
CW and 50 FT8 contacts. The majority of oped an (almost) real-time online log check
contacts were made on 20m into Europe, November DX so that you can ensure your callsign was
with the States calling in for the last hour Other than during contests and interna- received and, just as importantly, logged
before the station closed down for the tional events such as the ILLW weekend, correctly within a minute or so of making
night.” the HF bands all seem to have been very the contact – pretty impressive considering
Mike Patterson VK4MIK wrote to ‘flat’ for several months now. One reason the remote locations of their DXpeditions.
tell readers about the ILLW operation by for this is that there have been very few Full details of the J5T operation as well as
the Tableland Radio Group, VK4GHL in DXpeditions since the successful British the team’s previous DXpeditions can be
Tropical Far North Queensland. It was the A25UK operation from Botswana in April. found at:
13th consecutive year they operated from I was therefore pleased to read of plans www.i2ysb.com/idt
Grassy Hill Light (AU-0019) in Cooktown. by the Italian DXpedition Team to activate I will be looking for J5T on all bands and
The light was constructed in 1885 and is Bubaque Island (IOTA AF-020) in Guinea- on both SSB (my preferred mode) and CW.
still in operation. Mike was joined by group Bissau, West Africa, between November That’s because although I have worked
members Ross VK4AQ and wife Bev, 13th and 25th. J5T, Fig. 3, will be operated Guinea-Bissau several times since becom-
Dave VK4FUY, Pat VK4MUY and Jamie by seven Italian amateurs plus Japanese ing active as PJ4DX in December 2013,
VK2YCJ, who drove up from near New- operator Mac JA3USA on CW, SSB and I don’t yet have it confirmed on LoTW.
castle for the second year, a distance of RTTY, using four stations to beam antennas Some have criticised the Italian DXpedition

November 2017 Practical Wireless 27

26-HF Highlights 4 pages.indd 27 26/09/2017 16:08

 HF Highlights

Fig. 6: Vintage 1980s-era QSL card from LG5LG.

The station is still going strong!

Fig. 5: Carl 2E0HPI operating Pedestrian Mobile. literally besieged by heavy duty EU and W
stations and all I could hear through the
Team for not uploading their logs to LoTW with Mauritania. Meanwhile, Etienne was roar was just the occasional ‘G3?’ Sud-
straight after the DXpedition – they usually busy operating as F/OS8D/M from his car denly, after half an hour, it was as though
do so six months later – but, for me, DXing in northern France. He used 100W from a everyone paused to draw a breath. Total
is a long-term activity with the eventual Kenwood TS-480 to a short vertical on the silence! I rapped out my call and back
goal of DXCC Honor Roll. I am therefore car roof to “make some nice QSOs all over came ‘G3JNB 599’. Resumption of roar.
quite content to wait until the logs do even- Europe on 20m”. The previous week he Job done!” From Aruba, P4/DL4HG on 20m
tually appear on LoTW. did the same as LX/OS8D/M, Fig. 4, from was no problem for Victor, despite fading
The other major DXpedition announced Luxembourg, 550m ASL, and worked as far (QSB). However, due to heavy ice condi-
for November is VK9MA, which is sched- as RW9HSB in Siberia. During the month tions in the East Siberian Sea, RI0LI, the
uled to be active from Mellish Reef in the he was also active from Germany as well Russian Robinson Team DXpedition to the
Coral Sea (east of Australia) between No- as finding time to make some good QSOs Bear Islands, had been delayed for a fort-
vember 3rd and 16th. From the UK, this will from home – see the band reports. night and demand from the pile-ups was
be a more difficult target than J5T but the Carl 2E0HPI (Hartlepool) has been phenomenal. Getting through to them on
team plans to run four high-power stations operating Pedestrian Mobile on the beach Leont’yeva Island proved to be tricky but,
24 hours a day and is taking a very impres- with an Elecraft KX2 transceiver running yet again, a very brief silence let Victor slip
sive array of antennas. As is well known, 5W to an MFJ-1820T whip antenna with past the callers. Victor noted that despite
vertical antennas work especially well when a trailing counterpoise wire, Fig. 5. Carl the rise of the solar flux index (SFI) to 80
located very close to salt water, and four- says, “It works really well by the water and from earlier lows of 69/70, the DX opportu-
square arrays in particular can produce on 20m SSB I worked OH3OJ/P, YO2MPL, nities did not seem to deliver his hoped-for
some outstanding results when by the sea, OM6DN, EI66WAW and OH3GZ. I even improvements to the long distance paths.
so don’t be surprised if you hear some heard a VK3 via the short path but the pile- In addition to operating from the Europa
big signals from VK9MA. I would suggest up was too big to get in. But nice to listen Point Lighthouse during ILLW as reported
that 20, 30 and – because of the planned to!” Carl concludes by saying, “I do like to above, Kevin ZB2GI (Gibraltar) lists his
four-square array – even 40m should be the have a challenge with these small antennas highlights for the month as making his first
best bands from the UK. and most of all to have fun.” SSB contact on 60m – and with a new
https://vk9ma.com Realising that he had only 15 days at DXCC too: S01WS, the Sahrawi Amateur
home in August, Victor Brand G3JNB Radio Club in Western Sahara – and work-
Readers’ News (Shefford) got busy and opened up his log ing GB5RC on board the Radio Caroline
Etienne Vrebos OS8D (Brussels) wrote on 30m CW with HI3A, FY5FY, CU8AS, ship, the Ross Revenge, anchored in the
with the sad news that his good friend C31CT and ZD7BG on St Helena. He Blackwater estuary near Bradwell-on-Sea
Jean Lewuillon 5T0JL passed away reports that working OA1F in Peru on the in Essex. GB5RC was commemorating
on August 8th in his 88th year. A fellow 17m low-angle vertical is usually relatively five decades of offshore radio. Kevin wrote
Belgian, Jean was a “99.9% CW operator” straightforward but on 20m, with 50W to that, “Plans to operate Maritime Mobile
who gave many DXers their first contact his doublet, it was a challenge. “Carlos was with John King ZB2JK changed when the

28 Practical Wireless November 2017

26-HF Highlights 4 pages.indd 28 26/09/2017 16:29

 seas became choppy and a mist started shack and HF and VHF antennas on a 32m JT9: KB3MP, RW0SR. 20m JT65: C31MF,
rolling in on the horizon once out in the high tower. For further details see either of W6NWS, YC2YIZ. 20m FT8: 4X4MF,
Bay. Back on dry land we operated from these websites: 9H1KR, AE1T, CU8FN, EA8CNR, EK6RSC,
Sandy Bay on the east side of the Rock for www.qrz.com/db/lg5lg JY5IB, K1HTV, K4EGA, KB1WEA, LU5DT,
30 minutes.” www.qrz.com/db/sj9wl NC2V, OX3LX, SV5BYP, SV8LMM, UA9WV,
Owen Williams G0PHY (Biggleswade) VE3BXP, VE3RSP, WA8QYJ, WS9V, WW-
reported that, “There was even less activity Band Reports 1WW, YB7GRN. 17m SSB: 5B4AIX/P. 17m
this month than in July. I was away for two Etienne OS8D managed to find some good CW: OH0/OF5C. 17m FT8: AA7A, EA6BH,
weeks and conditions seemed to be poor DX, despite the distinctly average condi- EA8RY, JA2ATE, K4PI, N1UK, N1UZ, T77C,
when I did listen, although I heard stations tions, using his Icom IC-7851, Acom 1010 TR8CA. 15m JT65: ZS4GB. 15m FT8:
in South America, Africa, the Caribbean 500W amplifier, new Hexbeam antenna just IS0DCR. 12m FT8: GI4SNA. 10m SSB:
and North America. I had two interesting 6m high and a 4-band end-fed long wire. LZ55UPB, 10m FT8: IS0DCR, MW0LGE,
contacts. The first with LG5LG, Fig. 6, at a 40m SSB: YB72RI/1. 20m SSB: 3A2NL, OE2RPL, OM7ASP, YT5DLT.
place called Morokulien on the Norwegian/ 4L0GF, 4O/ON5JE, 5T2AI, A25JK, EY7AD, As usual Kevin ZB2GI has been out and
Swedish border that also has the Swed- FR5EC, GJ4PVM, HB0/EA5ELT, HC5DX, about, operating Portable from the top of
ish callsign SJ9WL. The second was with HS7BHK, JH5MXB, OH0/DL1FMK, OH0/ the Rock of Gibraltar, 412m ASL, Sandy
TZ4PR, in northern Mali, actually in the OF5C, OY/RU7D, PY2NFT, TY2BP, Bay at sea level and from his home. 60m
middle of nowhere if his QRZ.com page UA0LSG, V51WW, WA0HHX, YB72RI/8, SSB: S01WS. 40m SSB: GB5RC. 20m
is to be believed. As usual, all contacts on ZB2BU. 17m SSB: HB0/EA5ELT, OD5VB, SSB: 5B4VL, E72A, GB5RC, GJ4PVM,
SSB to dipoles with power between 100 TR8CA, VP2ETE. 15m SSB: CX2DK, K8YSE, PA2A/P (PAFF-0015).
and 200W.” In the 1980s I lived in Sweden FR4QT, HB0/EA5ELT. 10m SSB: OY1OF.
and stayed at Morokulien on several occa- As noted above, Terry M0CLH has been Signing Off
sions. The house, which sits right on the very active on the new FT8 mode. His Thanks to all contributors. Please send all
Swedish-Norwegian border, can accom- best contacts for the month included, on input for this column to teleniuslowe@
modate up to five people and is available 40m SSB: ON9BD. 40m FT8: HB9IAT. 30m gmail.com by the 1st of the month (No-
to rent to visiting amateurs for the bargain JT65: HS0ZIV. 30m FT8: SV5KKU. 20m vember 1st for the January 2018 issue,
price of around £30 per night. Included in SSB: EG1LWV. 20m CW: 5B4AMX, JT5DX, December 1st for the February magazine).
the price is the use of the well-equipped LZ55UPB. 20m RTTY: TC102GS. 20m 73, Steve PJ4DX.

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PW_0.5_Nov17.indd 1
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26-HF Highlights 4 pages.indd 26/09/2017 16:29
 Valve & Vintage with Ben Nock G4BXD
● E-mail: [email protected]

Dinghies and Spies

Ben Nock G4BXD reports on two recent acquisitions, a dinghy radio and a Russian
set reputed to have been used by spies during the Cold War.

A
very warm welcome
to my Valve & Vintage
column coming to
you once again from
the Military Wireless
Museum here in Kidderminster. As
I write this column some time in advance
I never know just what I will find out there
but the search goes on for new additions
for the collection. Some changes to the
layout has freed up a good space on the
operating bench so you should be hearing
a bigger selection of sets being tested
from the GB0MWM callsign this year.

Dinghy Transmitter
While surfing the web a while back I saw Fig. 1: The two bought items
this little item being offered, an Air-Sea Res-
cue Dinghy Transmitter Type T.3180 (Walter mitter base are bolted or clamped to each
Mk.1). An unusual item, this. It was one of other and, in use, the mast is extended and
the first VHF beacons designed specifi- Ucimus estibus ani volut quibus et que Ucimus the transmitter head, holding the pop-up
cally to be deployed in an inflatable life raft estibus ani volut quibus et que Ucimus estibus dipole antenna, is raised at the same time.
by aircrew that had to ditch in the sea. It The base part stays fixed to the battery
operates on the same frequency, 177MHz, tube and a spool of wires, held in the base
as the early airborne radar systems such as and supplying the voltages to the transmit-
the ASV MkII and could therefore be picked Fig. 2: An original manual drawing ter, pays out as the mast is extended.
up by such equipment in other aircraft. While researching the unit, I found the
The unit being offered was missing the to a height of approximately 1.83m and was following account (website below) of the set
battery tube and extending mast. Amaz- supplied with three guy ropes attached to in use: “Splashdown in the Mediterranean
ingly, as if by some preordained act of fate, the mast and which could be secured to of Hastings TG613. Walter T.3180 – two of
I spotted another sale item a few days latter the K-type dinghy sides. The lower section these transmitters were salvaged. Seawater
that turned out to be the extending mast of the unit would have been held between had leaked through the seal with the result
complete with its folding dipole top section. the airman’s knees and there was a felt pad that the batteries were wet. The one set
Of course, I snapped this up, Fig. 1, leaving fitted to the base of the battery and mast in was erected and turned on when the search
me with just the battery tube to replicate. order to prevent slipping and damage to the aircraft was heard.
The T.3180 transmitter was a com- dinghy floor. To conserve the battery it was “Unfortunately, the Albatross did not
pact portable homing transmitter, Fig. 2, recommended that the transmitter be oper- carry search radar and therefore the value
designed to help locate downed airmen. It ated for a five-minute period at 15-minute of the equipment could not be assessed.
is fitted with a telescopic antenna support intervals and then only intermittently or until Some difficulty was experienced in mount-
mast and an integral dry-cell battery power an aircraft or rescue craft was sighted. ing the aerial as the steady lines to the
supply. The transmitter emitted a pulsed The single valve transmitter, a CV93 dinghy sides from the mast were too short
signal that could be received over a range miniature wire-ended triode, operated on with the result that one line had to be held
of up to 20 nautical miles by the airborne 177MHz plus or minus 1MHz with a pulse by one of the survivors to keep the mast
ASV MkII radar sets or Rebecca MkIIb repetition rate of 25 to 60kHz. The batteries erect”.
equipment, as fitted in Coastal Command were housed in a round sealed tube, a 90V http://splashdown2.tripod.com/id14.html
and Fleet Air Arm aircraft at that time. and a 1.5V type, with the transmitter draw- The original battery tube was made from
ing 70 to 100mW of HT power and 180mW Tufnol-type composite material, with fibres
In Use of LT power. glued under pressure. I had none of that
In use the telescopic mast, Fig. 3, extends The battery tube, the mast and trans- around but the diameter of the tube was

30 Practical Wireless November 2017

30-V & V Nock 2 pages.indd 30 26/09/2017 16:08

 Fig. 6: The keypad and manual Morse key above.

Fig. 4: The competed restoration passed through a slicer, cutting it into two
17.5mm strips. The film is then fed through
a puncher and a pen is used to enter the
digits of a pre-coded message on the rotat-
ing disc, much like dialling a number on an
old rotary telephone.
Each number is represented by a series
of holes in the film. After inserting it into the
Fig. 3: The mast partly extended coder, a light source senses the holes in the
film and transmits the groups of numbers
1.5in and this is the size of standard waste- with a speed of 1125 numbers per minute.
water pipe for domestic sinks and the like. The supplied headphones, which are
This I had and after cutting to length, paint- also housed in the lid when not in use, can
ing, fitting and finishing off with an end cap Fig. 5: The R-354 transceiver be connected to a two-pin socket on the
milled out of PTFE by my good magician left of the unit. A small light bulb on a flex-
friend Wayne (yes, he really is a magician), Description ible gooseneck arm is provided, just to the
the result, Fig. 4, is quite acceptable I feel. The fully self-contained radio is powered left of the keypad, which comes on when
from a 6V battery that is actually stored it is released from its holder, to allow the
Russian Spy Radio inside the top lid. A short cable on the front built-in burst transmitter to be operated in
One set I have been after for quite some panel connects the radio to this battery, the dark.
time is a rather cute little Russian thing giving the operator just 15 minutes of power A later modification to the radio by
used by their Special Forces and maybe, for reception or transmission. Once the the Czech firm Tesla replaced the scale
just maybe, their spies as well. By the good battery is exhausted, it can be recharged displays with LED displays, making the set
fortune of my German ‘agent’ Johannes with a hand-operated power generator that very attractive to operate. To conserve bat-
Gerken DL9QQ, who spotted one being was supplied with the set along with vari- tery life, these displays were only lit when
offered for sale near to him and acquired ous other items, antenna wire, short poles, either the receiver or transmitter net buttons
it for me, I was able to fill the gap in the ground leads and so on. were pressed.
collection. In addition to the self-contained battery, Considering the use of a 6V battery to be
The innocuously named R-354 (P-354), the set could, of course, be powered from rather inconvenient, I fitted a small regula-
Fig. 5, is probably the most widespread any 6V supply, the standard car battery of tor PCB in the battery space in the lid that
‘spy radio’ deployed by the former Soviet the time. An extension power cable was converts 12V down to 6V to make the radio
Union, or USSR, during the Cold War pe- carried in the haversack bag that held the slightly easier to operate today. Although I
riod. It was apparently introduced in the set, antenna wire, leads and various bits. have tried the set on the workbench into a
mid-1960s as the successor to the previous The set has two frequency displays, one dummy load, I have not had it on the air yet.
model R-350 and the R-350M and saw ser- for receive frequency and one for transmit So, do listen out for a rather strange sound-
vice in most of the countries of the former frequency. These are projection-type dis- ing or rather fast CW from the museum in
Warsaw Pact or Communist Bloc, such as plays – the light shines from inside the set the near future.
Poland, the old DDR and the then Czecho- through a film and is viewed from the front.
slovakia. To aid tuning in high light levels, a small And Finally
Use by agents is in doubt if you scan the hood was carried in the haversack, which That’s it for this outing in the V&V shop. I
web but they were certainly used by Rus- when fitted to the front made reading the trust the sets have been of interest and, of
sia’s Special Forces. The set is also known scales much easier. course, there are plenty more pictures to
by its military codename ‘Shmel’, or Bum- Basically the set is in four sections, the view on the museum’s website, below. For
blebee in Russian. In the late 1960s it was receiver to the left, then the transmitter, those interested in visiting, the museum
succeeded by the R-353 model. The radio then the antenna tuning section followed would be happy to see you. Visits are by
uses a combination of semiconductors and by the Burst Encoder, Fig. 6, on the right. prior arrangement and contact details are
miniature valves, tunes 2.5 to 15MHz and One cunning feature was the use of 35mm on the website so do get in touch. Cheerio.
weighs around 15kg. film, available worldwide. This was first www.militarywirelessmuseum.co.uk

November 2017 Practical Wireless 31

30-V & V Nock 2 pages.indd 31 26/09/2017 16:08

 Review by Geoff Theasby G8BMI
l E-mail: [email protected]

Review – Function Generator

Kit & 500MHz Counter Module
Geoff Theasby G8BMI has another review of a cheap but useful kit and a handy module.

T
his occasional series is to 2MHz, in about one hour, with another
intended to provide a review hour setting up for photography, testing and
of the many low-cost kits evaluation. It runs from a 9-12V battery or
and ready-built modules that PSU, consuming 15 mA. Waveforms were
are available on line, mostly checked against my Thurlby Thandar TG102,
under £10 at UK April 2017 prices. 2MHz Function Generator and Philips PM
Delivery may take a month. 3226, 15MHz oscilloscope and are very well
Following up our esteemed Editor, Don’s shaped. The PCB measures 60 x 45mm
request for kit reviews in his November 2016 and smart, matching control knobs are
Keylines, I wrote up a 50MHz frequency included, as is a snap-together Perspex
meter kit (July 2017 PW) and in researching Function generator & counter. case. The oscilloscope couldn’t show the
the article, I discovered several cheap kits square-wave rise time, it was too fast, with
and ready-built modules that readers may no sign of overshoot, rounding or ringing,
find useful. I realise that a built module isn’t and the frequency meter showed that my
so much fun as a project you built yourself example at least operated up to 2MHz. It
but at the prices quoted, collecting the cost £7 and came with a circuit diagram but
components individually would be much the instructions are in a sort of strangulated
more expensive or difficult, particularly the English, which mostly make sense, if
PCB. It may also be the case that these quaint. Do not be alarmed by reference to
are ‘end-of-line production’, or obsolete welding – they mean soldering! Criticism,
components and when they’re gone, they’re though, is easy. I would have no chance of
gone! No doubt others will come along later. rendering such details into Chinese! A list of
I dealt with two main suppliers, Amazon Function generator square wave. components and a PCB layout diagram is
and eBay, which in my experience are provided. At its heart is the familiar, dedicated
trustworthy to deal with, safeguard private information. I have built or bought every kit XR2206 IC, and the precut transparent
details and have a formal complaints and module reviewed and to date every one Perspex case, which is covered with a sort of
procedure. Other suppliers may be similar has worked first time, or straight out of the brown material, assembles easily and allows
but I haven’t been trading with them enough box. access for changing the waveform shape and
to form an opinion. In any case, neither PW frequency range, using pin jumpers.
nor the author can accept any responsibility This Month’s Items
for any subsequent difficulties. Caveat This month I am looking at a function Frequency Counter
emptor! generator kit and a 500MHz frequency The 500MHz frequency meter module was £8
I propose a series of brief reviews, dealing counter module. You will find these units or and has an LCD backlit display in soft green,
with one kit and one built module per article. something similar by doing a search on one measuring 60 x 35 x 30mm high, two boards
There are usually several suppliers and of those auction sites I mentioned. (A check stacked together. An on/off switch and 9V
even some counterfeit products, notably of just before publication showed two or three battery snap connector are included. Current
JYE Tech kits. Not all kits are supplied with similar, if not identical units. Indeed, I saw consumption was 50mA. Input is via an SMA
circuits or instructions but the information is the XR2206 function generator, rated at up socket and a small bench signal generator
usually to be found elsewhere on the internet. to 1MHz, on the UK eBay site for just £6.09, was detected with the frequency counter
Search engines are a great help. One kit was including postage. Ridiculous! The cheapest alongside it using 100mm of wire as an
particularly difficult to track down. I spent 500MHz frequency counter I could find was antenna. A Baofeng UHF magmount antenna
about half a day looking but was ultimately rather more expensive than Geoff mentions – and SMA coaxial adaptor was similar, when
successful. If a search by the kit reference a whole £8.99! – ed.) testing with the 50MHz oscillator/crystal
number reveals nothing, try under the main tester and an HC6-U crystal for 8.092MHz.
active device and its Application Notes. Function Generator Yes, I know the antenna and crystal
Failing that, a reference number is often I built the Function Generator, which offers frequencies, like galaxies, are far, far apart,
marked on the PCB, which leads to further sine, square and triangular waveforms up but that’s what was to hand!

32 Practical Wireless November 2017

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p033.indd 1 27/09/2017 09:01
 World of VHF incorporating VHF DXer with Tim Kirby G4VXE
Tim Kirby G4VXE, Willowside, Bow Bank, Longworth OX13 5ER Email: [email protected] Twitter: @g4vxe

New Release of FT8

Tim Kirby G4VXE reflects on how the FT8 mode is taking the VHF world by storm
and has all the usual operating news.

