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THE UK'S BEST SELLING AMATEUR RADIO MAGAZINE OF R RADIO
A KEW IIPL LAIACH 'FP LE 1.11.1!J.;
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AMATEUN RADIO?
Roger Cede GRE11 Reviews me Kadin Compute INES
(to [in ailed If
Transceiver
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WHAT IS A...?
VINTAGE
FOCAL POINT
VHF
ANTENNAS
PRACTICAL
HF
it BROADCAST
BARGAINS
WAGIS
rrt Litn!! D E` ' BOOKS
DEALERS
NRI MIES 6 ECTRONICS IN ACTION
100')/o AMATEUR RADIO -100°b AMATEUR RAD10...100% AMATEUR RADIO...
seilvciig
IS(.) 9002
REGIS1ERF D I IR \I NfAbh PIRE-P0H5O0N0E°71'37-L8r
22, Main Road, Hockley, Essex. SS5 4QS
Open Mon -Sat 9.00AM - 5.30PM New Web Site:- http://www.waters-and-stanton.co.uk
Tutiyi,i11)F Orders: 050073 73 88

01702 206835
Peter Waters G30J111 GOPEP Enquiries 01702 206835
Pay Nothing for Three Months - INTEREST FREE
Part Exchange Welcome On most stock items in our catalogue over £100, pay 10% deposit and nothing more for 01702 204965
Download our latest second three months.Then pay the balance or take our credit payment scheme over 1, 2 or 3 FAX 01702 205843
hand list from our web site years at 26.8% APR - the choice is yours. OFFER ENDS 31/1/98 Subiect to credit status E-mail sales@wspic.demon.co.uk
=,mkki Kachina 505DSP HF Transceiver n10 AR -146 2m 50W
ADI
70cms Computer -Controlled
HF Transceiver
Handheld AR -446 70cm
Full 35W E2_69
' 3 Power levels - Wideband receive

CTCSS 40 Memories plus call channel
7 Programmable steps
Channel or frequency display
A complete P .40
SPECIAL OFFER PRICE
lamFREE Postage
controlled remo
HF rig - In stock Phone for Price
3
The best sensitivity in the business
Keypad mic and mounting kit
CTCSS Encode and Decode!
Mo AT -600
Can you belive your eyes? We are offering a
Can you imagine sitting at your PC. your rig tucked tidly
away upatairs in a cupboard yet you are in full com-
£249 A01
70cms handheld transceiver for 89.95! Features:
Full CTCSS: 20 memories: 1.6MHz repeater
mand. You can tune up and down the band in a flash.
switch on the spectrum scope, adjust your power level.
I UP i
New Low
shift: Priority channel. Scanning: Dual watch: Dual mic gain and even check your PA temperature. The
mode squelch: PTT lock: Programmable battery
save: tuning steps 5, 10. 12.5, 20. 25. 50kHz. and
Smith chart tells you everything about your antenna sys-
tem and you have so many IF filters plus adjustable DSP.
Price
that ORM becomes a thing of the past You even have PW says: an incredibly
morel This 230mW output transceiver operates semi automatic logging, Want to know more? Then well priced radio - amaz-
from lust 2 x AA cells (not supplied) and comes phone or e-mail us for the full colour brochure
ingly sensitive - audio -
complete with antenna. Get your order in today! worked very well with
FT -8100R Dual Band
1998 Catalogue -=1.110. .4.49
12.5kHz channel spacing
- An Absolute Cracker.'
35 . p=nn CTCSS encode/decode
' Largest as Europe " VtiSt-OLIL./
41.0.141,11110 Full DTMF + 1750Hz tone
176 Colour Pages lia ' Alphanumeric memories
' 1000 Photographs (- ' Full duplex
'1400 Products ' CTCSS tone reader
Technical Specifications Yaesu's new dual band moose makes the competition ' 29 programmable features
News Snippets look old and out -dated. You get a detachable head. 300 AM airband receiver
memories. true dual same band rx. CTCSS encode and ' Rx up to 990MHz
Now estabashed as the fore- the best display in the business. This is proving to be Ni-cads and charger
most equipment guide this one of the best sellers ever - particularly at Our Price,
edition is completely new
with every page in full colour
FT -3000R Dual Band ADI~ AT -201 2m FM Handy
and almost every item illus-
trated For the cost of a mag-
azine you can get the best
W&S
guide ever ' 40 Channels -149
£2.95 plus £1 postage 2mr70cm 70W plus wideband rx including AM aircraft
' 5W on 12V
' Illuminated keypad
WATsON Hunter band 9600 Packet ready A bargain at this price)

Full CTCSS
' 1750Hz tone
Frequency Counter FT -50R 2m/70cms DTMF
' Channel Reasout or
Features
Frequency Readout
10 - 2.8GHz Wideband Ha (AM Airband) Set to Set Cloning
FM Broadcast receive ' Uses AA cells
Ni-cad Pack CTCSS 6 1750Hz
112 Alphanumeric Memories
AC Charger Dual Watch - Military rated
' 5W from 12v DC input
BNC Antenna NI -cads and AC Charger A01
n° AT -400 70cm FM Handy
Full Instructions We've purchased a quantity at this
/8.ES
special price. You won't get a base
station rig any cheaper! R'1Fn
70cm FM Handy
SPECIAL OFFER PRICE FT -840 HF 100W Transceiver 2W output
5W on 13.8v
Add £2.50 Post & Ins. 1750Hz tone
Can you afford not to have a frequency Illuminated keypad
counter? At our our unbeatable price you Ultra sensitive
can check your base or handheld trans- Wideband Rx
ceiver. or hunt out frequencies of nearby 20 memories
transmitters or handhelds. The "hold" but- If you are looking for a good. reli- Keypad entry
ton lets you lock on and store the frequen- able 100W transceiver then this is DTMF
lust the job With our free base mic it is a bargain' Uses AA cells
cy. And all this at an amazing offer price.
UK's Top Dealer for YAESU, KENWOOD & ICOM

VIES EXCLUSIVE 10 DAY APPROVAL - On All Mail Order Sale
Special Deals From the The Company you can TRUST!
We are ISO -9002. Offer 10 day's free approval. Have a the largest full-time service department.
Are a Public Limited Company. Have 9 licensed Hams on the staff - which gives you PEACE OF MIND
Yaesu FT -847 1.8 - 440MHz! W&S will be getting the First Shipment!
arer0 ' 1.8 - 430MHz 100W 1.8 - 50MHz 50W 2m/70cm

' SSB - CW - FM - AM Gen. cov. receive CTCSS
Plus £50
Accessory
Voucher
' Full duplex 42 Satellite tracking ' Alphanumeric
01. Hz steps Shuttle Jog Keypad entry ' Packet
ready 1200 8 9600 DSP filtering Dual display
squelch ' IF shift ' Notch filter ' Power control
Tx monitor Electronic keyer 12.5 .; 25kHz
switched FM hltenng Switchable pre -amp
We promise you the lowest UK price! Just give us your
Size 260 x 86 x 270mm ' weight 7kg
address or phone number and well mail you the latest
information pack as soon as it is available
AbOvesfetads are provisional 160-6m 100W 2m 25W + +
We are pleased to endorse the performance and
design of the IC -706 Mk II transceiver as the best
ICOM IC -746 1.8 - 144MHz NEW Yaesu FT -920 compact hi mobile bar none. It out performs and out
specifies any other model. The only choice left is
£1600 which dealer you buy it from' We offer you an unbeat-
prOx able price and an unbeatable back-up service plus
optional extended 5 year warranty for an extra £98!
Pick
ficre4 + Free FM board & AM Fitters V1.-1-7:7/
TrilD@ Di/CAMPO
Jurt-77:-# 1.8 - 54MHz 100W DSP filter MOSFET PA
100W 1.8 - 54MHz 50W 144MHz SSB - CW -FM Internal ATU Auto notch Twin VFOs Auto glow amtfill@ott bYT
AM Electronic keyer Gen. cov receiver Spectrum display Shuttle log Digital voice memory FmaiD Vag
scope DSP noise filter Notch filter IF pass band Electronic keyer ' RS -232C converter Quick memory
tuning. Delivery shortly after Christmas. bank + lots more phone or e-mail for colour leaflet WC@
ICOM IC -821H 2m/70cm Yaesu FT-1000MPDC Dilgage
Our best selling

dual bander and
one we would
be happy to
2m170cm All Mode 160 Memories
own. Afrfli,A4
1 8 - 30MHz 100W SSB CW FM AM ' Rx 100kHz
45/40W adjustable 9600bps capability
' Full duplex
' Satellite features
' Electronic keyer
' IF shift. noise blanker
- 30MHz Message memory ' Dual in -band rx EDSP
filter RF processor RF pre -amp Electronic keyer
Liuth purchase means we
IF shift width ' Collins filters Comprehensive menu can offer this at a price we
system ' RS232 interface and more send for details
ICOM IC -756 HF Rig dare not advertise!
.00-7 ICOM IC -207H 2m/70cm Mobile If you want the best deal
PHONE!!!
NEW Kenwood THG71E

' 100W of pure Magic
160 - 6M
Superb DSP built-in
' CW Memory keyer Dual Band 2m/70cm
PIA' '
2m 8 70cm ' Packet 9600 bps ready
SSB - CW - AM -FM ' 100% duty cycle 50W 30W 180 Memory channels
' 200 memories
' Spectrum display Keypad entry option Detachable head ' Alphanumeric Display
CTCSS & 1750Hz tone
' Auto ATU DXers choice in the USA Full CTCSS
KENWOOD HF TS -570
Rechargeable Alkaline Cells ' DTMF
" Up to 6W out
Just £4.99 per pack of 4' Wideband Receive
' Illuminated Keypad
' Rechargeable Alkaline ' PC Compatible
1.5V cells ' Windows Programming
' No memory effects
Charge mid cycle is OK Send For Brochure
' 5 year charge shelf life
1111i
3 x capacity of ni-cads
Kenwoods new transceiver that is earning a reputation
' Very low cost NEW Icom IC-T8E
In stock now, ' Note you must use the special charger
for offering one of the best receivers in the business It supplied withStarter Kit
you are looking for a hot little number that is not too Starter Kit: Comprise 4 x AA cells and dedicated AC
expensive (Radio we mean!), send for brochure. wall charger
£17.99 + £2 p&p
4 x AA cells (ready charged) £4.99 (Et 00 post)
Value Added Packs 8 a AA cells (ready charged £8.49 act 50 post)
4 a AAA cells (uses standard charger) £5 99 t£1 00 post)
Customer Offer Just £59,95 W-MM1 Multimode Modem All in one

Buy any designated base station hf transceiv- small package.
er from us before 1st March 98 and you quali- ' 5W output (13V)
25 / 12.5kHz ready
fy for this special offer pack for £59.95 Wideband Rx
Base Station Microphone Nickel Hydnde batt
' VSWR / PEP meter ' Wide FM broadcast
'Slay Put" high quality patch lead ' AM for airband
Mono Headphones Packet, AMTOR, CW Needs PC 286 or better Rapid scanning
' 6 x ferrite nng TIP kit " SSTV. Fax. RTTY Includes software ' Alphanumeric
NAVTEX, SYNOP No external power required
only appiicabie to items sold at
moos in ms advert Worth £149 Transmit and receive ' Connects to RS -232
Provisional spec
Semail: sales e wsplc.demon.co.uk UK's largest Catalogue £3.95 inc. post

Phone 01702 206835 for FREE MFJ catalogue The only currently available HF linear to have
MFJ or e-mail to sales@wsplc.demon.co.uk

Mobile HF+6m ATU Ameritron 811 1kW
passed a lull lab. CE test
1 kW linear 9dB Gain
Like a 5 element Monobander!
Uses low cost 811A tubes
Built-in rugged AC Supply
Ham Radio MFJ-945E

Instant by-pass switch
PA ViA meter + Grid meter
Over rated variable capacitors
Accessories 1.8 - 52MHz atu 300W max
Built -n VSWR Xneedle meter 30/300W
Coax fed systems ' Thru button
Fan cooled for long life
Very efficient 600W output
Easy to tune and connect
Programmable DSP Filter 210 x 150 x 60mm Size 16" x 13.-5" x 8"
"Sp ill DSP Data Audio Filter 160 to 10M of DX -Getting Power
£139 Perfectly matches all 100W rigs
(.) MAI .1.11-1.te M. filter
MFJ-7848 --. MFJ-781 Electronic Keyer 300

.95 Dummy Load
' Works with any rx or tow MFJ-407 ILLECTRO
'
'
DSP filter, fully programmable
16 Factory pre-sets
Plugs directly into audio out
Drives speaker or headset
CW 50. 100.200.500Hz filter
Suits all data modes
Full adjustable pass band & filter
- - - '
'
50 Ohm
300W
OK to 450MHz
Air cooled
Requires 12v at approx 500mA SO -239
2m FM Analyser ' Self contained - ext 12 or internal batt Totally enclosed
1.8-30MHz 300W ATU Semi auto and full auto modes Essential item
Dot dash memory - self completing
N This new analyser lets Weight, tone and Vol controls
MFJ-948 MFJ-264 1kW Model 64.95
you check out your 2m Just plug in paddle and connect to rig
FM signals and any Works with all modern rigs
_ :404(fti (fkiefilf.) other local ones as New CW Tutor
well' Magnetic Loop Antenna
143.5 -148.5MHz
300 Watts PEP 150W CW
Deviation
1.8 - 30MHz - with ease, ' Audio quality
Wire. coax or balanced line Field strength in dBm
Baton included for best match Scope socket
30 300W power meter - PEP / RMS 3uV sensitivity
' Antenna selector. by-pass etc. ' Runs from PP3
MFJ-224
300W ATU + Dummy Load
New ORN Noise Filter
MFJ-1026 Displays words, letters and numbers
3 to 35WPM with natural CW note
Vanous modes including Farnsworth
MFJ-949 Enormous vocabulary of words
Actually sends OSOs as well'
160 to 10m 300W PEP 150W CV,/ Individual characters or groups
Wire, coax or balanced feed The antenna for those with small gardens
Phases out noise at the antenna socket Headphone socket. Power from PP3
' Dummy Load or no gardens at all! Just 3f1 in diameter it
' Kills local ORN - lets signals through Sends text lust like an actual test
' 30 / 300W power meter - PEP !WS performas as well as a full-sized dipole ' A tutor that displays what it sends
No more electrical interference, Tuning control signals are sent up the coax
' Antenna selector by-pass etc
Rf sensed for transceiver use (150W)
Up to 20dB noise reduction
cable The only extra you need is a length lOW 6m SSB Transceiver
1.8-30MHz 300W ATU of coax cable to go between the supplied
Recovers signals below the noise!
Adjust to suit local problems
control box and the loop 2- mast mounting MFJ-9406
MFJ-941E brackets included for loop
' Kill that thermostat problem
' 10 - 30MHz Size clm (36")
MFJ-250X 1kW Load ' 50 Ohm feed 150W
' Remote control head included
- Oil is not supplied
' uto band select Fast -Slow tune
160m - 10m + VSWR metenng 1 kW Dummy Load Cross needle VSWF? meter ' 50 - 50.3MHz 10W SSB
Wire. coax. balanced feed Oil cooled design RF speech processing
' 3 -way antenna switch SO -239 socket LCD Data Reader ' 10MHz xtal filter
By-pass positron Ideal for !mars ' Super performance
' 260 x 180 x 70mm 1MHz to 400MHz MFJ-462B Ideal way to 6M ()Xing
1.8 - 30MHz 3kW ATU 1.8-170MHz Ant. Analyser 200W Low Pass Filter
ii 6-,
1 8MHz 170MHz ' Decodes CW. R77Y. ASCII, AMTOR FEC

Digital Readout LCD 2 x 16 characters
Resonance 8000 character RAM
VSWR ' Key input for CW practice MFJ-702 1111-
'impedance ' Epson compatible pnnter port
1 8 - 30MHz with roller coaster AA batteries or ' Requires 12V at 300mA DC ' 200W PEP
1 8 - 30MHz
Cross needle VSWR & PEP 12r external Connects to receiver phone socket 50 Ohms impedance
-r network with 4:1 balun ' 50dB e 50MHz 0.5dB at 30MHz
Long wire. coax and balanced feed
By-pass and Antenna select switch
The World's MFJ-901B HF ATU ' SO -239 connectors
270 x 375 x 115mm Best seller

