Digest of Articles - QST Jun 96 (Long - 44k)

[W. E. Van Horne]

Following are digests of articles printed in the June, 1996 issue of
QST. Such digests are being prepared for each issue of QST, and posted
periodically. They are archived, beginning with the January, 1993
issue, and available by ftp from:

(in USA) oak.oakland.edu/pub3/hamradio/arrl/infoserv/digests
(in Europe) ftp.funet.fi/pub/ham/arrl/infoserv/digests

They also can be gotten by E-Mail from the ARRL Info Server at:
in...@arrl.org. For detailed instructions, send an E-Mail message
containing the following:

HELP
SEND INDEX
QUIT

Another access route is via the ARRL HIRAM bulletin board. It can be
accessed by a direct telephone call at any speed from 1200- to
28,800-baud. The number is: (860) 594-0306.

The major value of digests is to give readers sufficient information to
decide whether to obtain a copy of the full text. If any U.S. reader
wants a copy of an article in QST, please inquire of other hams in your
own neighborhood. Many have collections of back issues. Anyone who is
unsuccessful in finding a fellow ham with a collection should try every
library in the area, especially those at universities and technical
colleges. If all else fails, a copy can be obtained from the ARRL
Technical Department, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111-1494 USA for a
fee of $3.00 per copy for ARRL members; $5.00 for non-members. Remember,
it is both cheaper and quicker to obtain one locally.

Readers in most other countries can obtain copies from their own
national ham organizations, sometimes translated into their own
languages.

-------------------------------CUT HERE---------------------------------
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Copyright to all the following material from QST
Magazine is held by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), effective on
the date of issue. Permission is granted for redistribution of the
following in its entirety, or in part, provided that this copyright
notice is not removed or altered and that proper attribution is made to
ARRL as publisher of QST, to the authors of the original articles, and
to W. E. "Van" Van Horne, W8UOF, author of this compilation.
_________

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(line numbers indicated - counting from CUT HERE line)

TECHNICAL ARTICLES (TA)

TA1:The Radio Sky - Part 1 72
TA2:Transfer Relays - Overlooked Bargains 103
TA3:Electrical Safety 130
TA4:SMALL - A Surface-Mount Amplifier that's Little and LOUD! 176

PRODUCT REVIEW (PR)

PR1:Ten-Tec T-Kit 1208 6-Meter Transverter 213
PR2:Radio Shack 22-168A Digital Multimeter 263
PR3:RF Applications Inc P-1500 Digital RF Power/VSWR Indicator 300
PR4:Azden HS-03 Headset 327

TECHNICAL CORRESPONDENCE (TC)

TC1:A Poor Man's DVR 358
TC2:Copper-Wire Shunt Precaution 387

LAB NOTES (LN)

LN1:Troubleshooting Electrical Noise 416

HINTS & KINKS (HK)

HK1:Step Start for the Heath SB-1000 Linear Amplifier 455
HK2:Tips for the Yaesu FT-1000D 489
HK3:More on Magnetic Stainless Steel? 519
HK4:A Space-Saving 2-Meter Antenna 538

AMATEUR SATELLITES (AS)

AS1:The Death of OSCAR 13 552

FEEDBACK (FB)

FB1:"Explore Ham Radio's Software Bonanza", QST May 96 590

NEW HAM COMPANION (NHC)

NHC1:The Doctor is IN 611
NHC2:A Simple LED SWR/Power Meter 625
NHC3:Accessing the FCC Amateur Database on the Internet 649
NHC4:The Mailbox Matching Box 673
NHC5:The Writing Game 691

GENERAL INTEREST ARTICLES (GI)

GI1:North Country Island-Hopping 727
GI2:Cranberries Dragged Me into Ham Radio 747
GI3:Low-Power Transceiver Kits You Can Build 766
------------------------------------------------------------------------

TECHNICAL ARTICLES (TA)
_________

Title>TA1:The Radio Sky
Author>Emerson, Darrel - AA7FV, G3SYS
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 32-35
Abstract>Many types of astronomical objects, such as stars, clouds of
dust and/or gas, and galaxies, emit radio noise. Radio astronomers
study these signals to learn more about the cosmos.

Digest>For more than 60 years, it has been known that radio noise is
coming from the sky and is stronger from some directions than from
others. For over 40 of those years, noise has been known to emanate
from stars and many other celestial objects, from clouds of hydrogen
atoms to galaxies. The study of such emissions is radio astronomy.

Cosmic noise can affect amateurs in that it adds to all the other
sources of noise and degrades the signal-to-noise ratio during
reception. This article illustrates the radio sky by means of a "false
color" photo and contour charts showing how the noise is distributed
over the entire sky. (False color means areas of the sky are shaded in
various colors that represent noise amplitudes.)