I
f you have been reading the decode. This probably comes as no real
amateur radio press over the surprise and is a small price to pay for the
summer, you can’t fail to have seen greater sensitivity of the new release.
all the news about the new FT8 There are some other useful features in
mode that has been added to the the RC2 software. Say, for example, you
WSJT-X software written by Joe Taylor are calling someone and they go back to
K1JT. It’s probably no exaggeration someone else, the new release detects that
to say that FT8 has taken the amateur and disables your transmitter so that you
radio world by storm, creating lots of are not causing interference to the QSO.
interest. As someone that makes a lot of remote
I have been using it for the last couple contacts, I found this was particularly
of months on 50MHz in particular and reassuring because my one worry up to
have really enjoyed it. Compared to that point was that I would start to call
JT65A, although a little less sensitive, it’s someone, lose my connection to the shack
up to four times quicker to make a QSO, and my transmitter would be left sending
which, of course, is really useful in rapidly until the runaway-transmit timer kicked
changing conditions like an Es opening. in or I could persuade someone at home
The great news is that a new version of to disable the transmitter. The runaway-
the WSJT-X software has been released transmit timer would kick in after a short
(RC2) which builds on the success of period, so there is no major problem, but
RC1 and has improved the performance it was something I was conscious of. This
of FT8. As soon as I saw the new version new feature does keep interference down
was available, I installed it (backing up and will, hopefully, make it easier to make
the old version – just in case!). What was contacts.
immediately noticeable on 50MHz over the If you haven’t upgraded to RC2 yet,
first day or two of using the new version do – it’s a simple process and described in
was that I was decoding UK stations that I detail in this month’s Data Modes column.
hadn’t seen before on FT8. Of course, that Of course, in a rapidly changing
could be for several reasons – perhaps environment, it’s possible that by the time
they hadn’t been operating before, or you read this, there may be yet another
conditions were better for groundwave. new version. If there is, install that. The
But, actually, I knew they had been active important thing is to keep an eye on the
because I’d seen people working them and page for new releases and to try them out.
I just hadn’t been able to copy them. It was The only slight wrinkle that I discovered,
quickly apparent that the new version of having installed the new version, is that I
WSJT-X was decoding weaker FT8 signals had to reset all the default frequencies for
than the previous version. This was great! the different modes because the software
I quickly started calling a few UK stations had lost them. Just do File/Settings and Europa Point lighthouse, Gibraltar, location for
who I’d previously tried to work on FT8 but select the Frequencies tab. Right mouse the ZB2LGT activity.
hadn’t been able to get them to hear me click in the table of frequencies and select
and now had some good success. Reset. Press OK to save and then exit the am in the process of reinstalling my 42ft
Another interesting feature of the new program and restart and you should find Westower, which has been lying on the
release was that I noticed that unlike the that all is working as it was before. ground outside the shack door since
RC1 version, RC2 was much less tolerant mid-2001. Needless to say, the years and
of aircraft scatter/Doppler shift of signals. Station Update from G8ECI weather have taken their toll but luckily
Whereas RC1 was quite tolerant of aircraft It was good to hear from Derek Brown not to the tower structure. That’s still in
scatter (especially compared to JT65A) G8ECI (Lincolnshire) who is in the middle great shape, apart from a bit of surface
on a path, RC2 would quite often fail to of refurbishing his setup. He writes, “I rust. The original hot-dip galvanising has

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 Mark Marment CT1FJC (Algarve) has
made a good number of FT8 contacts
with the highlights being GD0TEP (IO74),
GM4JJJ (IO86), EI4KN (IO52), IT9/IK4RSR
(JM78), 3A2MW (JN33), HB0WR (JN47)
and EI7HBB (IO53).
Phil Oakley G0BVD (Great Torrington,
Devon) has also been trying out FT8 and
enjoyed working some new squares. Some
of the highlights of Phil’s log were EA8AQV,
EI3KD and LA7DHA. During the big aurora
on September 8th, Phil worked G7GLT and
EI5CE on the band.
Peter Taylor G8BCG (Liskeard,
Cornwall) says that he hasn’t been too
active following the failure of his main
tower back in June but reports that the
level of activity on the new FT8 mode has
been amazing, although he feels that it
has taken activity away from other, as he
says, often more suitable modes. Peter
has worked 103 DXCC entities this year
so far with only a single 8-element Yagi
from June to September. Peter’s tower
is now back in action and he has just
taken delivery of a larger H-frame from
A screenshot of Peter G8BCG’s 50MHz EME contact with the VK9CGJ expedition. InnovAntennas to optimise his 4 x 8-ele
OP-DES array spacing. Peter was very
done its job over the years. Not so much, old LMW 13cm transverter out and see keen not to miss the VK9CGJ expedition
though, for the HyGain T2X rotator, after what I can do with 500mW into a pea-can from Cocos Keeling Island so he put
16 years of sitting inside the tower top, feed and the dish. So, it should be a busy together a temporary 4 x 8 element array
either in a damp shed or out in the open. I autumn!” and pointed it at moonrise with a slight
removed it and gingerly took it apart to be amount of elevation. Peter’s hard work
greeted with a fair amount of corrosion. I’m The 6m Band paid off and he was able to complete
currently awaiting various parts from The The first person to get his band reports a contact successfully. After two days,
Rotor Doc in Kentucky USA but hopefully in each month is always Josef Van VK9CGJ has made 49 successful EME
should have it all back working again soon. Raepenbusch ON8NT (Aalter). Jef QSOs on the 6m band – another excellent
The top half, which has the motor and runs 10W to a V2000 vertical on the 6m expedition by Lance W7GJ. Once Lance
reduction gears, was saved the ravages of (50MHz) band and always make some had finished operating from VK9CGJ, the
the condensation and corrosion so these noteworthy contacts. Some of Jef’s most plan was to do it all again from VK9XGJ
parts just needed a good cleaning and interesting contacts came during the Italian (Christmas Island)!
re-lubricating. contest on August 27th, when he worked Here at G4VXE I was active on FT8
“I will have 6m, 4m and 2m on this among others: IS0BSR (JM49), IT9BLY most days although conditions and activity
tower, which will be at the end of 80ft of (JM78), IT9BDM (JM77), IZ7VPK (JN80) seemed to tail off during the latter half of
feeder. I should have enough LDF4-50 for and IZ8JAI (JM78). August but there were still some interesting
144MHz but am not sure for 4m or 6m. Kevin Hewitt ZB2GI wrote with news of QSOs to be had. Highlights were CT2IUV/P
I should be reinstalling my 12-element the Gibraltar club’s 50MHz activity during (IM59), T77C and several LA stations in
M2, which has also been lying out in all the International Lighthouse weekend northern Norway on August 30th as well as
weathers for the same 16 years so that when they operated as ZB2LGT from GD0TEP who was an enormous signal on
may need some work as well first. Once Europa Point lighthouse. He and John September 12th. I was particularly pleased
I get that project completed, I have plans King ZB2JK set up an inverted-V dipole to reach 200 squares confirmed on the
for upgrading the 70cm, 23cm and 13cm for the band with an FT-450 running 50W. band via Logbook of the World during the
systems on a shorter pole, 20ft high but They made 28 contacts on SSB during a month, all using nothing more than the
right next to the shack. I have two new 40 minute opening with contacts into F, S5, vertical antenna. As I mentioned earlier, I
Wimo Antennas for 70 and 23cm and have I, EA, DL, 9A, ON, HB9, G and PA. They operate remotely for the majority of time
been donated a 1.2m prime focus dish also tried some FT8, running 10W into the and even enjoyed making some QSOs
for 13cm. The 23cm linear (a 1980s EME same dipole, and worked PA and EA. during my commuting time from the train.
2 x 2C39A PA) is being refurbished and As ZB2GI, Kevin operated on FT8, using It’s just a simple matter of using remote
that with the 54143 preamps for which I 10W into a dipole. He worked G8BCG control software on the shack PC and
now have the changeover sorted and am (IO70), G0LFF (IO90), G3VIR (JO01) and an app on my smartphone, which allows
no longer blowing them up! I will get the G3LDI (JO02). me to connect. As long as the internet

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 World of VHF

connection is reasonable, it works very shower this year. I did manage to work a testing of the Tanusha satellites going
well, especially with the very automated new locator though, in a QSO with SN5R on, so he took the opportunity to make
nature of FT8 QSOs. (KO01) on August 12th. I was also pleased a quick contact with Abdel Mesbah
to work EI/ON5GS in IO54 on August 10th. M0NPT (Nottingham), with the uplink
The 2m Band Dirk was operating from IO54 on meteor on 437.050MHz and the downlink on
Jef ON8NT made some contacts during scatter but kindly switched to JT65 to give 145.800MHz, as well as making a contact
the 2m (144MHz) contest on August 1st, me the locator on tropo. with EA4SG.
with the highlights being G4CLA (IO92) “A tropo opening to the Canary Isles In addition, James reports that the
at 355km and G4CZP/P (IO90) at 332km. (EA8) during the evening of September Chertsey Radio Club celebrated the 33rd
During the Perseids meteor shower, Jef 6th gave me another opportunity to make a anniversary of the maiden voyage of the
monitored the MSK144 frequency to see QSO with EA8. I worked Fernando EA8TX Space Shuttle Discovery between June
what reflections he could hear but didn’t (IL18) once again. This was the third time and the end of August, using the callsign
see any completed QSOs, just fragments, in three months that tropo to the Canaries GB8SSD, and many contacts were
including reports. Jef runs at FT-736 at was available here in South Wales. This is made on HF, VHF, UHF and, of course,
25W to a 5-element log periodic. quite exceptional for me because these through satellites. The club also had two
My apologies to Graham Jones opportunities usually occur only every few different ‘Fitter’ messages sent through the
G3VKV (Cheltenham) whose name we years at my QTH. FUNcube-1 satellite and also sent packet
managed to get wrong in the October “A significant aurora occurred on messages through the APRS digipeater on
issue – sorry Graham! Graham managed September 8th. This had been predicted the ISS.
to work GM0HTT (Orkney) during the big by many and was even mentioned in our David M0OSA says that he purchased
aurora on September 8th. national news. Unfortunately, I can only a copy of SatPC32 from AMSAT-UK and
David Smith G0OSA writes to say that operate on SSB because I have never has managed to set up his Elad S2 SDR
he spent a couple of hours on air on the quite mastered CW. As always, the real DX to automatically track AO-73, EO-88 and
Sunday morning during the September was only available on CW and I missed UKUbe-1 so is now receiving many more
144MHz Trophy Contest. He was very some of the amazing opportunities to telemetry frames from these satellites than
pleased with conditions and made his first work stations at very great distances in before. David says that he has also been
2m contacts into France: F6KCZ/P and this event. Working stations using SSB in digipeating through the ISS on 2m again
F5LJA. David was running 50W from his an Auroral event is never easy but I was and has received signals from as far away
FT-857D into an Elk 2m/70cm log periodic able to complete 27 QSOs with stations in as Turkey. David uses his FT-2D and the
antenna from a portable location near GM, EI, G, LX, ON, PA and DL. The farthest Elk log periodic for his APRS contacts
Huddersfield. QSO was with DL8YAU (JO41) at 819km. through the ISS.
Phil G0BVD heard GM6RBR (IO77) I was heard by OE5OLL (JN68), OK1TEH Mark CT1FJC has made some nice
and EI6JK (IO53) during the aurora on (JO70), SO3Z (JO82) and OZ1BEF (JO46). QSOs via FO-29 although he says it would
September 8th but was unable to work Although all these could copy me, I was have been more but for some problems
them. unable to resolve their SSB signals in the with his elevation rotator. However, he
Simon Evans G6AHX (Twyning, high noise levels I experience at my QTH”. received some good service from Yaesu,
Gloucestershire) took part in the which helped him get things back together
September 144MHz Trophy Contest and The 70cm Band quickly. Highlights of Mark’s log are
worked 50 stations, with his best DX being Jef ON8NT took part in the 70cm (432MHz) KO4MA (EL88), WB8RJY (EN72), PT2AP
F8KID in JN38 at a distance of 680km. contest on August 8th, with the best DX (HI22), K8YSE (EN91), HI8KW (FK58),
Simon also took part in the 144MHz UK being G4CLA (IO92). 2M0SQL (IO87) and LX2LA (JN39).
Activity Contest on September 5th, when Not much satellite activity at G4VXE this
his best DX was PA5Y at a distance of Satellites month but it was fun to hear some QSOs
455km. Simon mentions that he heard Jef ON8NT monitored three ARISS via AO-85 from my mobile, especially
the ED1ZAG beacon on 144.403MHz on contacts from the International Space on one pass when it was good to hear
occasions but despite many calls in that Station (ISS), on August 1st, August 5th G0ABI and M1BXF working each other,
direction, he wasn’t able to make any and the YOTA contact on August 8th followed by CU2ZG – all friends from
contacts. This propagation was at the when the initial contact at 1838UTC failed Twitter. I still haven’t managed a mobile
same time that other stations were working but the contact on the subsequent pass QSO through AO-85 but will have to try
into EA8 but Simon says he heard nothing at 2014 worked really well. Additionally, harder because I saw a post on the AMSAT
at his location. Jef made some contacts via AO-85 with North America Facebook group where
Lyn Leach GW8JLY (Cardiff) writes with M0RBD (IO92) and DM2MM (JO52). Jerry Buxton N0JY had done just that,
his usual interesting and comprehensive It was good to hear, too, from James using two separate radios and antennas.
report on the band. “Once again, the Preece M0JFP of the Chertsey Radio Jerry even had motorised mounts on the
Perseids meteor shower in mid-August Club. James had enjoyed listening to the verticals on his car so that he could adjust
was not as good as the year before. This tests of the two Tanusha satellites prior to the elevation for maximum signal. I hasten
decline has been a continuing theme deployment from the ISS on July 5th. The to add that all of this was achieved when
now for the last few years and this poor satellites broadcast greetings messages Jerry was stationary!
performance was especially disappointing in Russian, English, Spanish and Chinese. That’s it for this month! Please keep
because some had predicted that we James also found the ISS crossband your news coming – it’s very much
would see an exceptional Perseids repeater operational on July 8th, with no appreciated.

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Untitled-2 1 03/10/2017 15:14
Untitled-2 2 03/10/2017 15:14
Untitled-2 3 03/10/2017 15:14
 Feature by Steve Telenius-Lowe PJ4DX
Steve Telenius-Lowe PJ4DX E-mail: [email protected]

The Low Bands at

Solar Minimum
Steve Telenius-Lowe PJ4DX takes a look at how best to achieve DX results on the
low frequency bands given that the higher bands are likely to be disappointing for
much of the next few years.

T
he next solar minimum isn’t daylight (or, more likely, twilight). You could
expected to occur until expect to make contacts on the low bands
2020. For the next three years with places on the dark side of the Earth
conditions on the high bands, such as the Middle East and Indian Ocean
particularly 17m to 10m, are area but not with southern Africa or West
likely to decline further. While 20m does Africa because they are still in broad daylight.
not really ‘die’ like the higher HF bands and D-layer absorption is greater at lower
remains open to some places throughout frequencies, which means that at dusk
the cycle, paths become much less reliable, 40m will open for long-distance contacts
when they do open they’re of shorter before 80m, which in turn opens before
duration and signals are weaker than at the 160m. Similarly at sunrise, 160m closes
peak of the solar cycle. Where, then, do HF very quickly after dawn, 80m stays open
operators go to make DX contacts? The somewhat longer, while it’s not unusual to
answer is the low bands – 160, 80 and 40m – Fig. 1: Ionospheric layers. During the day, the work DX on 40m even a couple of hours after
which come into their own at solar minimum D-layer forms and absorbs signals on the low sunrise, particularly in winter. Therefore in the
as lower levels of solar activity lead to fewer bands (Graphic: Ionosphere, Wikipedia). example shown in Fig. 2 only stations in the
geomagnetic storms that attenuate signals north-east of Scotland could be expected
on the low bands. to make long-distance contacts on 160m,
whereas stations anywhere in the UK might
Into the Dark be expected to make such contacts on 40m.
Whereas the higher-frequency HF bands are Around dawn and dusk a special case
‘daytime’ bands and often close soon after exists: the ‘greyline’, as described by Steve
sunset (particularly around solar minimum), White G3ZVW in his March 2017 Making
the opposite is the case on the low bands. Waves column. True greyline propagation
Signals propagate towards the dark side of only occurs when it is close to dawn at one
the Earth, so these bands open from just station and simultaneously close to dusk at
before sunset towards stations to the east the other. However, signal enhancement at
that are already in darkness and close soon dawn and dusk can also occur when there is
after sunrise, at which time stations will be no greyline path.
worked to the west, where it is still dark. Fig. 2: The terminator is the imaginary line that
This is due to the fact that the D-layer (the divides the earth into daylight and darkness Dawn and Dusk Enhancement
main influence of which on the low bands is hemispheres. This is the situation at 1530UTC I experienced an excellent example of dawn
to absorb signals) is present during daylight just after the winter solstice. enhancement here in Bonaire in February
hours when it is being ionised by the sun, when I participated in the CQ 160m SSB
Fig. 1. However, it quickly disperses at dusk, side of the earth from the sunlit side is known contest. Most stations I worked were in North
while the E and F-layers remain ionised and as the ‘terminator’. On a globe, it appears America but I also contacted 15 in Europe.
capable of reflecting or refracting signals over as a straight line, as shown in Fig. 2, while Of those, 13 (87%) were worked at, or close
long distances. The opposite is the case at on a Mercator projection map the terminator to, sunrise at the European station’s location.
sunrise: the F-layer, being at a higher altitude, describes a curve, the shape of which While some of the Europeans were audible
has already become ionised but the D-layer changes with the seasons. Fig. 2 shows night for quite long periods of time, in most cases
is not yet sufficiently ionised to absorb about to fall across the UK at 1530UTC at the signals were only good enough to make a
signals on the low bands. end of December. It is already dark in north- two-way contact within a few minutes of their
The imaginary line separating the dark east Scotland but the rest of the UK is still in local sunrise. In several cases, the signal

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 came out of the noise, peaked for under 10
minutes and then disappeared as the sun
rose at their location.
These are good examples of dawn
enhancement – but none were greyline
contacts because, although it was around
sunrise at the eastern end of the path, it was
not sunset at the western end. The contacts
were made between 11.30pm and 1.45am
local time, between 5 and 7.75 hours after
sunset.
I experienced the same effect, but
with signals coming from the opposite
direction, back in 1993 when operating on
the VK9MM DXpedition from Mellish Reef, Fig. 3: Map showing the greyline around sunset UK time at the summer solstice (approx 2045UTC on
east of Australia. I was on 80m overnight June 20th or 21st).
and worked stations across Europe, first
from Russia, then eastern Europe, central
Europe, western Europe and finally the UK
as the sun was setting at those locations.
What was interesting was that, with just a
few exceptions, stations were worked only at
a time close to their sunset. Although there
was a full darkness path between stations to
the east of the terminator and Mellish Reef,
contacts were only made with stations close
to the terminator and not those to the east
of it.
Once again, these were not greyline
contacts because it was not sunrise at my
location, but examples of dusk enhancement.
Fig. 4: Greyline map around sunrise UK time at the winter solstice (approx 0830UTC on December 21st
Some Interesting Possibilities or 22nd).
To make long-distance contacts on the
low bands a darkness (or nearly darkness)
path is required but to work very long
distances, especially those close to one’s
antipodes 20,000km away, requires greyline
propagation. Steve White’s article, mentioned
earlier, explains the mechanics of the greyline
well but let’s take a look at some examples at
different times of year.
At dusk close to the summer solstice
– around 2045UTC in the UK – there is a
perfect greyline path to the east coast of
Australia from the tip of Cape York down
to Brisbane, Fig. 3, making this a good
time to attempt low-band contacts with
VK4 stations. There is an issue, though: the Fig. 5: Dusk at the winter solstice (approx 1545UTC on December 21st or 22nd) provides some
limiting factor on the low bands in summer interesting DX possibilities.
is often a high level of thunderstorm static
(QRN). Propagation may be possible but you sunset across Japan and the western Pacific This is also a good time for working New
may be unable to make the contact because including Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Zealand on 40 and 80m. However, what
of the high level of QRN (“if you can’t hear Islands and New Zealand. This is an excellent was said earlier about QRN in the northern
’em, you can’t work ’em”, as the old saying time for working Japan and strong signals hemisphere summer applies equally to the
goes). can often be heard on 40m from JA towards southern hemisphere during their summer
Fig. 4 shows the sunrise greyline at the the end of December and into January. In the months. In practice this means that the
winter solstice, on December 21st or 22nd. 1990s I was working in Papua New Guinea spring and autumn equinoxes, when neither
Sunrise is not until about 0830UTC and and as P29DX made several contacts with location is in summer, are often the best
dawn at this time of year provides interesting UK stations on 40m around this time using times for working stations in the southern
DX possibilities. UK sunrise coincides with just a Butternut HF6V vertical. hemisphere.