Long Wire 300W ATU
Auto ATU matcher Connect to aenal or coax and adjust it in
VII Flor
Lets your Auto
seconds. Turns hours into minutes and
ideas into antennas' Give your antenna
system a complete check out. Over 500
trig
sold so far' A great piece of kit.
ATU match any Long Wire ATU
MFJ-914 coax aerial . Important Warning ' 1.8 30MHz 200W 300W pep rating
160 10m
Auto -Tuner Extender
There is no UK appointed dealer ' Long wire, balanced & coax
Tunes any wire
Connect between transceiver and antenna - for MFJ in St Neots. If you are looking for something that will ' Use Home
no more problems with G5RVs and all those If in doubt please phone match almost anything at a price that will ' Use Portable
difficult antennas 160 to 10 metres FREEPHONE 0500 73 73 88 please almost everybody here it is' MFJ-16010 SO -239 to tx.
Enquiries: Tel. 01702 206835 / 204965
Waters & Stanton Fax. 01702 205843

FREEPHONE ORDER LINE 0500 73 73 88
E-mail: sales@wsplc.demon.co.uk
22, Main Road, Hockley, Essex SS5 40S Web Site: http://www.waters-and-stanton.co.uk
PRACTICAL
FEBRUARY 1998 CONTENTS

wire ess
FEBRUARY 1998
EDITOR'S KEYLINES 37 THE VLF-FFL ANTENNA
FOR 73kHz
(ON SALE JANUARY 8) Richard Marris G2BZO describes his design for
VOL. 74 NO 2 ISSUE 1091
RECEIVING YOU
Readers letters a Ferrite Frame Loop antenna for use on the
NEXT ISSUE (MARCH) 73kHz band
ON SALE FEBRUARY 12
NEWS 1998
42 BOOK PROFILES
EDITORIAL & ADVERTISEMENT CLUB SPOTLIGHT
OFFICES Zoe Crabb puts some more clubs under her 44 CARRYING ON THE
Practical Wireless spotlight is yours one of them? PRACTICAL WAY
George Dobbs G3RJV tries out two methods
Arrowsmith Court
for evaluating standing waves
Station Approach 14 SUBSCRIPTION OFFER
Broadstone Order a 3 year subscription and you'll not only
Dorset BH18 8PW save money but be In with the chance of 48 TAKING A PEEP -
a (01202) 659910 winning a hi-fi system AT THE DX CLUSTER
John Heys G3BDO has found the DX Peeper to
(Out -of -hours service by answering machine)
15 SPE( IAL OFFER be a valuable addlton to his overcrowded
FAX (01202) 659950 shack
Grata a video frame grabber 8 save a packet'
PWs Internet address is:
@pwpub.demon.co.uk You can send mail 16 WHAT IS A? 50 WALTER'S
Ian Poole G3YWX sets about answering the WIRELESS
to anyone at PW, just insert their name at
the beginning of the address, e.g. question what is a Pin diode' WORLD
Waitar Farrar
rob@pwpub.demon.co.uk
G3ESP shares
18 ELECTRONICS IN ACTION -
some of Ills radio
Editor NEW!
memories from
in his new bimonthly column Tex Swann
Rob Mannion Ci3XFD the last 70 years
G1TEX brings together your electronic tips and
Technical Projects Sub -Editor
tricks In what he nopes will develop Into a new
NG ("Tex") Swann G1TEX
and exciting concept. 51 RADIO
News & Production Editor DIARY
Donna Vincent G7TZB
Editorial Assistant
Zoe Crabh
52 COPING
WITH QRM
Art Editor Steve Hunt John Worthington
Page Layouts Paul Blachford GW3C01 takes a
light-hearted look
Advertisement Manager at cutting down
Roger Hall G4TNT on Interfering
PO Box 948, London SW6 2DS signals
131' 0171-731 6222 FAX 0171-384 1031
Mobile (0585) 851385 54 VALVE & VINTAGE
Ben Nock G4BXD takes his turn in PWs vintage
Advert Sales and Production wireless shop.
(Broadstone Office)
Chris Steadman MBIM (Sales) 56 BITS & BYTES
Carol Trevarton (Production)
Peter Eldrett (Typesetting) 62 VHF REPORT
23 BATTERYLESS CALCULATORS
Tr (01202) 659920 - 9.30am - 5.30pm Ray Fautley G3ASG takes a look at the trusty
FAX (01202) 659950 slide rule 64 HE FAR & WIDE
Books & Subscriptions 29 WHAT A GOOD IDEA!
Michael Hurst A selection of readers' good ideas. 6o,'BROADCAST ROUND -UP
CREDIT CARD ORDERS
ir 101202) 659930 30 MYKONOS REVISITED 67 FOCAL POINT
(Out -of -hours service by answering machine) Phil wriitcruircri osvm recalls rots return trip Graham Hankins G8EMx reports on the latest
FAX (01202) 659950 to the idyllic greek island Of Mykonos news from the ATV scene
Coirpriokt 47 RV PUBLISHING LTD Illt Comet en ell &mange, photograph
and anodes published n Proceed Warms Orly anomie end releOPuCLOn .
where or Onto egresses *bidder, Al reesOnalk enamorm .at taken be >4 REVIEW - THE KACHINA 68 BOOK STORE
Practical Ntralas to ensure that the mince and date granter:AR reeds ars
rellable. WI cannot howntr guarantee in Ind we canner .C(06,116,0 503DSP HF TRANSCEIVER Take a look at our comprehensive list of radio
restutenabdrty for it Onces are rose current singe ro press Roger Cooke G3LDI asks could this be a new related reading
PeAllehold oath, second lletrodey of each month by PW Publiserng Ltd.
ArrowYnIth COW. Stinson Agertech., Brostbatona. Dorset 81411OP%, Ter 1011021 approach to Amateur Radio' as he puts the
MIA Retied n England by Soudsembeett (Web WIWI tee Drotnbuted try
Seymour. Mellor Nouse. IVO London Rood Amboy Lreidon SW164DR. Tot Kachina 505DSP computer controlled h f 70 BARGAIN BASEMENT
01111-679 1899 Fall 01114718907 Tele, BEI 7945 Sole Agents far Australra one
Now Zealand - Gotdon ant Golan rAs, a r Ltd.. South rc I Centro, Nam
transceiver to the test
Agency Subsonphons INLAND 025 EUROPE E79 REST OF WORLD E37
lato sayer I REST OF WORLD 637 (Arm:oar. payothe to PRACTICAL WIRELESS 75 COMING NEXT MONTH
Suosc Neon Deparrnent PW Pabst -no Ltd, Arrowsrurth Court Stayer
Approach, Broadstana Dorset PRI OPW it 10120716593[ PRACTICAL
IN PW & SWM
WIRELESS n told sidled! tore lollordng conditions, oilmen Mr it shall nat.
wanton written consent of the pyblishris first baying neon poen. be lent resott
hired out or °thew. disposed of by way a' nada at more ban pie
recommended selling once InOW,bra Me Cover, and that it stall not be lent re-
sold hired or or otherwise disposed a' Ira itstleted condMor. or in any
unaorbonsed coos by way or thou. or athsal to or as pen or any publication DI Front Corer Photograph: Craig Dyhail
edverlisme Itterary or prctorni matter whatsoever Practice:
Wff eless -5 Published ro,ttly rm 50 pr year by PW Thanks go to Diskovery systems, 123 Bournemouth
Publishing Ltd, Atrowthneh Court Station kora
Broadstone, Dorset OHIO 6PW Royal May InternaboneL do
Road Parkstone for the loan of the computer used
Yellowstone Inter...bona,. 87 Bonne, Coon, Hackensack, NJ in the cover shot.
07601 UK Secant Crass Postage par r Sour Hackensack
Sand USA address changes to Royal Mari Imannatonal.
en/Yellowstone Internaooner, 7375 Pratt Boulevard EIS Grave
Village. It 60007-5937 The USPS (tinned States Pc tta Se, ot
number for Practical Woreless rr 01710T5
76 ADVERTISERS' INDEX
Practical Wireless, February 1998 3

Please mention Practical Wireless when replying to advertisements
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*Price does not include postage & packaging. Diagrams shown are for illustration purposes only. Amhyr & StriptxxirdMagic are trademarks of Ambyr Ltd.
rMonitoring Times
Brought to you via PW Publishing from Bob Grove's Grove
Enterprises is Monitoring Times.
For the State -side perspective on the world of radio
monitoring, MT is a must for your shack. Following the
winning Short Wave Magazine formula. Monitoring Times
gives you the essential look at our fascinating hobby.
Regulars include; lab tests of the latest gear. scanning
stateside. utility world with Larry Van Horn. and an extensive
English language short wave broadcast guide.
MT provides a plethora of topical articles from the exciting
short wave arena which really makes it essential reading for
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Subs Rates (1 year)

£38 UK
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Telephone (01202) 659930

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4 Practical Wireless, February 1998

FIRST FOR MAIL ORDER WWW.CTICQCO.COM

Cavendish House, Happisburgh, WE NEED QUALITY,
Norfolk NR12 ORU USED, BOXED AMATEUR
RADIO EQUIPMENT.
C4ST65092501692
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COLLECTION ARRANGED
Mon -Fri: 9 - 5.30, Sat: 9 - 4.00
Mosley H.F. Antennas

All Mosley Antennas have pre -drilled and colour coded element pieces which makes
assembly quick and easy All hardware is of stainless steel and tubing is
aircraft grade, drawn, aluminium. This means that the
telescopic tubing can be of closer tolerance There
is no need therefore for unsitely hose
clamps. Compare the trap
assemblies as well.
CQ-1;0)C Aptenna ..6,00,00WMr'.
,111111.
Mosely's unique design
has two traps in each trap assembly. A
Mosley 3 element, tri-bander has only 6 trap
assemblies, whilst other makes have twelve!
Do you remember when antennas were built to last? Consider the difference that makes to wind loading and structural stability.
Not only do some lightweight makes fold up in the first puff of wind, but their bandwidth
is poor due to the small diameter of the elements. CD -DX Beams are made to last, and VERTICALS RV -4-C 10,15/20/40m £269 Carr El0
their bandwidth is excellent Designed and built to professional standards, these beams RV-6-C-WARC 10/12/15/17/20/40m £359 £10
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sealed to prevent moisture ingress, and fitted with a downlead and 'N' socket All saddle STANDARD TA-31-JR-N 10/15/20m 1 EL £199 £10
clamps are Diecast Zinc Alloy Booms allow for end fixing as well TA-32-JR-N 10/15/20m 2 EL 1299 £15
Don't throw money away on short-term solutions. TA-33-JR-N 113/15/20m 3 EL 1349 £15
Buy a beam that will last? BUY CQ-DX! TA-33-JR-N-WARC 10/12/15/17/20m 4 EL 1499 £15
HEAVY DUTY TA -31-M 10/15/20m 1 EL 1229 £10
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EDITOR'S
\ la onion's viewpoint on the World of Amateur Radii)
In my January 'Keylines' I with the twinned town, city or it.. working thanks to your help. In Action' because for a long time
discussed the Centenary of village that their own locality is co-operation and enthusiasm. readers have been asking for the
Amateur Radio and issued a linked with. But despite this, the Thank you! return of articles along the line of
welcome to readers as PW twinning of clubs with those in 'Take 20' or 'IC Of The Month' to
launches into a year of other countries is the exception the magazine. However, to do so
continuing celebration of our rather than the rule. But
*guise Compolltioa and to serve the purposes of an
marvellous hobby. However. surely...during 1998 everyone Following on with my comments Amateur Radio magazine has
personally I think there should be involved in Amateur Radio in the on the importance of the local made it difficult....until now!
another celebration running British Isles has got the ideal clubs and their activities I think it's So. in future PW will carry a
concurrently with 'our centenary' - chance to stretch out the hand (or appropriate to mention the column every -other -month where
and that's the celebration of the radio wave!) of friendship to Practical Wireless and Kenwood we can publish ideas on a purely
local Amateur Radio club. another club somewhere? Club Spotlight Club Magazine electronics theme. Such ideas,
In a way I've already 'put my Competition and that we are topics, circuits and projects will
money where my mouth is' by looking forward to receiving your obviously be helpful in the wider
showing my support for the all entries. Everyone entering stands a field of Amateur Radio. And
Club Spotlight
important local clubs by chance of winning - so why not whereas we don't often have the
publishing my 'club visit' Zoe Crabb. who is busy every have a go? space to discuss power supplies,
schedule for the year. And month compiling our 'Club This year of course there will stabilisation, digital techniques.
continuing on that theme I'd like Spotlight' feature from your news be two trophies on offer - one for remote control, etc., in the general
to mention some of the really good every month. would be very the 'local' club and one for the coverage of PW the new column
ideas I've seen in action, read pleased indeed to have news of 'national' club winner. The will be able to do so without
about and been told of during the your planned 'radio activities' for splendid 'Club Spotlight Trophy' detracting from the main editorial
various visits made in recent years. 1998. And of course, Zoe and I itself - sponsored and donated by content.
I have no doubt that many (we work as a 'team within a Kenwood - would look good in I often see products, ideas and
readers will agree that the local team' on this very important your meeting room! And if you are projects which although not
club is the backbone of our hobby. aspect of PW) would be delighted involved with a club which has a strictly Amateur Radio orientated -
I've said it many times before and to hear from your club - 'national' membership (such as the appeal to my interests and I feel
knowing me I'll say it many times particularly if you set up a British Amateur Radio Teledata sure they'd also appeal to readers.
in the future! But joking apart...it's 'twinning' arrangement with a Group - the first winners) you And as it seemed a pity that
amazing what talent there is in the club outside of your own country could enter with a chance of being readers should lose out because of
local club, and I think this is the (I say this because it's important to awarded the newly -introduced editorial restrictions - the idea of
prime reason for it to be celebrated remember that many PW readers 'Bert's Bell' Trophy in memory of 'Electronics In Action' was born.
along with the centenary. are to be found outside of the Bert Newman G2FIX (full From a purely personal point
So. why shouldn't your club British and indeed - outside of competition details in 'Club of view I'm looking forward to
celebrate. socialise and publicise? Europe!). Spotlight'. seeing the topics of power supplies
There's nothing to stop your club - Incidentally. I'm pleased to say So, why not. make this year a discussed in depth. For instance
whether it be in Cornwall, that after an initial show of three-way Amateur Radio (I'm always tempted to buy some
Aberdeenshire, County Antrim resistance from some of our Celebration? 'Top it off' with of these) why haven't the sealed
Cork, the Isle of Wight or Wales - readers the 'Club Spotlight' another reason to cheer - when lead -acid gel 2V rechargeable cells
you've all got something to feature is now proving to be very your club wins one of the trophies been widely adopted by hobbyists?
celebrate! popular. The format we've adopted on offer! Have a go, support our If the reluctance stems from the
- 'newsey', friendly, informative hobby, your club and enjoy special charging needs I have no
and personality -based topical yourself at the same time! Good doubt that readers who do use
Rollo sktiOlty items - replaced the (quite luck to you all! them will pass on their ideas and
Some of the clubs I've visited in honestly!) somewhat boring list of advice!
recent times could be classed as 'club events'. It was changed I'm also looking out for ideas
Electronics In Action
being truly alive with 'Radio because none of the editorial team that I can use to build digital
Activity' and are literally buzzing thought that the 'club scene' was l his issue ut Plt sees the first of projects and I have in mind the
with ideas. Among these are the being represented in the fashion it our new feature entitled idea of incorporating I.c.d.
Hoddesdon Club in Hertfordshire deserved and we felt that it did 'Electronics In Action' which will frequency displays into home-
who along with producing a very deserve far better and more appear every -other -month. In this brew equipment. And of course. I
distinctive - personality filled - effective 'treatment'. way we hope to fill the do know kits are available to do
club magazine (they were of And although 'Club Spotlight' 'electronics' gap that's appeared in this - but with 'Electronics In
course the first 'Club Spotlight' does still provide the occasional our coverage since the magazine Action' I think many of us are
Club Magazine Competition short paragraph listing times of concentrated on Amateur Radio. going to be encouraged to have a
winners) have an extremely active meetings and 'what's on' at Tex Swann GITEX our go at something different and learn
'twinning' arrangement with an various clubs - anyone reading the Technical Projects Sub -editor, at the same time.
American club. pages regularly will see that we Technical draughtsman and Staff So, as we launch into our first
It seems very strange to me - promote the 'Club Scene' in the Photographer (when he can find edition of 'Electronics In Action'
bearing in mind that our hobby is most effective way we can and it's the time he also drives a Reliant we need your help and support.
mainly involved in radio far more than just a 'listing of Three-wheeler car!) will be Keep Tex on his toes! Send your
communication - that there aren't events' page. compiling the column. The ideas, hints, tips and techniques
many more clubs following the zoe and I encourage the often editorial team consider this was and comments direct to him and
example of the Hoddesdon Club. hard-pressed Club Secretaries to the best way to introduce a few together we'll produce another
However, when clubs do enter a send in topical items and more electronic ideas, projects and helpful series for you and all our
twinning arrangement they always interesting information along with circuits into PW and it will appear other readers.
seem to be very successful indeed. their club's schedule for the in the 'opposite' month to
Occasionally I hear of clubs coming months. In this way we 'Antennas In Action' which of
that have tenuous ties with feel that it's possible to show the course is also compiled by Tex.
Amateur Radio Clubs associated local club to best advantage - and We're introducing 'Electronics