It further describes the units that are used in measuring the noise
level and how the values are affected by the beam width of the antenna
in use, by the bandwidth of the receiver, and the frequency at which the
observation is being made. The most common way of denoting noise
amplitude is in degrees of "antenna temperature", representing the
temperature of a resistor that would generate the same noise amplitude
as that actually observed.
_________

Title>TA2:Transfer Relays - Overlooked Bargains
Author>Ford, Jim - N6JF
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 36-37
Abstract>Transfer relays, designed for switching VHF/UHF power, are very
useful for amateurs. They are often available in hamfest flea markets
at low prices. This shows how they can be used.

Digest>Transfer relays are devices that are often available from military
surplus and found for low prices at hamfest flea markets. Although they
are made in various configurations, usually they are cylindrical and on
one end there are four N-connectors mounted in a square pattern. They
are used for switching coaxial cable connections and are usually
designed for VHF/UHF operation.

Internally, each contains two sets of contactor blades. If one
identifies the four coax connectors as A, B, C, and D, actuating one set
of blades connects A to B and C to D; the other set connects A to C and
B to D.

The article illustrates a number of common applications for which
transfer relays are ideal. They involve switching a power amplifier
into and out of the circuit between a transceiver and an antenna;
switching either of two transceivers to either of two antennas; and
switching a pre-amplifier into and out of the front end of a receiver.
_________

Title>TA3:Electrical Safety
Author>VanProoyen, L. - K8KWD
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 38-40
Abstract>Low-voltage, high current sources can also be dangerous.
Contains hints for working around automotive electrical circuits.

Digest>Much has been said and written about protecting one from death or
severe injury from high voltage. This article describes the very real
danger of injury from working around low voltage, such as 12-volt
automotive systems. Among the advisories given:

1. Remove all jewelry before working on low voltage - high current
sources. If a ring should get shorted across a car battery, for example,
the heat could literally burn off a finger.

2. Always remove the battery ground lead before working on the system.

3. Always use a fuse, as close to the battery as possible.

4. Properly size the fuse for the wire(s) it must protect.

5. Properly size the wire for the current it must carry.

6. Secure all wires and always use grommets where wires pass through
bulkheads.

7. Route cables with care near the engine or moving parts.

8. Never work alone. Some other person should be available to help, or
to call for help, in case an accident occurs.

Rules for working on circuits of any voltage, high or low:

1. Never work while tired, or otherwise impaired.

2. Make sure a circuit is dead before working on it.

3. Do not trust interlocks to remove voltage. Test the circuit, and
install your own ground jumpers. Never defeat interlocks.

4. Always short large capacitors to ground before beginning.

5. Periodically check permanently installed grounds.
_________

Title>TA4:SMALL - A Surface-Mount Amplifier that's Little and LOUD!
Author>Ulbing, Sam - N4UAU
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 41-42, 68
Abstract>Describes a very simple audio amplifier built from surface-
mount components. Useful for boosting the audio output of an H-T
transceiver for use in noisy environments.

Digest>A major purpose of this project is to gain experience in building
equipment using surface-mount (SM) components. The device is an audio
amplifier that produces as much as 2-watts output, although the whole
circuit, including a voltage regulator chip, is on a PC-board no more
than 2- or 3-square-inches in size. The author uses it when operating
his 2-meter HT in his car. The 2-watt output provides ample loudspeaker
volume to override car noises.

The entire circuit is comprised of an LM-4861M amplifier chip, three
resistors, two capacitors and the regulator components. Mr. Ulbing
gives several helpful hints for working with tiny SM parts. He
recommends tweezers to handle them, and a tiny soldering iron. He found
the ideal tip for his Weller 25-watt iron to be one with a 1/32-inch-
wide chisel tip. He used solder designed specifically for this use:
Radio Shack's 0.022-inch diameter silver solder, Stock No. 64-013. One
should also have a heat-insulated stick of some sort to hold the
components down during soldering, since they are so tiny that the
surface tension of the solder tends to make them stick to the iron!

The power output is sufficiently large that it requires a larger speaker
than the typical 2-inch diameter types in H-Ts. He uses a speaker rated
at 5-watts, maximum, which performs admirably.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRODUCT REVIEW (PR)
Conductor: Rick Lindquist - KX4V
Asst. Technical Editor
_________

Title>PR1:Ten-Tec T-Kit 1208 6-Meter Transverter
Author>Bliss, Norm - WA1CCQ
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 62-64
Abstract>Review of an inexpensive, high-quality transverter that will
allow any ham with an HF transceiver to operate on 6-Meters.