November 2017 Practical Wireless 41

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 The Low Bands at Solar Minimum

Fig. 5 shows the greyline around UK be made by phasing two such verticals as
sunset at the winter solstice, an excellent I described in the April 2015 issue of PW. I
time for working the west coast of North used the 2-element array for two years but
America on the low bands. There are many found it worked too well: while it provided
well-equipped stations there with 40m gain in the direction it was firing, it was at
beams (and some even with 80m beams) the expense of coverage in other directions.
making contacts possible even for those I reverted to a single elevated quarter-wave
with modest antennas if you get the timing vertical at the end of last year and was
right. rewarded with DX contacts with the Far East,
Low-band contacts with the west Oceania, Central Asia and Africa over the
coast of North America at sunset are often winter.
considered to be via long path because it On 80m a full-size quarter-wave vertical
is daytime immediately west of the UK and is an excellent performer but, at 20m (65ft)
dark to the east. Furthermore, almost all the high, not everyone will be able to put up
USA and most-populated parts of Canada such a tall structure. A good second best is
are in broad daylight, so it is impossible to the quarter-wave inverted-L, with as much
make low-band contacts with those parts of vertical as possible and the remaining wire
either country. So it ‘feels’ like a long-path brought out horizontally (if possible) or else
opening but there is in fact a darkness path sloping as gradually as possible towards
to the north-west, across Iceland, Greenland the ground. By the time we get to 160m, a
and northern Canada, as can be seen in Fig. full-size quarter-wave vertical is beyond the
2. Those with directional antennas would scope of all but a few, so the inverted-L is
be able to tell whether signals come from Fig. 6: The feedpoint of the PJ4DX 40m elevated often the antenna of choice for 160m DXers.
the direct path to the north-west, the long quarter-wave vertical. Based on a 12m Whether full size or inverted-L, the ground
path to the south-east or perhaps via some Spiderbeam pole, the two elevated radials are system is important with all verticals so,
skewed path. 2m above ground. Five large ferrites over the unless you use elevated radials, lay out as
We have only looked at the two solstices coax form a common mode choke. many radial wires as possible on the ground.
but there are also interesting possibilities at
other times of the year. A real-time greyline any multi-band antenna such as a G5RV, Conclusion
map allowing you to check the greyline trap vertical or trap dipole or any form of If you enjoy working DX when propagation is
paths at any time of year can be found at: ‘shortened’ antenna are all best avoided. good, don’t give up when the high bands are
www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ Instead, if you can, put up a dedicated, apparently ‘dead’ during the solar minimum.
sunearth.html resonant 40m antenna. For DX working Instead give the low bands a try: there’s
horizontal antennas such as dipoles should more DX there than you might imagine. This
Power and Antennas ideally be at least half a wavelength above is particularly so during solar minimum: (a)
As G3ZVW pointed out, use of WSPR can ground, which means 20m, about 65ft. because DX stations also find conditions
allow low-power signals to be heard at vast That’s all right if you have a tower but poor on the higher bands so they naturally
distances on the low bands, even if using most in the UK don’t. Lower antennas will migrate down to 40, 80 and 160m and (b)
simple antennas. But for conventional two- also work but won’t provide low angles of because conditions tend to be better on the
way CW or SSB contacts higher power or radiation that are ideal for long-distance low bands during solar minima anyway.
efficient antennas are more likely to bring working. A better option is a vertical. Use the phenomena of dawn and dusk
success. That’s not to say you cannot make One of the best and yet simplest enhancements and the greyline to help your
DX contacts on the low bands using modest antennas for 40m DX working is the elevated DXing: use sunrise and sunset tables or a
power and antennas. On 40m in particular quarter-wave vertical, which can be built real-time greyline map to know where and
signals are often strong and from here in easily using a fibreglass pole such as those when to expect openings to occur. The QRZ.
Bonaire I have worked many Foundation and made by Spiderbeam and sold in the UK COM website shows accurate sunrise and
Intermediate licensees, European mobile by Nevada (see websites below). Using a sunset times, updated daily, for individual
stations and many running ‘barefoot’ at 12m (39ft) pole means the feedpoint is 2m stations if the callsign holder has provided
100W. Regular reporters to the HF Highlights above ground, the advantage of which is their latitude and longitude or Grid locator
column, such as Victor Brand G3JNB, that elevated radials can be used, Fig. 6. (go to www.qrz.com/db/ followed by the
prove that you don’t need high power to A pair of elevated quarter-wave radials are callsign of the station concerned, then click
make DX contacts on 40m. sufficient, provided they are in a straight line on ‘Detail’. You’ll need to register but it’s free
It is fair to say that 80m, and especially (at 180º to each other). If a shorter 10m pole of charge.)
160m, DX contacts are more difficult than were used, the feedpoint would be at ground Use the best possible antenna you can.
on 40m. For anyone disappointed in current level, necessitating the use of ground radials All antennas work but compromise antennas
propagation conditions on the high bands and many more would be required for the are unlikely to produce the best results.
and looking for DX on the low bands, my antenna to work efficiently. Fortunately a simple quarter-wave vertical
advice would be to concentrate initially on http://spiderbeam.com can be an excellent performer, particularly
40m. www.spiderbeam.us if it is elevated a couple of metres above
Try to put up an efficient antenna. www.nevadaradio.co.uk ground and, on 40m at least, it is not a
Random length wires requiring an ATU, A simple but effective 40m beam can difficult antenna to put up.

42 Practical Wireless November 2017

40-Low Bands at Solar Minimum.indd 42 26/09/2017 16:09

 Data Modes with Mike Richards G4WNC
● E-Mail: [email protected]

FT8 Update
modes, particularly weak signal modes
such as WSPR, JT65 and FT8 demand an
accurate clock. Fortunately, the problem
is easily solved thanks to the availability
of some very cheap, plug-in, real-time
clock modules. These modules comprise
Mike Richards G4WNC has the latest FT8 news, thoughts a reference crystal oscillator and a control
IC, rather like the electronics in a modern
on keeping accurate time on a Raspberry Pi and a first watch. These tiny units normally connect
directly to the GPIO pins on the Pi as
look at an interesting SDR module from Analog Devices. shown in Fig. 1.
The two most commonly used RTC
chipsets are the CF8523 and the DS3231.
Of these, the DS3231 appears to be the
most accurate so is probably the one to
go for. Prices for these plug-in boards are
very low and well-known suppliers have
them available for around the £5-£7 mark.
You can find even lower prices on eBay
but because we’re looking for accuracy
here I’m not sure that that’s the best way
to go! To maintain the time when the Pi is
turned off, the RTC modules use either a
small button cell or a supercap. For most,
the supercap is probably the best option
because it offers a maintenance-free
solution. All the RTC modules I’ve seen
for the Pi use the I2C serial interface to
communicate with the Pi and that requires
access to the I2C pins plus a power
supply. On the Pi these pins are very
conveniently grouped together at the top
of the GPIO port. Fig. 2 shows a popular
CF8523 module while Fig. 3 shows the
more accurate DS3231 module that uses
a single line connector.
In addition to fitting the RTC module
we need to make some changes to the Pi
configuration so it will use the new board
as its time source.
The first task is to enable the I2C
Fig. 1: RTC Clock fitted to a Raspberry Pi 3. communication port. Here’s how to do

F
that:
ollowing my introduction you’re a contest operator and not using • Go to the Pi menu button – Preferences
to FT8 last month, the the latest software, you will miss out on – Raspberry Pi Configuration.
software has been valuable contacts. • Click the Interfaces tab and enable I2C.
updated and it’s essential • Now let’s install some software to check
that you use the latest Raspberry Pi Time the I2C and make sure our RTC is
release. Due to the immense popularity With the range of data modes software visible:
of the mode, the development team are that’s now available for Raspberry Pi, it • Open a terminal window and type: sudo
pulling out all the stops to clear any bugs has become a very attractive proposition apt-get install python-smbus i2c-tools
and to make the system as versatile as as a cost-effective data modes terminal • NB: If you’re using the latest Stretch
possible. At the time of writing, the latest for portable or holiday use. One potential release, you will find that these are
software revision is WSJT-X v1.8.0 rc 2 problem with portable or holiday operating already installed.
and it’s available from: with the Pi is timekeeping. The Raspberry • Now run the i2c test by typing: sudo
www.physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/ Pi doesn’t have a built-in Real Time Clock i2cdetect -y 1
K1JT/wsjtx.html (RTC) to keep track of the time when the • If all is correct, you should see a matrix
Much of the current focus of the Pi is powered off. As a result, if you start printed on the screen with the number
development team is on making FT8 into the Pi without an internet connection, 68 displayed on the intersection of lines
a very effective and fast contesting mode the clock will be wrong. That can be a 6 and 60, Fig. 4.
to speed up the handling of pile-ups. If problem because many of the new data Now we need to install the kernel driver

November 2017 Practical Wireless 43

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 Data Modes

for the RTC chip as follows:

• Open a terminal window and type: sudo
nano /boot/config.txt This will open the
boot config file. NB: If you get an empty
file, you’ve mistyped the name!
• Scroll to the bottom of that file and
add the following line according to the
chipset of your RTC:
• dtoverlay=i2c-rtc,pcf8523
• dtoverlay=i2c-rtc,ds3231
• Type ctl-x followed by return to close
and save the file.
• Now reboot the Pi with: sudo reboot Fig. 2: CF8523-based RTC module. Fig. 3: DS3231-based RTC module.
• When the Pi restarts, use the i2c tool to
make sure the kernel driver has loaded.
Here’s the command: sudo i2cdetect
-y 1 and this time you should see UU
displayed at the intersection of 60 and
8.
That completes the first stage and your
new RTC is ready for use by the Pi but
we have a couple more things to do to
complete the process. When the Pi is
running without a RTC, it uses a small app
to create a fake hardware clock so we
need to remove this or it will interfere with
our RTC. Here’s the removal process:
• Open a terminal and type: sudo apt-get
-y remove fake-hwclock
• We also need to stop the system from
trying to auto-run the fake clock at
start-up by typing: sudo update-rc.d -f
fake-hwclock remove
• Now we can let the built-in RTC code
run as follows: sudo nano /lib/udev/
hwclock-set
• Add a # symbol to comment-out the Fig. 4: I2C detect software showing that the I2C device is connected and powered.
following lines (they are near the top of
the file) New SDR from AD Linux, Fig. 6. In essence, it has all the
• #if [ -e /run/system/system] ; then The Pluto SDR from Analog Devices has basics of a decent 12-bit SDR transceiver.
• #exit 0 been promised for months but has only What makes it particularly attractive is
• #fi just made it into the supply chain, Fig. the introductory price of just $99. This
• Type ctl-x followed by Return to close 5. I pre-ordered mine back in April and works out at just over £90 once you’ve
and save the file. it arrived in the middle of August! The added VAT and carriage. The best source
At this point, the time will be wrong, so Pluto SDR is a complete SDR transceiver is currently DigiKey but Farnell have it
connect the Pi to the internet and wait a module that is intended for use in colleges listed so they should have stocks at some
few minutes for it to synchronise. and universities to help teach SDR point. However, the module is selling very
Now write the time to the RTC with: principles. At its heart is the AD 9363 quickly with the first 1,000 selling out in
sudo hwclock -w agile transceiver chip with a frequency days.
Check the time with: sudo hwclock -r range of 325MHz to 3.5GHz using While the basic unit is quite attractive,
That’s it, the Pi will now keep time even 12-bit analogue-to-digital conversion there are a couple of simple firmware
if it’s away from the internet. Accuracy (ADC) in both the receive and transmit mods that can be applied to give the
for the low cost PCF8523 modules is chain. The ADC sample rate can be up unit a much wider range. This is possible
around two seconds per day and the to 61.44MHz and the default maximum because the AD9393 is one of a series
battery life should be about five years. bandwidth is 20MHz. In addition to the of agile transceiver devices. These are
If you want greater accuracy, I suggest transceiver chip, the Pluto SDR features effectively the same chip design but
you go for the DS3231 module because all the supporting hardware, including produced to different tolerances. The
it adds temperature compensation to a Xilinx Zynq (XC7Z010) system-on-a- default 325MHz to 3.5GHz limit represents
the oscillator and can maintain the time chip device that provides FPGA facilities the range over which the AD9363’s
within one second per week over the for decimation along with a processor performance is guaranteed to be within
temperature range 0-40°C. (ARM® Cortex™ A9 Core) that can run specification. However, it seems that this

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 can be expanded by setting the firmware
for the higher spec AD9364 that has a
range of 70MHz to 6GHz and a bandwidth
of up to 56MHz. Details of how to apply
the update can be found on the Analog
Devices website here:
https://wiki.analog.com/university/
tools/pluto/users/customizing
When you get to that site, scroll
down to the section titled Updating to
the AD9364.The update is very simple
to apply because you just have to
connect Pluto SDR to your USB port
(after installing the Pluto SDR drivers)
and use a free terminal program such as
PuTTY to log into the Pluto and send the
commands. This mod was included in the
AD official documentation because some
of the earliest Pluto releases did use the
AD9364 chip. However, other users that
have AD9363 branded chips in their Pluto
have reported success with the update. I
tried it on my AD9363-marked device and
the range was successfully extended. Just
a word of warning; the range extension
you get will be at a performance cost with
respect to the published specification.
As you might expect, there is lots
of interest in the Pluto SDR but it’s still
very early days in terms of ready-made
software being available. At the time of
writing, the easiest way to use the Pluto
as an SDR was to use SDR Sharp along
with a plug-in by Tobias Madel. You can
get the plug-in from here:
https://github.com/Manawyrm/
sdrsharp-plutosdr
Once you have unzipped the Fig. 5: Analog Devices Pluto SDR.
download, just copy the files to your
SDR Sharp installation directory. NB:
This plug-in only works with the 32-bit
version of SDR Sharp. When you next
open SDR Sharp, you will see the Pluto
SDR displayed in the list of sources.
While internally the Pluto SDR can deliver
a bandwidth of up to 56MHz, the data
throughput of the USB port is limited to
about 4MHz. In practice, I found I was still
seeing dropouts at 4MHz so 3MHz was
the maximum practical bandwidth for my
setup. If you want to start playing on a
more basic level, Analog Devices have a
simple scope/spectrum analyser package
available for Windows and you can get it
here:
https://github.com/analogdevicesinc/
iio-oscilloscope/releases
The Pluto is also supported in GNU
Radio and Linux users can run the latest
GQRX SDR with support for the Pluto.
Watch this space for more information! Fig. 6: A peek inside the Pluto showing the AD9363 and the ZYNQ FPGA/Processor.

November 2017 Practical Wireless 45

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 Carrying on the Practical Way by Tony Jones G7ETW
Tony Jones G7ETW E-mail: [email protected]

An Arduino
velopment Environment (IDE) install does
not have drivers for that. This results in
the board not being recognised by the IDE
software. Secondly, some Arduino clones

Morse Tutor
– is that a kinder description? – do not
have the ‘bootloader’ installed. This is the
on-board software that makes it possible
to download an executable program to an
Arduino and run it.
These problems are fixable – see Useful
Information – but they might put a begin-
ner off. I’d advise using a genuine board,
Inspired by the Datong D70 of years gone by, Tony Jones at least initially.
There are many bigger and more
G7ETW has reproduced its functionality using an Arduino. powerful models of Arduino such as the
Mega2560 and they would also work for
this project. I chose a Uno R3 because it’s
the hardware that the common books and
Arduino online help feature.

Breadboard
I used a small breadboard with 64 rows
of five connections each side, perfect
for most of my projects. You’ll also need
some pin-to-pin, socket-to-socket and
pin-to-socket multi-coloured breadboard
connecting leads.

Components
In addition to the Arduino, you’ll need five
10kΩ linear potentiometers, one 5V LED
(with a built-in resistor or a 2V LED and a
suitable (say, 680Ω) resistor), and one au-
dio sounder, preferably an Arduino Piezo
Speaker board.

Fig. 1: The original Datong Morse tutor. LCD Shield, 16 Columns by 2 Rows

T
A shield is a board that plugs into an Ar-
his is the first part of a duino’s vertical edge ‘header’ connections
two-part article about a to link with the Arduino. An LCD shield
home-brew Morse tutor provides a simple character display but
I built using an Arduino. there are shields for anything imaginable
I have wanted to do some and anyone can design and build their
Arduino development for some time so I own.
bought one and gave myself the task of The LCD shield I used has buttons for
replicating a Datong D70, Fig. 1. Aside left, right, up, down and select but these
from accepting a key input, my ARD70, don’t do anything unless there is code in
Fig. 2, does everything the original did, Fig. 2: Tony’s ARD70 – not as pretty but it does the program, called a sketch, for them to
with some new features added. the same job! be active. I wanted the ARD70 to have
See Fig. 3 for a schematic of the potentiometer controls so I didn’t use the
ARD70. If you’ve never even touched an by buying ‘genuine’ I was supporting the buttons.
Arduino, don’t worry. This is an easy pro- Arduino developers, which can be no bad There are two main types of LCD
ject to get you started, with a very useful thing. shields, those using the 4480 display
end product. Many people buy Chinese ‘copies’ – driver and those using a 1602 chip. The
some call them fakes – and in theory that 4480 type is the most common, but I used
Project Requirements is perfectly fine. They are compatible and a 1602 type (by mistake).
I used a ‘genuine’ Arduino Uno R3, as look identical except for the logo. There There are also two ways LCD shields
indicated by the gold component, Fig. 4, are a couple of things to be careful of, connect and communicate with the
and mine cost £18 from Amazon. Arduino though. Firstly, some copy boards have Arduino. Simple ones use six digital pins
authenticity is an odd concept because a different serial-to-USB chip, called a but there is a type that uses IIC (‘I-squared
Arduino technology is open source but CH340, and the standard Interactive De- C’), which communicates via a bus. I will

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 A note of caution here: an Arduino can-
not sink or source more than 40mA on any
pin. I used 10kΩ potentiometers but any
resistance value over 1kΩ would be safe.
VR5 to VR1 all work the same way. A
permanent 5V line goes to one side of the
potentiometer and the other side goes to
ground. The wipers go to analogue pins
A5 to A1 respectively and the Arduino
sees a voltage that changes when the
potentiometer is turned but otherwise
stays constant. The Arduino does an
analogue-to-digital mapping and makes
an integer from 0 to 1023 available to the
programmer.
VR5, the speed control, uses analogue
Pin A5. As standard, sending speed (vari-
able name spd) can be varied from 5 to 45
words per minute.
Fig. 3: Schematic of the ARD70. To code for easily alterable upper and
lower limits, I used a constrain command
but this could have been done with a cou-
ple of ‘if’ statements.
if (spd > MAXSPD) { spd = MAXSPD; }
if (spd < MINSPD) { spd = MINSPD; }

The gap control, VR4, uses analogue

Pin A4. This sets the length of the gap
between characters and is processed in
tenths of a dot. The gap between dots and
dashes within a character is the standard
one dot.
As standard, the character-to-character
gap (variable name gap) can be varied
from 5 to 45 tenths of a dot at the char-
acter speed selected. This is converted to
0.5 to 4.5 dots in blink_morse_led.
VR3, the type of character sent control,
uses analogue Pin A3. The original D70
had three character modes selected by a
centre-locking two-way switch. Up was
for numbers, down was for letters and the
middle position was for mixed characters.
The ARD070 has an additional Pseudo
Fig. 4: The ‘genuine’ Arduino Uno R3. Callsign mode and the breadboard would
have required four switch positions. A
use one of these for Part 2 to show the code is all here and it is tested so it will potentiometer with its track divided into
difference but for this stage of the project work without tinkering. I’ve put it on my four ranges of 255 was easier.
a 6-pin one is required. See Useful Infor- website (again, see Useful Information) for As standard, character group type
mation for 4480- and 1602-type interface downloading. Use it with my pleasure but (variable name typ) can be varied from 10
pin numbers (but please check when you in the spirit of Arduino, if you modify it and to 40, corresponding to letters, numbers,
buy!). it stops working, you’re on your own! mixed characters and pseudo callsigns
The photo, Fig. 5, shows the display (PCS on the display).
working on the Arduino. Two rows of 16 Making up the Breadboard VR2, the tone frequency control, uses
characters is not much – brevity is a useful Fit VR5 to VR1 potentiometers to the analogue Pin A2. The original D70 had an
Arduino skill! breadboard. They will fit nicely on one internal potentiometer to vary the beep’s
side (see Fig. 5). Fig. 6 shows the circuit audio frequency. The ARD70 brings this
Arduino Sketch Code diagram. An earlier version used trimmer- out for easier user control. As standard,
My program source is not strictly a type variable resistors that had to be tone frequency (variable name frq) can be
requirement, since anyone can write their turned with a screwdriver but this was not varied from 250 Hz to 2500 Hz.
own code for this application. But my very convenient. VR1, the Seed control, uses analogue

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 An Arduino Morse Tutor

This is too much for an Arduino’s long-

term survival. Random Numbers
To protect the microprocessor, a resis- When random is used, Arduino uses a
tor – usually 100Ω, although that isn’t long series of numbers controlled by
really enough – is required in series with a ‘seed’ and for any one seed, there is
a loudspeaker. This limits the current to one series of numbers. Think of several
about 23mA on average, although the decks of playing cards, each shuffled
peak current still exceeds 40mA. If a correctly and randomly but in its own
volume control is wanted, a small value fixed way. Within this series, the Ar-
potentiometer of, say, 47Ω could be used duino does generate random numbers
in addition, Fig. 7. Because of the 100Ω, but from power-up or reset, they will
Fig. 5: A close-up of the display. very little of the 5V appears across the always be the same ones and in the
loudspeaker so the volume is low. same sequence.
A better option is to use a piezo speak- The usual way of getting random
er such as musical greetings cards have. A numbers from loop to loop is to set
piezo speaker is a high-impedance device the seed by reading the voltage from a
so a current-limiting resistor is unneces- floating (unterminated) analogue input
sary. These devices can stand much pin. The theory is that such a read will
higher voltages than the 5V available so return a number from 0 to 1023. I tested
again the volume is low, Fig. 8. this with a simple sketch and nothing
The best option is to use an Arduino connected to the board except the USB
Fig. 6: The breadboard layout. Piezo Speaker board. These are designed lead. As Fig. 10 shows, an unterminated
for Arduino and Raspberry Pi use and pin’s state isn’t very random. This is not
have tiny piezo speakers in a silo-like a hardware error in my Uno; it’s a com-
housing. The board has a third con- mon problem well known to Arduino
nection for a permanent 5V supply and developers.
what looks like a one-transistor amplifier. There are sophisticated random
Consequently, the volume is much louder, number generator shields available,
especially if the frequency is varied to find using noise generated by zener diodes
the device’s ‘sweet spot’. In the photo, or binary junction transistors. These are
Fig. 9, the size of the board can be seen, used where guaranteed randomness is
also the confusing legend ‘Piezo Buzzer’. required, for example in cryptography
Fig. 7: Using a loudspeaker with current-limiting To my mind, a piezo buzzer is a bulkier applications, but I thought having an
potentiometer. device with a built in oscillator – this is not extra board just to get a random num-
the same thing. ber was overkill for this project.
I did try a piezo buzzer as I understand I consequently added another
it. These just need DC and make a lot of control called Seed, which is user-
sound, but offer no variability, Fig. 10. The controlled in the same way as the other
12V buzzer I used takes about 15 mA on run-time parameters. This happens in
5V so I was confident that the Arduino’s setup, so to set the ARD070 onto a new
digital output pin was in no danger. series of randomness, the user must
turn the Seed control then press the
The Code Arduino’s reset button.
Fig. 8: Using a piezo loudspeaker. The code is reproduced in full. It is very
much beginners’ code – no ternaries,
pin A1. This controls an internal Arduino for example – although there are some before the looping of blink-morse-led
variable that is instrumental in Arduino statements within statements and multi- starts. This means that changes to any of
randomness. See Random Numbers statement lines. I won’t explain everything, these settings do not take effect until loop
sidebar. because many PW readers have done next starts.
programming, I’m sure. The sketch is well Speed is based on the ‘PARIS’ test, in
Getting Sound out an Arduino commented and there is a wealth of online which 50 dot-length segments, including
This is a Morse tutor so it needs to sound material for Arduino programmers (see gaps, make up one PARIS group. If PARIS
out the characters. The output is created Useful Information). The code is changing is sent at 12WPM, one dot takes 100ms. If
by use of the tone command, which puts constantly as I tinker with it so go to my the gap is set to 2.5 dots, this lengthens to
out a variable frequency 5V square wave. website for the latest version. There are 250ms at that speed.
This appears at the digital output pin some aspects of the code that I would like In setup, there is a Serial.begin(9600)
specified (pin 12 in this case). to cover, though. statement. The ARD070 does not need
A small loudspeaker can be used, Sending speed, type of characters this to run but some debug displays (done
although the low impedance is a problem. sent, the character-to-character gap and using the Serial.println instruction) are
The signal is a square wave so an 8Ω the sounder frequency are checked for bound to be useful at some point so I’d
speaker would draw 625mA peak current. every pass-through loop but this happens advise leaving it in.

