Wellbrook ALA1530 next to a RF Systems DX1 Pro
John Plimmer
The ALA is mounted on the same pole as the RF Systems DX1 Pro,
but about 1 m down, so
it is about 10m off the deck and is orientated N/S.
I have checked the continuity and the ALA1530 is working fine with
full
power at the head.
On LF the DX1 Pro hears things that are unheard on the ALA
e.g. 515 CW, MAJ Majuba is quite clear on the DX1 but not heard on the
ALA1530, and the same with various others.
252 LW Germany faint on the DX1 but unheard on the ALA
361 CW ASN Ascension clear on the DX1 but barely audible on the ALA
More or less the same on MW band - DX1 is much clearer and stronger
1050 MW Brazil quite clear on DX1 but unreadable on ALA
Then I worked the HF bands from 3 mhz up to 18 mhz
Here the DX1 remains the strongest and clearest, but the ALA also puts
in a
good performance.
RFI and noise suppression. I didn't notice that the ALA was quieter
noisewise than my DX1, nor does it suppress the harsh RFI I have here.
I did
spend a half hour with the help of Willie and Dawn rotating it in
various
directions, but it could not suppress the RFI noise.
I have always had the opinion that the DX1 Pro is a superior performer
as
I have had some outstanding catches over the years.
_________________________________
John Plimmer, Montagu, Western Cape Province, South Africa
South 33 d 47 m 32 s, East 20 d 07 m 32 s
Icom IC-7700, Icom IC-756 PRO III with MW mods
ERGO software
Drake SW8. Sangean 803A
Sony 7600D, GE SRIII, Redsun RP2100
Antenna's RF Systems DX 1 Pro Mk II, Datong AD-270
Kiwa MW Loop.
http://www.dxing.info/about/dxers/plimmer.dx
dave
> John Plimmer wrote:
>> RFI and noise suppression. I didn't notice that the ALA was quieter
>> noisewise than my DX1, nor does it suppress the harsh RFI I have here.
>
> use of RG-213 and was wondering if LMR-400 with its superior shielding
> would be worth a try in your admittedly noisy environment.
> I used Belden RG-213 for quite awhile due to its renowned UV resistance
> but just under a decade ago switched to the Times Microwave LMR-400 for
> its similar size and better specs. I haven't been disappointed.
> Note - the installation of standard PL-259 connectors is a little more
> involved but well worth the extra time to do it right.
>
Try Davis RF BuryFlex. It's cheaper than LMR-400 and doesn't feed the
war machine.
dave
> dave wrote:
>>>
>> Try Davis RF BuryFlex. It's cheaper than LMR-400 and doesn't feed the
>> war machine.
>>
>> http://www.davisrf.com/coax.php#attenuation
>
> At the time I got it I wasn't aware of any 'war machine' connection,
> maybe you could elaborate? I got it mostly because it fared better than
> Belden 9913 in specs and was available locally at an end of spool price.
> I only needed a 36 foot run to feed a Diamond V2000A, now replaced by
> their DP-GH62, and I was able to get about 80 feet at the time cheaper
> than RG-8.
>
TMS has been instrumental in the development of military specifications,
including MIL-C-17 for coaxial cables. Times is the leading source of
MIL-C-17 qualified products, holding far more QPL's (Qualified Product
Listings) than any other manufacturer in the world. Times also helped
the US Navy write the MIL-T-81490 Transmission Line Specification, and
is qualified to supply microwave transmission lines that meet
MIL-T-81490 and MIL-C-87104 (US Air Force) requirements. These are the
specifications that define harsh military airborne environments that
Electronic Warfare transmission lines must perform in, year after year.
mi...@sushi.com
I use the ALA100 with my own loop. You can get more aperture by
rolling your own loop, and you save a bit of money. Also, you can make
it into a portable system. The ALA100 is a fantastic product with one
big bug, namely the use of a BNC on a device that could be used
outdoors. [You need to put it in a NEMA box for permanent outdoor use.
Now granted, I've bought lots of pro-gear that expects NEMA box use a
well, i.e. the assume you are doing system integration.] Also note
that the Wellbrook loops are not shielded. They interact with whatever
metal is nearby.
Note that the Wellbrook 1530 loop isn't big enough for LW. They might
say it is, but trust me, it isn't. Using the ALA100, it doesn't begin
to really kick ass until you have about 25ft of wire on it. I've used
40ft loops in the boonies.
I've been testing out my antenna using HFDL, which gives you position
data on the transmitting source.
http://www.lazygranch.com/temp/pchfdl_11354_07012009_1.jpg
http://www.lazygranch.com/temp/pchfdl_11354_07012009_2.jpg
This is 7000 statute miles of data reception, a tougher criteria than
CW or voice. The noise rejection of the Wellbrook design helps under
these conditions.
I've done side by side comparisons with the KIWA loop. The KIWA isn't
as good as my ALA100 setup IF (big if) you use a good radio. The KIWA
is filtered, so it often covers up for the lack of filtering in your
receiver.
dave
> environment of wartime scenarios to strive for an engineering answer.
> I doubt the war mongers are going to be more belligerent because of
> advanced technical characteristics of transmission lines.