Letters Received
The Star Letter Via The 'Internet'
gmenae.nryailewtriethrs
will receive a voucher You now arrive

for 'Receiving
worth £10 to spend on

via the 'Internet'
And although there's
REWIING
no in
items from our Book Mad.
correspondentsi-ntended
f n'ragrepyttr
o
or other services
°inn glen'
provide their postal
address. I htoave
to remindreaders
offered by Practical that although we
will not publish a full
postal address
Wireless. AU other runless we are
asked to do sol. we
letters will receive a

require it if the letter
is to be
tconsidered. So, please
don't forget
o Include your full
£5 voucher. and callsign
postal address
PW's Postb If our letter is published you'll %sin a prize.

hierogivuhr u your E -Mail
This Month's Star Letter press release sent in by

the Sutherland Club
antenna set-up. I still have the 85ft wire, end fed, but should have been
Back On The Air now with the aid of two stub masts and the chimney spotted - but of course
stack. It is at an average height of 25ft with the central the confusion does not
Dear Sir heating system water piping as earth, aided by a detract from the success
You may or may not remember, but a couple of years counterpoise around the shack. With this set up. I have of the event. My thanks
ago. I wrote to you and you very kindly published my had many QSOs during the past three months and go to the many readers
letter. Thank you for that. worked into eight countries with average signal reports who drew my attention
In that letter,) told the story of how I had been of 6/7, to the errors (on the air
QRT for some time. having previously become I am enjoying my QRP. There is a satisfaction and by letter!) and
disenchanted with 'black box' operating, and how I which I have not experienced since I was first licensed 'pulled my leg' and
had sold all of my equipment when relocating to our almost 40 years ago. My next project is to be a rig for suggested that I did not
present QTH. I said then that 1 was determined to get 3.5MHz. hopefully followed by one for 14MHz. After try an audition on
back on the air and that I saw the way back via QRP that, who knows? There's no end to the possibilities. railways for the 'Brain
and home-brew gear. In conclusion, there is one very important point of Britain' quiz on BBC
As I remember, you added a footnote to my letter which I have so far withheld. Who was the 'G' who Radio Four!
in which you said something along the lines of came back to my call and gave me a welcome 579? - -
'Welcome back, please keep us informed of progress'. Well, you may be surprised to learn that it was none What Is A
Well...here's the report! other than yourself...G3XFD!
It may have taken two years, partly because I I am ashamed to say that despite the fact that I Varactor Diode?
suffered a heart attack in the middle, but I finally made look forward to and enjoy 'Keylines' every month in Dear Sir
it back onto the bands (7MHz to be exact) with a PW. the call just did not register. However, when I was Reading Ian Poole
completely home -built QRP station on the morning of reading Leighton Smart's 'HF Far & Wide' in the G3YWX's 'What Is AT
I st July 1997. November '97 issue and saw your call in the column dealing with
After listening around for quite some time. I came 'Listening & Operating Watch List', the truth hit me Varactor diodes
across a DL coming in very strong and although my like a bolt from the blue! (December 1997).
antenna was less than adequate. I gave him a quick So, thank you for being my first QRP contact brought back memories of
call. He didn't hear me, which didn't surprise me with ever. I sincerely hope it will not be the only time we my G8 days as it was one
4W output into 8511 of wire draped across the shall 'hook-up'. Thank you for a great magazine, a way to triple from 144 to
bungalow roof, and I knew my signal strength would bright spot in every month. 430MHz,
be low. Peter Nicholson G3MYZ G-QRP 9391 The BAY96 diode
Shortly afterwards, I heard a G station calling CQ. East Yorkshire could give maximum
this was a bit nearer to home and so seemed more 15W in at 144MHz with
promising. I went back to him and to my very great Editor's reply: Good to have you back on the air IOW out at 430MIlz. It
pleasure. he came back with a 579 report. To say I was Peter and I try to get on myself as much as was, however, trim ise to
pleased would be the understatement of the year and if possible. But I can understand you not recognising do this because you could
I hadn't forced myself to remain calm afterwards. I a callsign. as I've done it myself. Recently the make others think the
could easily have had a second heart attack! My 'penny didn't drop' when I worked Charlie Blake band was wide open (only
second attempt at transmitting had resulted in a MOM.] (a regular *HF Far & Wide' contributor) to find it was all the same
contact! on s.s.b. And I know his voice well! (See December callsign) due to
Spurred on by this, I set about improving the 1997 page 63). overdriving the diode! It
was called a tripler, but in
fact the 1st coil was
Lighthouses & were very much children who was the author of fascinating and well worth I44MHz. the 2nd
of the northeast England. Kidnapped and Treason, further study. 288MHz. the output line
Railways In any event, it is Island. but whose interest W. J. Gay at 432MHz.
Dear Sir questionable whether the in locomotives probably Edinburgh The BAY96 was stud
Congratulations to the Stephenson's Rocket was only extended to writing mounted and needed a
Sutherland & District the first locomotive in the poetry about them and Editor's reply: As a good heatsink. Later, very
Amateur Radio Club for world, but it was certainly travelling behind them. railway enthusiast (and small diodes, only about
their activities at Tarbat not designed by Robert The Stevenson family did a journalist who wrote 3mm long, these work up
Ness Lighthouse (page 15 Louis Stevenson. deal in railways but, as far tourist guides on to 5.760GHz microwave
of the December edition). The lighthouse as I can find, the Scottish lighthouses hands.
The locomotive Stevensons were an Stephensons confined when I lived in Scotland) I think perhaps that
Stephensons were George Edinburgh family, notably themselves to railways. I'm ashamed to say I let Ian is talking about
and his son Robert. Robert Stevenson and his Back to your books. this one slip through Mr varicap diodes, not the
George was horn in sons Alan and Thomas. Sutherland & District Gay. The mistake la varactor that I knew?
Killingworth. Thomas was the father of Amateur Radio Club. The very common one I'm John G4BYV
Northumberland. and both Robert Louis Stevenson history of both families is afraid) on the original Norfolk

transmission or reception of 'good'
Tackling QRM Morse, which is both satisfying and
pleasurable. Speed is unimportant, but
Piccolo transmissions Dear Sir as my old instructor used to say. it must
Finding The
during the last two years I was interested in reading 'Tackling be possible to differentiate each letter
Elusive ZN414 or so whilst tuning around QRM - The Active Way' by Adrian and separate each word.
Dear Sir on h.f.. and there are still Knott G6KSN (November 197). I Anyway, live and let live, provided
I note in your quite a few references to expect there is always a first time for the technical level of the RAE is kept up
November's issue an it in The 10h Edition of everything and the above article is the to a reasonable standard, it won't break
appeal for stockists of the Ferrell's Confidential reason for picking up my 'electronic my heart is the requirement to send
ZN4 I 4. I rang the source Frequency List. pen' for the very rust time. at least as far Morse is removed from the licence
of those I purchased back What prompted my as Practical Wireless is concerned. requirements for h.f. operating, so long
in the mid 1970s and yes. interest was the recent The subject was particularly as a part of each band remains
they still have them - now acquisition of a Racal interesting from my viewpoint. since sacrosanct to c.w., if only for the
priced at £1.75 each: - RA1772 receiver for some time I have been looking into foreseeable future. The only problem
Progressive Radio containing a Piccolo the design of 'Active Filters' with the left would be keeping the uninitiated off
Supplies, 93 Dale Street, reception facility. Upon object of building, more or less exactly, the c.w. part of the band.
Liverpool 2, Tel: 0151- investigation. I discovered what Adrian Knott designed and When it comes to improving your
236 0982. what was obviously a published in the November issue of PW. speed of your Morse, let me recount my
Over the years I have dedicated narrow band During my researches into the memories. At the end of the Second
made a number of sets filter inside bearing a various types of filter, I came across the World War. as a Radio Officer in the
using this device. 1978 date code. but I did Sallen & Key and later the Besse!. Merchant Navy, I was one of the first
including one which has not appreciate the Chebyshev and Butterworth designs in people to be made redundant and. since
been in continual use for significance of the 340Hz both high and low pass formats. In the I had only been in the service for 18
the past 12 years. The bandwidth until reading basic two pole form. they all have the months, I was promptly. much to my
output of the device being your article. characteristic that CI = C2 =C & RI= R. initial disgust (but later enjoyment)
fed into an 0071 Another reception However, Adrian's design has called up for National Service in the
transistor and the signal mode available on this different values for Cl and C2 and this RAE
taken off the collector by particular receiver is has left me somewhat puzzled. Later Although my Morse was more than
a Philips 200011 'Kaybard' - in this clue stages reduce in value, whereas in a good enough, it was nevertheless
earphone. which feeds an fitted in place of the Chebyshev design, the RC product necessary. from an operating procedure
acoustic tube normal I.s.b. mode. The would increase. Each capacitor viewpoint, to go through RAF training.
'stethoscope' headphone relevant filter is offset connected to the non -inverting input of The instructors there had a very clever
as used years ago on 2kHz below the if.. i.e. the first three stages is I nF method to improve speed of reception.
hospital radios. It is never I398kHz, with a nominal However, the inverting input This involved sending long, torrid and
switched off and the bandwidth of 400Hz and capacitors have a ratio of 10:1 in the very salacious excerpts from the
battery lasts for nine as such, is not especially first stage. 2.7:1 for stage two and 2.2:1 unabridged version of Lady
months. useful for normal stage three. Finally, R I and R2 stage Chatterley's Lover (in those days
It is a sad thing that communications. but I one are 15k12 while later stages are unobtainable by legal means in the
junior newcomers to our would be interested to 39k.Q. An explanation would be much UK).
hobby will no longer have know what it is used for. appreciated with a bit more technical Since my earlier PMG training
this useful device Fm sure someone out detail please Adrian. allowed me to get full copy of the
available to make a very there must know! Change of subject now! For many Morse being sent I became extremely
simple. reliable radio to Neil Clyne G8LIU months. I have read with much interest popular with the rest of my class. The
perhaps take away to Middlesex the arguments in 'Receiving You' For' room resounded with cries of 'Hey
school or college. and 'Against' Morse, how very difficult Smithy, did you get that bit after....'''
Incidentally, I had my it is to learn and whether it should My goodness, those were the days!
first copies of Practical remain part of the licence conditions Ken Smith G3IYU
Wireless in the early
Year Planner & when it is quite obviously outdated. Wiltshire
1940s in F. J. Camm's Feedback Well, there is no doubt that it no longer
heyday. Dear Sir forms part of modem day Editor's reply: I will pass your query
C. N. Webster I would like to thank the communications and to that extent there onto Adrian Knott Ken and perhaps
Merseyside Editor for attending the is little point in burying your head in the (because other readers will be
Rochdale QRP sand. interested) he will send in a letter for
Editor's reply: Thank Convention in October. However. I find c.w. enjoyable and 'Receiving You' in reply.
you Mr Webster and I During your lecture it was there are many others like me. for there
agree that it's a shame particularly appreciated is a rhythm. a cadence within the
the versatile ZN414 that you took the trouble
family of i.cs seems to to seek feedback about
be no longer the kind of articles we essential and the the m.w. band. and imagine my surprise and
manufactured. Let's wanted to see in PW. Editorial team are operated at night or early delight when visiting the
hope more supplies The free year planner pleased you like your evening. should the Radio Museum at HMS
continue to surface! with the January issue is 'Wall Planner'. station fade. the autotune Collingirood recently.
also most welcome and would sometimes scan when I saw an Ekco
has pride of place on the around and select another autotune receiver on
Piccolo System office wall. For those who
Ekco Autotune station a few kHz away. display in the Domestic
Dear Sir may not have a use for Radio returning to the original Radio section. My
Many thanks for the this, how about next year Dvar station as the signal receiver had no back on
article in Tune With you print something on With rderence to the letter recovered from the fade. the cabinet, so I made one
Piccolo' by Malcolm the otherwise blank side, 'Valve & Vintage' from This phenomenon being from hardboard. Upon
McLeman F5VBI.1 on such as band plans. etc? Mr P. D. Balding similar to the 'capture turning the set around at
the Piccolo system in the Tony Fishpool G4WIF (November '97 issue) I effect' currently Collingwood I was
November 1997 issue of Kent used to own a Ekco experienced on the f.m.- amazed to find it had a
PW. Despite the system autotune radio, purchased v.h.f. band. hardwood back - in fact, it
being superseded by Editor's comment: It's second-hand for £1.(X) I moved house in was and is my old set!
satellite communications. my pleasure to attend around 1950-52. When 1964 and disposed of the John Lepper G3JHL
I have heard occasional Tony. Feedback is tuned to distant stations on receiver, so you can Hampshire