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 Sketch code: Here is the code. It is also available to download from my website:

//------------------ start sketch ARD70k break;

// ARD70 sketch written by Tony Jones May 2017 case 40: x = random(ASCAVAL, ASCZVAL + 1); cwmsg [0] = (int) x;
// Sketch is a software implementation of a D70 morse tutor with added switch (cwmsg [0]) {
features case ‘G’ : {
// Developed on Arduino Uno R3, should run on any Arduino x = random(ASC0VAL, ASC8VAL + 1); // we don’t want G9
cwmsg [1] = (int) x;
#include <LiquidCrystal.h> break;
LiquidCrystal lcd(8, 9, 4, 5, 6, 7); }
// compiler substitutions case ‘M’ : {
#define MAXSPD 45 // Words per minute x = random(ASC0VAL, ASC2VAL + 1); x = 3 * (x - ASC0VAL); //
#define MINSPD 5 gives us ch 0, 1 or 2
#define MAXGAP 45 // tenths of a dot cwmsg [1] = (int) (x + ASC0VAL); break;
#define MINGAP 5 } // we only want M0, M3 and M6
#define MAXTON 2500 // Hz default : x = random(ASC0VAL, ASC9VAL + 1); cwmsg [1] = (int) x;
#define MINTON 250 // other countries to be added later
#define ASCAVAL 65 // decimal value of character ‘A’ in ASCII }
#define ASCZVAL 90 // char Z x = random(ASCAVAL, ASCZVAL + 1); cwmsg [2] = (int) x;
#define ASC0VAL 48 // char 0 x = random(ASCAVAL, ASCZVAL + 1); cwmsg [3] = (int) x;
#define ASC2VAL 50 // char 2 x = random(ASCAVAL, ASCZVAL + 1); cwmsg [4] = (int) x;
#define ASC8VAL 56 // char 8 strcpy(dsptyp, “PCS “);
#define ASC9VAL 57 // char 9 break;
#define DOTSTD 1200 // one dot at 1 wpm takes 1200 ms based on PARIS }
standard cwmsg [5] = ‘\0’;
#define DSHDOT 3 // standard dash is 3 dots long lcd.clear(); lcd.setCursor(0, 0); lcd.print(dsptyp);
#define HLFSEC 500 lcd.print(spd, 1); lcd.print(F(“ WPM “));
#define TWOSEC 2000 lcd.setCursor(0, 1); lcd.print(gap / 10.0, 1); lcd.print(F(“ GAP **
“));
// constants lcd.print(cwmsg); delay (HLFSEC);
const int cwledop = 12; for (i = 0; i < 5 ; i++) {
const int cwspkop = 11; blink_morse_char (spd, gap, cwmsg [i], frq);
}
// no changing global variables }

//------------------ start setup //------------------ enddd loop

void setup() // runs once
{ // ------------------begin called functions
float potval;
int sed; //------------------ start blink_morse_char
Serial.begin(9600); // necessary for using debug prints to serial void blink_morse_char( float fspd, float fgap, char cwchar, int ftone)
monitor in ide {
pinMode (cwledop, OUTPUT); int i;
lcd.begin(16, 2); lcd.clear(); lcd.setCursor(0, 0); lcd.print(F(“D70 char segs [5];
V3.5 “)); delay(TWOSEC); switch (cwchar) {
case ‘0’ : strcpy(segs, “-----”); break ;
// get new seed for random number generation by pressing reset case ‘1’ : strcpy(segs, “.----”); break ;
potval = abs(analogRead(A1)); case ‘2’ : strcpy(segs, “..---”); break ;
sed = (int) potval; case ‘3’ : strcpy(segs, “...--”); break ;
randomSeed (sed); case ‘4’ : strcpy(segs, “....-”); break ;
} case ‘5’ : strcpy(segs, “.....”); break ;
case ‘6’ : strcpy(segs, “-....”); break ;
//------------------ enddd setup case ‘7’ : strcpy(segs, “--...”); break ;
case ‘8’ : strcpy(segs, “---..”); break ;
//------------------ start loop case ‘9’ : strcpy(segs, “----.”); break ;
void loop() case ‘A’ : strcpy(segs, “.-”); break ;
{ case ‘B’ : strcpy(segs, “-...”); break ;
int frq, i, j, typ; case ‘C’ : strcpy(segs, “-.-.”); break ;
float gap, spd; case ‘D’ : strcpy(segs, “-..”); break ;
long x; case ‘E’ : strcpy(segs, “.”); break ;
char cwmsg[6], dsptyp[5]; case ‘F’ : strcpy(segs, “..-.”); break ;
float potval; case ‘G’ : strcpy(segs, “--.”); break ;
case ‘H’ : strcpy(segs, “....”); break ;
// get wpm case ‘I’ : strcpy(segs, “..”); break ;
potval = abs(analogRead(A5)); case ‘J’ : strcpy(segs, “.---”); break ;
spd = potval * MAXSPD / 1023.0; case ‘K’ : strcpy(segs, “-.-”); break ;
spd = constrain(spd, MINSPD, MAXSPD); case ‘L’ : strcpy(segs, “.-..”); break ;
case ‘M’ : strcpy(segs, “-”); break ;
case ‘N’ : strcpy(segs, “-.”); break ;
case ‘O’ : strcpy(segs, “---”); break ;
// get gap case ‘P’ : strcpy(segs, “.--.”); break ;
potval = abs(analogRead(A4)); case ‘Q’ : strcpy(segs, “--.-”); break ;
gap = potval * MAXGAP / 1023.0; case ‘R’ : strcpy(segs, “.-.”); break ;
gap = constrain(gap, MINGAP, MAXGAP); case ‘S’ : strcpy(segs, “...”); break ;
case ‘T’ : strcpy(segs, “-”); break ;
// get typ case ‘U’ : strcpy(segs, “..-”); break ;
potval = abs(analogRead(A3)); case ‘V’ : strcpy(segs, “...-”); break ;
typ = ( (int)(potval / 255) + 1) * 10; // will give 10 lets, 20 nums, case ‘W’ : strcpy(segs, “.--”); break ;
30 mixed, 40 pseudo callsigns case ‘X’ : strcpy(segs, “-..-”); break ;
typ = constrain(typ, 10, 40); case ‘Y’ : strcpy(segs, “-.--”); break ;
case ‘Z’ : strcpy(segs, “--..”); break ;
// get tone freq }
potval = abs(analogRead(A2)); int cwdott = DOTSTD / fspd;
frq = (int) potval; int cwdash = cwdott * DSHDOT;
frq = potval * MAXTON / 1023.0; int cwcgap = (cwdott * fgap) / 10;
frq = constrain(frq, MINTON, MAXTON); for (i = 0; i < strlen(segs); i++) {
switch (typ) { digitalWrite(cwledop, HIGH); tone(cwspkop, ftone);
case 10: for (i = 0; i < 5; i++) { switch (segs[i]) {
x = random(ASCAVAL, ASCZVAL + 1); case ‘.’ : {
cwmsg [i] = (int) x; delay(cwdott);
} break;
strcpy(dsptyp, “A-Z “); }
break; case ‘-’ : {
case 20: for (i = 0; i < 5; i++) { delay(cwdash);
x = random(ASC0VAL, ASC9VAL + 1); break;
cwmsg [i] = (int) x; }
} }
strcpy(dsptyp, “0-9 “); digitalWrite( cwledop, LOW); noTone(cwspkop); delay(cwdott);
break; }
case 30: for (i = 0; i < 5; i++) { digitalWrite(cwledop, LOW); noTone(cwspkop); delay(cwcgap);
x = 60; // get random chars until in 0-9 or A-Z }
do {
x = random(ASC0VAL, ASCZVAL + 1); //------------------ enddd blink_morse_char
} while ((x > ASC9VAL) && (x < ASCAVAL));
cwmsg [i] = (int) x; //-------------------enddd called functions
}
strcpy(dsptyp, “Mxd “); //------------------ enddd sketch ARD70

November 2017 Practical Wireless 49

46-practical way-arduino.indd 49 26/09/2017 16:11

 An Arduino Morse Tutor

Useful Information
4480-type LCD pins 12, 11, 5, 4, 3, 2
1602-type LCD pins 8, 9, 4, 5, 6, 7
Arduino website www.arduino.cc
Current IDE V1.8.2, versions for PC, Mac & Linux are available.
Arduino memories and the ‘heap-stack’ problem:
https://learn.adafruit.com/memories-of-an-arduino/ardiuno-memories
F macro
www.baldengineer.com/arduino-F-macro.html
Fig. 9: The piezo speaker with associated circuit Fixing problems with copy boards:
board. www.hackster.io/tomheylen/how-to-fix-bad-chinese-arduino-clones-4ca406
Tony Jones website (to download sketch code):
The LCD.print statements, where they http://jaredelec.wixsite.com/home
output fixed string literals, are coded using Really good C syntax document:
the F function (see Useful Information). http://cslibrary.stanford.edu/101/EssentialC.pdf
While not absolutely necessary, Arduino’s Datong D70 manuals:
memory management regarding strings https://sites.google.com/site/datongarchive/d70/d70-manuals
makes the routine use of this function very
wise. What this non-standard C function
does is prevent strings being written to
memory twice, thus saving space between
the ‘stack’ and the ‘heap’. If that sounds
like gobbledegook for now please just take
my word for it and always code print using
statements for literals using an intervening
F macro call such as Serial.println(F(“we
are here”)) rather than Serial.println(“we are
here”).
The case statement in blink-morse-led
is hideous but simple and avoids the need
for a large string array that could have
contributed to heap-stack memory prob-
lems. The use of a pictorial dot and dash
notation for Morse component segments
I also defend. I could have concocted
a numeric code, using integers to store
the Morse character patterns such as ‘B’
becoming, say, 3111. That would have
saved space, for sure, but unpacking the
segments would have been more compli-
cated. Fig. 10: The piezo buzzer for the Arduino.

Improvements for basic UK callsigns. For example, the fection of the timing could be altered, with
My ARD70 works but that does not mean ARD70 will only send G0 to G8 and M0, small variations in speed and gap being
it is finished. (Most programmers ‘improve’ M3 and M6 calls. But there are no regional sent from time to time.
their code to the point that it actually stops locators or suffixes, or maritime indicators,
working but I resisted that because I want and Intermediate calls are not covered at One Last Point
to get on with Part 2.) There are some ob- all. For other countries there is no logic at A flashing LED is an unusual feature in a
vious improvements that could be made. all to make them realistic. There is much Morse tutor and I intended it to be tempo-
A stepped sending approach would be work to be done here. rary. This was my first Arduino project and
nice so someone learning Morse could Special characters such as punctuation during development a beep would have
start with the shorter characters and build could be included. A complete dummy been annoying so I got a visual display
up to the full alphabet. QSO could be generated with ‘WX is’, ‘Rig working first. But with my eyes and ears
The string processing is ugly. This is is’ and similar sections. working together, my Morse-reading ability
because I avoided using string objects The ARD070 is not very loud, even with has really come on and I could be on to
to save memory but in hindsight this was an Arduino piezo speaker board. I could something here. If manufacturers start
unnecessary because the sketch is well make a case building an audio amplifier in. building visual CW indicators into their
within what an Arduino Uno can handle. A scrolling display would be nice, with a products, you saw it in PW first!
The pseudo callsigns are better than replay button for the last group. Please look out for Part 2 of this article,
nothing and there is a bit of intelligence And as the icing on the cake, the per- my Morse reader. It won’t be far behind.

50 Practical Wireless November 2017

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 What Next? with Colin Redwood G6MXL
● E-Mail: [email protected]

Callsigns
entity the operator is located and what type
of licence they have. For Ofcom issued
callsigns, the suffix is generally three letters
such as MXL, XTT, IMS. There are, however,
exceptions to the above.

Prefixes
This month Colin Redwood G6MXL looks at amateur The formats of prefixes are subject to
international agreement. These prefixes are
radio callsigns. issued and coordinated by the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) and apply
not just to amateur radio callsigns but to all
radio callsigns. The registration letters you
will see on commercial aircraft, for example,
Callsign Format Regional Secondary Club Regional Secondary follow a similar pattern and are the radio
callsign of the aircraft. The UK has certain
England E (only for Intermediate) X
initial letters and numbers allocated to it. So
Wales W C only the licensing authority in the UK can
Scotland M S issue callsigns starting G, M and 2. Other
Northern Ireland I N countries have other prefixes that they can
Isle of Man D T use. Therefore, from the prefix it is possible
to tell which country the licence holder is
Guernsey U P
operating from. However, some international
Jersey W H prefixes cover a number of territories that
we, for our hobby purposes, consider to be
Table 1: Regional Secondary Locators that form part of callsign prefixes for callsigns issued by Ofcom. separate ‘countries’ or ‘entities’ although in
UN or ITU terms, they are a single territory.
Callsign Format Callsign Format Type Notes A good example is the VP8 prefix, used from
England Wales, Scotland, etc. the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, British
M3xxx M*3xxx Foundation bases in Antarctica and other sub-Antarctic
islands.
M6xxx M*6xxx Foundation Currently being issued
For Ofcom issued personal and club
2E0xxx 2*0xxx Intermediate Currently being issued callsigns, in most cases it is necessary to
2E1xxx 2*1xxx Intermediate insert a ‘regional secondary locator’ into
G2xx G*2xx Full the callsign issued. If, for example, you are
issued a callsign starting M6 and operate
G3xx G*3xx Full
from Scotland, then your prefix becomes
G4xx G*4xx Full MM6. The list of these regional secondary
G5xx G*5xx Full locators is shown in Table 1. Note that club
G6xx G*6xx Full callsigns are issued to full licence holders
G8xx G*8xx Full and that the club regional secondary locator
is only therefore applicable to full licences,
M0xxx M*0xxx Full Currently being issued
for example GX4PRS and GP3ZME. It’s
M1xxx M*1xxx Full worth a mention that commercial callsigns
M5xxx M*5xxx Full issued in the UK don’t follow the regional
secondary locator system. It is something
Table 2: The range of callsigns issued by Ofcom and its predecessors that may be heard on the air. that amateurs requested many years ago to

T
distinguish between what, for purposes of
he recent correspondence United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, our various awards, are separate ‘countries’.
in PW regarding confusion Northern Ireland), plus certain Crown It should be noted that over the years
over certain callsigns Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, callsigns have been issued from different
caused me to think. It’s a Alderney, Isle of Man) all apply to Ofcom for series and allocations to the ones currently
long time since I have seen an their amateur radio licences. being used (as an example, Channel Island
article covering callsigns in general and UK callsigns used to start with GC whereas
callsigns in particular. Anatomy of a Callsign this prefix is now used for club stations
As I am sure most readers will be aware, Callsigns are made up of two parts: the operating from Wales).
to operate an amateur radio station you prefix and suffix. It is the combination of
need to have gained a relevant qualification prefix and suffix that make the callsign Suffixes
and then obtained an operating licence unique. Ofcom issued callsigns usually have For Ofcom issued callsigns, the suffix is
and callsign from the licence issuing prefixes such as M3, MW6, 2M0, 2D1, GI8, generally three letters such as MXL, XTT,
authority. Amateurs from throughout the MU0, GJ4 and these tell us in which DXCC PRS, although some 2-letter suffices were

November 2017 Practical Wireless 51

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 What Next?

GB0xx GB0xxx lists of all types of repeaters can be found

GB1xx GB1xxx at:
https://ukrepeater.net
GB2xx GB2xxx
GB4xx GB4xxx Simplex Gateways
GB5xx GB5xxx Digital simplex gateways are units that use
GB6xx GB6xxx digital modes such as Fusion, D-STAR and
GB8xx GB8xxx DMR. They are allocated callsigns in the
MB6xx and MB6xxx series. Their analogue
Table 3: Prefixes used for most special event counterparts are allocated callsigns in the Fig. 1: A QSL card from GB1000RSGB.
callsigns issued by Ofcom. MB7xxx series. As with repeaters, there
are a few exceptions to this. Current lists of
issued in the 1920s and 1930s. As I’ll gateways can be found at:
explain, there are some exceptions. www.ukrepeater.net/gateway_list.htm

Over the Years Beacons

Over the years, numerous callsign formats Beacons are to be found on almost
have been issued by Ofcom and its every amateur band. They transmit either
predecessors. The main reasons for the continuously or at a specific time interval.
changes have been as a result of all the Those beacons authorised by Ofcom are
suffixes in a particular prefix series being allocated a callsign with a GB3 prefix and a Fig. 2: A QSL card from GB75PW.
used up or licence types and rules changing. three-letter suffix, such as GB3SCX. While
In some cases, old callsigns of deceased they are mainly designed to help understand
amateurs have been reissued to family or current propagation conditions, they can
friends of the deceased, or to their local also be a good source of weak signals to
amateur radio society. The rules for reissuing check that receivers are working. I’ll look
callsigns have recently been reviewed by at beacons in more depth in a future What
Ofcom and these days tend to follow more Next column. It should be noted that short of
strict guidelines than previously. The option looking up a received beacon’s callsign, it is
to choose your suffix (provided it hadn’t not possible to establish a beacon’s DXCC
already been issued), which was possible for entity because they are all allocated a GB3
a few years, has been withdrawn by Ofcom. prefix. Current lists of GB3xxx beacons can
In practice, it really doesn’t matter how be found at: Fig. 3: An outline map of Spain showing the
these various callsigns have come into being https://ukrepeater.net/beaconlist.htm various callsign areas.
because any of the formats listed in Table 2
can be heard on the air. Special Event relevant system administrators so that
Most special event stations are allocated they know which DXCC entity to associate
Club Callsigns callsigns according to Table 3. They are with your GB prefix. If you are printing QSL
Club callsigns are issued by Ofcom to clubs. available as a Notice of Variation (NoV) to cards, then again it is a good idea to include
The applicant must hold a full licence and be individuals holding a current full licence or the DXCC entity (Scotland, Wales, and so
supported by other full licence holders. This a full club licence. The NoV is valid for a on) so that the recipient can clearly identify
can be done through the Ofcom website. maximum of 28 consecutive days. A special the DXCC entity being confirmed by your
Once issued, the club has the option to use event station must be supporting an event of QSL card.
a special club prefix as shown in Table 1. special significance, such as a celebration,
anniversary or demonstration and which is Contest
Other Callsigns open to viewing by members of the public. It is not necessary to use a special callsign
Besides the ordinary ‘personal’ and normal Applications for special event callsigns can in a contest. However, keen contesters
club callsigns, there are a number of other be made on the Ofcom website. and contest groups holding a full licence
callsigns issued for use by the amateur Occasionally Ofcom will agree to can apply for a special short length
service. issue special event callsigns outside the contest callsign. Those applying have to
range listed in Table 3. These are handled demonstrate a track record of successful
Repeaters manually by Ofcom for events of national contest operating. The prefixes issued are
Analogue voice repeaters and amateur significance. Many readers will no doubt in the range of G0 to G9 and M0 to M9 with
television repeaters (both analogue and recall GB100RSGB, Fig. 1, used to mark the usual regional secondary locators and
digital) are assigned the prefix GB3 with a the centenary of the RSGB in 2013, and just a single letter suffix (G2L, MM2A, for
2-letter suffix. Digital voice repeaters are GB75PW, Fig. 2, used to mark the 75th example). Nowadays these special contest
assigned the prefix GB7 with a 2-letter anniversary of Practical Wireless in 2007. callsigns can be used in almost all contests
suffix. It’s worth noting that there are a few If you are ever involved with a special but RSGB contest rules restrict their use in
exceptions to this, particularly for units that event outside England, where you will certain national contests. Full details can be
have had digital voice facilities added to be uploading logs to Club Log or other found on the RSGB website at:
existing analogue voice facilities. Current databases, I would suggest contacting the www.rsgbcc.org/hf/information/scc.shtml

52 Practical Wireless November 2017

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 Foreign Callsigns even if you exclude your address and state
In many countries the number in the prefix that you don’t QSL, for example.
indicates the regional location of the station, Just listening to the operator on the
and in some cases the DXCC ‘entity’ as air can also be a good clue. If they use
well. An example of this is Spain, Fig. 3. Colin Redwood ‘proper’ amateur procedures, then they are
Here the prefixes EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5 G6MXL more likely to be genuine. Having said that,
and EA7 are allocated to mainland Spain remember newcomers may take a while to
(DXCC entity Spain). EA6 is allocated to the 3212
get used to good operating procedures so
Balearic Islands (Majorca, Menorca, etc.), please don’t assume that someone using a
which although administratively part of 28th
March, 2016
Foundation call is suspect if they get a bit
Spain, are a separate DXCC entity. Likewise tangled up!
EA8 is allocated to the Canary Islands, also
a separate DXCC entity. Finally, there is Fig. 4: A CQ Magazine Prefix Award. Reference Book
EA9, which is allocated to the Spanish North While there are numerous sources on the
African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, again internet that will convert callsigns or prefixes
a separate DXCC entity. Just to confuse to DXCC entities (and most PC-based
things, the EA0 prefix and certain other logging programs will also do so), I find
Spanish special event prefixes (in the AN that I refer most frequently to the RSGB
series, also available to Spain, for example) Prefix Guide, Fig. 5, compiled by Fred
have been used in any or all of these Handscombe G4BWP. Updated editions
Spanish territories. are published every few years to reflect
Other countries where the prefix indicates changes.
the regional location include Belarus,
Estonia, Sweden, Slovak Republic, Thailand, International Conflicts
Mongolia, Austria, Finland, Canada, Peru Fig. 5: RSGB’s Prefix Guide book. In times of international disputes over
and Poland. The same used to be true of the pockets of land, amateurs in the locality
USA where, for example, the prefix K6 or example). Note that UK Foundation and can be in a very difficult position. A current
W6 would indicate a station in California but Intermediate licences are not generally example is the dispute between Ukraine and
for many years now this has no longer been accepted abroad. Full licence holders Russia over Crimea and parts of Eastern
the case. wishing to operate in countries that have Ukraine. Some non-standard prefixes (D1,
not signed up to CEPT recommendation T/R for example) have been heard from the area.
Prefix-Based Contests and Awards 61-01 but accept HAREC (the Harmonised Some international contest organisers are
The American CQ Magazine organises Amateur Radio Examination Certificate) can accepting standard Ukrainian and Russian
a number of major worldwide contests use their HAREC certificate to apply for a prefixes as counting for the respective
based around unique prefixes. During these local licence. I looked at operating abroad country regardless of where the station
contests a range of callsigns with less in much greater depth in the May and June is actually located. A similar situation has
common prefixes can be worked. The same 2015 issues of PW. existed for many years with Northern
magazine also sponsors a range of awards, Cyprus.
Fig. 4, based around confirmed contacts Genuine Callsigns
with unique prefixes. There really is no way to be absolutely Pragmatism
certain that a callsign is genuine. If the At the end of the day, I doubt if Ofcom are
Operating Abroad callsign is from a range issued by Ofcom, going to remove your licence if you happen
When operating abroad, you’ll need to then the RSGB Yearbook is a good start, to work what you believe to be a genuine
comply with local licensing conditions. although it obviously won’t list callsigns that callsign, which turns out not to be genuine.
In countries that have adopted CEPT have been issued since it was published. However, they are absolutely in their rights
recommendation T/R 61-01 you add the The popular QRZ.COM online callbook is to throw the book at you if they can show
country prefix to your callsign (I would sign another good source. If you haven’t checked that you are knowingly making contacts with
F/G6MXL when operating in France, for your entry, I would encourage you to do so, unlicensed stations.