Digest>The 6-Meter band is underused in most areas, even though it has
very attractive characteristics. It is the only VHF band that sometimes
has F2 openings to DX countries. The fact that some popular HF
transceivers now on the market provide 6-meter operation means that
band occupation will certainly increase.

For amateurs who do not want to invest in new transceivers just to try
the band, by far the least expensive way to do it is to build a 2-way
transverter to use with their existing rigs. This review describes the
Ten-Tec kit-built unit that sells for less than $100, complete.

In operation, the transverter uses a 36-MHz. crystal oscillator to
convert 20-meter output from the transceiver to the 6-meter band, and
the 6-meter received signals from the antenna to the 20-meter band. A
solid-state r.f. sensing circuit performs the transmit/receive
switching.

The maximum transverter power output is about 8-watts; that small amount
of power is adequate to take practically full advantage of the band,
especially since high-gain antennas are quite compact on 6-meters.

Using the transverter in transmit requires the excitation to be no more
than 5-watts. Most modern transceivers can be adjusted to that level by
front-panel control. If one's transceiver cannot be adjusted to that
low an output, it should be relatively easy to design and build a
circuit to attenuate the output to that level.

The 14-MHz. drive power is prevented from passing through the
transverter to the antenna by the internal design which, Ten-Tec
claims, attenuates it by 75-dB., or more. Used as a receiver, the
conversion gain was measured as 17.9-dB. by the ARRL Labs. The noise
figure measured 7.3-dB.

The reviewer found construction of the kit to be straightforward, so
long as one carefully follows the directions contained in the excellent
instruction manual provided. The only tools required are those in the
typical amateur's toolboxes, including a 25-watt soldering iron. For
adjustment, the bare minimum test equipment required is an accurate RF
wattmeter on the source of drive power, and a VOM with a DC current
range up to 1-amp. A frequency counter, 50-MHz. signal source, and a
dummy load are optional, but would make the job easier.
_________

Title>PR2:Radio Shack 22-168A Digital Multimeter
Author>Gruber, Mike - WA1SVF
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 64-66
Abstract>Describes a digital meter which provides, in addition to normal
VOM functions, four others: capacitance, frequency, and hFE (transistor)
measurements, plus computer-interface for plotting graphs.

Digest>This review describes a shirt-pocket size digital multimeter. It
performs the functions expected in a general-purpose VOM, plus four
extras. First is capacitance measurement ranging in six steps from
0-1 nanofarad to 0-100 microfarads. Next is a frequency counter ranging
from 1-Hz. to 19.5-MHz., by decades. Third, the unit comes with
software and a provision to attach the meter to a personal computer
which will log measurements and also plot graphs from the accumulated
data. The fourth is a scale for measuring the hFE of transistors.
(Note that this is not useful for testing FETs).

The interface causes the computer to log and plot the meter's
measurements on a graph, similar to the display on an oscilloscope
except that the sweep can take from seconds or minutes, to days.
Maximum sample rate is about one per second.

The accuracy of the meter was tested by the ARRL Lab and found to be
accurate to 0.1-percent of full scale, on almost all scales. But the
manual that accompanies the meter was found to be barely adequate. The
reviewer suggests that a user might also want to buy a Radio Shack book:
USING YOUR METER, that gives much more comprehensive instructions.
However, not even that book describes the PC interface. The software
contains a file of instructions that can be read, or printed, by the
computer.

The price of the meter is $129.99; the operations manual comes with it.
A service manual is available for $7.20; USING YOUR METER sells for
$5.99.
_________

Title>PR3:RF Applications Inc P-1500 Digital RF Power/VSWR Indicator
Author>Lindquist, Rick - KX4V
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 66-67
Abstract>Operation review of a digital HF power and SWR meter. It is
auto-ranging and useful for both high- and low-power use.

Digest>This article reviews an HF power and SWR instrument. It is
digital and autoranging, over a minimum of about 1-watt to full legal
power. The instrument is remarkably tiny, slightly smaller than a
4-inch cube. It has only one control on the front panel: a mode switch.
Pressing the switch sequences the instrument from Forward power, to
VSWR, to Reflected power, and to True power.

In the middle of the front panel is a four-digit LCD indicator that
displays the value. The overall accuracy is approximately the same as
that of the familiar Bird analog wattmeters.

Full-scale span of the instrument is automatically switched over three
ranges: 0-120, 0-750, and 0-1500 watts. As opposed to analog meters,
the digital meter registers peak power, an advantage to SSB operators.