NEI1SCorn iled b Donna Vincent G7TZB
Micro Sized Trisseekte Neal Recorder

The Maycom VR-60 is a digital voice message recorder which is being
distributed by Nevada. The VR-60 is a hand-held digital voice recorder
that also has the capability of recording from a communications
receiver, when used with a suitable connecting lead.
Features of the VR-60 include 60 minutes of recording time, 3 level
battery indicator, calendar function with voice alarm, wake-up call and
date and time of message record. The manufacturers state that it
features easy -to -use controls for playback, pause, stop, skip, repeat and
delete as well as a 'user friendly' option menu.
In addition to this, the VR-60 has the
provision for an external speaker microphone Saint Maximilian Kolbe SP3RN, who
to be used as well as a PIN (password)
died in Auschwitz death camp in 1941
Lowe Electronics have recently
protection facility. The unit is powered by to save the life of another prisoner. He
announced the arrival of a new product
two AA cells.
was canonised in 1962.
called the HORA C408. HORA are a
Nevada of 189 London, Road, North °nu iow! photograph and gory from SPSHS
new name to the UK market as the brand
End, Portsmouth P02 9AE Tel: (01705) ,( l(61q'I.
comes from Taiwan. where they are a
690626 are currently selling the Maycom
well known and respected manufacturer
VR-60 for £75 and would be happy to McCauley El4EK. John Doherty
of amateur radio and commercial
supply further information on the unit. EI9GB and Johnny McClintock
equipment. EI6FF. And sometimes - depending on
The C408 is a 'micro' sized f.m band conditions - 'G' stations land many
transceiver with full coverage of the s.w.l.$) 'join in' the fun when EI4EK
430MHz. It measures only 58 x 80 x
ha *IOW hist Mil poses 'mystery' quiz questions.
25mm and is powered by two AA It's very often a busy frequency on The QSOs are lighthearted affairs
alkaline batteries. 3.702MHz late in the evenings - with and add much to the great bond of
The HORA C408 has selectable much of the activity coming from Willy friendship that exists between El. GI and
tuning steps. 20 memories, full CTCSS
as standard. repeater shift and battery
save modes. as well as full scanning leres Sell legged ly lAlreC!
facilities. The power output is 230mW,
The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group, the winners of the
which allows access to local repeaters as
newly instituted 'national' section of the PW & Kenwood Club
well as short range simplex use.
Spotlight Magazine Competition received their trophy at a well -
The price of the C408 is just £89.95
attended ceremony in Salisbury on Friday 28th November. Hosted
and is available from all branches of
by the Salisbury Amateur Radio Club the new Bert Newman
Lowe Electronics.
G2FIX trophy ('Bert's Bell') was presented to the British Amateur
Radio Teledata Group - affectionately' known as *Bartag' - by the
late G2FIX's sister Hilda Rusbridge - ably supported by a large
number of their close-knit family.
free Catalogue Bert's Bell Bagged! The BARTG representatives Arthur
'Bert's Bell' was presented to BARTG at the Salisbury Club's
headquarters in a moving ceremony which also produced many Bard GIXKZ (left) and Mike Conder G6NCF the new
A copy of the new Datacom Editor (2nd left) receiving the Bert Newman
smiles - something G2FIX was always doing himself. From an
Optoelectronics G2FIX 'Bert's Bell' trophy from Hilda Rusbridge
original idea by Rob Mannion G3XFD (represented on this
full colour product G2FIX's sister. Main 'organiser' of the trophy land
occasion by Tex Swann GITEX) Vicky Amos (G2FIX's niece
catalogue is
organised the production and donation of a trophy in the form of a family) Vicky Amos is directly behind the bell and to
available free
bell. The bell idea was adopted because of Bert Newman's famous her left is Gerry her husband and maker of the trophy,
from Waters & accompanied by Sue Rusbridge 12nd right) and Paul
campanolgy (Bellringing) activities and was specially made by
Stanton PLC. Rusbridge (far right I.
Gerry Amos. Vicky's husband.
The AS sized
The magnificently finished trophy is mounted on a polished
I7 -page
teak plinth and is inscribed 'G2FIX - Bert's Bell' on the bell itself
catalogue
with a commemorative plaque mounted on the plinth. The inscribed plaque carries the engraved name of the winners and details
contains five
of the prize. It is to be awarded each year to the winner of the 'national' club magazine section of the competition and is planned
of the new
to be presented at the Leicester Show.
Opto
In presenting the award to outgoing Daracomnt Editor Arthur Bard GIXKZ. accompanied by new Editor Mike Conder
products
G6NCF, G2FIX's family expressed a wish for a continuing involvement each year and hope to present the trophy to the 1998
including the Micro
winner and in subsequent years. The Salisbury Amateur Radio Club will also continue to support the award by providing a judge
Frequency Counter. Micro DTMF
for the *national' club magazine section adjudication.
unit and the RI I FM Neartield Test
And on that note PW would like to remind all clubs that the 1998 competition is open for
Receiver.
entries. (Please see full details in 'Club Spotlight').
To get your copy of the latest
Optoelectronics catalogue call
Waters & Stanton on (01702)
What a lovely trophy you've got! Outgoing BARTG Datacom magazine Editor Arthur
206835 or write to them at 22 Main
Bard GIXKZ shares the pride of the presentation with Pirs 'Tex' Swann GITEX who
Road, Hockley, Essex SS5 4QS
was representing Rob Mannion G3XFD and acting as the photographer!
and remember to mention PW of
course!

statimis...cv en V.lien 'Qui/masters' West Wight, Marconi 6 The World
EI4EK and EI9GB pose very difficult
questions! Such a question was set in the An ambit), nis programme of even!,. 'on
Area's 17W hunt*
summer when they asked if anyone on air' schedules and activites by the West
the 'Net' knew the name of the only Wight Radio Society marked the 100th Yaesu (UK) Ltd. have announced details of their new FT -847 h.f.,
known Radio Amateur Saint? anniversary of the Needles Wireless v.h.f and u.h.f. transceiver. Described by Yaesu as being "Ultra
Despite a certain journalist having Telegraphy station on the
Compact" this all -mode transceiver provides coverage of all
access to the Vatican's Isle of Wight on Friday 5th
Amateur Radio bands from 1.8 to 430MHz in one 'package'.
'FAXbank' and Saturday 6th of
Expected to appear in the UK in January 1998 the FT -847 offers
and press December. The
office magnificently co-
100W on h.f. and 50MHz and 50W on 144 and 430MHz. Other
runon ning
(where they GPIGDis ordinated series of events features will include cross band full duplex, normal/reverse
speak John Beaumont Exa inati ended up with much tracking (for satellite operation) and CTCSS and DCS
Amateur` early January
excellent a Radio publicity for the hobby encode/decode.
tonne have
course should just
English) he
you hurry
you will run of Amateur Radio and Yaesu's press release also says that "The Fr -847 also
(so if course
then proceeded
from 6 to for commemorating the incorporates high resolution 0.1Hz tuning steps for 'ultra smooth'
to get time to enroll1.The important pioneering
Monday
evenings for the tuning, DSP filters (notch, noise reduction and band-pass filtering)
hopelessly lost on
in preparation station used by and 'Shuttle Jog' tuning dial, direct keypad frequency entry,
on their 8.30pm 1998 exam.
place Marconi in 1897.
December will he taking 1200/9600BPS packet ready and optional voice synthesiser. And
electronic multi - The Needles
The course College. although the final price has not been announced, Yaesu have
choice telephone Trafford event - organised b)
at the North Stretford. informed PW that the transceiver will he available within the
system (which Road. more a team front the
doesn't speak
Talbot
M37.
Oil;. West Wight Radio 0700 to 0800 range.
call 010-
English). So. Manchesterare invited to Society led by Ben Note: PW hopes to review this transceiver as soon it's
details you 1000
defeat was admitted or 0161486 Clegg G7RER available. Editor.
886 1071
and it was only admissions). attracted
when EI9GB sent the
the answer the truth attention
came to light! of the public - drawing
John EI9GB wrote 4(X) visitors to the special event
to PW with the answer. -Father stations operating on the
Maximilian Kolbe SP3RN spent Saturday despite the very poor
several years as a missionary before weather conditions at the very
starting his Amateur Radio activities in exposed site. The unexpectedly
1938. He was arrested by the Gestapo in large number of visitors saw the
December 1939 and was sent to the various aspects of the GB100
infamous Auschwitz death camp near IOW (a very special event
his home parish of Krakow. In 1941. callsign) stations in action.
when one of his fellow prisoners (the The success of the two-day
head of a large family) was selected for event (which for the teams
death Father Maximilian volunteered to involved started on Tuesday 2nd of
go in his place. He thus died on 14th December when station erecting started)
August 1941. was crowned by successful QSOs with
Father Kolbe was posthumously HM Royal Yacht Britannia and many
awarded the highest Polish Military other notable stations. And despite other On Air With CX41.11",
Medal - the Virtuti Militari Golden major news events...the activities from
Cross. Pope John Paul canonised Father the Needles station attracted national The International Short Wave League (ISWL) will be again be activating the
Kolbe as a Saint on October 10th 1962 - and local TV and Radio news coverage. club callsign GX4BJC this year. This time operators from Northern Ireland.
the first licensed Radio Amateur to Souvenir copies of the impressively Scotland and Wales will be taking part which means that GN4BJC/P.
become a Saint". (With thanks to SP5HS produced Centenary Programme of GS4BJCJP and (;('4BJC/P will also be activated. The list of operators is as
and W6YY for the original photograph Events and a GB100 IOW QSL card are follows:
and information). available for £2 cheque or postal order
G3XFD (including postage I from Ben Clegg Month Call Name Location
G7RER at the 'Marconi Centenary
Office. Monks Lane. Freshwater. Isle January G3NYY Walt Tewkesbury
Robot Intelligence of Wight P040 9ST. February GOKOC Arthur Didcol
March GOLCB Tony Wantage
Kevin Warwick Professor of Editorial note: We hope to bring April GOLGF Terry Norfolk
Cybernetics at the University of you a Jill feature covering the story of May GODBX David Lincolnshire
Reading will be presenting a lecture the impressive Isle of Wight Centenary June GI4CBG Roy Belfast (GN4BJCIP)
entitled 'Minds Of Their Own Could Event in an early issue of PW And from July GMOPKW John Isle of Lewis IGSBJCIPI
Robots Be More Intelligent Than what we heard of the weather August G4IUF Mike Harrogate
Humans?' on Monday 16 March 19911 experienced (severe gales!) it sounds as September G4EUI John Birmingham
at the University of Leeds in the - if the West Wight October GOIYZ Chris Derby
Conference Auditorium starting ___------ - svatek Team worked November GW3CNW Frank North Wales IGC4BJC/P)
at 730pm. mils vi SOW hard. December MOBAX Brian Christchurch
Professor Warwick states -- ,1%,..2iiirid gal Congratulations to
,....e. ',
that "Humans are where they all concerned and As in previous years. a special ISWL Club Callsign Card will he available to
are because of their intelligence. we look forward to arltme who either hears or works the station. A QSL will be sent on receipt of
Yet in the next decade or so we reading 'the stop an incoming QSL or reception reports. You can QSL via the bureau or direct to:
will most likely see robot behind the David Beale GODBX (6-10618), ISWL Cluh Callsign QSL Manager,
machines that are far more event'! Kensitiocr. London Road, Louth. Lincolnshire LNII 8QH.
intelligent than we are". In his Following the ISWL Elections which were held in October Mike Parker
lecture Professor Warwick will G-8264/G4IUF/N6SVL was elected as Honorary President and John Ray nes
show how robots could easily be G-16436/GOBWG as Honorary Secretary. Please note that John's election
running things in the future. means that as from now all correspondence relating to information requests.
Entrance to the Lecture is free orders and all ISWL related correspondence should be addressed to John at 267
but by ticket only. Tickets are Pelham Road. Immingham, North East Lincolnshire DN40 1JU. Finally,
available from Freda Barker BA. Evelyn May 6-17197/GOOZI was elected as Honorary Vice President in
Branch Organiser, 7 Canford Road. recognition of her hardwork and dedication to the ISWL.
Allerton, Bradford BD 15 7BS Tel:
(0274) 499043 on receipt of an s.a.e.

Zoe says:
-keep the News and
those Club magazines
coming!"
Com lied b Zoe Crabb

Morse and Novice training. PMR
The 'Spotlight' Is On Again! New Exam conversions. computer advice and
Centre repair. home and club construction
with computer CAD programmes
It's time to turn the 'Club Spotlight' on again as we invite you to enter
The Sandwell Amateur Radio and with field days. surplus sales
your club magazines into the 1998 Practical Wireless & Kenwood
Club have registered a local and a mini rally.
Club Spotlight Magazine Competition. Local
primary school with the City & So. why not go along and
clubs entering will be competing for the
Guilds as an approved Centre for join. all new members will be
magnificent original trophy - kindly donated by
the 1998 Novice Radio Amateur made most welcome. Further
Kenwood - and 'national' clubs will be
and Radio Amateurs details from the Club Secretary
competing for the 'Ben's Bell award, which was
examinations. The club, which Robert Francis G7KOQ. 163
instituted in 1997 in tribute to the late Bert
meets at their own premises in Sherwood Park Avenue.
Newman G2FIX.
The Broadway. Oldbury, West Blackfen, Near Sidcup, Kent
It's very simple to enter the 'Club Spotlight'
Midlands, has been conducting DAIS 9JD.
magazine competition and all you need to do is to
RAE and NRAE classes for a
send us the three most recent copies of your
number of years and entering
magazine and a covering letter. The covering
candidates as external candidates
letter should make it clear what category of club
at a local college. Lighthouse
your club is eligible.
For example. the British Amateur Radio
"We felt that the time had Activity
Teledata Group - 'BARTAG' - winner of the
come for the club to have it's own
exam centre" the Club Chair
Weekend
1997 'national' award - can only enter as a
Martin Prestidge G2BXP said. The Northern Lighthouse
'national' club' section. whereas the Cockenzie & Port Seton Club -
"so we decided to go down the Weekend, an idea conceived and
last year's winners, now have to specify that they are a local club.
road of registering a nearby school co-ordinated by the Ayr Amateur
Radio Group, has Scottish
National Or Local as an exam centre".
The school chosen. Amateur Radio stations
For either category (*national' or local) your covering letter should
provide the following details: How many people there are on the
Causeway Green Primary in established at lighthouses around
Penncricket Lane, Oldbury, has the coast of Scotland and has been
Editorial team and the type of job they do/or did (if retired), how long
good public transport links with running for a number of years. but
the magazine has been established, how it's produced (on your
Birmingham. West Bromwich and last year. 1997. it was developed
computer or text supplied to 'outside' printer for professional printing.
Dudley. and is about one mile into The Lighthouse/Lightship
etc.) and whether or not the publication is 'sponsored', the number of
from Junction 2 on the M5 Activity Weekend.
copies printed and membership size of your club. It would also help
motorway. The event took place over the
the judging panel if you could provide some historical details on your
For further information. weekend of 23/24th August. when
club.
contact the club officers: 36 stations were established at
The judging panel this year includes Jim Bacon G3YLA, David
Chairman: Martin Prestidge lighthouses and lightships in 14
Barlow G3PLE (who of course first suggested the competition), Zoe
G2BXP. 48 Parklield Road. countries. The event is not a
Crabb. Dave Wilkins G5HY and Rob Mannion G3XFD.
Additionally - and for entries in the 'national' category only - the Oldbury, West Midlands B68 contest. but a weekend for
8PT on 0121-552 4902 or the amateurs to enjoy themselves and
Salisbury Club will be providing one extra judge to decide the winner
Secretary: Clive Binnell GOTVR. have fun whilst making contact
of the 'Bert's Bell' Trophy (Salisbury was of course Bert's Club).
146 Hales Crescent, Semthwick, with as many stations as possible.
Entry to the competition is open now and
West Midlands B67 6QX on However, it is requested that
all entries should be at the PW Wires in
0121-429 6061 or last but not stations take some time out to
Broadstone no later than Wednesday 1st of
least the Treasurer: Archie work the slow operator. the newly
July 1998. This is because the presentations are
Holyoake G40JJ. 281 licensed and QRP stations. There
to be made at the Leicester Show (the new
Causeway Green Road. are no restrictions on antennas or
venue of course) and members of the judging
panel live in places as far apart as Cornwall.
Oldbury, West Midlands 668 power and operating times at each
8LT on 0121-532 7039. station's discretion within the
East Anglia and Greater London. so it will not
period of the activity.
be possible to consider late entries!
This year. 1998. The
So. make sure your club's entry reaches us in
Lighthouse/Lightship Activity
good time by sending it to Zoe Crabb, Club
Spotlight Magazine Competition. Practical
Morse Club Weekend will be from 0001UTC
on Saturday 22nd August until
Wireless, Arrowsmith Court, Station
Members of the Morse Club meet 2359UTC on Sunday 23 August
Approach, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8PW.
on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of and amateurs are invited to join in
The Editor's decision las head of the
the month at the 5 Wents the fun of the weekend by
adjudication panel) is final and no correspondence will be entered
into. Good luck and we look forward to reading YOUR magazine!
Memorial Hall, Swanley, Kent. establishing an amateur radio
The club's activities are. own station at a lighthouse or lightship.
h.f./v.h.f. antennas on site with The annual event is used to
Rob Mannion G3XFD
h.fJv.h.f. and Packet. CB. Radio obtain maximum exposure for the