Radio Book Store See page 68 to order

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November 2017 Practical Wireless 53

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form or fully built 10W or 100W 901B........... Versa Tuner 200W HF....................... £119.95
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available! • Receiver 150kHz-30MHz 912..............Remote 4:1 balun box........................ £84.95
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K3S HF+6m transceiver KX3 160-6m all modes + DSP • Built-in CW Keyer £599.95 931..............Artificial ground unit.........................£114.95
K3S/100-F.............. 100W (Assembled).................... £2999.95 KX3-K.....................(Kit).............................................. £999.95 934..............300W Tuner + artificial ground......... £219.95
K3S/10-F................ 10W (Assembled)...................... £2449.95 KX3-F.....................(Fully assembled).........................£1079.95 DM-330MW MkII 941E............300 Watts max Versa Tuner II............£164.95
K3S/10-K................10W (Kit).................................. £2299.95 KX2........................80-10m 10W (Assembled).............£859.95 30A Deluxe Supply 945E............1.8-60MHz 300W manual tuner....... £149.95
variable voltage, low 948..............300W PEP reading antenna tuner.....£174.95
K3S/100-K..............100W (Kit)................................ £2849.95 KPA-1500 NEW - Arriving soon! 949E............300W tuner + Dummy load..............£199.95
1500W HF+6M Amplifier with built-in ATU noise, extra filtering 959C........... Receive antenna tuner + pre-amp.....£145.95
KPA-500 160-6m 500W Amplifier 969..............300W tuner 160-6m........................ £229.95
KPA-500..................(Kit).......................................... £2449.95 Limited quantities - reserve yours now!! £129.95
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KPA-500..................(Assembled)..............................£2649.95 Call for other Elecraft accessories 30A Standard Switch mode variable 986..............1.5kW HF tuner................................£369.95
989D........... 1.5kW HF tuner................................£399.95
voltage standard filtering
£119.95 993B........... Auto Tuner 150W/300W...................£309.95
ANYTONE TYT Digital Radio 994BRT....... 600W remote Auto Tuner..................£409.95
998..............1.5kW Auto Tuner 1.8-30MHz.......... £719.95
DR-735E 998RT......... 1.5kW remote Auto ATU...................£779.95
AT-588 NEW TYT MD-2017 Twin Band Mobile 1020C......... Tunable Active Antenna.................... £129.95
70MHz (4m) 50W Dual Band Digital ‘Rainbow’ display 1025........... Noise canceller/signal enhancer........ £209.95
FM Transceiver • DMR digital & Analogue 1026........... QRM eliminator + active antenna..... £214.95
Fully featured classic • Dual time slot Full featured VHF/UHF transceiver 1118........... High Current DC Multi outlet.............. £94.95
• Extended RX 108-174MHz, 400-479MHz 1700C......... 6 Way coax switch............................£144.95
mobile for 4M • Colour screen 1701........... 6 Way coax switch 2kW (SO239)........ £89.95
• Covers: 66-88MHz • Large frequency display • Power 50/20/5W output 1704 (P)......4 way coax switch 2.5kW (SO239)..... £84.95
£159.95 • Commercial grade • Computer programmable £299.95 1704 (N)..... 4 way coax switch 2.5kW (N type)......£95.00
• Memories: 200
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• CTCSS/DCS/DTMF DM-30E 1707........... Auto RF sensing Ant switch.............. £109.95
PC-588.....Programming software & lead.......£19.95 FREE DELIVERY £199.95 Lightweight 30A 1708........... RF Sensing T/R Switch.........................£94.95
Switch Mode Digital 1763........... 3 Element 2m beam........................... £74.95
Volt/Amp meter 1786X......... Loop (10-30)MHz 3ft dia.................. £479.95
AMERITRON Remote Antenna Switches 1788X......... Loop (7-21)MHz 3ft dia.................... £529.95
£89.95 1779B......... 80/40m Dipole................................... £64.95
RCS-4X..........4 Way 2.5kW SO239 100MHz....... £174.95 RCS-8VNLX...5 Way 5kW N type 250MHz...........£239.95 1799X......... 9 Band vertical................................. £479.95
DR-138HE... VHF/FM mob TX 144-148MHz...£169.95 1868........... Discone antenna with cable................£94.95
RCS-4LX........4 Way 2.5kW SO239 100MHz....... £219.95 RCS-10X........8 Way 5kW SO239 100MHz...........£194.95 2980........... Wire vertical (40m-6m).......................£99.95
DR-185H..... VHF/FM TX 136-174MHz..........£169.95
RCS-8VX....... 5 Way 5 kW SO239 250MHz......... £189.95 DX-R8E........ HF comms RX ......................... £469.95 4416B......... Super battery booster....................... £174.95

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p054.indd 1 22/09/2017 10:25

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CHA-250BX11....3.5 - 57MHz (RX: 2.0 - 90MHz)............... 349.00 CF-530..........1.3-90/125-470MHz 2x SO239,PL259 lead.....49.95 Flex 6600M......Including front panel....................... £4999.95
CWA-1000....Multi Band dipole 3.5/7/14/21/28MHz...........124.95 CF-530C........1.3-90/125-470MHz, SO239 2 x PL259 lead....49.95
VHF/UHF FIBREGLASS BASE ANTENNAS CF-706..........1.3-57/75-550MHz,SO239, 2 x PL259 leads.... 49.95
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GP-6M.......... 144/430MHz, SO-239 Lgth 3.07m (SO239)......99.95 SMA-3.......... SMA for 144/430/900MHz............................... 29.95
GP-93N.........144/430/1200MHz, Length 1.78m N Type...... 99.99 SMA-501...... SMA for 144/430/900MHz............................... 22.95
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CA-52HB.......2 Element HB9CV for 50MHz...........................79.95 AB-380......... Base Ant for 108-140/220-400MHz................. 79.95
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CA-285......... 50/144 MHz, 1.32m 300W...............................25.95 CS-400P........Coax lightning Protector for DC-500MHz........ 29.95 AT-5K........3.5kW manual tuner................................. £1249.95
CSB7900.......144/430MHz 5.1/7.7dBi 1.56m 150W.......... 69.95 CSW-201G.... 2 Way Coax switch DC-600MHz...................... 29.95 AT-4K........2.5kW manual tuner................................. £1024.95
SB-15............50/144/430MHz 2.15/4.5/7.2dBi 1.53m 120W..49.95 D-21M.......... Dummy Load 100w DC - 600MHz................... 39.95 AT-500......600W PEP manual tuner 6-160m.. £529.95 £499.95
SBB-2............144/430MHz, 2,15 / 3.8dBi 0.46m 60W....... 29.95 CABLE ASSEMBLIES HF-Auto... 1.5kW auto antenna tuner 6-160m........... £1599.95
SBB-4............144/430MHz, 3.0 / 5.5dBi 0.92m Black.......... 39.95 3D4MB......... 4m Jap. 3DQEFV Coax with SO239 socket.......19.95 DL-1500... 1500W high power dummy load....................£199.95
M-24M......... 144/430MHz Magnetic Mount c/w Coax........ 36.95 3K054M........4m RG188A Coax with SO239 socket..............26.95 BK4C/1:1..4kW 1:1 ratio current balun.......................... £99.95
ANTENNA TUNERS HM10 BNC... 1m of Jap. 1.5DQEV Coax with BNC socket.....12.95 BK4C/4:1..4kW 4:1 ratio current balun.......................... £99.95
CAT-10..........Mobile 3.5-50 MHz, 10W (CW)........................99.00 ANTENNA MOUNTS
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BALUNS CTC-50M...... Thru Window cable mount SO239-PL259........ 39.95
PS-40M Linear PS-30M Linear
CBL-1000......1.7-30MHz, 1kW/CW....................................... 34.95 LD-5M...........Trunk/Hatch back Mount w/ 5m of cable.........36.95
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£129.95 £99.95
LOW PASS FILTERS MG-4M.........Mag. Mount 4m 3.5DQEFV COAX SO239........ 29.95
CF-30MR...... 1.8 - 32MHz, 1kW/CW..................................... 59.95 RS6............... Roof Rack mount (adjustable)......................... 23.95
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DUPLEXERS RS-020B........Trunk/Hatch back mount..................................21.50 • Voltage: 1.5-15V DC • Voltage: 3.0-15V DC
CF-360A....... 1.3-30/49-470MHz, 2 x leads SO239 Socket....49.95 RS-020S........ Trunk/Hatch back mount..................................21.50 • Cigar adaptor output • Cigar adaptor output
CF-4160B......1.3-170/350-540MHz SO239, N Type, SO239. 39.95 RS-730..........Trunk/Hatch back mount..................................21.95 PS-08...............Linear 8A (max) 13.8V DC............................................£34.95
CF-416A....... 1.3-170/350-540MHz SO239 + 2 x PL259 leads.39.95 RS-840..........Trunk/Hatch back mount..................................24.95 PSW-50............Switch mode 50A (max) 9-15V DC............................ £129.95
PSW-30............Switch mode 30A (max) 9-15V DC.............................. £79.95
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PS23-SW1....... Switch mode 23A (max) 13.8V DC...............................£59.95
DAIWA SWR Meters 1kW End Fed Antennas PSW-07............Switch mode 7A (max) 13.8V DC.................................£29.95
PSW-04............Switch mode 5A (max) 13.8V DC.................................£24.95
CN-801S11..0.9-2.5GHz 0.2/2/20W..............£199.00 MyAnt EFW 80-10
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CN-901HP CN-101L...... 1.8-150MHz 15/150/1.5kW........ £89.99
Professional grade with CN-103LN... 140-525MHz 20/200W N type.... £89.99 Length: 130ft £159.95 Yaesu FT1000MP + SP8 speaker & MD1-B8 Mic............................... £949.95
Yaesu FTM400DR/E........VHF/UHF Digital mobile transceiver................. £349
extra large display CN-501H..... 1.8-150MHz 15/150/1.5kW........ £89.99 MyAnt EFW 40-10 Yaesu FTM400XD/E........VHF/UHF Digital mobile transceiver................. £399
Yaesu FT450AT...............HF+6m 100W Transceiver.................................£469
• Freq: 1.8-200 MHz CN-501H2... 1.8-150MHz 20/200/2kW........... £89.99 Resonant on 40/20/15/10 +
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www.nevadaradio.co.uk
p055.indd 1 22/09/2017 10:27
 Emerging Technology with Chris Lorek G4HCL
● E-Mail: [email protected]

What’s happening and what’s about to happen – you read it here first!

Emerging
with my colleague Godfrey Spires G4XHM,
now sadly deceased, as well as getting 23cm
repeater GB3PS on air. Interesting challenges
to say the least!

Technology
In those days it really was up to individuals
and groups to pioneer such projects but for
some time now we’ve had significant help in
co-ordination and technical assistance. Many
amateurs are unaware of the RSGB (Radio
Society of Great Britain) Emerging Technology
Coordination Committee (ETCC), who aim to
develop and enhance the UK amateur radio
repeater and data communications systems
and promote the introduction and rollout of
and interference on the transceiver but there appropriate new technologies. From 1999 to
on the green screen of the IBM 8086 PC (with 2007 one of the ETCC’s predecessors, the
all of 125kB memory and two 5.25in floppy Data Communications Committee, acted as the
disk drives) was 100% correct and uncor- body responsible for facilitating, by means of
rupted incoming text. He was, to say the least, frequency coordination, simplex internet voice
amazed. I was very fortunate in my job by hav- gateways. At the time of writing there are oper-
ing a fully-equipped HF/VHF/UHF station in my ational gateways on 51MHz, 70MHz, 145MHz,
office, along with a 6m/2m/70cm/23cm packet 430MHz, 431MHz, 435MHz and 1297MHz. Full
node and DX cluster station and roof mounted details of the currently licensed gateways plus
antennas – that would almost certainly have the online Notice of Variation (NoV) application
The Barrett 4075 liquid cooled amplifier. been frowned on now! system can be found on the ETCC’s website:
Getting back to the subject of amplifier https://ukrepeater.net
Liquid Cooling for HF Amplifiers cooling, many high power broadcasting sta- Also, you will find links to popular Voice
We amateurs are familiar with convection tions have employed water cooling of their over IP (VOIP) software packages and informa-
cooled or fan cooled high power amplifi- amplifiers. However, liquid cooling is now tion that can be downloaded. I hope this is of
ers, whether these be valve or solid-state. I being used in commercial two-way HF radio use to readers interested in emerging amateur
fondly remember building a 400W PEP output systems. Barrett Communications, an Austral- radio technology.
solid-state amplifier using a pair of BLY90 ian company manufacturing HF communication
power transistors, each having 130W power equipment, have recently started using a water Ready Steady Go Backwards
dissipation, which I mounted on a 400 x 100 x propylene glycol mixture in their 1000W PEP With no pun intended whatsoever to the RSGB
100mm finned heatsink. Even this got fairly hot, output 4075 HF amplifier. They say this allows for the title, emerging technology doesn’t
especially during HF data transmissions, and I the transmitter to run continuously at optimum always lead to faster over-air data rates. Many
considered adding forced air fan cooling. temperatures and reduces the requirement for of us know of POGSAG (Post Office Code
HF communication using data transmission forced-air cooling. They add that this is a more Standardisation Advisor Group) paging that has
has certainly increased dramatically over the efficient design, consumes less power, offers been used commercially throughout the world
years, not just by radio amateurs but also by greater reliability and extended service life and for paging, including life-dependent paging for
government agencies such as security forces, provides a much quieter working environment, medical staff and organisations such as the
non-government organisations (NGOs) such as and that the advanced liquid-cooled solid-state RNLI. The modulation used is FSK (Frequency
aid agencies, and commercial operations such design of the 4075 amplifier is believed to be Shift Keying) with a ±4.5kHz shift on the carrier,
as oil exploration companies. When I’m talking the first of its kind. (Many high-end personal and used with a 25kHz channel spacing or in
of data, you may think of modes such as RTTY, computers now have liquid cooling too, to some countries on 12.5kHz channel spacing
PSK31, SSTV and the like. But many non-am- get heat away from the main processor chip. with ±2.5kHz shift. It was developed back in
ateur HF users are gradually changing over to I know of at least one radio amateur who has the 1970s and was adopted by the CCIR (Co-
digital voice on HF with its ability, aided by for- used such a module for cooling a homebrew mité Consultatif International pour la Radio, the
ward error-control and auto-acknowledgement amplifier – ed.) forerunner of the ITU-R) as Radiopaging Code
of correct reception, to get through when other No.1. It’s still used worldwide for both numeric
modes can’t. The ease of digital encryption is Emerging Technology in UK Amateur and text paging.
an added bonus for many users. Repeaters Now you may think new technologies, such
Many, many years ago amateurs knew that I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to sup- as TETRA (TErrestrial TRunked Radio) as cur-
CW would get through when voice modes at port emerging technology in amateur repeaters rently used by the UK ‘blue light’ emergency
that time couldn’t but that’s certainly not the for over 35 years, being a founder member of services, with its TETRA paging facility and
case now, nor indeed has it been over the past a number of repeater groups as well as being, belt-worn TETRA pagers, would be better than
25-30 years or so. I fondly remember, in my later, a technical committee member and engi- this. Not so! A recent Swissphone white paper
main job, giving a live on-air demonstration to neer for Britain’s first repeater, GB3PI, Britain’s compared POCSAG, TETRA and LTE (Long
my amateur-licensed Sales Director around 27 first 70cm repeater GB3PY and Britain’s first Term Evolution). The white paper came up with
years ago, of HF data on 20m one lunchtime in RTTY and Data repeater GB3PT, along with two main findings. The first was that POCSAG
my office. All he could hear was simply noise establishing 23cm TV repeater GB3PT together gives the very best and most cost-effective in-

56 Practical Wireless November 2017

56-Emerging Technology.indd 56 26/09/2017 16:12

 door coverage, which is vital in places such as emerging technology.
hospitals and, say, the homes and workplaces On a personal note, when I was also a
of RNLI volunteers. Indeed, a recent newspa- young schoolboy in Lancashire, my parents
per article reported that 90% of remaining BT saw me soldering components together in my
pagers in the UK are in use by the NHS. bedroom to make a basic radio receiver. At that
It also found that POCSAG paging provides time my father was a Spinner in a Lancashire
a higher reserve in-link budget than LTE, cotton mill and my mother was a Weaver at the
TETRA voice radios and TETRA pagers. The 7 same mill. They said to me, “If you carry on like
to 10dB improvement in link budget compared that, you’ll end up working in a factory”. Yes,
with TETRA pagers corresponds to an area I did carry on – I ended up with a first class
coverage that is five to ten times greater. In honours degree in Electrical and Electronic
other words, a POCSAG base station realises The Mir space station. Engineering and became a team leader in the
the same radio coverage as five to ten TETRA two-way radio design laboratory of a large fac-
base stations in a network used for alerting. heavily biased in the favour of Morse Code tory in Cambridge, with an international patent
They then concluded that a POCSAG base rather than any new technology. for antenna matching technology to my name.
station was more cost effective than a TETRA After the pupils had watched the video, and Later I ended up as Chief Technical Officer
base station by a factor of 15 to 30. Therefore, with me giving them an invitation to study part- (CTO) in a factory of an international group of
it was generally easier and less expensive time at school for the Novice Licence, Nigel two-way radio communication manufacturers
to build the required indoor coverage with asked if any were interested. One boy very and suppliers, with over 95% of our prod-
POCSAG than with any other alerting technol- sheepishly raised his hand. Nigel then asked if ucts boosting UK exports, including 35,000
ogy available. They also found that building there were any questions. A young lady pupil radios for police and border control security in
a POCSAG network for alerting in parallel to raised her hand and asked, “Do we have to Afghanistan, along with a further international
TETRA saves money, even if a TETRA network learn Morse code?” I immediately replied, “No, patent application to my name for antenna
already exists. POCSAG pagers are also of course not, there’s no need whatsoever for technology. That all started with a youngster
as much as three times more cost effective the Novice licence, you can use voice, data pursuing his hobby despite derision from oth-
compared with TETRA pagers. Given the large communication such as packet radio, and lots ers.
numbers of pagers required, the difference more.” The pupils were certainly interested in We owe the future of our hobby to promot-
in price outstrips the cost of the separate data and were surprised to find that, unlike the ing interest in emerging technology in our
POCSAG network. Again, the difference in link internet, there were no charges at all, not even up-and-coming youngsters. Never mind,
budget margin between TETRA pagers and for their licenses. To cut a long story short, all “Pass the Port, Rodney, isn’t it good that
TETRA radios is important. Even if a network six pupils who took the twice-weekly course we’re keeping all these young upstarts away
offers full indoor coverage for TETRA radios, it that I prepared and ran as a volunteer, passed from our hobby”. When I was a youngster
will require twice or even four times as many and achieved their licences and thanks to the with my callsign of G8IYA, I was asked on the
base stations to achieve the same coverage for generosity of Rob Taylor G4ROB of Anchor air, “When are you going to get your ‘proper’
TETRA pagers. Emerging technology doesn’t Supplies in Nottingham, each was presented licence?” meaning a Class A. The G3 amateur
necessarily always bring technical and opera- with an ex-government 70cm Pye PF2UB who was using commercial equipment also
tional benefits! 3-channel UHF portable transceiver together asked if the 2m synthesised FM rig I was using
with a copy of my PMR Conversion Handbook was a “Japanese black box import”, to which I
Youngster Newcomers – Our Emerging with conversion information. With our help they quite honestly replied that I was part of the UK
Technology Future each got going on 70cm FM and I estab- team that designed the transceiver and that I
Some years go, my neighbour Nigel Phillips, lished a 70cm repeater at the school, GB7EA had built it myself over a weekend from scratch
who was the CDT (Craft Design and Technol- (Eastleigh), along with a 2m repeater GB3SH component by component. Yes, I did gain a
ogy) master at the Cantell School in Violet (Southampton). Nigel also became G7POC Class A callsign, taking the Morse test in secret
Road, Southampton, asked me whether his and is now an active member of the current one day in Liverpool and simply appearing on
class could pay an industrial visit to my firm’s repeater group. I also donated a 2m synthe- the bands one morning as G4HCL to the sur-
factory in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, where sised base station and a low power HF station prise of my on-air friends. The eventual Novice
we manufactured radio communication equip- along with antenna systems to the school for licence, proposed to the Radiocommunica-
ment as well as having, at that time, a string the pupils’ use. tions Agency (the RA, later Ofcom) by Ian Abel
of amateur radio retail shops throughout the The newly-licensed pupils were subse- G3ZHI and adopted by the RA who acknowl-
UK. A quick chat with my amateur-licensed quently delighted to have communication via edged Ian as the proposer, like it or not literally
MD, Barry Gardner, gave the ‘all clear’ and a packet radio with Musa Manarov UA9EV, doubled the number of licensed amateurs in
tour was arranged. The 20+ pupils had a useful Hero of the Soviet Union, who was on board the UK and certainly boosted youngsters’ inter-
conducted tour around the factory and we the orbiting Russian Mir (‘Peace’) space sta- est in our hobby.
concluded in our large conference room where tion. He even sent the students an RTTY-like Once again, we owe the future of our
they sat down and were treated to packets block diagram over packet of the space sta- emerging amateur radio hobby, including
of crisps and tins of soft drinks while they tion, with a description and showing the Kvant digital over-air technology along with internet-
watched a large-screen promotional video of module were he resided. To put it mildly, the linking, to our up-and-coming youngsters. We
amateur radio and its benefits to youngsters. pupils were delighted and I’m sure many of should help and encourage them, not depress
Unfortunately, to my mind at least, this was them went on to have successful careers in and ridicule them. Enough said.

See you soon as I explore the future on behalf of PW readers. Chris G4HCL.

November 2017 Practical Wireless 57

56-Emerging Technology.indd 57 26/09/2017 16:12

 In Focus by Don Field G3XTT
Don Field G3XTT E-mail: [email protected]

GB2RN and
seeing action in Chinese waters when
the European war had ended and being
heavily involved in the Korean War in
1950-52. She remained in service until

HMS Belfast
1962, undertaking a number of exercises
and official visits around the world.
With the aid of lifelike reconstructions,
these days the ship tells the story of life
on board and explores how war affects
and impacts on the morale, resilience and
determination of the ship’s community.
There are nine decks in all (the ship
Editor Don Field G3XTT reports on a recent visit to had a crew of 950) and my family and
I were astonished at the sheer scale of
HMS Belfast and GB2RN. everything, from the size of the boiler
and engine rooms to the gun turrets,
accommodation, kitchen and so on. The
ship was a floating town with its own
workshop, hospital, dental surgery, shop,
laundry, brig (cells for prisoners) and much
more.
Because this was the Admiral’s
flagship, there are two bridges, the
Captain’s bridge and the Admiral’s
bridge. There were three radio rooms in
all, the Admiral’s radio room (for sending
commands to other vessels in the fleet,
where GB2RN is now located, the ship’s
regular radio room and a radio room
specifically for the control of gunnery.