Operating power requirements are 12- to 16-volts DC at 200-milliamps,
from an external source. The manufacturer's list price for the P-1500
is $219.95. A suitable power supply is $16.95.
_________

Title>PR4:Azden HS-03 Headset
Author>Swanson, Glen - KB1GW
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 67-68
Abstract>Description of a combined headphone and microphone assembly
allowing hands-off radio operation.

Digest>The word "headset" means a combination of headphones with an
attached microphone. The HS-03 is designed specifically for amateur use
in situations like contests in which both hands must be kept
continuously on the logging-computer keyboard.

The headband and attached phones are padded and adjustable for optimum
comfort. The microphone is supported by an adjustable boom that pivots
on one earphone. The dynamic mike element supplied in the HS-03
provides a frequency response from 300- to 4000-Hz., with a 6-dB. rise
at 2500-Hz.

The manufacturer's list price for the headset is $69.95. An optional
push-to-talk accessory box with a toggle pushbutton (push for on, push
again for off) is available for $40. It also contains a preamplifier
with a slide switch to select either a flat frequency response (for
"Local" use), or a high-frequency boost (for "DX") use. A similar
accessory that also provides VOX is available for $50.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

TECHNICAL CORRESPONDENCE (TC)
Conductor: Paul Pagel - N1FB
Assoc. Technical Editor
_________

Title>TC1:A Poor Man's DVR
Author>Markey, Rick - KN3C
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 71-72
Abstract>How to adapt a computer with a sound board, and associated
software, for use as a digital voice recorder. Allows playback through
a speaker, and also through a transceiver.

Digest>KN3C operates a Kenwood TS-850 transceiver. He wanted the
facility to record portions of the received audio during QSOs and, in
some cases, to be able to play back some of the recording to give the
originator an "ultimate signal report". To make this possible, he
installed a Sound Blaster 2.0 into his computer, and used the
accompanying software, called "Creative WaveStudio".

His letter gives full details of how the receiver audio output was fed
to the Sound Blaster board. The output from the board was connected to
both an accessory speaker and also, through an audio coupling
transformer and attenuator, to the transceiver for retransmission. No
doubt, with similar arrangements, it would be possible to accomplish the
same results with other computer boards and transceivers.

Mr. Markey reports that the system is easy to use. Before starting a
QSO, he puts the WaveStudio software into the "Record" mode, ready to
begin recording any time he presses the "Start" button. After making
the recording, he usually reviews it through the speaker before playing
it back.
_________

Title>TC2:Copper-Wire Shunt Precautions
Author>Bloom, Alan - N1AL
Source>QST Jun 96, p. 72
Abstract>Copper wire shunts have a high temperature coefficient of
resistance. It may cause measurement errors if the operator is not
careful.

Digest>This letter is a supplement to the article by K8TM in QST Jan 96:
"How to Measure Large Direct Currents with Common Meters". The original
article recommended the use of copper wire of different diameters for
meter shunts. This letter points out that, while the wire makes very
effective shunts, copper has a high temperature coefficient of
resistance: 0.39-percent per degree C.

The meter shunts are usually in heavy current applications, so the
shunt, itself, will dissipate power and its temperature will rise. This
is in addition to a likely rise in ambient temperature if heavy current
apparatus is used in the vicinity. A rise of temperature from 18- to
35-degrees C. (64- to 95-degrees F.) will change the resistance by
6.8-percent. Much higher temperature rises may be encountered in other
circumstances, causing errors in meter calibration of as much as
25-percent. Users should be forewarned!
------------------------------------------------------------------------

LAB NOTES (LN)
Prepared by: ARRL Laboratory Staff
_________

Title>LN1:Troubleshooting Electrical Noise
Author>Hare, Ed - KA1CV
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 73-74
Abstract>Contains hints for finding, and eliminating, radio noise
emanating from electrical equipment and/or power lines.

Digest>In this article, written in a question and answer format, the
author gives a number of hints for searching out and correcting receiver
noise that emanates from electrical appliances, or other sources
connected to commercial power lines. All kinds of electrical apparatus
produce electrical noise in some circumstances.

The best place to begin is within the user's own household. The most
effective tool for finding noise sources is a battery-operated AM
broadcast receiver. Tune it to a clear frequency and put it in a
location where the noise is loud, then turn off power circuits, one at a
time, to find the one that causes the interference to stop. After
isolating the noise to one circuit, it should be easy to find the
source.

If it is found that the noise does not originate within the building, it
will be necessary to search the neighborhood. For that use, an AM
portable radio with HF and VHF bands is most useful. It can frequently
be used as a direction finder, of sorts, to track noise sources. Often
the noise will be loudest near where the power lines enter a house or
building, indicating that the source is probably inside that building.