Recent AGM
hobby. The Press and. QTH and Packet) and on February 6th.
The Saltash & District ARC held their AGM back on the 7th November
permitting, also the public are there is a Junk Sale.
1997 at the club room in the Toe H Hall. Saltash. Reports were received
invited to underline the obvious More infomiation from the
from the Chairman. Secretary and Treasurer.
parallel between the international Secretary Robin Tew G4JDO on
In the Chairman's report. he commentated on the club's activities
aspect in lighthouses, lightships (01203) 673999.
during the year. He said that the highlights had been the visit by members
and Amateur Radio.
to Multi Media Studios Landrake. the talk on Airhand Communication by
So. if you fancy joining in the
Tony MOAVP and Roland G3XLU. together with a talk on Oil Rig
fun of the weekend and
establishing a station at a Salop ARS Engineering by
Barrie Moreton
lighthouse or lightship, then
and also the
contact Mike GM4SUC. QTHR Members of the Salop Amateur
successful BBQ and
or gm4suc@compu.serve or Radio Society meet every
v.h.f. operation from
@GB7AYR.#78.GBR.EU Thursday evening at The Telepost
Kit Hill (300m a.s.1.)
Club, Railway Lane, Abbey
with s.s.b. contacts
Foregate, Shrewsbury, starting at
with the Poldhu
8pm. January 8th is a Natter Night
Stevenage & and Night On The Air (these
Club. the local s.s.b.
Net (the Hazel Net)
nights are usually held every
DARS alternate Thursday) and on the
and a couple of
stations in Hants.
The Stevenage & District 15th. the Chairman will be
Kevin G7NHW
Amateur Radio Society meet holding a discussion evening, so
indicated that he
every week from 1930 at The this is an opportunity to air your
%mild not be able to Kevin G7NHW operating portable 23cm AN into the
Stevenage Resource Centre in views. local AN repeater GB3WV. Kevin is the former
continue as
Chells Way. Stevenage. More information from T. G.
Chairman next year Chairman of Saltash & DARC and committee member
Hertfordshire. where there is a Davies GOJIX. 20 Kirkwood of the West Devon AP/ Group.
due to work
permanent h.f. and v.h.f. station Court, Shrewsbury SY! 3SX.
commitments.
on site. New members and visitors
Brian MOBHG (Secretary). commentated on attendance at club
are most welcome.
meetings. which had fallen slightly. He also noted that the club now has
Just a few of the up and
Club two overseas members. These are Tim G7LRO. who is now working in
coming events for the new year Send in all your the Falkland Islands and Giorgio Romani. s.w.l. in Undine. Northern
include: January 13 - Sandhurst - details to Zoe
News Italy.
'A New Experience'. 20th -
Project Night - h.f. operating and Crabb M the Editorial Club publicity has been achieved through reports of club activities in
the local press and PW and RmICom magazines. A local newspaper had
instruction c.w.. 27th - Video Offices.
included a report on the
Evening.
naming of a new road in
For more information please
Saltash by Caradon District
contact either Peter Bell
Council 'Jackson Way' after
2EICRK on (01462) 674505 or
Captain Henry Jackson, the
John Churchill MOARQ on
early naval radio pioneer.
(01462) 684%2.
who was resident in Saltash
a century ago.
The Treasurer. Tony
Coventry ARS Baughan MOAVP.
presented the club's audited
accounts, which were
Members of the Coventry
received and passed by the
Amateur Radio Society in the
meeting. In his report. the
county of West Midlands meet
Treasurer said that there
every Friday at 20(X) hours at
was a need to reduce
Binley Church Hall, Brinklow
expenditure or increase
Road. Coventry. Visitors arc
income to ensure the long
always welcome.
term viability of the club as
January 9th is a computer
both fixed and variable cost
night. so bring along your new Saltash & District ARC members had increased dunng the last few years.
soft/harware Christmas pressies. enjoying their BBQ on Kit Hill back in The AGM meeting also set new subscription rates for 1998 and also
16th - Night on the air (v.h.f., h.f.
September. introduced a new class of associate membership for those members who
and Packet), 23rd - Quiz Night,
were unable to regularly attend meetings at the club room. This was the
30th - Night on the air (v.h.f.. h.f.
first increase in subscriptions for three years.
A vote of thanks given by the members to retiring Chairman Kevin
Mckane G7NHW for his period in office as Chairman. The following
Exeter's Events office bearers were elected unopposed: Chairman: Bert Lee G7FTF.
Secretary and PRO: Brian Giles MOBHG and Treasurer: Tony Baughan
The Exeter Amateur Radio Society meet on the 2nd and 3rd MOAVP. Kevin McKane G7NHW will continue as Editor.
Monday of each month at the Moose Centre, Spinning Path. The committee were re-elected enblock as follows: Geoff Markey
Blackboy Road. Exeter EX4 6SN. A Club Net is also held every G7VXN (Deputy Chairman). Andrew Blackmore G7WFY. Kevin Hale
Tuesday at 7.45pm on 145.575MHz Cm. GOAKH. Arthur Rowse 'KA' and Gordon Robertson MOBHK. Robin
Januar) 12th is a practical evening so bring your soldering Hewett G3X1.0 agreed to continue as club President this year.
irons. coaxial cable. plugs. etc. to see how Theo G3EQM does it The meeting concluded by discussing items for next year's
and then show him how to do it better! Come and operate the club programme and the recruitment of new members who are always made
TX on January 19th or buy and sell lots of surplus at the Surplus most welcome, be they short wave listeners. Novices. CB operators or
Sale. which is being held on February 9th. Further details from licensed Radio Amateurs or just anyone interested in radio and
Theo G3EQM. QTHR om 1013921 875498. electronics. More information from Brian MOBHG on (01752) 8484321.

ORDER A 3 -YEAR
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'Grab' A Video Frame Grabber & Save A Packet!
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at
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NN/ he: DI enclose a Cheque/Postal order (payable to PW Publishing Ltd) for £

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Offer open until Friday 27 February 1998.

Ian Poole 03YWX continues with his series and this time sets out to answer the
question What is A Pin diode?
The Pin diode is widely used in This enables the intrinsic layer to be made For amateur radio purposes they are widely
radio frequency circuits as their very thin. In addition to this levels of used as r.f. switches.
structure enables them to capacitance can be reduced and surface When Pin diodes are forward biased
perform well as switches and in breakdown is less of a problem. they can be considered as a short circuit.
attenuators. Apart from this. Pin although there is a small loss in reality.
diodes are also used in high power rectifiers When they are zero or reverse biased they
Operation 6 Characteristics
where its structure also enables it to act as an effective isolator.
withstand high voltages. The intrinsic layer performs a vital part in In the reverse bias or zero condition
The Pin diode was first developed in the the operation of the Pin diode. It has their capacitance is comparatively small
early 1950s as a high power rectifier. The virtually no carriers (holes and electrons) of because of the thickness of the intrinsic
first technical papers on their operation its own and at low levels of bias the carriers layer. This makes them superior to ordinary
appeared in 1952. but it was not until 1958 do not enter this layer. As a result no current diodes whose capacitance is higher because
that they started to be used in radio flows. the depletion layer (the layer around the
frequency and microwave applications. Under reverse bias conditions the layer junction which is depleted of holes and
of depletion remains almost constant and the electrons because it's reverse biased) is not
capacitance between the p and n regions as thick.
Diode Maki
remains almost the same. Under forward As a result Pin diodes are often used as
The Pin diode consists of an intrinsic or bias conditions a current starts to flow as transmit -receive switches in transceivers.
non -doped layer of semiconductor shown in Fig. 2. The potential causes Here they are superior to electromechanical
sandwiched between p and is type layers. electrons to enter the intrinsic region. relays because they are more reliable and
It's the intrinsic layer (belonging to. part of Further electrons enter the n type region operate far more quickly.
its nature) which gives the diode its unique from the connection. Diodes for use in the switching
properties. This has a low concentration of Electrons are forced to leave the p type application must be high power varieties
carriers (holes or electrons) and as such has region into the external connection creating capable of carrying a few Amps when
a relatively high level of resistivity. holes. These holes migrate across the p type forward biased, and high voltages in the
Normally the intrinsic layer is quite region and enter the intrinsic region. reverse bias condition. The actual
narrow. typically between 10 and 200pm. The holes combine with electrons from specifications are naturally dependent upon
Either side of the intrinsic layer the p type then type region allowing further holes and the powers being transmitted.
and n type layers are normally heavily electrons to enter the intrinsic region. The Pin diodes are also used in voltage
doped. overall effect of this is that a current flows controlled variable r.f. attenuators. They act
The diodes are manufactured in two in the circuit. as variable linear resistors controlled by the
main types planar and mesa as shown in One important characteristic of the Pin level of bias, and as a result they can be
Fig. 1. For the planar structure a substrate of diode is that once it is forward biased it incorporated into circuits to control the level
heavily doped n type (n+) material is used. follows a very linear characteristic. being of attenuation. With careful design the
A layer of intrinsic material ig then grown virtually resistive in nature. Unlike a normal impedance of the attenuator can be
onto this and the heavily doped p type pn junction diode there is virtually no maintained within reasonable limits over the
region (p+) is diffused into this. distortion or rectification. range of operation.
For the mesa structure the intrinsic and The value of resistance can also be Turning away from their r.f. applications
p+ areas are grown onto the substrate. The altered. The resistance falling with increased Pin diodes find uses as high power
outside layers are then protected with a layer bias current as shown in Fig. 3. rectifiers. Diodes for these uses normally
of oxide. have a wide intrinsic layer and this increases
For high frequency operation the mesa Pin In Use the reverse breakdown of the diode.
structure is better because the layer
thickness can be controlled more accurately. The Pin diode can be used in several areas. PW
Bias current
Input
Fig..1: A
Iwso,ttgl
p+ Oxide simple r.f
P' . .---
Intrinsic layer gi 105 switching and
!Intrinsic layer
IC It RFC
attenuator
circuit.
n* Substrate t too
RF In RF Out
n+ Substrate to
Wr0196b
WT0796a! 1RFC
Fig. I: Pin diode structures, tat shows Fig. 2: Holes and electrons enter the 0.01 0.I 1 10 100
Forward bias current ,tnAl
the planar structure and tht the mesa intrinsic layer and combine causing a I
structure. current to flow in the circuit. Fig. 3: a typical plot of r.f. resistance against forward bias current.
Next Time
I'll be looking at the light emitting diode and its uses.
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IR ELECTRONICgilMiCar
IN
ACTION
Let me start with a few books that I measurements. There are also many couldn't get away without at least one
Welcome to the first of the new think may be of use to you. And some book on radios to build. In fact, there
add-on units as projects described with
Electronics -in -Action (E-i-A1
of the best 'value for money' titles on the book. It's an interesting guide are 33 complete practical radio projects
features. I hope that this new the market are from the Babani range. showing that although a simple tool, a in Homer L Davidson's book Radio
feature (or is it a column - or - Getting Started In Practical Electronics multimeter is indispensable in any Receiver Projects You Can Build. Of
maybe a new section of the 13P345) by Owen Bishop is a very branch of the hobby. American origin (the author's name
magazine? I'm not sure, it's really useful book for those who have a little providing a clue) the book is still ideal
up to you, the reader) will prove theory but are looking for project ideas For more advanced users, How To Test as a start point for radios of all types.
popular. I look upon it as being like
to have a go at. With 30 projects (ten Almost Anything Electronic by Delton T. There are crystal radios, valved radios
the 'Tex Topics' column in the each in the categories 'First', 'Easy' and Horn does just what the title says. A and radios made with integrated circuits
Antennas -in -Action (A-i-A) section 'Challenging') there should be enough book of American origin, the techniques within the 300+ pages. Something to
of PIN. I'll kick it of in a direction
that I think you would like to go, evenings within its 170 or so pages. than just a multimeter, and t think
and then you can help me to
they're just as useful on this 'side of the I have come across another book on
develop the column. As it is with One of the biggest problems found in pond'. building a fairly advanced transceiver,
'Tex Topics' (A-i-A), I hope to act as electronic projects are the soldered but I shall let you know more next time
a central point for information on joints due to poor soldering technique. As an author Ian Sinclair is very well when I've had time to read it! So, let me
questions about electronics. You The Art Of Soldering (BP324) by known, and with his tourth edition of now turn to some of your ideas and tips
pose the questions and I'll find an Richard Brewster is a very useful 'aide - Practical Electronics Handbook he that you've sent in to share with
answer for you. memoir' for anyone. Fourteen chapters attempts to cover many aspects of everyone.
deal with such topics as which type of electronics that may be found in
In this new column, I also hope to iron and accessories, what type of everyday life. Eleven chapters cover
publish your electronic tips and solder do I need for each type of 'job',
Creating And Etching
most aspects of analogue and digital
tricks (it's similar to the 'What -A - techniques and how to recognise 'dry - electronics with typical circuits in many
Good -Idea' feature that we run Let's turn to creating and etching printed
joints'. There are also sections on model cases. It provides an excellent insight
from time -to -time) and the authors circuit boards (p.c.b.$), which is
railways, White metal soldering, stained into everyday electronic household and
of the ideas I use in any month will normally a three-part process: Draw
glass and using a gas flame to solder. A hobby items and how they work.
get a voucher to 'spend' at our PW artwork, create track mask and etch
very useful book for anyone!
Book Store. And in each issue I'll away the unwanted copper from the
As PW is an Amateur Radio magazine, I
have look at a few books to suit all hoard. It may be possible to link the first
From the pen (or word -processor
levels of knowledge and skills.
perhaps) of the prolific author Robert
Penfold come the two complimentary
books Getting The Most From Your nociema
Multimeter (BP239) and More 1020 Tonebors at 1
Advanced Uses Of The Multimeter
IBP265). The first is a very useful starie,
tioarer3
o
book and has within it only three
chapters. They cover choosing your o
multimeter and what type you should 0
consider, testing components with your 0
chosen meter, and testing circuits in
total. Etp..........0
With fewer chapters (only two) More

Advanced Uses Of The Multimeter
seeks nonetheless to extend the
measurements that can be made with a
basic meter. Taking in such ideas as r.f., Fig. 1: With two pieces of overhead projector film and the
high resistance and low voltage a.c. technique outlined by Glynne Jones and you can transfer artwork
to unetched p.c.b. material. The film itself is shown on the right.
18 PW Electronics in Action, February 1998
IN
ACTION
two operations together if you use one "Leave the board to cool down then Imagine the fury of the 'other half' when be fully etched, and its progress can be
of the special etch -resist filled pens peel off the plastic sheet. The pattern she sees the spots that will not come off checked occasionally by gently
directly onto the copper layer of the should now be transferred to the (I've been there - and done that. Text. squeezing the hag sides together so that
board. But in general most of us will be copper, but any 'bits' that are lost such So, how do you avoid this domestic any remaining copper on the board can
making boards from printed designs. as lines, dots, etc.. can be filled in by QRM? Well, Dave Fairhurst reckons be seen. The used etchant may be
hand using a Dalo Pen or similar. II use that he has a method that's fairly 'flame- disposed of safely (your local
If you are going to draw your own track plastic enamel paint and a fine brush)". proof'. He puts the p.c.b. to be etched reclamation site should be able to help.
mask direct onto copper, then you'll in a large plastic hag and does the Text, although Dave suggests returning it
probably use an etch -resistant ink Glynne suggests etching the p.c.b.s by etching outside (or in the shed) with the to the original container with the rest of
marker. The Dalo Pen has been around floating them face down in the Ferric bag and contents completely immersed the etchant.
for many years and serves the purpose Chloride bath watching the p.c.b. until in a bucket of very hot water.
well, but I have used waterproof marker the track can be seen through the board. The (by now only warm) water in the
pens in the past as a substitute when the This works very well if you use the The type of bag that Dave prefers is the bucket may be used to do a first wash of
Dalo has run dry. These waterproof translucent p.c.b. material. Any small fairly thick type that is used for holding the p.c.b. before returning to the house
pens are available with many differing thin tracks that do not reproduce well A4 sized documents. Pour some etchant to finish off. By using this method,
shaped points making it easy to create may be bridged with a length of copper into the bag with the p.c.b. and fold suggested by Dave, the domestic
tracks of different widths. wire - not pretty, but it will work. over the top several times if possible. friction could be reduced to an absolute
Although as he showed in the photo of This can now be held firmly in place minimum and harmony will be
From Glynne Jones GW4TFS «tines an Fig. 1, the method is capable of very with large 'bulldog' clips. The bag and maintained. (Now if only I could find a
idea using a photocopier to create track fine line reproduction. contents may be lowered into the hot way to get the solder -splashes out of the
masks from published designs. Glynne water and gently agitated to encourage carpet before she returns! Tex).
says that all you need are two sheets of As an aside to the o.h.p. film method, the etching process.
overhead projection (o.h.p.) film and there is now a commercial product that
access to a photocopier. In FM?, and uses this basic method. You still use a Atter about 10 minutes the p.c.b. should
piece of o.h.p. film to create the
To the rest of 'flipped' version, hut you then use the
the circuit film from Press -N -Peel Etching Supplies
for the second copy. This new (second'
film produces a much better track mask
Books Mentioned
Getting Started In Practical Electronics (BP345) £4.95
than the original basic o.h.p. film.
inor,
The Art Of Soldering (BP324) f3.99
For more details, contact Press -N -Peel
Etching Supplies at 18 Stapleton Road,
Getting The Most From Your Multimeter IBP239) £2.95
T Peterborough PE2 6TD. Te1:1017331