GB2RN is Established
A history of GB2RN can be found on
the GB2RN website (below). In essence,
the Royal Naval Amateur Radio Society
HMS Belfast, photo courtesy IWM. (RNARS) was invited, early on in the

H
restoration of the Belfast ready for its
MS Belfast is docked opening as a museum, to be involved
near Tower Bridge and specifically in the refitting of the wireless
was opened to the offices. Wally Walker, a radio amateur but
public in 1971 by the still serving in the Navy, was seconded
Belfast Trust charitable to the HMS Belfast Trust and was given
trust. Nowadays it is run as a branch of the necessary authority to tour various
the Imperial War Museum (IWM). Among naval stores to requisition returned radio
the many other features of interest on equipment and ancillaries. It was Wally
board is a permanent amateur radio who also suggested to the Admiral in
station, callsign GB2RN. Your editor was charge of the Trust at that time that a
invited to visit and see what the ship and permanent amateur radio station would be
the station have to offer. I finally managed an asset. This was agreed.
to do so this summer, in company with www.gb2rn.org.uk
my daughter Helena and granddaughter To help things along, the RNARS
Caitlin. It proved to be an excellent day London Group was formed in 1973, with
out. Don Walmsley G3HZL as Chairman. Its
remit to was to help with the establishment
HMS Belfast and running of the amateur radio station.
There’s lot of information about HMS Thus GB2RN was established although
Belfast on the IWM website, as you’d in the early days its operations were
expect. Briefly, the ship has a long conducted by radio amateurs who were
and distinguished history, having been still serving in the Navy and who were
launched in March 1938, served in WWII, required to conduct operations while in
Don G3XTT gets to operate GB2RN. including leading the fleet on D-Day, uniform.

58 Practical Wireless November 2017

58-In Focus.indd 58 26/09/2017 16:12

 Above left: One corner of the GB2RN shack with the VHF operating position and lots of historic gear. Above right: A collection of B40 receivers.

GB2RN Now while the other operated HF.

GB2RN has become well established Admittedly our visit was during the
over the years and continues to be run main holiday season but I was taken
and operated by members of the RNARS with the steady stream of visitors to
London Group although visiting amateurs the radio room and the level of interest
are welcome to operate the station, shown. During our time there we saw
preferably by prior arrangement (and do folk from Israel, Japan, South Africa and
bring a copy of your licence!). There are other exotic parts of the world as well
four operating positions available. There as from the UK. The GB2RN volunteers,
is range of Yaesu kit for HF and operation, though, see London as a key part of their
including an FT-847 (used mainly for 2m) constituency and are always keen to
and an FT-1000MP MkV Field. A selection work local amateurs on HF or VHF – who
of old Navy gear is also on display knows, some of them might join up and
alongside several historical items from help out in due course.
other navies, particularly the USA.
Two doublet antennas are installed Membership
between the upper yardarms of the Apropos of which, membership of the
masts, 22m above the deck, high above RNARS London Group costs £10 per
the River Thames and tuned remotely by annum and, at the discretion of the
LDG AT-100 Pro II auto-ATUs housed in Committee, is open to all radio amateurs
waterproof cases at the foot of the forward and shortwave listeners. Details of how to
funnel. The VHF antenna is a triband join appear on the GB2RN website. There
(6m/2m/70cm) collinear. is also a GB2RN presence on Facebook
A team of volunteers keep the station with plenty of current news, photographs
on the air during visiting hours. The aim and other related material. Caitlin prepares to send her name in Morse.
is to have two operators on duty at any
one time, one to operate the radio and the Visiting managed it all with no problems at all
second to explain to visitors what is going HMS Belfast (and GB2RN) are open 364 but I’m glad my wife didn’t come on
on. There is also a Morse key and sounder days of the year. Details of times, prices, this particular visit, given that she was
and young visitors are encouraged to try how to get there and so on are on the suffering some back problems at the time.
their hand at sending their name in Morse HMS Belfast website. In terms of how long to allow for a visit, all
code, on completion of which they receive www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast I can say is that however long you allow,
a nice certificate. As a word of caution, HMS Belfast is you probably won’t get round the whole of
not a cruise ship! Getting between decks the ship in a single visit!
Our Visit requires going up and down lots of steps,
On the day of our visit the station was mostly in the form of rather steep metal Thanks
manned by husband and wife team Chris companionways, albeit with handrails. My thanks to Doug Goodison G0LUH
G0EKN and Stella G0EKP. There was There are also some quite narrow and the GB2RN team for their hospitality
also a visiting amateur from the London walkways, for example in the engine room during our visit and to Poppy Andrews
area who was busy on 2m so either Stella between the various pieces of machinery. of IWM for helping with background
or Chris was able to deal with visitors My seven-year-old granddaughter information.

November 2017 Practical Wireless 59

58-In Focus.indd 59 26/09/2017 16:12

 Making Waves by Steve White G3ZVW
Steve White G3ZVW l E-Mail: [email protected]

Maximum Usable
Frequency
In this instalment Steve White G3ZVW looks at Maximum Usable Frequency.

T
he last instalment of
Making Waves was about
Critical Frequency
(foF2) and Near Vertical
Incidence Skywave (NVIS)
propagation. Those topics lead neatly
on to the subject of Maximum Usable
Frequency (MUF).

Constant Change
Constantly changing solar conditions and
the amount of energy reaching various
parts of the ionosphere mean that, just
like foF2, the MUF is in a constant state
of change. Rather like foF2 it is fair to
say that the MUF is usually higher in
the tropics than it is near the North Pole
or South Pole, and it is also likely to be
higher around the middle of the day than
it is at other times (and especially at night).
a shallow angle. Remember, I said before
Prove it to Yourself that the ionosphere is much more likely
First, go to the ionospheric page of the to be transparent overhead but act like a
Convective Weather website at: mirror at the horizon. But it is frequency
www.convectiveweather.co.uk/ dependant. In between the two I have Fig. 1: The Maximum Usable Frequencies and
ionosphere circled the MUF for a 1,000km path. At Critical Frequency at 13:30 on September 2nd
Click on the Live data link. You should that time it was somewhere between the 2017 at the Fairford ionosonde.
see an image similar to the one shown two, sitting at 8.5MHz.
in Fig. 1, which gives figures for the Another way of proving it to yourself from the ionosphere is about 4,000km
MUF for various distances, plus the is to listen on the various amateur bands. (2,500 miles) but the web page shows
Critical Frequency (foF2). Fig. 1 is from At night the MUF drops, so bands such the longest distance MUF for a 3,000km
September 2nd, if you want to search as 14MHz, which are open for long path. 3,000km (about 1,900 miles) is
for it in the Archive section. I have added distance working during the day, are not more realistic, because it is difficult
some markers and text to the figure, at night. You can see this clearly in Fig. even for Short Wave broadcasters to fire
which I’ll now explain. 1. On September 2nd the yellow MUF the majority of a transmission at zero
Starting at the bottom, the MUF (the line for a 3,000km refraction is above the degrees above the horizon and thereby
red line) at 13:30 hours was 5.5MHz. green dashed line for 14MHz from about get a refraction at the absolute maximum
At exactly the same time the MUF for 07:30 to 22:00. Bear in mind, though, that distance. Broadcasters have large,
a 3,000km path (the yellow line) was you should not expect a refraction up to optimised antenna systems, so it’s even
17.9MHz. That’s a whopping 12.4MHz 3,000km in all directions at all times. more difficult for radio amateurs to do it!
difference, so let me explain exactly Also, the height and intensity of the F2
what’s going on here. foF2 is associated What it Means Layer varies, so the refraction point (if
with signals going straight up and then Assuming an F Layer height of 300km, there is one) isn’t constant.
coming back down, whereas MUF is the absolute maximum distance a radio There’s something else we also need to
associated with signals being refracted at signal can be refracted back to Earth consider and that is that we don’t always

60 Practical Wireless November 2017

60-Making Waves 2.indd 60 26/09/2017 16:13

 forgiven for thinking that if the MUF is,
say, 15MHz, you will not be able to make
any contacts or hear anything above that
frequency by anything other than Ground
Wave propagation. This is not the case
and it’s because the MUF is associated
solely with the F Layer of the ionosphere.
If you communicate via a different mode
of propagation, the MUF figure doesn’t
apply – and there are plenty of instances
of that.
On the upper HF bands (21-28MHz)
and on VHF there will be plenty of times
when one or more of those bands will be
open for long distance communication
while the MUF is way below them. In
the Summer – and to a lesser extent in
the Winter – Sporadic E propagation
is responsible for that. This is a topic I
covered in the May 2017 instalment. There
Fig. 2: Frequencies that will be refracted (or pass through) at various distances. are also several long distance propagation
modes that are pretty much exclusive
that it could be more and, indeed, that the to VHF, such as meteor scatter and
signal could arrive by more than one path tropospheric ducting (not yet covered).
and from more than one angle.
In Fig. 3 I have flattened the Earth, Summary
added a scale and show what is likely The MUF is something useful to think
to be happening. The height of the about for long distance HF working. To
ionosphere isn’t to scale but what I hope stand a chance of getting a single-hop
Fig. 3: Two and three hops of the ionosphere to it shows is that the two-hop path to New signal through up to 4,000km, the MUF
New York. Maybe both at the same time! York is via a lower angle (the green line, needs to be above the frequency you wish
with refractions at the points marked Y) to use at the refraction point (half way
want to hear people or make contacts at than the three-hop path (the magenta between yourself and the other end of the
the maximum possible distance. Most line, with refractions at the points marked radio path). Similarly, for longer distances
of Europe is a lot closer to Britain than X). Something I don’t show is that I am the MUF needs to be above the frequency
3,000km, so the website also shows the assuming the signals travel between the you wish to use at each of the refraction
MUFs for shorter distances. I chose to end points in a straight line. Most times points, otherwise the signal may refract at
highlight the 1,000km line but 500km and they do but sometimes they don’t. the first but escape out into space at the
100km are also shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2 I Something else to think about is second/third.
show how those figures translate into the what happens to signals when there are Commercial Short Wave broadcasters
real world, by showing what frequencies multiple hops. I have said that a signal often choose a working frequency of
are going to pass through the F Layer and needs to be refracted back to earth about 90% of the MUF, because it can
which ones will be at least partly refracted from the ionosphere but it also needs then change a bit before they need
by it. to be reflected by the ground. On its to think about moving to a different
journey across the Atlantic a signal will frequency. Simply put, it makes
Multiple Hops be reflected by the surface of the ocean. scheduling a practical proposition.
First, here are a couple of facts: Saltwater is quite conductive so it isn’t Commercial broadcasters subscribe to
The absolute maximum distance a a bad reflector. Consequently, a fair propagation predictions and know what
radio signal can be refracted back to Earth percentage of the signal is likely to be frequencies to use at the various times
from the F2 Layer of the ionosphere is propagated onwards. The same cannot be of day, seasons of the year and parts
about 4,000km (2,500 miles). said of the land, which isn’t such a good of the 11-year Solar Cycle. Most of the
New York is about 5,500km (3,400 reflector because it isn’t as conductive. time, anyway! Perhaps most importantly
miles) from the middle of the UK. Signals to the Far East have to go across though, they don’t usually try to beam
These things being so, you don’t the Asian landmass so generally speaking, signals right across the world. The BBC,
need a qualification in maths to work stations from that part of the world are not for example, has a shortwave relay station
out that you cannot get a radio signal received as strongly in the UK as signals in Singapore to cover the Far East and
from the UK to New York in one hop. It is from the Americas, even though they may on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic
entirely normal though for long distance be similar distances away. to cover Africa and South America. They
propagation to occur via multiple hops. used to have relay stations on Cyprus
New York would normally be two hops, Possible Confusion and in the Seychelles too, but they closed
but we should not ignore the possibility If you are a VHF user, you could easily be down in 2013/2014.

November 2017 Practical Wireless 61

60-Making Waves 2.indd 61 26/09/2017 16:13

 Letters Send your letters to:
Practical Wireless Letters, Warners Group Publications
West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH
E-mail: [email protected]

Callsigns and this very moment. Then, we can

watch sport wherever. Literally.
opportunities for different
propagation modes across
through, congratulating them at
the end of the QSO, and would
Emerging Tech Without any buffering or delays. the various frequency bands, never dream of making a remark
Ray Howes G4OWY/G6AUW do the odd SOTA activation or in my log to ‘avoid in the future’.
Dear Don,
Weymouth, Dorset reply just to try it out. I’ve been I have the fullest admiration
Dave G1VAC (Letters, October),
involved in RAYNET where, for the amateur in question and
apparently cannot understand
Editor’s comment: Thanks Ray. again, radio is used as a means if he reads this, please be aware
why some people have multiple
Well, I have three callsigns – my of communication rather than
callsigns? Well, there is a simple that the ‘avoid in the future’ list
UK callsign, my short contest as an end in itself.
answer to that question in my is the exception, if not unique,
callsign (it supposedly helps I passed my City and Guilds
case. Just like Dave who is being totally bigoted while also
to increase rate in contests, licence exam while completing
obviously proud of one callsign, running contrary to the amateur
although I have yet to be fully engineering training with the
I am proud of two. Although, as ethos, which is surely to help
convinced!) and my US callsign. BBC and have been involved in
Dave so succinctly puts it, “it’s and guide others. Maybe in this
I’ve held lots of overseas professional radio engineering
only possible to use one callsign instance others who feel the
callsigns over the years, for ever since. Contesting is a
at a time so why does anyone same may place G3XNG on
my various DXpeditions and great and hard earned skill and
need more?” However, putting their own ‘avoid in the future’
holiday trips, but the US one I shows prowess in operating
to one side that many people list, knowing that if you don’t
consider to be long-term, simply but it has little to do with the
insist on owning two or three
because I visit quite regularly. development of tomorrow’s send ‘proper’ CW, the wrath
cars but can only drive one Apropos smartphones, though, engineers. may fall on you too. A very sad
at a time, has he temporarily I will never forget reading an Many thanks for yet another paragraph indeed while also
forgotten that many amateurs article in Scientific American by excellent issue of PW. a bad day for amateur radio.
have multiple callsigns because a learned professor (Harvard or Phill Gardiner G8YLX If you feel you don’t send
not only do they have a UK whatever) about how the telcos Barnsley, Yorkshire ‘proper’ CW, please don’t let
callsign but also have an were going to be putting all
overseas callsign too? this put you off – there are lots
sorts of applications into their
of proficient helpful friendly
Contrary to Tony G1YIL’s
comments in the same Letters
networks. Obviously that was
in their commercial interest but
Proper CW? amateurs out there to guide you
pages, emerging technology Dear Don, along. Remember, there will
Apple pulled the rug from under
doesn’t take a great deal of their collective feet by putting I was somewhat dismayed always be greater and lesser
imagination to predict. As far as the apps in the phone itself! The by Bob G3XNG declaring in out there.
the internet is concerned, for rest, as they say, is history. Roger Cooke G3LDI’s Morse Neil Thackrey EA7VPG/GM0VPG
those that can still remember Mode column, “Next, if you can’t Malaga, Spain
bulletin-boards, the beginnings send proper CW, don’t go on
of e-mail and so on, it was
as plain as a pikestaff what
It’s Not air until you can”. To compound
matters further he qualifies
Editor’s comment: Thanks Neil.

it would eventually morph Technology this by stating, “He’ll soon be

I was somewhat taken aback by
that comment too. After all, our
into. And smartphones, given Dear Don, in a crowd of one and my log hobby is surely about self-training
what was being surreptitiously As a 57-year old, I have a lot of reads that I should avoid him and having a transmitting licence
developed in several R&D labs, sympathy with Rick Roderick in future”. The poor chap who is so that we can do exactly that,
particularly in America (I knew K5UR’s comments (October was having difficulty during this whether it’s to try out a new
a man who knew a man who Keylines) because my view is QSO must be feeling awful after
transmitter that we have home-
worked in one of them), would similar. Having been licensed reading this. Quite possibly, the
brewed or practice (and improve)
inevitably pop up a few decades for 27 years, I too have never amateur concerned has some
our operating skills. I well recall
later. DVD players were another had any interest in contesting difficulties and finds Morse
my own early faltering Morse
obvious leap forward. Arthur or what many regard as the quite challenging. Rather than
C Clarke’s proposition of three send him to the sin bin for not QSOs. I may not have stuck with
traditional aspects of the
geostationary satellites although hobby. I too have always seen it sending ‘proper’ CW, wouldn’t it except for the patience of the
a good idea, at the time, was as a method of communication it have been more appropriate late Lionel Parker G5LP, father
fatally flawed because of what and, over the last dozen to help the amateur rather than of the current holder of that
you point out in your comment. years, particularly digital berate him via the PW column. callsign (also Lionel), who lived
But, of course, the annoying communication. That means I As an analogy, I have spoken to just a few miles from me and with
time delay versus distance still experiment with antennas amateurs with speech problems whom I had my first few on-air
problem is being worked on at and equipment, look into the that I have patiently worked Morse contacts.

Please note: The opinions expressed in any letter published in PW are those of the named correspondent whose letter has been published and they don’t necessarily reflect the opinions of the editorial staff or Warners Group. Editor

62 Practical Wireless November 2017

62-Letters.indd 62 26/09/2017 16:14

 £20 ST R LETTER hand baggage, didn’t bother
searching my suitcase and in
perfect English said “Please go,
please, please go”. It turned out
enthusiastically ate them!
Sheikh Ziad then offered
me the opportunity to use
his significant amateur
Tales of Royalty said, “If there’s any problems
with the visa, please let me
that the Arabic note was from
one of the Crown Princes of
radio station, which I gladly
accepted. I asked what callsign
Dear Don, know”. So I went to Heathrow Saudi Arabia, saying that I was I should use because, of
I see from your latest Keylines for my overnight flight, my providing valuable anti-terrorist course, I couldn’t use my own.
that you are looking to hear suitcase with my clothes help to the country and to offer “No problem” he said, “Just use
interesting stories regarding and my hand baggage with me every assistance. mine”. After only ten minutes
overseas royalty. personal effects and housing A few days later, I was on air on 20m SSB I was called
Back in the 1990s, I the several ‘spy’ radios, invited to the ‘humble home’ of on my frequency by a Saudi
received a phone call telling including wireless earpieces Ziad Al Sheikh HZ1ZS (HZ1 government station, asking
me that I was off to Saudi and similar. Ziad Sheikh) for an evening me who I was and what I was
Arabia that same day. My On arrival at Riyadh airport meal. He was a regular reader doing. Sheikh Ziad said, “Just
driver, Mike, took my passport the following morning, my of my articles in amateur radio let me take the microphone”.
to the London Saudi Arabian baggage was searched, magazines and had heardthat After a few words over the air in
embassy for my visa to be of course, hand baggage I was in Riyadh. The ‘humble Arabic, he said to me, “Please
prepared while I went home to first, and once the security home’ was, as you may have carry on, they will not bother you
pack my bag. I was to visit the personnel found the covert guessed, an absolute palace again!”
Saudi GID (General Intelligence two-way radios I was with servants aplenty and a The following morning I
Division) to plan a covert radio immediately surrounded by large tower-mounted rotatable received a phone call in my
communication system for their machine-gun toting officers, log-periodic Yagi outside. We hotel room, from the same
secret agents. about to put the manacles on had a great meal, sitting on government department who
My driver was very well my feet and take me away. I the floor eating with our right obviously found where I was
looked after at the embassy, remembered the note, which hands, and after the meal staying. “We are sorry effendi,
with coffee and dates, and was in the top pocket of my he offered me the sheep’s we have wronged you, how can
was soon given my passport shirt, proffered this to the eyeballs. I very politely and we right this wrong? Please
with visa. Before he left, the officer and said “Min Fadlack”, discreetly declined, saying that would you like to be our guest
embassy gentleman wrote his Arabic for “please”. There was I really wasn’t keen on them. camel racing this afternoon”. I
telephone number and a few an immediate look of horror He replied that neither were again politely declined!
short phrases in Arabic on a on his face, the other staff the Saudis but every time they Chris Lorek G4HCL
scrap of paper, tore it off and immediately re-packed my offered them to the British we Whitby

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P&P £3 under £15. Over Free, unless otherwise stated. Please make cheques payable to J. Birkett

WE HAVE MOVED
Suppliers of Alinco, AOR, bhi, Butternut, Comet, Cushcraft, Diamond,
J Birkett.indd 1 SUPPLIERS OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 27/09/2017 11:27
GRE, Hustler, Hi-Gain, ICOM, Kent, KENWOOD, JRC, MAXON, MFJ, Mi-
rage, MOTOROLA, Opto, Pro-Am, Radio Works, SSB Electronics, SGC, Visit our website and order on-line at
Tokyo, Tonna, Vectronics, Watson, YAESU, Yupiteru.
Web: www.bowood-electronics.co.uk
or send large letter stamp for catalogue
Call the Shortwave Shop on 01202 490099 E-mail: [email protected]
or e-mail [email protected] to order Contact: Will Outram
Zeacombe House, Blackerton Cross, East Anstey, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 9JU
Unit 10, Boythorpe Business Park, Dock Walk,
Phone/Fax: 01202 490099 Boythorpe, Chesterfield S40 2QR
Web: http://www.shortwave.co.uk Telephone: 01246 200222
Ample parking.

November 2017 Practical Wireless 63

Shortwave.indd 1 21/09/2017Bowood.indd
12:34 1 21/09/2017 12:14

62-Letters.indd 63 27/09/2017 11:30

 Rallies
NEW CONTACT DETAILS. Send all your rally info to Georg Wiessala:
E-mail: [email protected]

Plan your rally visits with our comprehensive list of forthcoming events.
Warners Group Publications Ltd. will be at shows marked* – come along to our stand for great deals on subscriptions to Practical Wireless and RadioUser.
Club Secretaries and Event Organisers – please send us details of your event if you would like it to be mentioned here.