In many cases, the noise will follow the power lines. In that event,
the best source of help is the power company. Most electric utility
companies have technicians whose job is to find and correct problems of
radio noise. Find out who that person is and request their help.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

HINTS AND KINKS (HK)
Conductor: Bob Schetgen - KU7G
Asst. Technical Editor
_________

Title>HK1:Step Start for the Heath SB-1000 Linear Amplifier
Author>Branca, Mike - W3IRZ
Source>QST Jun 96, p. 69
Abstract>A simple circuit that introduces a short warm-up time delay in
an amplifier.

Digest>W3IRZ has a Heath SB-1000 linear amplifier and became concerned
at the stress put on the filament of the power tube and the power supply
components from the inrush current that occurs when the main power
switch is first turned on. To provide a one- or two-second delay time
for the full voltage to build up, he developed a very simple circuit.

The circuit places a resistor in series with the a.c. power line between
the main switch and one side of the transformer primary. The operating
coil of an a.c. relay is wired in parallel with the primary, and the
contacts of the relay short out the dropping resistor.

When the switch is first closed, the load on the transformer is very
high, since the filter capacitors are totally discharged and the tube
filament is cold. The relatively heavy inrush current causes a
substantial voltage drop through the resistor, allowing the transformer
voltage to rise only part way. As the filament warms up and the
capacitors charge, the inrush current falls and the voltage across the
primary climbs. When it gets high enough to actuate the relay coil, the
dropping resistor is shorted out and full power is applied to the
amplifier.

The dropping resistor and relay were built on a small piece of aluminum
that was mounted inside the SB-1000 cabinet. A wiring diagram,
components list, and a photograph of the final installation are
included.
_________

Title>HK2:Tips for the Yaesu FT-1000D
Author>Williams, Barry - KD5VC
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 69-70
Abstract>Improve CW operation with a narrow 3d IF filter; use two
antennas for dual-diversity reception; and add a hi-fi audio system to
enhance operation of the FT-1000D.

Digest>KD5VC offers three additions or modifications to the already fine
Yaesu FT-1000D transceiver. The first involves the switching
arrangements for selecting different IF filters. As built, the
transceiver offers a variety of bandwidths in the crystal filters in the
second IF, but only two ceramic filters (a wide AM and a 4-KHz. SSB
filter) in the third IF. A great improvement in CW operation can be had
with the addition of a 250-Hz. third-IF filter. This hint provides
instructions for arranging the switching network so that the narrowest
filter in the second IF will automatically be selected when the
narrowest third-IF filter is called for.

The next hint takes advantage of the fact that the FT-1000D contains two
complete receivers. The author recommends that a separate antenna
switch be added and that two antennas be connected to the respective
channels, one vertically and the other horizontally polarized. Known as
"dual diversity" reception, this arrangement will often make dramatic
improvement during conditions of deep fading.

His third recommendation concerns the use of an external stereo audio
amplifier to increase the enjoyment of the transceiver.
_________

Title>HK3:More on Magnetic Stainless Steel?
Author>Trout, Stanley R. - WB2SHR
Source>QST Jun 96, p. 70
Abstract>Not all stainless steel is non-magnetic. The 300-series grades
generally are, but the 400-series grades are not.

Digest>In QST Mar 94, N1EDM noted that "magnets do not attract stainless
steel". This author correctly points out that two general classes of
stainless steel are in common use: the 300 series and the 400 series.
The former grades are generally non-magnetic, but the latter are usually
ferromagnetic (magnets attract them). However, he mistakenly states
that the 300 series (most common grades: 303, 304, or 312) contain a
good deal of chromium, whereas the 400 series (430 is most common) is
high in nickel content. The exact opposite is the case; the 300 series
is high in nickel (and also contains chromium); the 400 series contains
chromium, but little or no nickel.
_________

Title>HK4:A Space-Saving 2-Meter Antenna
Author>Shapiro, Gary - WD8DOT
Source>QST Jun 96, p. 70
Abstract>Describes a convenient and unobtrusive 2-Meter antenna that is
usable almost anywhere. It is simply a half-wave mobile glass-mount
antenna attached to an outside window.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMATEUR SATELLITES (AS)
Conductor: Steve Ford - WB8IMY
Managing Editor
_________

Title>AS1:The Death of OSCAR 13
Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY
Source>QST Jun 96, p. 81
Abstract>OSCAR 13's orbit is decaying. It will burn up in the
atmosphere in December, 1996.