233043, FAX 101733) 2310%. It the
designs are from FM' and there's enough
demand we can create an accurate
More Advanced Uses Of The Multimeter (13P265) £2.95
1/17 How To Test Almost Anything Electronic £14.99

reversed image for individuals to create
their own track masks.
The circuit of Tex's Conundrum Practical Electronics Handbook £13.95
No. 1. (See The End Box for the On a more interesting side, the method
questions, then see if you can Radio Receiver Projects You Can Build £18.99
of creating the artwork mentioned is not
get the right answers). new. Some time ago while 'trawling'
through the archives for 1933. I found
11.....irnms bolo
many other magazines, the track that PW took out a provisional patent
!Jetting The
patterns are shown as you would see on exactly the same idea of using an (Pc -The Art of
Getting Starter Most From Your
,-,{ciecIng
note Advanced
them on the p.c.b. itself. Glynne's iron -on transfer to create artwork. The in MuRimeter Uses of the
c Multimeter
method however, involves making PW system was called 'Transfer Print' Practical Elect!'
mirror image of the design first. and the page from November 1933
In his letter Glynne says " Photocopy

showed the various steps involved. I
wonder what happened to that .
S.0 mho*. al
the original p.c.b. pattern onto o.h.p.
clear plastic sheet. Reverse this copy
particular idea between then and now? a
flip it over. Tex), cover it with a blank Ready To Etch
sheet of white paper and photocopy it I. RA Pe.lold
again onto an o.h.p. sheet. This is now Having produced your ready -to -etch
the reversed copy of the original. Cut p.c.b. it's about ready to go in the tank 1 Ite PRACTICAL
the board to size and clean the copper full of Ferric Chloride etchant liquid. So,
thoroughly with steel wool to get a
1
E CTRONICS
clearing an area of the XYL's nice shiny
NDBOOK RECEIVER
smooth shining surface. Do not touch
the copper, and handle it only with a
draining board you lay out the shallow
plastic etching tray and half fill it with
OUR_ P
cloth or tissue. the etchant. Keeping a constant to-and-
kp
fro rocking motion during the process, 40
Next he says "Place the reversed copy you will etch the p.c.b. beautifully to test
face down on the copper (note the cleanly. Still wearing the XYL's
image has a matt finish and it is this household gloves, you fish it out of the
everything . 0 0
face that should be against the copper). etchant 'soup' and start to wash the 1* j .
Carefully, hold the plastic sheet in place
and press a hot smoothing iron down
onto the sheet, taking care not to move
p.c.b. under the tap (not noticing the
small speckles of yellow etchant on the
work surface).
e A.'
-
SINCLA
it until it sticks down. Any of the above books may be obtained from the PW Book
Store featured elsewhere in the magazine.
PW - Electronics in Action, February 1998 19

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ELECTRONICS -1N A
Test Probes
From Ken Fisher GOLKX comes a simple idea for test probes where he says "I needed a pair of very fine meter
probes to do some fault finding on some very small closely packed boards. So a quick look in the junk -box
produced a couple of old ballpoint pens'.
Ken's idea is shown in Fig. 2 and, I for one will, certainly make a pair of them. I've found, when trying to
read the meter, hat the 'ordinary' pointed probes can slip off a test point and short across onto a nearby pad -
sometimes with disastrous results. You may have to raid the XYL's sewing box for the small pins, but she is
unlikely to miss two. As an 'improvement' I would be tempted to add a short length of insulated material
around the pin, leaving only a short point peeping out.
Retaining knot tied in the load Solder the lead to a needle

before fixing with an epoxy
adhesive
Fig. 4a: The design of this crystal earpiece

Fig. 1: A fine pointed probe that Ken Fisher GOLKX made earlier. hasn't changed in a long time.
(See text for detail).
[W508201
Crystal
1M 2k7 1M Earpiece
3n3
0
3n3
Probes
Fig. 4b: The diaphragm of the earpiece,
mounted on the piezoelectric transducer,
Fig. 3: This circuit is both signal injector and tracer, covering a wide range from seen through the centre hole, is extremely
audio to radio frequencies. fragile and shouldn't be touched.
Another neat idea is the one ;COM J. Williams of Clwyd in Wales.The circuit shown in Fig. 3, is one that has been in use in his w)riohop for user his letter he says
1 do not know where the circuit originates, but I hope this unit may be of use to some of your junior/Novice constructors, as it is a very simple and inexpensive piece of
equipment*. It is a simple idea, and should only cost pence to make, but it's very useful!
The circuit, when switched as shown is a simple square -wave ('Flip-flop' or multi -vibrator) signal generator, with a frequency of about 400Hz in the audio band. There are
however, harmonics reaching up at least into the v.h.f. range, that will find their way into almost any r.f. circuit. The circuit itself was built on a small square (8 x 8 holes)
section of Veroboard without any track cuts. But you could make it smaller on a pice of 'Pert' or matrix board (like Veroboard but without copper tracks).
I have to admit I saw a similar circuit, to the one shown in Fig. 3, many years ago, and my only comment about thecircuit is that I think that (from the signal injector side
anyhow) using a lower voltage might be more beneficial. The output is some eight or nine volts peak -to -peak (p -p) and this level of high frequency signal might overload
some sensitive audio amplifiers. If getting hold of a crystal earpiece, shown in the photographs of Fig. 4, is difficult then a crystal microphone can be pressed into service,
although it's not as sensitive, due mainly to the poorer coupling to the ear.
Fig. 5: A From John Olway G3RMA comes a nice idea for holding a p.c.b. in position whilst working on it. John's 'PCB Helping Hand' as
picture he calls it is the 'third hand' needed when trying to solder (or unsolder) a component onto a p.c.b. The type of 'Bulldog clip he
of John used was one that was some 75mm (3inl wide and had fixed handles. John says that if you only have the type with folding
Olway's handles, they should be fastened (stuck or glued) into place.
'third
hand' The main holder is a ball-and-socket head designed originally to hold a camera, and these should be available from your local
for photographic shop (if you're lucky you could find a second hand unit quite cheaply). Fasten the clip onto the top of the socket unit
holding and the ball-and-socket unit itself onto a section of aluminium or iron angle. The completed unit may be then held in a bench top
p.c.b.s vice in use. Although a slightly less stable, but far more portable unit could be built by utilising one of the small table top camera
steady. tripods, as these often have a small ball-and-socket head fitted.
ohn's unit has a thumbscrew locking device on it, but this isn't easily seen in the photograph of Fig. 5, and he mentions that
p.c.b.s as large as 250x200mm may be held securely in positions ranging from horizontal to vertical. A neat idea John!
The End
So I've come to the end of the first of the new E-i-A section of the magazine. I hope you will write in to me and send your electronics ideas and tips so that I can share them
with other readers. I also hope to be exploring some of the intricacies of electronic circuits so, let me leave you with the small tuning problem shown in on page 19.
The circuit consists of an inductor, LI 11 pH) and two capacitors Cl, a fixed 100pF capacitor, and a variable capacitor C2, with a 50pF nominal value. The manufacturer's
specification for C2 suggested that it was 5OpF maximum and 3pF minimum capacitance. What are the upper and lower frequencies that the circuit will tune to? Answers
to be sent to the editorial address marked Tex's Conundrum No. 1. (the answer need only be accurate to within lkHz). The winner, drawn out of the editorial hat on
monday 9 February 1988, will get his (or her) name 'in lights' within the next Electronics -in -Action'. See you then.
Tex
22 PW - Electronics in Action, February 1998

'8atteryless' calculators really do
exist and Ray lautley C3ASC
takes a look at the Slide
Rule - which predates
the 'solar powe-ed'
l,c,d, variety by
many decimal
decades! They're
still useful for

radio, easytobuy,
secondhand ant,
everlasting just right There are many varietes of

slide rules around. This
for the Radio Amateur!
evample really is 'in the
round' and provides very long
scales by being circular.
B Ra Fautle G3ASC
Another British invention! The slide a candle along both edges of the has been completely superseded by
rule has been around for quite a long slider to prevent it from sticking. It's the hand-held electronic calculator
time, it was invented by an English still in good working order. The with its simple keyboard. Despite
mathematician. William Oughtred in manufacturer was Lawrence this, the knowledge of slide rule
1622. Engineering Service of Wabash, design and use may be of interest to
The slide rule uses a method Indiana, USA. I wonder if the firm the younger amongst us who have
based on the logarithms that had been still exists? never had the opportunity to use the
devised...:arlier in the 17th century by The photographs give some idea of pre -electronic 'slip stick'.
a Scotsman John Napier. We know the different types of rules produced
these logarithms as Naperian (or over the years. even including Why *piths?
natural ) logs (to the base e) which circular models. There were a
(happily) we can conveniently forget remarkable variety and they came in So, why do logarithms (Logs) come
as nearly all slide rules are based on all shapes and sizes. into slide rules at all? Well, to explain
the use of common logarithms to the Nowadays however, the slide rule this it's first necessary to understand
base 10. These are the type that we
were taught at school. Some of us
even remember them!
Slide rules come in many varieties,
some intended for electrical and radio
engineering problems, others for use
by mechanical or civil engineers. I
own one which has rather sentimental
attachments.
My old favourite was bought for
the enormous sum of 6d (212p) at
Woolworth's in 1937. There are only
six scales on it and it is 8 in (200mm)
long.
Whig A Calk Ray G3ASG bought his favourite slide rule in Woolworth's for the equivalent of two
I remember removing the slider from and a half pence in 1937 (centre, with case above and a modern version below). He
my ruler completely and then rubbing wonders if the American manufacturer of the 1937 slide rule is still in business!

A1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 WT0794
Fig. 1: The techniques behind
the slide rule Isee text).
5 2 3 4 5 a
I
7 B 9
l-
1
something about them and their uses multiplications and/or divisions I've
in mathematics. already mentioned) the slide rule
A logarithm is an index. Any
4 lit Otilitsise
requires only simple mechanical
number can be expressed as a power operations to obtain the accuracy Perhaps it's all a bit confusing for
of some arbitrary number which is necessary for solving most you modern 'non -loggers"? Well. I
called the base. A few simple engineering problems. suppose it is if you aren't familiar
examples will hopefully make these Most models of slide rules have with using log tables at school as we
rather confusing statements a bit scales which are about 250mm (10in) 'old uns' used to ha% e to do! Help is
clearer(!): long. They are usually called '10 at hand though, because you don't
inch' slide rules. really have to understand logs if
22 = 4, then 2 is the log of 4 to the Although there may be as many as you just want to know holy to
base 2. or log, (4) = 2 12 scales on each side of some rules. operate a slide rule.
32 = 9. then 2 is the log of 9 to the I'll start the discussion using only My method. as perhaps some of
base 3. or logi (9) = 2 two, usually marked 'A' and 'B'. One you may remember from my 'Maths
42 = 16. then 2 is the log of l6 to the of these scales, the one designated For The RAE' column in PW, is to
base 4. or log4 (16) = 2 'A'. is marked on the fixed part of the provide worked examples as the best
102 = 100. then 2 is the log of 100 to rule, and the other, designated 'B' is method for getting familiar with
the base 10. or logio (100) = 2 marked on the sliding part problems. So let's solve a very simple
Both of the scales are identically sum using the complicated slide rule.
The '2* is the index or logarithm in marked. This becomes obvious when We know that 2 x 3 = 6. So how is
each example. the slider is set so that the '1' on the this multiplication achieved on the
So what? The only base we're 'B' scale coincides with the '1' on slide rule?
concerned with is 10. so forget the the 'A' scale. Then the '2' on the 'B' Look at Fig. 1, it represents the 'A'
other examples. (They were supposed scale can he seen to coincide with the and 'B' scales. The 'B' scale is slid
to demonstrate the idea that any base '2' on the 'A' scale and so on. along until its '1' mark is opposite to
could be used.) Each scale of the slide rule is a the '2' mark on the fixed 'A' scale.
logarithmic scale, meaning that Now look along the 'B' scale to its
Multiplying 6 Dividing divisions on the scales are '3' mark. Okay now? Next look just
proportional, not to the number above 'B's 3' mark to the 'A' scale.
Logarithms are most useful when marked on them, but to the What do you find? It's indicating '6'
multiplying and/or dividing several logarithm of that number. for - wonderful! So 2 x 3 = 6. (Just a bit
numbers. This is because it's only example. the distance from the start of mental arithmetic if you remember
necessary to ADD or SUBTRACT of the scale (which always starts at your tables!).
the logs of numbers which is much 'I' as the log of '0' is '1'. i.e.. log(0) The first example was very simple.
Quite a collection! A selection easier than doing the long winded = 1.0000) to the division marked '2' but what about multiplying 2.35 x
of relatively modern slide multiplication and division sums. is a length proportional to the 3.45? Not so easy by mental
rules. The model in the centre Well, it was before the pocket logarithm of '2' which is 0.3010, or arithmetic. But look at Fig. 2. here
incorporates a magnifying electronic calculator was around! log( 2 I = 0.3010. '1' on 'B' is set to 2.35 on 'A' and
lens to help the user to read As a device for performing 3.45 on 'B' is found to be opposite
the (often quite difficult to arithmetical calculations (particularly 8.1 on 'A'.
see!) scales. those involving the several sequential Using a calculator you'll find that
2.35 x 3.45 = 8.1075. So the slide
1=1. . -.6 "-4- Ar-C---4-4-X"=="3. rule answer of 8.1 was not very far
L" 1:-....t .. . 1 a....zt ..4,...1.1,Ly r-
, ..' out. was it? (It would be near enough
: r. .410.1,1o1.1,14 44.41
40.1.04.1/1441140i0+4111,:111i
a r ....-1....... for most engineering problems).
iit7r,:',
i""'"+'
4
i
-I
E I 'I E N I old..,,.
4. " Movable Cursor
Apart from the scales on the rule

there's also another part which is
movable and is called the cursor.
This has a similar function to the
cursor on the modern computer. It is
used as a marker, especially when
more than two numbers are to be
operated upon. So. here's another
. a example:
Multiply 1.37 x1.7 x 2.65
1: Set I on scale B to 1.37 on scale A.
4"14414+1.1.011.411111,10iiiel4o 2: Move the cursor until its centre
line is over 1.7 on scale B.
711 ...
3: Set I on scale B to the cursor
4
centre line.
c. r . 1 'I 4: Move cursor until its centre line is
'".1-Vr9"vilirr
over 2.65 on scale B.
71---74-.: 5: Look at where the cursor centre
line crosses scale A.