> "Hey we got good coax, now lets go kick some ass"
> Well, maybe that could be a component of Bush-think but TMS has been
> affiliated with high demand environment challenges before his cabal of
> chicken hawks came into power.
> In any case their commercial product is among the best and Davis-Orion
> Wiregroup has most likely benefitted from some of the same research.
> FWIW: I don't represent TMS nor have any vested interest in the
> promotion of their product line, but I do enjoy good discussion.
>
War is bad, Mmm-Kay?
dave
>
> I've been testing out my antenna using HFDL, which gives you position
> data on the transmitting source.
> http://www.lazygranch.com/temp/pchfdl_11354_07012009_1.jpg
> http://www.lazygranch.com/temp/pchfdl_11354_07012009_2.jpg
> This is 7000 statute miles of data reception, a tougher criteria than
> CW or voice. The noise rejection of the Wellbrook design helps under
> these conditions.
>
> I've done side by side comparisons with the KIWA loop. The KIWA isn't
> as good as my ALA100 setup IF (big if) you use a good radio. The KIWA
> is filtered, so it often covers up for the lack of filtering in your
> receiver.
7,000 miles digital on 50 Watts?
cuh...@webtv.net
www.techchee.com
You orts to gitcha one of those.
Vacuum Tubes, the auld days of Radio.
Speakin of Auld Days, have you ever read about the Alldays and Onions
Cars? I have, over fifty years ago.If you go to Pebble Beach, you might
see one of those cars over there.
cuhulin
metoo
Allah want for Christmas is my two front teeth.
Allah board!
<cuh...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:5995-4A4D...@storefull-3171.bay.webtv.net...
Telamon
dave <da...@dave.dave> wrote:
What? You don't want me to eat?
--
Telamon
Ventura, California
Telamon
Bob Dobbs <chupa...@operamail.com> wrote:
> Another POV might be that TMS had taken advantage of the harsh
> environment of wartime scenarios to strive for an engineering answer.
> I doubt the war mongers are going to be more belligerent because of
> advanced technical characteristics of transmission lines.
> "Hey we got good coax, now lets go kick some ass"
> Well, maybe that could be a component of Bush-think but TMS has been
> affiliated with high demand environment challenges before his cabal of
> chicken hawks came into power.
> In any case their commercial product is among the best and Davis-Orion
> Wiregroup has most likely benefitted from some of the same research.
> FWIW: I don't represent TMS nor have any vested interest in the
> promotion of their product line, but I do enjoy good discussion.
You don't want something that flies in the air or in space to come down
prematurely whether it is an 747 or a F16. Marine environments are also
tough.
--
Telamon
Ventura, California
Telamon
dave <da...@dave.dave> wrote:
War is a good thing as long as you are on the winning side.
--
Telamon
Ventura, California
mi...@sushi.com
Generally what you get with HFDL is a series of routes that make
sense. For instance, you monitor Alaska, and you get routes to Alaska.
But there is often an odd route or two that shows up. Using internet
tracking, you can see if the flight makes sense. But these flights
that are at a long distance need two things in common. One, they need
to be squittering on a frequency that really doesn't make sense for
the area. Two, it probably needs a sweet spot.
Are there some instructions regarding your psk map?
~ RHF
- Allah me, why not take Allah me.
- Allah want for Christmas is my two front teeth.
- Allah board!
aLLAH aLLAH oXEN fREAK !
.
>
> <cuhu...@webtv.net> wrote in message
dave
I grew up in a Motorala GED (now General Dynamics-Scottsdale) household.
The Military Industrial Complex created me.
dave
Also, licensed hams have info at www.qrz.com
Here's mine:
http://www.qrz.com/db/KD6IL/1243265581
If I "click for more detail" on another ham, it gives me bearing and
distance info. There are generally 2 paths (short and long). If you
get more than 2 you are bouncing off the moon or the distant station is
precisely on the opposite side of the earth.
cuh...@webtv.net
homebrew your own ''Wellbrook''
cuhulin
Telamon
dave <da...@dave.dave> wrote:
The commercial and military electronics industry didn't create me but
has been the majority of my employment.
--
Telamon
Ventura, California
~ RHF
> Telamon wrote:
> > dave <d...@dave.dave> wrote:
>
> >> Bob Dobbs wrote:
> >>> John Plimmer wrote:
> >>>> RFI and noise suppression. I didn't notice that the ALA was quieter
> >>>> noisewise than my DX1, nor does it suppress the harsh RFI I have here.
> >>> I read your installation comments on the DX-1 where you indicated the
> >>> use of RG-213 and was wondering if LMR-400 with its superior shielding
> >>> would be worth a try in your admittedly noisy environment.
> >>> I used Belden RG-213 for quite awhile due to its renowned UV resistance
> >>> but just under a decade ago switched to the Times Microwave LMR-400 for
> >>> its similar size and better specs. I haven't been disappointed.
> >>> Note - the installation of standard PL-259 connectors is a little more
> >>> involved but well worth the extra time to do it right.
>
> >> Try Davis RF BuryFlex. It's cheaper than LMR-400 and doesn't feed the
> >> war machine.