Digest>Nearly all hams, even those who do not operate via satellites,
have known that OSCAR 13 has been in orbit for some eight years and has
made DX contacts spanning nearly a whole hemisphere easy. The key to
its success has been the highly elliptical orbit that takes it some
35,000-kilometers (more than 20,000-miles) above the earth at high
north latitudes.

Now that orbit is decaying. The interaction of the gravity from the
earth, sun, and moon has caused the perigee (the point on the orbit
closest to the earth) to fall lower and lower. In a few more months, it
will begin to touch the edge of the atmosphere. When that happens, each
pass will incur enough air friction to slow its speed slightly. That
will mark the beginning of the end, because each subsequent orbit will
make the orbit decay that much more quickly.

As the perigee falls slowly, the apogee (the point where the orbit is
farthest from the earth) is falling much more rapidly, making the orbit
less elliptical. It will finally become nearly a circle before the
"bird" falls to its death.

By some time in November, each pass through perigee will encounter so
much air friction that OSCAR 13 will heat up appreciably. About that
time, the electronics it contains will fail. It will continue in lower
and lower orbits for a few more weeks until, some time between December
5 and 12, it will burn up in the atmosphere at a place somewhere on the
night side of the earth, near 50-degrees north latitude.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

FEEDBACK (FB)
_________

Title>FB1:"Explore Ham Radio's Software Bonanza", QST May 96
Author>Kleinschmidt, Kirk - NT0Z
Source>QST Jun 96, p. 68
Abstract>Corrects the identification of the publisher of SKYCOM PRO.
The program is now renamed: PROLAB PRO.

Digest>In the subject article, SKYCOM PRO propagation software was
reviewed and the publisher was mistakenly cited as Fuentez Systems
Concepts. The program is actually offered by Solar Terrestrial
Dispatch, Box 357, Stirling, AB T0K 2E0, Canada. It has been renamed:
PROLAB PRO.

Fuentez Systems Concepts offers a different propagation program called
SKYCOM 2.0. Their postal address is: 11781 Lee Jackson Hwy, Fairfax, VA
22033.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW HAM COMPANION (NHC)
_________

Title>NHC1:The Doctor is IN
Author>Various
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 51-52
Abstract>Questions and answers on subjects of primary interest to
newcomers to amateur radio.

Digest>Questions discussed in this issue include: proper use of 12-volt
deep-cycle batteries; the proper length for ground-plane radials; how to
use a microwave oven to test insulator efficiency; the advantages of
quarter-wave over half-wave vertical antennas; Q signals; and other
subjects.
_________

Title>NHC2:A Simple LED SWR/Power Meter
Author>Rideout, Art - WA6IPD
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 53-54
Abstract>Describes an easily-built substitute for the analog meter
movement in an RF Power/SWR meter. Provides indication of peak power,
not just average power.

Digest>When one is operating SSB, power/SWR meters using analog meter
movements register a kind of average power, not peak. The peaks in
human voice communication are instantaneous, and no moving-coil meter
can keep up. An effective alternative that really shows the peaks uses
ten LED indicators in a row, driven by an LM3914 bar-display driver
chip. WA6IPD shows an easy way to build such a unit that can be used to
substitute for the analog meter movement in the bridge circuit that all
such meters use.

The article provides a complete schematic diagram and parts list, in
addition to photos of two different versions that he has built. An
etched and drilled PC-board for this project is available from FAR
Circuits, 18N640 Field Ct., Dundee, IL 60118-9269 for $5.25, including
domestic shipping.
_________

Title>NHC3:Accessing the FCC Amateur Data Base on the Internet
Author>Baran, Fuat - N2YGN
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 55-56
Abstract>"Callbook"-type data is now available, on-line, always
up-to-date.

Digest>The Federal Communications Commission database containing all
amateur licenses is now available on the Internet in convenient form.
The FCC, itself, makes the entire database available online, but does
not provide a conventional database search facility. Certain
universities and radio clubs have set up their own databases which they
update frequently from the official source and make available in a form
easy to use. One is the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. It can
be accessed by Telnet to Port 2000 on callsign.ualr.edu, or by Web
Browser to http://www.ualr.edu/doc-hamualr/callsign.html. Another is
the Columbia University Amateur Radio Club's Web page at
http://www.columbia.edu/~fuat/cuarc/.

Some clubs monitor new licenses issued in their areas and contact the
recipients by phone or mail to acquaint them of local activities and
invite them to participate.
_________

Title>NHC4:The Mailbox Matching Box
Author>Holsopple, Curtis - K9CH
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 57-59
Abstract>Describes the construction of a versatile antenna tuner in a
common rural mailbox.