2.35 Alk
8.1(A)
Fig. 2: Multiplying 2.35 x

4 6
wro795I
A 1
2 5 7
11
B
irt It I9 1
3.45 gives an answer of
-I
1 I I 1 ' I I
about 8.2 (see text).
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1
3,4519)
6: This point on scale A gives the line is over 6.2 on scale B. between I and 10, the centre line of
answer, which is 6.17 as near as it can 6: Look at where the cursor centre the cursor is set to 8.4 on the left hand
be read. line intersects scale A. end of scale A.
The same problem solved using a 7: This gives the answer as 126. 3: Look at where the centre line of
calculator gives: The calculator gives: the cursor crosses scale D.
1.37 x 1.7 x 2.65 = 6.17185 so 2.45 x 8.3 x 6.2 = 126.077 4: The answer is 2.9.
again the slide rule answer was near In this case the calculator gives
enough for most purposes.
4 Mimi Nit 2.898275349 as the answer.
What About Division? Wait a moment, how do you know

Which Lids?
where the decimal point goes in the
So. what about division using a slide answer? There's no problem using the To help fix in your mind which of the
rule? It's a similar operation but calculator as it's done for you. but two ends of scale A to use when
subtracting instead of adding lengths with the slide rule it isn't! finding square roots of numbers
on the slide rule. Let's take a look at What I do is to very roughly here's a list:
the technique: approximate the answer by
Divide 8.5 by 1.6 multiplying 3 x 8 x 6= 144. So the Numbers between 0.01 and 0.1 use
1: Set the centre line of the cursor to answer is something over 100. (I used the LH end.
8.5 on scale A. 3 instead of 2 for the first figure so as Numbers between (1.1 and 1.0 use
2: Set 1.6 on scale B also to the to allow for 8 and 6 being smaller the RH end.
cursor centre line. than the actual 8.3 and 6.2 used in the Numbers between I and 10 use the An unusual 'tubular' slide
3: Set the centre line of the cursor to example.) LH end. rule which (by providing
I scale B. Numbers between 10 and 190 use verj long scales due to the
4: Look at where the cursor line the RII end, and so on. 'spiral' action I is easier to
Other functions
crosses scale A. 5 This is the answer. use and read and provides
5.3. Of the other fun, lions on the rule, one (A degree of approximation is still more accurate answers.
The calculator gives: of the most useful is found on the necessary to assess just where the
8.5 + 1.6= 5.3125 scales marked A and D. It enables decimal point should appear in the
squares of numbers to be found answer!).
directly. So. those are just a few of the many
More &splinted
Question: What is the square of facilities available on most slide rules
Now a more complicated problem: 2.4? Usually written as 2.4-12.4 - or 'batteryless calculators'. During
Multiply 2.45 x 8.3 x 6.2 squared). my own engineering days. after log
Going by the steps in the examples 1: Set the cursor centre line to 2.4 on tables. the slide rule offered a much
I've already shown: scale D. speedier service, but now with
1: Set I on scale B to 2.45 on scale A. 2: Look at where the cursor line electronic calculators so cheap and
2: Set centre line of cursor to 8.3 on crosses scale A. easy to use - you youngsters have
scale B. 3: The answer is 5.76. never had it so good!
3: Set I on scale B to centre line of Conversely square roots can be PW
cursor. obtained. So. what is the square root
4: Move cursor so that its centre line of 8.4? (or' 8.4):
is opposite 6.2 on scale B. 1: Set the cursor centre line to 8.4 on
Oh dear! The cursor has gone off the scale A. But wait, there are two points
end of the rule! What do you do now? on scale A for 8.4. Which one should
Don't panic! Don't panic!! ( 'Corporal you use? Well, the left hand end of
Jones in 'Dad's Army' !) We can get the rule is used for numbers Ito 10
over this problem. Slide scale B so and the right hand end for 10 to 100.
that I on the right hand end of the (This is another problem which
scale is under the centre line of the doesn't exist when using a modern
cursor. calculator!).
5: Move the cursor so that its centre 2: As our example is a number
',1 '
i'1" I 1
' ' 1' 1 1 1 1 11 1 II I III

1t 11.. 1.1. I
I I l!,
H i' :
4 IIA0 , 1+1111 311 7HilArn°1
I71111
7n° YV Bo
',1."'4"11
..1Mg 003
I+, !Mil 1111i1111111 Oft
An indication of the small size of this slider rules is given by the

£1 coin. The usefulness of the built-in magnifying lens can also
be gauged!

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CTCSS encoder Noise blanker
Quick offset for DX pile-ups MODE
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Separate HF & 6M antenna sockets MF
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Practical Wireless, February 1998
=MN
A Cheap Ground -Plane Antenna
Fig. 1.
After a recent QSO with a fellow Radio Amateur in which I mentioned not
being able to 'raise the DX' on my GSRV antenna. he persuaded me to try
using a ground -plane antenna for the I4MHz (20m) hand. So. from his
Ana numb.. of
instructions, design shown in Fig. I, I made the antenna.
element. that In I secured it to a non-metallic pole so that the 'ground -plane' support wires
together to mak.
it the 10151 le.,gth 5 gym form an angle of about 450. so that the base of the antenna will ideally be
about 5-7m above ground. The ropes connected to the ends of the ground
wires can be tied off to either a convenient fence or ground pegs.
The vertical portion of the antenna was made from various sections of
aluminium tubing that fitted together to make up the 5.05m length. The outer
hardwood plate screen of the coaxial cable is connected to the three ground -plane wires.
1600. tCaloon,
secured to the centre wooden plate.
Coaoal meet
[woe& Mad
The inner of the coaxial cable was soldered to a solder tag, secured under
'Greene plane woes
the lower support screw of the vertical section. The various joins should be
13 oft. each 52n, Icing covered in a waterproof type of material.
Two Since I erected the antenna. I've had good strong contacts with many
**heel
demo countries. all on less than l(X)W and with an antenna costing only a few
pounds.
etinatee,
Mast
Chris Brown (:OLIN,'
'Manchester
no oe the rotee.e.te l.nnp insteo4 aLcoon
'ogee to conrenent gonna in the garden rhea.
'Fairy Light' Test Set

In many instances in testing circuits, a multi -range 'all -singing all -dancing'.
transistor, capacitor and all else testing meter isn't required. All you really
need is a simple power indicator to
Diode
confirm 'is there power getting here'?
12V 2.2W
Fig. 2. 154002 bulb And I think that my 'Fairy Light' Test set
Negative teat lead fulfils all the requirements.
1-='1111
The diagram. Fig. 2 is more than
Positive test lead
adequate to show the design method. And
Heetshnnli tube
wroete
inaulating tope although I've shown all the leads soldered
directly to the brass screw of the
miniature Edison screw (MES) bulb. the
original bulb and holder came from a redundant set of Christmas Tree lights
Pipe Slice Spacers - hence the name.
Have you ever noticed that the spare bulbs you purchased with the set of
I use twin wire feeder by preference in lights always disappear? And, that the type of replacement bulb you need
almost all of my antenna systems. But isn't used in this year's light sets! When there are 12 lights in the 'string'
after a time I find the cost of spacers then the bulb voltage is 20-24V. When there are 20-24 lights in the set. the
becomes expensive. I've tried using bulb voltage is 12V. With a 36-4() bulb set. the bulb voltage is only around
some of the other methods suggested. 6V.
And although they all work, they have The bulb specified in Fig. 2 is capable of displaying power between two
their own problems. So. I think I've and I 5V so. it's ideal for use when fault finding on car electriec.
come up with an idea that overcomes 1Vy n Mainwaring GW8AWT
many of the problems I've found. 11) fed
My idea is to use a system of 'slices' Slow -Motion Scales
cut from plastic waste pipe as the
spacers. ( I use two length of pipe that complete run. The idea is shown Those popular little Japanese slow-
just slide snugly inside one another). the illustration of Fig. 3. motion drives are excellent, hut come Time to bring you a
The diameters to he used are whatever To make up a length of twin with a 0-100 scale over half of the dial.
The other half of the dial is normally selection of readers'
you find that fits the bill, but they should feeder. stretch two lengths of the
blank. But if you'd prefer a calibrated
be cut into 'slices' not less than 6mm chosen wire between two points, ideas. This month we
dial scale it's easy!
long. putting all the outer 'slices' over the
The stages involved in making your
Select a wire diameter (either wires. Then starting from one end. own scale are as follows: feature a simple ground'
insulated or hare) that just allows you to gently force the inner 'slice' in place I ) Remove the knob from the drive.
trap them both between the two 'slices'. trapping the wires diametrically to expose the centre of the dial. plane antenna for h.f.,
The wire chosen should be tested before opposite. Continue to fit inner 21 Remove and store carefully. the
beginning the task of making up the 'slices to trap the wires at the two (normally) tiny screws. festive voltage test set
desired spacing along the wire pairs, 3) Take of the dial and rotate through
I80° then put it hack. that's useful on radio or
As an aid to stability the spacers
4) Replace the two screws and the
Stab. hemp siring or monafilament should he coupled together with a on the car, some water
knob.
Wile. nylon monofilament or thin string
You now have a slow-motion drive in
points marked 'A' in Fig. 3. If the which the blank side of the scale passes waste pipe spacers for
Pip ViC wire is still not quite tight, then the by the static mark. You can now
wires may be held in place with a calibrate your tuning dial using one of twin feeder and a way of
'figure -of -eight' binding at each the water -proof pens such as the
support point. Lumocolor 313 type to mark the various calibrating cheap slow-
Gerry Smith frequency points.
Walter Farrar G3ESP motion tuning dials,
Fig. 3. Gibraltar
Pontefract

13
Mykonos Revisited
Whitchurch G3SWH
following the success There were no problems in booking

the same accommodation as we had
of his 1995 holiday in 1995. and the owner. Paris
Panayoyopoulos, even made the
operation from the same apartment available for us. We
were dismayed to learn that there
Island of Mykonos, were to be no direct flights in 1996. It
is the apparent view of the UK tour
Phil Whitchurch
operators that Mykonos has become
03SWIl, actively so expensive that nobody can afford
to go there any more!
encouraged by his Initial enquiries of airlines and
charter companies produced
wife Jan, returned to exorbitantly high quotations for
flights from London to Athens. which
the island again in tended to support this view. We Phil G3SWH operating on the halcon) of the apartments.
finally settled for a relatively good
1996,
deal from Greek island specialists brought us up-to-date on all the operations to 65, although the average
'Simply Simon Holidays' for an gossip since last year. As soon as our QSO rate per hour was down by
outward Olympic night flight from room was available, we got unpacked about 8%.
Heathrow to Athens, and an early and settled in.
morning flight from Athens to Paris was so helpful, even to the
Analysed log
Mykonos, with return times at more point of providing a bamboo pole and
sociable hours. the loan of a rickety pair of steps so When I got home and started to
that I could get onto the roof to rig the analyse the log I way very surprised
Added Advantage centre of the antennas a few feet at the number of duplicate QSOs - a
higher! I used the same multiband total of 47. whereas there were only
It is fairly important to fly Olympic. dipole arrangement which I had used nine in 1995. One HA station made a
found in 1995 and in my Chausey Islands duplicate QSO less
ourselves, we would have to deal with (IOTA EU-037) operation earlier this after his first! Don't these guys keep
the hassle of changing airport year, with the exception that I had log books?
terminals at Athens. This has the found and rectified the fault I made a point of giving my call
We added advantage that we were able to
book our hold baggage right through
preventing me from using I 4MHz
(20m).
at least every three QSOs and usually
after each one, but without a
from London to Mykonos. and computer, it was impossible to keep
Band Total QSOs nobody was more surprised than me track of - and filter out - duplicates.
Antennas Rigged
when it turned up! The largest number of contacts
40 66 I took the Yaesu FT-101ZD Once I had the antennas rigged. by far was with Germany. totalling
311 114 again, as the IOTA FT-990AT was having been on our feet for about 24 224, followed by European Russia,
already booked for another operation. hours non-stop, we elected to have a totalling 107. Contacts with England
17 The security staff at Heathrow were a few hours sleep. After a short snooze, totalled 96, making it a respectable
15 bit more switched on than at Gatwick my first QSO was on 10MHz (30m) 3rd.
last year and actually queried what I with YO2BP at I437UTC. Table I shows some of the
was carrying, but accepted the Conditions were not good, and I statistics.
explanation of 'a radio transmitter' tried 14MHz (20m) for a while, but
without further comment. did not want to get tangled up with
Operating Standards
We arrived on the island at about NFD, and moved to 18MHz (17m)
0730 local time on 1st June and found just after I 50OUTC. I was then able I was appalled at some of the poor
that our room was still occupied. to run a fairly consistent European operating standards, thankfully not from
Paris and his delightful sister Maya pile up until about 163OUTC. when it UK amateurs. I particularly objected to
entertained us with coffee and was time to close and go for dinner strong stations breaking the pile-up and
and hit the high spots of the town. then insisting on giving me their names.
ISLAND OF MYKONOS, GREECE Activity then fell into the same QTHs and inside leg measurements. etc.
pattern as 1995, a session of up to two This seemed to happen again and again,
hours in the mornings starting around and is really inexcusable as it effectively
0700UTC. followed by a similar prevents other people from making a
SVO/WARi session in the afternoon starting at

around 1500 to 1600UTC. I clocked
QSO.
Only on one occasion was it
IOTA: EU-067 up a total of about 22 hours operating. sufficiently busy to warrant working
LOC: KM27QU split up into 13 separate sessions. split frequency, and I sometimes wonder
There was sprinkling of DX - a whether it is necessary for minor
Lat: 37°50 N Long: 25°20 E
respectable number of JAs, a solitary operations to use it on every occasion. If
My special thanks to my wife Jan, and to Paris and Maya Panayoyopoulos
ZL, a couple of PYs and a few Ws. I you need one. QSLs are available, either
of the Geranium Apartments, without whose tolerance and encouragement
this operation would not have been possible. made a total of 1223 QSOs with 56 direct (I'm QTHR in any callbook since
73 and thanks for the contact Phil Whitchurch. G3SWH DXCC countries. This brought my 1970) or via the RSGB Bureau.
(I) aft* YIaaC,NNW ....w(19[1.,11 In 0190311.91 total DXCC score for the two PW

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CF-BPF2 2m band pass filter £49.95 Flexweave (H/duty) £30.00 P&P E5 5 section telescopic mats. Starting at 2 in diameter
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supplied with guy rings and stainless steel pins for
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Post .4 poking f8 SO A high quality headset that will fit hand portable + most HF of the 8 metre mast is just 5 feet and the 12 metre
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Q-TEK ZL SPECIALS
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2m Sete (boom 45"/9dBd) £36.00
2m lele (boom 6071 ldBd) £45.00 P&P 13.50 8 mtrs 12 mtrs
2m 1 2ele (boom 126"/13.8dBd) £69.00 Supplied with two pin molded plug -will fit
Alinco/Yoesu/Standord/ADI/lcom hand heldsl
1 (^moat,
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70cm 1 2ele (boom 48713 8dBd) £44.00
GUY WIRE KITS P&P £5
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1-303Y 8 pin "Yaesu" round £16.95 Heavy duty kits £25.95
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2m 5ele (boom 63 /9dBd) £36.00 F 3031 8 pin "Icom" round £16.95 Heavy duty free
2m Bele (boom 125711 dBd) £46.00 F-303YP Modular "Yaesu" phone £16.95 standing tri-pod. ONLY
2m 11 ele (boom 186"/)2.1dBd) £65.00 F-303KP Modular "Kenwood" phone £16.95 Constructed to mil
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6m 3ele (boom 7277dBd) £49.00
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SECTIONAL MASTS Carriage £8.50
6m Sete (boom 142"/9d8d) £69.00
Yaesu lead) 4 x 5 foot allumium sections each swaged at one end.
70cm 1 3ele (boom 76711c1Bd) £36.00
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70cm 13ele crossed (boom 83712d8d). £55.00 dia £19.95
A-08 8 pin "Alinco" round £9.95
K-08 8 pin "Kenwood" round £9.95 dia £29.95
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1
4ionm1
10cm HB9CV (boom 12") £16.95 £9.95
nrdio £36.95
AM -08 Modular phone "Alinco"
2mtr HB9CV (boom 20') £19.95 YM-08 Modular phone "Yaesu" £9.95 T dia £45.95
4mtr HB9CV (boom 22.5') £29.00
6mtr HB9CV (boom 32.5") £36.00 WALL BRACKETS
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RS -102 1 8 150MHz (200W) £59.95 p&p £5 18' T&K Brackets £18.00 P&P £8
Easy to mount HF mobile whips ready to go with PL -259 fitting.
RS -402 125 525MHz (200W) £59.95 p&p £5 24' T&K Brackets £20.00 P&P £8
P1-80 80m whip (approx 1.5m long) £21.95
RS -101 1 8 60MHz (3kW) £79.95 p&p £5
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t's not often that I get the as the program was running. The software was quite A large 12V power supply is also needed to
straightforward to install, and running under power the transceiver, so it does tie-up a lot of
chance of reviewing a computer
Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, it's possible to multi- equipment, whereas a normal transceiver can be
controlled radio ... so I said yes! task. used by itself, and in that respect is more
I installed all the equipment and the software transportable. An external speaker is also needed,
The Kachina 505DSP
and immediately met my first problem. According to unless the computer has a sound card and speakers,
transceiver eventually arrived in the screen. I was connected to, and controlling, the in which case these can be used.
transceiver but no sound was coming from the The manual that accompanies the 505DSP
a box roughly the size of a video
speaker at all. transceiver is in the early stages of production to be
recorder box. It was well packed There is a prompt that comes on the screen that kind. It is only 17 pages, and these include the
says 'OFF-LINE' if there is a problem with the following sections: Two pages of Introduction and
and the box also contained all transceiver connection to the serial port. As this did Specifications; Seven pages of connecting
the leads, paperwork and with not show, I assumed all was working. instructions, and pin -outs for the various connectors;
However, I was running my BBS on that Three pages of Operating instructions and Four
software on a 3.5in disk. computer, so I then swapped serial ports with the pages of Trouble -shooting.
The transceiver itself is a little smaller than a small mouse and tried again. When the software is first There is no circuit diagram, no block diagram,
'tower' computer and looks like a computer too. It run, it prompts for the serial port. But, the main and no description of the operation of the
measures 280 310 110mm. All of the connections '.CFG' file has to be deleted if there is a change in transceiver. Compared to the manuals that are
are made via D -connectors. serial port, so that information can be entered again. usually expected with a modern piece of equipment
There is one on the front panel and the control I eventually ended up with the BBS and node this is very sparse. Not only that, but there are quite
unit for the 505 is separate and measures 140 .c 160 x software disabled, editing the AUTOEXEC.BAT file to a lot of errors, and a full page of addendum comes
40mm. It's designed to be mounted into a slot in the take out all other software that might be causing with the manual.
main computer and is connected to a two port conflicts, such as BPO, DRSI cards and so on. In defence of Kachina, they have promised that
junction panel that is also designed to be mounted in I then had the words OFF-LINE appear on the a full manual with circuit diagram will be available in
the main PC. screen, so I tried my Satgate computer with the the near future. There are also the added features
A jumper lead then connects the control unit to same result. There had to be a problem with the that come with this transceiver not found with the
the panel and a long two meter 'normal' type of
lead connects the other connector equipment.
Regular PW,
on this panel to the main Although I have said
transceiver. If the user wishes to Columnist Roge there is not yet a full
keep the control unit separate instruction manual, with
from the PC, there is an accessory
Cooke G3LDI take an on -screen control
kit available that allows the control time out from w *ti program, most functions
unit to sit on the desk. can be found in seconds
It comes complete with a `Data Di by negotiating the screen
painted cover for the unit, rubber with the mouse, and if
feet, and a cable that connects a
loo problems are
port on the rear of the transceiver transc encountered, there are
to the computer serial port. It is help screens to cover
possible to control the transceiver
comuuf most problems, in much
from up to 23 metres away, so the the same way that you
PC can be located in another room can ask for help with
if desired. Windows '95. Having said
that, all the help screens
First Talk in the world do not assist
After unpacking the Kachina 505 with a circuit diagram or
my first task was to read the description, so I shall
manual and then to install the software. transceiver. I took the lid off and sure enough, three quote the literature from Kachina for technical
I was licensed in 1956 (a very young G3LDI then, of the boards were loose. They had obviously had specifications.
I might add!) and so have spent the last 40 years worked loose during transit. However, I would have I do not possess the laboratory facilities that
sitting behind equipment that has knobs and dials. expected a piece of equipment of this sort to have some other reviewers are privileged to have, and so
To be confronted with a grey box with a few used p.c.b. retainers. Once I had re -seated the cannot confirm the figures. Despite this, I think most
connectors on it seems totally alien to me, although I boards, the transceiver sprang into life. users will be interested in subjective tests, and on -
do feel that this is the way that Amateur Radio is The Kachina 505DSP transceiver is one of the the -air reports so I decided to put it through its paces
going. leading products of its kind and I can visualise all the and report the results.
So, with these thoughts of the modern way in present range of 'standard' transceivers sitting in
mind, I decided to approach this review as museums in a few years time. Using a transceiver of Exceptional Performance
objectively as I could and I installed the control this sort in an amateur station makes the use of a The 505DSP is built to commercial standards and
software, which requires Windows 3.1 or 95, running computer obligatory, and whilst that would be the offers exceptional 16/24 bit DSPODS (Digital Signal
on a 386 PC or better II think most amateur stations case for somebody running a BBS, where the ProcessingiDirect Digital Synthesis) performance. It
are thus equipped these days). The transceiver was computers run 24 hours a day, it might not be covers all nine h.f. bands with 1Hz tuning, plus
very easy to connect, and was ready to use as soon acceptable for the average user. 100kHz to 30MHz receive and provides a full 100W