>
> >>http://www.davisrf.com/coax.php#attenuation
>
> > What? You don't want me to eat?
- I grew up in a Motorala GED (now General
- Dynamics-Scottsdale) household.
- The Military Industrial Complex created me.
Dave oh you little 'MIC' Monster you !
-ps- Dave clearly you suffer from some 'complex'
just not sure that the "Military Industrial" Complex
is the right one. ;;-} ~ RHF
.
cuh...@webtv.net
Complex.
I remember hearing his farewell address wayyyyyyyy back when.
www.devilfinder.com
Dwight David Eisenhower's warning about the Military Industrial Complex
cuhulin
dave
"...A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment.
Our arms must be might, ready for instant action, so that no potential
aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction. . . . American
makers of plowshares could, with time and as required, make swords as
well. But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national
defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry
of vast proportions. . . . This conjunction of an immense military
establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American
experience. . . .Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave
implications. . . . In the councils of government, we must guard against
the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by
the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise
of misplaced power exists and will persist..."
-President Dwight D. Eisenhower
cuh...@webtv.net
www.ondura.com
Because when I was at the Lowe's store yesterday and flirtin with that
real purty nurse lady, I got three free different pamplets about Ondura
roofin.
I wants the green Ondura roofin, because I will paint the plywood sidin
(I still needs to buy some plywood) white, after I get it installed on
to my old trailer.
cuhulin
John Barnard
Darn it, John, now I have to consider getting a DX 1 Pro Mk II. I've
read up on the DX 1 and grounding seems to be a critical issue with
getting your $$$ from the unit. If I may ask, what sort of ground system
are you using with it and was it a big deal to get a good ground.
Thank you!
John Barnard
mi...@sushi.com
You can roll your own of anything that is patented. Selling the device
is another story.
John Plimmer
> Darn it, John, now I have to consider getting a DX 1 Pro Mk II. I've
> read up on the DX 1 and grounding seems to be a critical issue with
> getting your $$$ from the unit. If I may ask, what sort of ground system
> are you using with it and was it a big deal to get a good ground.
>
> Thank you!
>
>
Hi JB - the grounding is necessary to help suppress local RFI and
ensure a good radio ground for top performance. Mine is just a copper
strap about 8 ft long buried under nine inches of soil = nothing
elaborate.
Considering my poor QTH the DX1 has been a top performer over the
years.
JP
cuh...@webtv.net
www.incallander.co.uk/music/wildmountainthyme.wav
cuhulin
John Plimmer
> Mr.Plimmer, do you ever pick up any real Good Music like this?www.incallander.co.uk/music/wildmountainthyme.wav
> cuhulin
Short answer is no -> never on SW, but when I lived in Joburg there
was a classic FM station that played lovely music like that.
I'm a newsaholic and listen mostly to talk shows and news programs.
I guess that tune reminded you of your Irish girlfriend.
Enjoy the music
JP
cuh...@webtv.net
Gallo radio talk show and the JT and Dave radio talk show on
www.supertalkms.com and also www.WJNT.com
www.glasgowguide.co/uk/wjmc/midifilez/lastnite.mid
Chances are, some of those ''maries'' weren't their real names,,,
chances are, they were only Ladies in waiting.
cuhulin
John Barnard
Thanks very much, John! This gives me a glimmer of hope as it sounds
like we live in similar climates (semi-arid, in my case) though I am
quite aways farther from a coastline.
All the best!
John Barnard
Ross Archer
<telamon_spamshi...@pacbell.net.is.invalid> wrote:
> In article <Fu2dncsFGPaDkdPXnZ2dnUVZ_uCdn...@earthlink.com>,
>
>
>
> dave <d...@dave.dave> wrote:
> > Telamon wrote:
> > > dave <d...@dave.dave> wrote:
>
> > >> Bob Dobbs wrote:
> > >>> John Plimmer wrote:
> > >>>> RFI and noise suppression. I didn't notice that the ALA was quieter
> > >>>> noisewise than my DX1, nor does it suppress the harsh RFI I have here.
> > >>> I read your installation comments on the DX-1 where you indicated the
> > >>> use of RG-213 and was wondering if LMR-400 with its superior shielding
> > >>> would be worth a try in your admittedly noisy environment.
> > >>> I used Belden RG-213 for quite awhile due to its renowned UV resistance
> > >>> but just under a decade ago switched to the Times Microwave LMR-400 for
> > >>> its similar size and better specs. I haven't been disappointed.
> > >>> Note - the installation of standard PL-259 connectors is a little more
> > >>> involved but well worth the extra time to do it right.
>
> > >> Try Davis RF BuryFlex. It's cheaper than LMR-400 and doesn't feed the
> > >> war machine.
>
> > >>http://www.davisrf.com/coax.php#attenuation
>
> > > What? You don't want me to eat?
>
> > I grew up in a Motorala GED (now General Dynamics-Scottsdale) household.
> > The Military Industrial Complex created me.
>
> The commercial and military electronics industry didn't create me but
> has been the majority of my employment.
>
> --
> Telamon
> Ventura, California
That's kind of pathetic: a person who doesn't even believe in science
working in a critical defense industry.