Digest>K9CH has built an L-network antenna tuner in a common rural
mailbox with the two adjusting knobs, for capacitance and inductance
adjustments, coming through the fixed end of the box. He painted the
box white, making a neat-appearing, versatile tuner that he uses in
temporary Field Day operations, as well as at his home station.

The main body of the article is a general discussion of antenna tuners,
with descriptions of the types of variable inductors used and sources
where they may be obtained.
_________

Title>NHC5:The Writing Game
Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 60-61
Abstract>An invitation from QST's managing editor to submit articles for
publication. Includes advice for preparation of acceptable manuscripts.

Digest>Mr. Ford, QST's managing editor, issues an invitation to any
interested person to submit articles for possible publication in the
magazine. He goes on to offer advice concerning what the editors are
looking for and procedures that aspiring authors should use to maximize
their chances of acceptance.

Among the points he makes are that QST prefers to receive submissions of
text on floppy disks, but photographs and drawings on paper. The
editors are flexible about mistakes in spelling and grammar, and will
correct a few, but those factors still count. Anyone who has a spelling
checker with their word processor should use it!

Writing styles should be informal, not stuffy. He recommends that any
would-be writer become familiar with: THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE, by Strunk
and White, available in any public library. Also, they should obtain
free copies of the QST Author's Guide. The full text can be downloaded
from the ARRL InfoServer, or will be mailed to anyone who sends a
request, along with a stamped and self-addressed envelope, to ARRL
Headquarters.

If a person has an idea for an article and would like to know whether
QST would be interested in it, before the author puts forth the effort
of writing it, the editors are always willing to consider such a request
and will give a prompt, frank answer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL INTEREST ARTICLES (GI)
_________

Title>GI1:North Country Island-Hopping
Author>Reisenauer, Jr., John - NL7TB
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 28-29
Abstract>A "DXpedition" to Alaskan islands.

Digest>In July, 1995, the author and two other hams made "DXpeditions"
to two islands in Alaska. They were Fox Island and Douglas Island. Fox
Island was designated AK-94S in the Amateur Radio "US Islands" (USI)
program, and also NA-197 in the "Islands on the Air" (IOTA) program.

Even though the activities were conducted in mid-summer, the weather was
cold and stormy. Getting to, and setting up equipment on, both islands
was difficult, uncomfortable, and even dangerous.

From Fox Island, they made more than 1100 contacts with 60 countries,
all on 20-meters. Two-thirds of the contacts were outside of North
America. From Douglas Island, they made 500 additional contacts.
_________

Title>GI2:Cranberries Dragged Me into Ham Radio
Author>King, Frank - AA7XA
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 43-44
Abstract>A newspaper reporter learns about ham radio while interviewing
cranberry farmers.

Digest>The author of this piece is a journalist who wrote a newspaper
article about a small cranberry-growing operation in Oregon. The
growers were Sam and Carol Dorning, KA7EAT and N7HEH. While
interviewing them, he noticed their radio antennas and station, and
became interested in ham radio.

On their recommandation, he joined a radio class run by the late Bill
Eidenschink, W7IHO, at Oregon Coast Community College, passed the
license exam, and became AA7XA. This article describes the sequence of
events and the pleasure he has since received from ham radio.
_________

Title>GI3:Low-Power Transceiver Kits You Can Build
Author>Lindquist, Rick - KX4V
Source>QST Jun 96, pp. 45-50
Abstract>Product reviews of seven different CW transceiver kits.

Digest>This article is actually a product review of seven different CW
QRP transceivers that are built from kits. Five different reviewers
built one or two of the seven and have written summary reviews of them.

G-QRP Club GQ40
The GQ40 is offered by GW8ELR in Wales. It is for a single band, either
20- or 40-meters. It has a superhet receiver, 6-pole crystal filter,
and a vernier dial in a cabinet about 3- x 6- x 7-inches. Power output
is 7-watts, maximum, with full break-in operation.

The finished item is a "hot" receiver, with excellent selectivity and
ample audio output for a speaker. The purchase price for the 40-meter
kit is $156, the 20-meter one $165, including shipping in USA. It is
distributed by Kanga US, 3521 Spring Lake Drive, Findlay, OH 45840.

Gary Breed Transceiver
This unit is a single-band transceiver, approximately 3- x 6- x
8-inches, with VFO control and 5-watts maximum output. It provides a
single-signal superhet receiver with AGC, filters in both IF and audio,
semi-break-in with relay T/R switching, sidetone, S-meter, and built-in
speaker. The IF filter is a 4-pole crystal circuit which, combined with
the audio filter, provides excellent selectivity.