OCTOBER special interest groups, a prize book your pitch at least two weeks John G4LRG (Rally Organiser)
October 21st (Saturday) draw, on-site catering and facilities before the event. Traders will have Tel: 01388 606396
The Carrickfergus Rally for the disabled. access to the venue from 8.00am Brian G7OCK
The Carrickfergus Amateur Paul M0CJX (7.00am for RADARS members). (Deputy Rally Organiser)
Radio Group Rally will be held at Tel: 0845 1650351 The event usually finishes at around Tel: 01388 762678
Downshire Community School, E-mail: [email protected] 3.00pm. barac.org.uk/rally
Downshire Road, Carrickfergus www.radiofairs.co.uk Dave G3RIK
BT38 7DA. The doors will open at E-mail: [email protected] DECEMBER
11.00am and admission will cost November 10th (Friday) www.radars.me.uk December 2nd (Saturday)
£3.00. Light refreshments and The Tynemouth ARC ‘Good’ Junk The Reading DX Meeting
facilities for the disabled will be Sale November 19th The Reading International Radio
available Tynemouth Amateur Radio Club will The CATS Radio & Electronics Group will be meeting in the Large
Elizabeth Forde be holding a ‘Good’ Junk Sale at Bazaar Hall at Reading International
E-mail: elizabethforde64@yahoo. St. Hilda’s Church, Stanton Road, The 40th Coulsdon Amateur Solidarity Centre (RISC), 35-39
com North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE29 Transmitting Society Radio & London Street, Reading RG1
9QB. The event is associated with Electronics Bazaar will be held 4PS. The Meeting will take place
October 28th (Saturday) a regular club night, which starts at at the Oasis Academy Coulsdon, between 3.00pm and 5.30pm
The BRARS AGM 7.00pm and is open to all, not just Homefield Road, Old Coulsdon, and will offer an opportunity for
The British Railways Amateur club members. Coulsdon CR5 1ES. The doors will those interested in listening to
Radio Society will be holding its E-mail: [email protected] be open between 10.00am and broadcasters from around the world
annual general meeting in a private www.g0nwm.com 1.00pm and admission will cost on the short wave, medium wave
room at The Brunswick Inn, 1 £1.50. There will be free parking, and FM bands to get together.
Railway Terrace, Derby DE1 2RU, November 11th (Saturday) trade stands, a Bring & Buy (10% Mike Barraclough
which is almost opposite Derby The Fog on the Tyne Rally commission), a flea market, Tel: 01462 643899
railway station car park. BRARS The Angel of the North Amateur refreshments and facilities for the E-mail: barraclough.mike@
members are welcome to arrive Radio Club will be holding the disabled. gmail.com
from midday for those who wish to eighth Fog on the Tyne Rally at Andy Briers G0KZT
have a meal and/or chat. The AGM Whitehall Road Methodist Church Tel: 07729 866600 December 2nd (Saturday)
will commence at 1.15pm and all Hall, Whitehall Road, Bensham, E-mail: [email protected] The South Lancs ARC Winter
BRARS members are encouraged Gateshead NE8 4LH. The doors will www.catsradio.org Rally
to attend. Membership of BRARS is open at 10.30am and admission The South Lancashire Amateur
open to anyone who has an interest will cost £2.00. There will be car November 19th Radio Club will be holding its
in amateur radio and rail transport. parking (entrance on Whitehall The Plymouth Radio Club Radio Winter Rally at Bickershaw Village
For more information, please Road), trade stands, a Bring & Buy, Rally Community Club, Bickershaw
contact the BRARS Secretary. an RSGB bookstall and catering The Plymouth Radio Club Radio Lane, Bickershaw, Wigan WN2
Ian Brothwell G4EAN, 56 Arnot will be available (bacon butties and Rally will be held at Harewood 5TE. The doors will open at 9.30am
Hill Road, Arnold, Nottingham a cup of tea or coffee for £2.50). House, The Ridgeway, Plympton, and admission will cost £2.50.
NG5 6LQ. In addition, there will be enrolment Plymouth PL7 2AS. The doors will There will be car parking, trade
Tel: 0115 926 2360 for Foundation, Intermediate and be open between 10.00am (9.50am stands, a Bring & Buy, displays,
E-mail: [email protected] Advanced Examination courses and for disabled visitors) and 2.30pm special interest groups, a licensed
www.brars.info Morse class. and admission will cost £2.00. bar, catering and facilities for the
Nancy Bone G7UUR There will be ample car parking, disabled. A limited number of
NOVEMBER Tel: 07990 760920 trade stands, a Bring & Buy, special pitches will be available (£8.00 if
November 5th E-mail: nancybone2001@yahoo. interest group, an RSGB bookstall, you bring your own table, otherwise
The Bush Valley Radio Rally co.uk a prize draw, on-site catering and £10.00) and stallholders will have
The Bush Valley Radio Rally will be www.anarc.net facilities for the disabled. access to the venue from 8.00am.
held at the United Services Club, 8 David Beck 2E0DTC Jason G0IZR
Roe Mill Road, Limavady BT49 9DF. November 18th (Saturday) Tel: 07777 664822 Tel: 01942 735828 (Bookings)
The doors will open at 11.00am and The RADARS Traditional Radio E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
admission will cost £3.00, which Rally www.radioclubs.net/g3prc www.slarc.co.uk
includes a free draw ticket. There The Rochdale and District Amateur
will be talk-in on 145.400MHz, Radio Society Traditional Radio November 26th December 7th (Thursday)
trade stands, a Bring & Buy and Rally will be held in St Vincent de The Bishop Auckland Rally The SBARC Winter Table Top Sale
refreshments will be available on- Paul’s Church Hall, Caldershaw The Bishop Auckland Radio The South Bristol Amateur Radio
site. Tables are free but should be Road, off Edenfield Road (A680), Amateur Club Rally 2017 will be Club Winter Table Top Sale will be
booked in advance. Norden, Rochdale OL12 7QR. held at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, held at Novers Park Community
Jack The doors will open at 10.30am 32 High Street, Spennymoor, Co. Centre, which is at the rear of 124
Tel: 07885 292545 (10.15am for disabled visitors) and Durham DL16 6DB. The doors Novers Park Road, Filwood, Bristol
admission will cost £2.50 (under will open at 10.30am (10.15am for BS4 1RN. It is described as, “A
November 5th 12s free). There will be talk-in on disabled visitors) and admission will chance to clear some items from
The Kempton Rally* S22 (145.550MHz), ample parking, cost £2.00 (under 14s free with an the shack and pick up new items
The West London Radio & trade stands (junk, commercial, adult). There will be talk-in on S22, or fill that wish list. Please bring
Electronics Fair will be held at amateur radio and others), a car parking, trade stands, a Bring equipment, cash and your bartering
Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Bring & Buy and catering (coffee, & Buy, family attractions, catering, skills.” The event is associated with
Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames, tea, soft drinks, bacon/sausage a licensed bar and facilities for the a regular club night, which starts at
Middlesex TW16 5AQ. The doors butties, biscuits and crisps) will disabled. The venue is described as 7.30pm and is open to all, not just
will open at 10.00am (9.50am for be available. Tables can be hired ideal for both traders and disabled club members. The sale will take
disabled visitors). There will be talk- from RADARS (£5.00 per table). visitors, offering good parking and place between 8.00pm and 9.00pm
in, free on-site car parking, trade Pitches cost £5.00 each or £10.00 easy access to the large ground – no trading before 8.00pm.
stands, a Bring & Buy, lectures, for a pitch and a table – please floor hall. www.sbarc.co.uk

64 Practical Wireless November 2017

64-Rallies.indd 64 26/09/2017 16:19

 Classified Adverts
DISCLAIMER Some of the products offered for sale in advertisements in this magazine may have been obtained from abroad or from unauthorised
sources. Practical Wireless advises readers contemplating mail order to enquire whether the products are suitable for use in the UK and have full after-
sales back-up available. The publishers of Practical Wireless wish to point out that it is the responsibility of readers to ascertain the legality or otherwise
of items offered for sale by advertisers in this magazine.

Antennas For Sale Valves

N3 USB RTL-SDR FROM THUMBNET. VALVES AND ALLIED COMPONENTS
Optimised for low noise. Linear regulators, IN STOCK Ring for free list. Valves/ books/
better decoupling, improved heat dissipation, magazines wanted. Geoff Davies (Radio).
+/-0.5ppm TCXO, 5V input etc. For more Tel: 01788 574774.
information on this, our other SDRs and
accessories go to technofix.uk
TOP PRICES PAID
for all your valves, tubes, semi-conductors and ICs.
Langrex
Repairs Unit 4, Daux Road, Billingshurst,
G4TPH MAGLOOPS Remote tune and W. Sussex RH14 9SJ
REPAIRS TO RECEIVERS,
manual tune models. 40m through 10m, 100 Tel: 01403 785600 Fax: 01403 785656
TRANSMITTERS ETC. New/old, valve/
www.langrex.co.uk
Watts, SSB. See PW review on website.
transistor. Call 07903 023437 for details.
Details at www.g4tph.com
Web: www.kent-rigs.co.uk

For Sale
CTCSS ENCODER AND DECODER KITS.
While prices of goods shown in advertisements are correct at the time of going to
DTMF kits and modules. Pic development
press, readers are advised to check both prices and availability of goods with the
kits. https://cstech.co.uk
advertiser before ordering from non-current issues of the magazine.

ORDER FORM FOR CLASSIFIED ADVERTS

PLEASE WRITE IN BLOCK CAPITALS

The prepaid rate for classified advertisements is 42 pence per word (minimum 12 words), box number 70p extra. Semi-display setting
£13.90 per single column centimetre (minimum 3cm). Please add 20% VAT to the total. All cheques, postal orders, etc., to be made
payable to Warners Group Publications. Advertisements, together with remittance, should be sent to the Practical Wireless Classified
Adverts, Warners Group Publications, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH.

Please insert this advertisement in the ……………………………… issue of Practical Wireless (if you do not specify an issue we will insert it in the next available issue
of PW) for …… insertion/s. I enclose Cheque/P.O. for £…………(42p per word, 12 minimum, please add 20% VAT to total).

Please photocopy this form or write on a separate sheet if you prefer

Category heading:.........................................

Name:............................................................
Address:........................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
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Telephone number:
......................................................................

November 2017 Practical Wireless 65

p065.indd 65 22/09/2017 09:48

 Bargain Basement
Bargain Basement adverts now cost £5 per advert (subscribers still free)
and will also be published in RadioUser, our sister magazine, unless requested otherwise.

Send your advert to Please write your advert clearly in BLOCK CAPITALS up
to a maximum of 30 words, plus 12 words for your contact
illegal to possess, use or which cannot be licensed in the
UK, will not be accepted.
Bargain Basement details on the form provided and send it together with your No responsibility will be taken for errors and no
payment of £5 (subscribers can place their advert free of correspondence will be entered into on any decision taken
Practical Wireless charge as long as they provide their subs number or mailing by the Editor on any of these conditions.
label). Cheques should be made payable to Warners Group You should state clearly in your
Warners Group Publications Publishing, credit card payments also accepted. advert whether equipment is professionally built, home-
Please help us to help you by preparing your advert brewed or modified.
West Street, Bourne carefully. Any advert which contains ?? marks indicates that The Publishers of Practical Wireless also wish to point
the advertising dept. could not read/interpret the wording. out that it is the responsibility of the buyer to ascertain the
Lincs PE10 9PH. Advertisements from traders or for equipment that it is suitability of goods offered for purchase.

FOR SALE NISSEI 25A PSU, switch-mode WS-52 ATU No. 2A with a giant COLLECTOR SELLING a lifetime’s
AOR AR-8600 MkII, new and regulated voltage type, in near new roller coaster. Made in 1944 by the collection of World-War II military
boxed with PSU. A bargain at £350, condition, complete with original Marconi Co. (Canada), in a wooden radios and airborne equipment.
includes delivery. SDR PLAY RSP2 box and instructions, £40 (cost £75) case and in very good condition, Call for more details.
new condition with two SMA to plus £8 P&P. £80. Tel: Len 07709 221778 (Bognor
BNC leads and a USB cable. Plus Tel: John G3EGC 01204 301502 Tel: Peter G4VUN 01677 460302 Regis)
DVD containing the software, £88, (Bolton). E-mail: [email protected] (Ripon)
including post. Gigabyte Brix i7-
5500 2SSDs, 16Gb RAM, Windows
10 Home, £199 ONO. WANTED Desert Rescue Land Rover circa Drake R4B/C receiver. Clean
HITACHI KM5000 MULTIBAND 1973. Price negotiable. and preferably Unmodified,
Tel: Sydney G3SYD 01293 511708
radio in good working order. Tel: Ray M0XDL 01305 833699 can collect up to fifty miles
(W Sussex) Will pay £300 or exchange (S. Dorset). E-mail: raycoles96@ from Derby Email : brian.
E-mail: sydbeauchamp@ Zenith Trans-Oceanic D7000Y gmail.com [email protected]
blueyonder.co.uk multiband radio.
Tel: Gary 01885 483870 TIPP-EX CORRECTION Creed 444 or 75 wanted to
SDR PLAY RSP2 new condition (Herefordshire) PAPER, typewriter, white, top enter the April RTTY Contest.
with two SMA to BNC leads and a copy. Don’t throw your stock just Please provide a guide price.
USB cable. Plus, DVD containing the Redifon 100W HF SSB because of going on to word I am willing to collect within
software £88 including post. Gigabyte Transportable Communication processing! a reasonable distance from
Brix i7-5500 2SSDs, 16Gb RAM, Station Type GR479A. Ideally in Tel: Godfrey G4GLM, 020 8958 London.
Windows 10 Home, £199 ONO. working condition but anything 5113. Email: [email protected]
Tel: Sydney G3SYD 01293 511708 considered, even just an empty 63 The Drive, Edgware,
(W Sussex) outer housing. Required for Middlesex HA8 8PS.
email: sydbeauchamp@blueyonder. project to recreate an RAF E-mail: [email protected]
co.uk
We know a lot of people use the internet for second-hand sales nowadays but this is a free service for subscribers and very cheap otherwise so
please USE IT OR LOSE IT.
Don’t forget to make cheques and postal orders payable to Warners Group Publications.

Bargain Basement order form

ONLY
£5
Please make any cheques or Postal Orders for advertisments payable to Warners
Please insert this advertisement in the next available issue of Practical Wireless. Group Publications.

For Sale Wanted Exchange

PLEASE NOTE: as a security measure, you must include your house number and postcode.

Name......................................................................................... PW & RU
Address.....................................................................................
.................................................................................................. PW ONLY
................................................ Post code..................................

Telephone Number....................................................................
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(30)

CONTACT DETAILS FOR ADVERT. Please only write in the contact details you wish to be published
Signature.................................................... Security number with your advert, ie. do you want your name & address, or just your telephone number? Your advert, you
Last three digits on the back of the card decide! PLEASE - No FAXed Ads! (12)

Switch issue number (if on card)...............................................................

Start date of card.............................. Expiry date of card........................

My Subs Number is................................................(or send mailer label)

66 Practical Wireless November 2017

Part_Bargain Basement_p066.indd 66 25/09/2017 16:00

 Traders Table The equipment for sale on these pages
is second hand or ex-demonstration

Nevada 023-9231 3090 Short Wave Shop 01202 490099

1. Acom 2000 U Tube 2kW Auto Amplifier with manual £4250 TRANSCEIVERS
2. Yaesu FTDX-5000 U + XF-126N 300Hz roofing Filter £2595 ALAN HP450 2A RUGGED with desktop charger
And kit case........................................................................................................40
3. Yaesu FT1000MP U + SP8 speaker & MD1-B8 Mic £999.95 ALINCO DJ-S11..................................................................................................75
4. Yaesu FTM400DR/E U VHF/UHF Digital mobile transceiver £349 ICOM IC-7000.................................................................................................. POA
5. Yaesu FT450AT U HF+6m 100W Transceiver £469 ICOM IC-7700 WITH KEYBOARD AND MIC........................................................ POA
6. Yaesu VR5000 U Wideband Scanning receiver £450 ICOM IC-756.....................................................................................................590
7. Icom SP-33 U Quality extension speaker £99 KENWOOD TH-F7E............................................................................................190
KENWOOD TMD700E........................................................................................230
8. Icom IC2200H U 65W 2m mobile Transceiver £185 KENWOOD TS 850S BOXED...............................................................................599
9. Icom ID-51E U D Star H/H +(£190 of accessories) £299 YAESU FT690R MK2 + FL-6020 LINEAR AMP....................................................420
10. Kenwood MC-90 U Desk Microphone £145 YAESU FL-6020............................................................................................... POA
11. Alpha Delta U Heavy duty 4-way coax switch £65
12. Alinco DX70 U HF+6m Transceiver + Adonis base mic. £399 AOR AR7030 WITH WHIP ANTENNA, PSU, REMORE AND MANUAL................... ..POA
13. Alinco DX-R8E U Communications Receiver £379 ALINCO DJ-X2..................................................................................................110
14. Alinco DM30E-ED..NEW 20-30A power supply £85 ALINCO DJ-X7..................................................................................................160
15. Alinco DR135 U 28 MHz multi-Mode transceiver £129 COMMTEL 214 SPORTSCAN ..............................................................................50
16. Alinco DR138H-ED..high power 145MHz FM mobile £139 ICOM IC-R10.....................................................................................................165
ICOM IC-R71E...................................................................................................349
17. Alinco DRB185-ED..85w 145MHz FM mobile transceiver £149 ICOM IC-R75.....................................................................................................550
18. Alinco DR638H-ED..high power 145/433MHz mobile £235 JRC NRD-525...................................................................................................349
19. Alinco DR735E-ED..NEW MODEL twin band 145/433MHz £269 ROBERTS R-871.................................................................................................75
20. Alinco DX-SR9E-ED..hybrid SDR/100w HF transceiver £579 SANGEAN ATS 909............................................................................................150
SONY SW100....................................................................................................159
21. Alinco EDX2-ED..automatic HF antenna tuner £269.95 UNIDEN UBC30...................................................................................................50
22. Antex 690D-ED pro-style digital soldering station £175 UNIDEN UBC360CLT........................................................................................... 85
23. Antex TCS-ED soldering iron with temp control £59 UNIDEN BEARCAT UBC 120 XLT........................................................................120
24. Anytone AT588-U..145MHz FM mobile transceiver £99 UNIDEN BEARCAT UBC 220 XLT..........................................................................79
25. Anytone QHM-02-CL..DTMF hand microphone AT5189 £19 UNIDEN SPORTCAT UBC 180 XLT......................................................................100
UNIDEN SPORTCAT UBC 280 XLT......................................................................110
26. Butternut U HFV-6 Band Vertical – 26ft tall £399.95 YAESU FRG 7700..............................................................................................199
27. Collins MS6 U Mechanical Filter £74 YAESU FT-990...................................................................................................799
28. Cable 100M Drum U 8D-FB Japanese Low loss £199.95 YAESU VR500....................................................................................................165
29. Cable 50m length U 10D-FB Japanese Low Loss £99.95 YUPITERU MVT-7100........................................................................................139
30. Cable 50m length U 8D-FB Japanese Low Loss £99.95 ACCESSORIES
31. Cable 100m length U LDF450 U Low Loss £299 AV200 SWR....................................................................................................... 55
32. Comet TF-400 U 400W current Balun £69 AV200................................................................................................................ 40
33. Daiwa PS-304 MK11 30A (peak) Linear power supply £79.95 BHI NEIM 1031 NOISE REDUCER WITH STAND AND SPEAKER............................135
34. DX Engineering U RR8 8-way remote antenna switch £375 ICOM AT-150 Tuner...........................................................................................125
ICOM PS-55........................................................................................................75
35. Dunestar U set of 9 Band pass filters 160m – 10m £445 JRC MVA 319 SPEAKER....................................................................................145
36. EZ Catapult wire launcher U for wires over trees £55 MANSON EP-925 25AMP PSU.............................................................................75
37. Fody Tempus Pro-ED Bluetooth (BLE) weather station £69 MFJ-260C Dummy Load.....................................................................................45
38. Heil Proset U Headset with HC4 mic. (no box) £59 MFJ 392B HEADPHONES....................................................................................15
MFJ 956 ANTENNA TUNER................................................................................. 59
39. Heil Proset U Headset + HC4 + Yaesu leads & foot switch £69 MFJ-969 ATU ........................................................................................ from 125
40. Heil FS-2 Footswitch £39 MFJ 993B.........................................................................................................199
41. MFJ 998 U 1.5kW Automatic HF Intelligent tuner £659.95 MICRONTA 22-220 MULTIMETER........................................................................15
42. MFJ 969 300W U 160m – 6m Antenna Tuner £179 MORSE KEYS – Various Prices From....................................................................15
43. Midland Arctic-ED waterproof marine handheld radio £89 MRP2000 PRE AMP............................................................................................25
NAG 144XL AMPLIFIER......................................................................................385
44. Midland D200-ED..digital/analogue PMR licence free radio £125 PS85 PSU.........................................................................................................145
45. Midland G7Pro-U latest style Pair PMR 446 handhelds £49 PALSTAR MW550P PRE-SELECTOR & PSU ......................................................225
46. MyDel MP4128 U 25A switch mode Power supply £39 RS NISSEI 502 SWR/POWER METER...................................................................65
47. Nevada PS30M-ED..30amp variable voltage power supply £90 SCANMASTER SP-55..........................................................................................35
STAR-MASTERKEY II...........................................................................................55
48. Nevada PS40M-ED..40A variable voltage linear PSU £99 TRIO AT230 WITH STATION MONITOR SM220....................................................300
49. Nevada PSW50-ED..50A switch mode supply £119 VARIOUS PADDLE KEYS – various prices ......................................................... POA
50. Palstar AT2KD -ED..2Kw manual antenna tuner £569 VARIOUS DIP METERS – Various prices from ......................................................35
51. Palstar AT500-ED..600w differential antenna tuner £499 YAESU SP-6 EXTERNAL SPEAKER......................................................................110
52. RadioShack U DX394 Communications receiver £129 YAESU MH-31 MIC............................................................................................. 20
ZETAGI V3 3 WAY ANTENNA SWITCH.................................................................. 15
53. Tecadi Poles U set of 11 Fibre poles £75
54. Watson CX-SW3N U Low loss 3-way N type switch £44 PLEASE SEE OUR NEW WEB SITE :-
55. West Mountain U RigBlaster Plus (wired for Icom) £79 http://www.shortwave.co.uk
CL - Clearance ED - Ex-Display U - Used

Disclaimer Advertisements from traders for equipment that is illegal to possess, use or which cannot be licensed in the UK, will not be accepted. While the publishers will give
whatever assistance they can to readers or buyers having complaints, under no circumstances will the magazine accept liability for non-receipt of goods ordered, late delivery
or faults in manufacture.