The unit is built around a Motorola MC3362 VLSI chip. It can be built
for any amateur band from 80- to 15-meters. The kit is supplied by 624
Kits, 171 Springlake Dr., Spartanburg, SC 29302 for a price of $153.50,
plus shipping.

Oak Hills Research OHR-400
The OHR-400 provides four-band operation (80-, 40-, 30-, and 20-meters).
The receiver contains an RF preamplifier, a 4-pole crystal filter and a
4-pole audio filter. It offers full break-in and sidetone, and an
optional built-in keyer is available.

The cabinet is about 4- x 9- x 9-inches. The reviewer remarked that the
boards are among the highest quality that he had ever seen. They are a
pleasure to solder, and instructions are thorough; but it is not a
beginner's project.

The finished rig is notably easy to use. The dial is smooth and
selectivity is very sharp. He found that it copies weak signals about
as well as his full-size commercial transceiver.

The kit is supplied by Oak Hills Research, 20879 Madison St., Big
Rapids, MI 49307, for a price of $319.95, plus shipping. The optional
keyer adds $39.95.

S&S Engineering TAC-1
The TAC-1 is a microprocessor-controlled, synthesized, single-band
transceiver. It uses a digital LCD frequency display. It can be built
for either 40- or 80-meters. The receiver is a single-signal superhet
with IF filtering and switchable audio filtering. Transmit output is
5-watts.

The reviewer was highly complimentary of the parts packaging and
organization of the kit. Circuitry is built on two PC-boards connected
by ribbon cable; no wiring is used, at all. A 75-page manual provides
complete construction information, but this kit is not for beginners.

He comments that "operating the TAC-1 is one of the finer joys in life".
Since the rig is the only one of the seven to have synthesized frequency
control, the operator always knows the precise, drift-free operating
frequency.

S&S Engineering is located at: 14102 Brown Rd., Smithsburg, MD 21783.
The price is $199.95. An optional keyer is $29.95.

Small Wonder Labs Green Mountain 20
This is not a complete kit; it contains the PC-board and most components
to build a CW superhet QRP transceiver for 40-, 30-, 20-, or 15-meters.
It provides only the parts that are mounted on the board. Cabinet,
connectors, pots and switches are not supplied. An experienced builder
will have no difficulty with the components and construction manual
supplied.

It uses a varactor VFO, 4-pole crystal filter, full break-in, RIT, and
an accurate transmit offset. Power output is limited to less than
2-watts. Receiver performance was found to be excellent; the
selectivity allowed the reviewer to hear weak signals very close to
strong ones.

The Green Mountain 20 is supplied by Small Wonder Labs, 80 E. Robins
Ave., Newington, CT 06111. The price is $75.00, postpaid.

Wilderness Radio NorCal 40A
This unit is very small, about 2- x 5- x 5-inches in size, and was
designed for the camper or backpacker. It is very simple in
construction and is suitable for a beginner.

The quality of the boards and parts is excellent. Its 4-pole IF crystal
filter provides very good selectivity (passband about 400-Hz.) and the
receiver is extremely sensitive. Power output is about 3-watts and
power consumption is very low. A small gel cell lasts an entire
weekend.

The only calibration mark on the tuning dial indicates the QRP calling
frequency: 7040-KHz. The front panel contains RF gain control, RIT
on/off switch, RIT control, and the main tuning dial. The NorCal 40A is
supplied by Wilderness Radio, PO Box 734, Los Altos, CA 94023-0734. The
price is $129.00.

Wilderness Radio Sierra
The Sierra provides coverage up to nine bands, with plug-in modules for
the separate bands. It is about 3- x 6- x 6-inches in size. It
provides 2- to 3-watts output on all bands, contains an S-meter, a
vernier dial, RF and AF gain controls, and RIT.

Construction of this unit, though not for a beginner, would be within
the capability of one who has built one or two simpler kits. It is
priced at $215 for the basic kit; with any three band modules, it is
$295; with all six band modules, the total price is $369. Shipping is
extra in all cases. The supplier is the same Wilderness Radio Company
that supplies the NorCal 40A.

The Wilderness KC1 Frequency Counter/Keyer
Wilderness Radio offers an accessory for either the NorCal 40A or the
Sierra. It contains a frequency counter with no visual readout; it
announces the three-digit result of a frequency count in Morse code!
Furthermore, one can enter a desired frequency in CW, then manually tune
across the dial. When the tuning reaches the specified frequency, the
device signals it. In addition, the accessory contains an iambic keyer
that ranges from 8- to 50-wpm. The price is $45.00, shipping not
included.
------------------------------------------------------------------------