November 2017 Practical Wireless 67

p067.indd 67 26/09/2017 15:26

 Radio Book Store
Order form on page 71

THE VINTAGE RIG GUIDE Pages Price

Amateur radio equipment saw great changes from the 1960s onwards with the arrival
of solid-state designs and there is much superb equipment from the latter decades SCANNING & FREQUENCY GUIDES
of the 20th century available in the second-hand market. This brand new publication
focuses on the amateur radio equipment from theses decades in the same format as ● WORLD RADIO TV HANDBOOK 2017 ....................................672 £35.00
the The Rig Guide, describing the basic information about the equipment, along with
when it was first made and what it may be worth. ● RADIO LISTENER’S GUIDE 2017 Edition ................................160 £5.95
Price: £5.99 plus p&p.
● SCANNERS 7 B Robertson & P Rouse ....................................245 £9.95
RADIO PROPAGATION EXPLAINED
Understanding radio propagation is essential for anyone with an interest in radio
communications who wants to know how signals travel from A to B. Written by ANTENNAS/PROPAGATION
acknowledged expert Steve Nichols G0KYA, Radio Propagation Explained provides
everything you need to know about this fascinating topic. ● AN INTRODUCTION TO ANTENNA MODELLING
Price: £12.99 plus p&p.
Steve Nichols G0KYA (RSGB)..........................................................80 £9.99
RESTORING OLD RADIO SETS ● NOVEL ANTENNAS Steve Telenius-Lowe PJ4DX (RSGB)..............192 £14.99
For many, there is nothing more charming than an old broadcast receiver glowing
away in a substantial wooden or Bakelite case. However, these are now a rarity and ● ANTENNAS MASTERED Peter Dodd G3LDO (RSGB)..............288 £14.99
it is much more likely that old radio sets will be non-working curios found at car boot
sales in a dusty, unloved condition. Restoring Old Radio Sets is a book that sets out ● STEALTH ANTENNAS 2 (RSGB) ...............................................208 £14.99
to provide a step-by-step guide to bringing an old set back to life, getting it working
properly and restoring its looks. Price: £8.99 plus p&p. ● RSGB ANTENNA FILE (RSGB)..................................................288 £14.99

HF SSB DX BASICS ● HF ANTENNAS FOR EVERYONE (RSGB) ................................336 £14.99

Contacting far flung parts of the world (DX) on the High Frequencies (HF) on single
side-band (SSB) is one of the enduring fascinations of amateur radio. HF SSB DX
● BUILDING SUCCESSFUL HF ANTENNAS (RSGB) ............................ 224 £14.99
Basics provides a practical guide to making the most of this endlessly fascinating area
● HF ANTENNA COLLECTION Edited by Erwin David G4LQI
of operation. Price: £8.99 plus p&p.
(RSGB) ........................................................................................233 £19.95
RSGB WORLD PREFIX MAP - RADIO AMATEUR’S MAP OF
THE WORLD ● PRACTICAL WIRE ANTENNAS 2 Ian Poole G3YWX ...............172 £11.99
This quality map is printed on top quality silk finished paper. Not only does it show the
location of worldwide prefixes, there is also an A-Z list of prefixes and expanded map
sections covering the Caribbean and Europe, making them much easier to read. This
map will grace the wall of any shack. Price: £6.99 plus p&p. BEGINNERS/LICENCE/MANUALS

LF TODAY: A GUIDE TO SUCCESS ON THE BANDS BELOW ● HF SSB DX BASICS Steve Telenius-Lowe, 9M6DXX (RSGB) ...........96 £8.99
1MHZ
Low frequency operating has never been more popular and the introduction of a new ● RADIO PROPAGATION EXPLAINED Steve Nichols G0KYA ..........128 £12.99
international amateur allocation at 472kHz means that, with 136kHz, there are now
● HAMSAT (RSGB) ........................................................................128 £9.99
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spectrum. In short, LF Today is a one-stop shop for anyone seeking information on
amateur radio operation below 1MHz. Price: £13.99 plus p&p. ● TECHNICAL FOR THE TERRIFIED BOOK 2 (PWP)........................128 £12.99
RTTY/PSK31 FOR RADIO AMATEURS ● TECHNICAL FOR THE TERRIFIED BOOK 1 (PWP)........................124 £12.99
Data modes appear to be a daunting prospect to newly licensed radio amateurs but
they do not have to be. This book is a practical guide to the two most popular data ● ADVANCE! THE FULL LICENCE MANUAL
modes, RTTY and PSK31. However, RTTY /PSK31 for Radio Amateurs does carry
a warning: Buying this book may lead to an enjoyment of RTTY, PSK31 (and Data Alan Betts G0HIQ & Steve Hartley G0FUW (RSGB) ...................104 £11.99
modes in general) which is highly addictive!
Price: £7.99 plus p&p. ● AMATEUR RADIO EXAM SECRETS

AN INTRODUCTION TO ANTENNA MODELLING

Alan Betts G0HIQ (RSGB) ....................................................................... 104 £12.99
For many years, the only way for most radio amateurs to work out how well an
● FOUNDATION LICENCE NOW! 5th Edition
antenna design would work was to build it and find out. The arrival of computer
based antenna modelling programmes has changed this. This book looks at the Free Alan Betts G0HIQ (RSGB) ............................................................32 £4.99
MMANA-GAL antenna modelling program that will let you design and optimise a
whole host of antennas and all on your PC. Price: £9.99 plus p&p. ● HF AMATEUR RADIO 2nd Ed. Ian Poole G3YWX (RSGB) .......144 £12.99

● INTERMEDIATE LICENCE – BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION

4th Edition Steve Hartley G0FUW (RSGB) ..................................76 £6.99

● MORSE CODE FOR RADIO AMATEURS (RSGB) ...............32 inc. CD £8.99

RADIO LISTENER’S GUIDE 2017 EDITION
● SECRET OF LEARNING MORSE CODE
The Radio Listener’s Guide is an annual guide for UK radio
listeners. It is packed with news, radio reviews and station Mark Francis (Spa)........................................................................84 £6.95
information. This year’s edition includes reviews of personal radios,
analogue portable radios, clock radios, DAB radios, internet DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
radios, mini systems and tabletop radios. You’ll also find our list of
recommended best-buys. ● HOMEBREW COOKBOOK (RSGB) ..........................................208 £12.99
The Guide is full of information about analogue and DAB digital ● CIRCUIT OVERLOAD (RSGB) ...................................................504 £18.99
radio stations. You’ll also find details of radio carried on the main TV
platforms as well as information about Internet radio and podcasts. ● THE ART OF SOLDERING R Brewster (Babani) .........................84 £3.99
This year, we have looked at the latest developments with new
● BUILDING A TRANSCEIVER
technology – including BBC iPlayer, Radioplayer’s new in-car device
and the Amazon Echo Dot. E Skelton EI9GQ & E Richards G4LFM (RSGB) .........................176 £12.99
Frequency and transmitter information is listed for UK and Irish national, local and community
stations. Our frequency indexes, for both FM and AM, will help you to identify unknown stations.
The Radio Listener’s Guide is your indispensable guide to UK radio. £5.95

68 Practical Wireless November 2017

68-Book Store.indd 68 26/09/2017 16:16

 GETTING STARTED IN
AMATEUR RADIO
If you want to know something about
the hobby or are newly licensed or
are even just looking for something
different, Getting Started in Amateur
Radio provides the answers. What
about receiving digital images from
the International Space Station? Or
talking to friends around the world
via satellite? Or perhaps being able
to help out during natural disasters?
Pages Price All of these things are possible with
SHACK ESSENTIALS amateur radio and Getting Started
in Amateur Radio details these and
● WORLD PREFIX MAP (RSGB)..............................................980x680mm £6.99 many other possibilities.
● RTTY/PSK31 for Radio Amateurs Roger Cooke G3LDI (RSGB) .............48 £7.99 £8.99
● LF TODAY Mike Dennison G3XDV (RSGB) .......................................... 192 £13.99 Getting Started in Amateur Radio provides information on the activities to
● RSGB YEARBOOK 2017 edition (RSGB)............................................. 544 £19.99
explore when using your first VHF/UHF or HF station and what other equipment
you might need.
● RSGB AMATEUR RADIO OPERATING MANUAL

8th edition (RSGB) ................................................................................ 240 £16.99

WORLD RADIO TV HANDBOOK 2017
● NEW DELUXE LOGBOOK & DIARY 2017 (RSGB) .....................80 £4.99 The Directory of Global Broadcasting
● NEW THE RIG GUIDE S W White (RSGB)...................................96 £5.99 The best selling directory of global broadcasting on LW,
MW, SW & FM.
● NEW HART REVIEWS (RSGB)............................................................ 192 £12.99 This is the 71st edition of World Radio TV Handbook and this
great directory continues to offer the most comprehensive guide
● RSGB PREFIX GUIDE 12th edition (RSGB) ................................80 £9.99 to broadcasting on the planet. It provides the most up-to-date
information on medium wave, short wave and FM broadcasts
● SIX & FOUR Don Field G3XTT (RSGB) ............................................. 288 £13.99 and broadcasters available in any publication.
● AMATEUR RADIO ASTRONOMY 2nd Edition • The Features section for this 71st edition contains articles on Remote
Receivers, A Pacific Radio Adventure, The Mighty KBC Station, CKZN
J Fielding (RSGB) .......................................................................384 £16.99 St. John’s, and the International Radio for Disaster Relief Project as well as
equipment reviews and other articles of interest.
● DXPEDITIONING - BEHIND THE SCENES FOR RADIO AMATEURS
• The remaining pages are, as usual, full of information on:
WORLDWIDE N Cheadle & S Telenius-Lowe ............................180 £6.95 • National and International broadcasts and broadcasters by country with
frequencies, powers, languages, contacts and more, including Clandestine and
● AMATEUR RADIO ESSENTIALS G Brown (RSGB) ..................288 £25.99 other target broadcasters.
• International SW broadcasts by frequency in English, French, German,
Portuguese & Spanish.
• International MW frequency lists by region; broadcasts in English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish
QRP by UTC as well as DRM schedules.
• Reference section with Transmitter locations, DX clubs, Internet Resources, and much more.
● QRP BASICS George Dobbs G3RJV (RSGB) ............................204 £14.99 • Articles on topics of great interest to professionals, listeners and DXers alike.
• Reviews of the latest receivers and equipment.
• Fully-updated maps showing global SW transmitter sites.
• Features – Colour pages with articles, radio reviews, propagation predictions, and colour maps.
VHF & HIGHER • National Radio – The world’s national radio services, and the broadcasters, listed by country.
• International Radio – Full broadcaster details and the winter SW frequencies as supplied by the broadcasters
● MICROWAVE KNOW HOW Andy Barter G8ATD (RSGB) .........192 £12.99 together with an expanded Clandestine section.
• Television – Details of the broadcasters arranged alphabetically by country.
• Reference – International and domestic SW transmitter sites, standard time and frequency transmissions, DX
club information, internet resources and other essential information.
HISTORICAL
£35.00
● THE VINTAGE RIG GUIDE Steve White G3ZVW............................80 £5.99

● RESTORING OLD RADIO SETS Phlilip Lawson G4FCL ................80 £8.99

THE RIG GUIDE. £5.99
● THE LONG SILENCE FALLS VOLUME II
What should you pay for a second-hand
The Life & Times of a Merchant Radio Officer 1900-2000....................376 £25.00 radio?
Ross Bradshaw .........................................................................152 £16.99 The Rig Guide is a unique publication that sets out to answer
● INSTRUMENTS OF AMPLIFICATION H P Friedrichs .................300 £14.95 the question ‘what is the right price for this radio?’ What will you
get for a radio if you trade it in or try to buy or sell it on an online
auction site? - The Rig Guide provides the answer.
CRYSTAL SETS The Rig Guide continues to define the prices of amateur radio
equipment in the UK. It has been fully updated and is now
● THE VOICE OF THE CRYSTAL H Peter Friedrichs ......................185 £11.95 covering more than ever. This is why The Rig Guide is rightly one
of the most popular amateur radio books around.
If you are planning to buy or sell any amateur radio equipment,
ELECTRONICS you should not be without The Rig Guide. The book begins with tips for buyers and a guide to
selling and trading. There is a handy guide to selling on ebay and even tips on how to avoid getting
● COMPUTERS IN AMATEUR RADIO lumbered with stolen gear. The Rig Guide contains a list of the abbreviations used in the descriptions
and an explanation of them all. Amateurs trust RSGB reviews and a full list of RadCom reviews
with CD (RSGB) ..........................................................................256 £14.99 since 1990 is included and when a piece of equipment was reviewed by RadCom, it is highlighted
on the listing.
● TEST EQUIPMENT FOR THE RADIO AMATEUR (RSGB) .......250 £14.99
The Rig Guide isn’t limited to popular commercial amateur radio transceivers but also covers
receivers, scanners and linear amplifiers too. You’ll find extensive lists of past models from Acom
to Yaesu, with over 20 manufacturers listed, including Icom, Ten-Tec, Kenwood and so on. We’re
not just talking about current models either and you will even find details on the many Chinese
manufacturers. DSP isn’t forgotten either, with a dedicated section on the equipment available.
Overall, The Rig Guide contains details of around 400 pieces of amateur radio equipment covering
HF, VHF & UHF. Each item is described with an easy-to-understand listing that covers its main
features, band coverage and other features, including a photograph of the equipment.
Knowing the worth of any piece of equipment means you can easily recover the cost of The Rig
Guide with just one purchase or sale.

November 2017 Practical Wireless 69

68-Book Store.indd 69 26/09/2017 16:16

 Book Store

THE LONG SILENCE BINDERS

The previous volume, which is now out of print,
FALLS VOLUME II ● PRACTICAL WIRELESS OR RADIOUSER. .........................................£10.00
The Life and Times of the was extremely successful and sales far exceeded
Merchant Navy Radio Officer wildest expectations. From the very earliest days of
1900-2000 radio, ships carried Radio Officers. However, with the
onward march of technology this post has become
redundant and, since 2000, ships no longer carry
specialist Radio Officers. The Long Silence Falls
Volume II continues with more stories, written by the
Radio Officers themselves, which are broken down
into various sections covering many topics from a life
at sea. This book is published by the Radio Officers
Association and reflects the wide experience of
their members over the years. At over 376 pages,
The Long Silence Falls Volume II is an extensive
book with an extraordinary glimpse into the practice
and art of the Radio Officer. If you are fascinated
by this now past age and enjoyed the first volume,
Available in soft back only. this book is hugely interesting and thoroughly
£25.00 recommended.
IN

THE VOICE OF THE CRYSTAL

ARCHIVE CDs STOCK
NOW!
185 pages of practical information on the fabrication of AVAILABLE NOW!
electronic components suitable for use in building crystal
radio sets. Basic theory and simple analysis are combined
with dozens of examples of historical practice, work by
contemporary experimenters and construction details for
many instruments fabricated by the author himself.

£11.95

INSTRUMENTS OF AMPLIFICATION
Rob Mannion G3XFD wrote: “Peter Friedrichs has written a
truly superb book but has chosen a title that really hides its The archive sets are each on a single optical disc and provided in a
‘light’ under the proverbial bushel! Armed with the book, an
interested constructor can literally build a radio from scratch searchable portable document format (PDF). It’s ideal for any computer
anywhere! Maybe a better title should have been ‘Desert
Island Radio for the Shipwrecked’ because everything is
running a PDF reader program – there should be no problems!
covered from simple earphones, detectors and mechanical
amplifiers to home made valves (tubes) and transistors. If PRACTICAL WIRELESS 1965-1969 ARCHIVE ...................£24.99
you enjoyed Rough Science on BBC Two, you’ll love this PRACTICAL WIRELESS 2016 ARCHIVE ..............................£14.99
£14.95 book!” Very highly recommended.
RADIOUSER 2016 ARCHIVE ..................................................£14.99
PRACTICAL WIRELESS 1970-1974 ARCHIVE ...................£24.99
CARRYING ON THE Since 1996, there has been an ongoing series of small
PRACTICAL WAY practical projects in Practical Wireless magazine. The PRACTICAL WIRELESS 2010-2014 ARCHIVE ...................£24.99
Rev. George Dobbs G3RJV has been the mainstay RADIOUSER 2011-2015 ARCHIVE .......................................£24.99
20 YEARS OF PROJECTS
of this series by far, having written around 95% of the
IN PRACTICAL WIRELESS articles that appeared up to date. Therefore, as a tribute PRACTICAL WIRELESS 2015 ARCHIVE ..............................£14.99
to George’s love of the hobby and to the other authors
who take over the task of demonstrating that building RADIOUSER 2015 ARCHIVE ..................................................£14.99
your own projects is easier than you might think, we’ve IN THE SHOP .............................................................................£14.99
collated them into one electronic archive.
DATA MODES ............................................................................£14.99
Because of the wide-ranging subjects it’s not easy to
catalogue them because there are around 230 articles
CARRYING ON THE PRACTICAL WAY ..................................£14.99
to browse through. Of necessity, some are similar in PRACTICAL WIRELESS 1975-1979 ARCHIVE ...................£24.99
nature but all are unique in showing how easy it can be
to create small circuits that can be coupled together to PRACTICAL WIRELESS 1980-1984 ARCHIVE ...................£24.99
produce receivers, transmitters, test equipment or just PRACTICAL WIRELESS 2014 ARCHIVE ..............................£14.99
plain novelties to amuse. Nevertheless, all are part of the
self-training aspect of the hobby. RADIOUSER 2014 ARCHIVE ..................................................£14.99
£14.99 PRACTICAL WIRELESS 1985-1989 ARCHIVE ...................£24.99
HARRY LEEMING’S IN THE SHOP ANTENNA COLLECTION ARCHIVE .......................................£14.99
£14.99
A collection of Harry’s long running In The Shop series PRACTICAL WIRELESS 1990-1994 ARCHIVE ...................£24.99
in PW. Find hints, tips and anecdotes about customers PRACTICAL WIRELESS 2013 ARCHIVE ..............................£14.99
that Harry met while running Holdings HiFi Audio,
an amateur radio shop. If you’ve got an older Yaesu RADIOUSER 2013 ARCHIVE ..................................................£14.99
transceiver, this is the CD-ROM for you with some 300
searchable pages.
PRACTICAL WIRELESS 1995-1999 ARCHIVE ...................£24.99
PRACTICAL WIRELESS 2012 ARCHIVE ..............................£14.99
MIKE RICHARDS’ DATA MODES £14.99 RADIOUSER 2012 ARCHIVE ..................................................£14.99
Since he started his regular column some years ago,
Mike Richards G4WNC has explained the many data PRACTICAL WIRELESS 2000-2004 ARCHIVE ...................£24.99
modes using a computer with your radio. They’re
all here, but these are not the only computer related PRACTICAL WIRELESS 2011 ARCHIVE ..............................£14.99
topics Mike has covered. Find out how to use the PRACTICAL WIRELESS 2010 ARCHIVE ..............................£14.99
Raspberry Pi, a £25 Linux computer or create projects
using the Arduino system. All this in 178 searchable PRACTICAL WIRELESS 2005-2009 ARCHIVE ...................£24.99
pages.
RADIOUSER 2011 ARCHIVE ..................................................£14.99
RADIOUSER 2006-2010 ARCHIVE .......................................£24.99

70 Practical Wireless November 2017

68-Book Store.indd 70 26/09/2017 16:16

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 Radio Websites

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talks us through his latest project, the construction of a airfields. He also outlines a noteworthy engineering
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Scanning Scene Bill Robertson investigates the LM&S Broadcast Matters Chrissy Brand winds up her
compatibility of different DRM systems, explains how to
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recent Canada on-the-road radio movie, reacts to
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Build a Field Aircraft Carrier Visit
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Book Review David Harris evaluates The Golden Days of Radio Websites Chrissy Brand evaluates the pick of this
Radio One: Hotshots, Big Shots and Potshots, by David month’s most fascinating radio-related websites and Available from all good
Hamilton finds some real gems for both radio enthusiasts and newsagents. Price £3.99
Sky High Godfrey Manning points to more sources researchers of radio’s political history
of accurate aeronautical information and looks Off the Record Oscar the Engineer explains free radio
at aerodrome radio in the past and at aspects of terminology, looks at adaptive frequency selection and
contemporary communications evaluates recent transmissions by Pirate BBC Essex
DXTV, FM & Satellite News Keith Hamer and Garry Smith 2017 and Radio MiAMiGO
offer a seasonal feast of TV and FM DX reception Comms from Europe Simon Parker relates the highs
reports, due to favourable atmospheric conditions and and lows of his recent personal experience with
Sporadic-E propagation CB transceivers, introduces some new offerings by
Maritime Matters Robert Connolly puts recent President and Stabo and assesses recent band activity www.pwpublishing.ltd.uk
commemorative events in a wider maritime radio Software Spot This month, QSP73 Services offers
context and begins his search for a new marine band another stimulating collection of radio-related hobby RadioUser is Published by:
transceiver software, including programs to enhance your contest
activities and data modes monitoring
Warners Group Publications Ltd
NDB DXing Robert Connolly goes back to basics on West Street, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH
beacon technology and equipment maintenance Radio Book Store New titles and old favourites, frequency
and delivers his bi-monthly NDB listings against the guides, radio history and much more Trading Post Tel: 01778 391000
background of weaker conditions Second-hand bargains and private discoveries.

Coming
Review – The Yaesu FT-70DE
Tim Kirby G4VXE reviews the Yaesu FT-70DE, a new handheld
transceiver with FM and System Fusion capabilities.

next month
Review – Wonderwand Antennas
Carl Gorse 2E0HPI has been checking out some more antennas
suitable for portable operation.

Valve & Vintage

Michael Marinaro WN1M continues the saga of Fabbri and
the fight to achieve reliable transatlantic communications.

IN THE UK’S BEST AND ONLY INDEPENDENT Rejuvenating the FR-50B

Dr Samuel Ritchie EI9FZB has the second part of his
AMATEUR RADIO MAGAZINE restoration story.

The National Hamfest and 2017 RSGB Convention

We have our annual reports on the happenings at
Newark and at the RSGB Convention.

Antipodal Focusing
Steve Telenius-Lowe PJ4DX follows up his article
on using the low bands during the solar minimum
by explaining the ins and outs of antipodal
focusing.

In the Shop
DECEMBER 2017 ISSUE Harry Leeming G3LLL relates a tale from
ON SALE 9TH NOVEMBER 2017 the early days of transistors, advises caution
where insurance is concerned and has
AT ALL GOOD NEWSAGENTS some more anecdotes from his retail days.

There are all your other regular columns

too, including What Next, The Morse
Current issues are available direct for Mode, HF Highlights, World of VHF,
Data Modes, Carrying on the Practical
the cover price (post free). Please see Way and Buying Second-hand.

the Book Store pages for ordering information The publishers reserve the right
to change content according to
circumstances.

November 2017 Practical Wireless 73

73-next month.indd 73 26/09/2017 16:15

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e-mail: [email protected] Contact: 07788 498962 Repairs and alignment to all amateur and
commercial radio equipment.

Cornwall Somerset Advertisers index

WORSLEY LINDARS RADIOS Adur Communications .............................................74

COMMUNICATIONS
Robin C Worsley G0 MYR
ʻA Modern Company With
Old Fashioned Valuesʼ
Allport Communications...........................................74
Birkett, J...................................................................63
Bhi ...........................................................................29
‘Onaru’, Pennance Road, USED AMATEUR
RADIO EQUIPMENT Bowood Electronics .................................................63
Lanner, Redruth,
Cornwall TR16 5TQ PURCHASED AND SOLD Lam Communications ..............................................33
www.hamradiosales.co.uk www.AmateurRadioSales.co.uk Langrex....................................................................65
Tel: 01209 820118 Lindars Radios.........................................................74
01935 474265 Martin Lynch & Sons .............................37, 38, 39, 75
Moonraker ...................................................20, 21, 22

Practical Wireless
Nevada ........................................................54, 55, 67
Practical Wireless – coming next month..................73
RadioUser................................................................73
A wonderful selection of radio based books are available Sandpiper Aerial Technology ...................................74
Short Wave UK ..................................................63, 67
We can also supply a copy of most individual reviews Sotabeams ........................................................12, 65
that you may have read in past editions of Tennamast ...............................................................74
Waters & Stanton ..............................................2, 3, 4
Practical Wireless and RadioUser Worsley Communications.........................................74
See the Book Store pages in this issue for ordering Yaesu UK Ltd...........................................................76
information

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74 Practical Wireless November 2017

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