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Review
Kachina 505DSP
Computer Controlled HF
Transceiver
p.e.p.
Or C.W.
output. allowing you to

The i.f. stage, 'brick - send from the keyboard of
wall' digital filtering, adaptive notch the PC. The 100Hz c.w. filter provides
filters and noise reduction ensure state-of- ample selectivity and there is also a 60
the-art receiver performance. Up conversion to the receiver boasts low in -band character message store for sending prepared
1st i.f. of 75MHz ensures maximum freedom from Intermodulation Distortion IIMD). This, combined messages on command.
spurious responses. The 2nd i.f. of 40kHz allows with a very high available signal-to-noise ratio, An optional internal antenna tuner automatically
utilisation of the most advanced DSP hardware makes for a very clean sounding receiver. matches your antenna system to 50S2, within a 3:1
available. Sophisticated DSP technology makes it possible voltage standing wave ratio ly.s.w.r.). This
Signals are converted directly from 75MHz to to achieve very high performance levels. The most subsystem, using 'fuzzy reasoning', is fast and
40kHz. This greatly simplifies the transceiver; only advanced 'sigma -delta' analogue -to -digital IND) accurate.
the minimum number of local oscillators (1.0.) must converter is used. The 64 internal memories and impedance point
be generated, reducing spurious products. The DSP system has a dynamic range of 96db, interpolation mean virtually transparent
The first I.o. is a state-of-the-art DDS/PLL hybrid, even before automatic gain control (a.g.c.) is applied. operation within a few tune cycles. You can also
its low phase noise and fast lock times maximise Additionally the 13 available filters offer very display the antenna impedance for the entire band
enjoyment of operation. Frequency tuning is versatile filtering, with shape factors approaching on a Smith chart right on the PC screen.
performed in 1Hz steps under microprocessor unity. There is also a Band Sweep function, which
control. The transmitter side of the Kachina 505DSP also allows you to 'see' the whole band as a panoramic
Small tuning steps give the impression of benefits from precise 16/24 bit processing. Excellent display. 'Pile-ups' can be located and by clicking the
continuous tuning, even over small frequency carrier and opposite side -band suppression is mouse on the peak, you can change frequency
ranges. The second local oscillator is a VCXO, also obtained using superior phasing -method algorithms. instantly.
locked to the master frequency reference. The r.f. compressor, operating on the actual
The reference itself is a precision MPCXO, it's a signal envelope, will add lots of punch to your signal On Air Performance
variable crystal oscillator digitally temperature without adding lots of bandwidth. A built-in I conducted most of my tests on the 14MHz band,
compensated by the microprocessor. A thermometer equaliser lets you tailor the transmitted audio for talking to a variety of stations. The first test was to
mounted near the crystal allows the system to more highs or lows. see if the 505 would 'crack' a pile-up.
accurately track the crystals' frequency versus On the air you can exactly regulate the rise and Tuning over the band I found 9XOA on
temperature curve. Absolute accuracy is achieved fall times of your c.w. signal in 256 increments. 14.195MHz, working 'split', listening 'up 10 or so'. To
using built in test equipment (b.i.t.e.) facility; the Weighting and speed are also continuously variable set-up this scenario on a normal transceiver, I usually
microprocessor calibrates itself against WWV, or any over wide ranges for the sound and feel you want. use the transmitter's variable frequency oscillator
other external frequency standard, on command. Another facility will be that you can have full (via) to hunt for the station that the DX is working
With the high dynamic range of the Kachina 505 'machine-c.w.' as a low-cost option (available soon), and then flip back to the other v.f.o. to listen to the
Manufacturer's Specifications
General
DX. It is possible to do this with the Kachina, but
Power Requirements: +13.8 VDC nominal
Receive <2A max.
there is no duplex position, whereby transmitter and Transmit <25A max
receive frequencies can be changed instantaneously.
Receiver
Duplex can be useful if the operator wishes to Frequency coverage 0 1 30MHz
talk to a local very quickly on the other frequency. It Modes: USB, LSB, AM. CW
would also be nice to have dual receive, a very useful Sensitivity
SSB: 0.180V, 12.4kHz filter, 10db SINAD, pre -amp on)
DXing feature that seems to be standard on many 0.35uV typical 12.4kHz filter. 10db
transceivers these days. SINAI:), pre -amp off)
AM: 0.6p V (pre -amp on), 1.0p V typical (pre -amp off)
It took me some time to become accustomed to
Audio Power 15uV input): >2W into 852. or >4W into 412.
fast frequency changes with the mouse, instead of a Spurious Rejection: >80dB
tuning dial, but I feel sure that with practice, this Image Rejection: >80dB
IF Rejection: >80dB
could become as natural as the method I have 3rd -order Intercept Point: .18dBm typical @I. 20kHz (pre -amp off)
utilised for the last 40 years, a habit that is difficult to 3rdorder IMD: 96dB typical (pre -amp off)
change! I must admit that after several days of Dynamic Range
2nd -order Intercept Point: .49dBm typical
practice with the Kachina, it did become much easier. Blocking Dynamic Range: 115dB typical @x 20kHz (pre -amp off)
Tailoring of the transmit audio is quite easy to 118dB typical @x 50kHz
Audio THD: <5% @ 2W into 412
do. There are quite a few 'slider type bar -graph
Manual Notch Depth: better than -50dB
controls on -screen and the only off-putting point
about this is that the two controls visible are the last Transmitter
Frequency coverage 1.8 - 2.0, 3.5 4.0. 7.0 - 7.3. 10.1 10.15, 14.0
-
two selected. 14.35, 18.068 - 18.168, 21.0 - 21,45, 24.895

The reports I received were very encouraging, - 24.995. 28.0 - 29.7MHz.
especially when the audio had been set to the
Modes: USB. LS13. AM. CW
Output Power: SSB: 100W x 1 dB into 5012
optimum, including the speech processing levels. AM: 25W carrier nominal
The modes covered do not include f.rn,, which, on Spurious, Harmonics: Better than -60dBc @ 100W into 5012
Carrier, Opposite Sideband; SSB: < -55dBc
28MHz would be very useful with the up -coming CW Keyer Speed: 5-80 WPM adjustable
sunspot cycle. Working into the USA 28MHz Frequency Stability: Can he automatically calibrated to within x 10Hz of
repeaters is quite easy, and there are several local VVVVV or other external standard.
Operating temperature range: -10 to +50" C
Nets on '10' f.m. here in the UK.
The c.w. keyer on the 505 is quite basic, and
although the speed range does go up to 80w.p.m., There are several add-on features, For example
Unusual Transceiver
for the avid c.w. contester, an external keyer, such as it's possible to display the antenna impedance for the
the MM3, with incrementing serial numbering and entire band on a Smith chart. It's also possible to use The Kachina 505DSP is an unusual transceiver, with
lots of memories would be a better bet. a 'sweep' display and look at a certain bandwidth for a few teething problems as the first of its kind.
The other disadvantage of using the in-built signals. Clicking on these with the mouse enables a However, I feel sure that these will be overcome and
keyer is that the control program must be run on a fast QSY. One disadvantage to this is that the receive more features added.
computer that is a 'clean machine' for perfect c.w. I
is muted whilst this process takes place. There is an Internet site that has updated
used it within a multi -tasking environment, with the Logging software, which in itself is fairly basic, software as the 505DSP is being developed. But the
PC running BPQ node software and also the BBS, also comes with the 505DSP transceiver, as does the transceiver does take some getting used to, and it
which to be honest was running in a DOS -based ability to achieve absolute accuracy, on command does require the user 'tying -up' a computer, a large
window, so thereby taking up quite a large from the keyboard, against WWV or any other 12V power supply, and external speaker, thereby
percentage of the PC's time, and there were lots of frequency standard. making it somewhat cumbersome if using it for
errors in the sent c.w. When I ran it on a clean I was not too happy with the microphone, which DXpeditions or field days events.
machine there were no errors. appeared to be an average mobile hand-held The Kachina is currently on sale in the UK for
However, it is possible to adjust most of the microphone, but having said that, it performed well £1995 or with built-in a.t.u. at £2244. There are a
keying parameters, and there will be a full c.w. enough. However, I would hope that it would be wide range of accessories, such as extra cables,
option available soon. This will enable the operator replaced in the future with a decent looking desk mobile mounting brackets, an external waterproof
to send from the keyboard. microphone. a.t.0 (at £1095!I and a ROM option to provide 1.6
30MHz transmit tat £79.951.
Personally, I think the Kachina is quite
expensive, but then las my son says!) I am not living
SEEING A COPY OF ROGER COOKE G3LDI'S REVIEW
in the present! Comparing it to something like a
NTON G6XYU OF WATERS & STANTON SENT Yaesu FT1000MP, it certainly is expensive.
,Efir US THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS: It will take some time for prices on this type of
transceiver to drop, because of the development and
Li "1 La.lf convincing then Roger Coo N....1.1.." 'l t. ut ae, at import costs. However, I certainly think this is the
ansceiver has assured me t o the highest way of the future.
Li: ation.h.f. rigs ever made for the hobby market. He had a false start
he loose circuit boards, which has not been a problem wall other I would like to thank Waters and Stanton
abut which has been reported back to the factory in Arizona, USA.
instruction manual with circuit diagramsmill be available soon. PLC, -; 22 Main Road, Hockley, Essex SS5
-.trier', most modern h.f. t, ceivers need optional -power supplies and 4QS. Tel: (017021 206835, FAX: 101702)
-mics
205843 for the loan of the Kachina 505DSP h.f.
r.. t.
41. LW: Lt.r. helartierfe
reflected in transceiver which is available from them or
tt.14;1.u.II. f'0r Martin Lynch & Son at 140.142
1;:L.t.u. La- PIRG air -4
Northfield Avenue, London W13 9SB. Tel:
G6XY, 0181-566 1120 at the prices quoted above.

The VLF-FFL Antenna for
73kHz
B Richard Marris G2BZQ
L2
Li
The FFL antenna was specifically capacitor (Cla and

Richard Morris C2810
designed for reception and low b). Four tapping
describes the ffl power transmissions on the UK points are provided
73kHz band. Also provided are on L2 for feedline
antenna. The letters facilities for monitoring the impedance
projected European I36kHz band matching. Fig. I: The circuit diagram of the FFL Loop
fit' are an acronym (135.7-I37.8kHz) and the North The ferrite wound antenna.
American 1750m experimental inductor. L2. is
for ferrite frame band (160-190kHz). The total positioned within
frequency range of the prototype LI. Fig. 2. so that the 'signal The frame coil, LI, is wound
loop. So to get the
is 55 to 200kHz. pick-up' of L I and L2 patterns on a timber frame, Fig. 3. The
'low down' read on/ The antenna is just 915mm arc superimposed. Maximum timber frame is 915 x 915mm.
square. enabling it to be used signal on a frame loop occurs at and made from well seasoned
indoors in a compact space. the ends, with the null at 900 or lengths of 33 x I 2mm timber.
outdoors on the lawn or flat roof broadside to the loop, whereas, glued together at 90° at the
or as a portable antenna. It the ferrite maximum pick-up corners and fitted with corner
consists of a combined Ferrite occurs on the long side with the reinforcing blocks. A vertical
and Frame Loop of optimum size. null at the ends. Thus L2 is member (of the same timber) is
It thus presents the individual mounted at 9(1 to L I. used to strengthen the frame and
advantages of both types of loop. Furthermore. I've found allow it to be secured to a vertical
with a high sensitivity and experimentally. that there's an support pole. on the base, with
comparatively narrow beamwidth Optimum position for L2 within wing nuts, bolts and washers.
and bandwidth. LI to produce the narrowest The frame coil. LI. winding
As a result of its sensitivity and beamwidth and bandwidth with consists of 24 close wound turns
bandwidth, the usual heavy If. the highest sensitivity
band atmospheric and man-made on receive and
noise levels are kept to an maximum radiation
absolute minimum. The antenna on transmit. It's 18 windings covered with a
lever of insulating tape.
can also be loaded with a low important that the then
en another six windings
power transmitter providing a position indicated on top. covered finally by
tape again
useful signal. later should be
The FFL can be operated quite adhered to for best 33
independently of the usual r.f. results. 515
grounding system associated with The impedance

low frequencies. (Good r.f. matching techniques Dowel (25
dial fixed
grounding at adopted enabled the to the
v.1.1. is FFL to be matched to baseboard
Ll
anyway. a variety of feedline
beyond the impedances for low
Fixing bolts
real estate power 73kHz and wingnuts
Maximum signalMaximum signal facilities of transmissions and

many reception. Additional Corner
block
enthusiasts). feedline points can be
A added if required.
le1 41111111 WT""6
selection of
alternative
WrO8D2
Grounding Not
feedline Necessary
impedances
Fig. 2: The two loops are are provided. And more can be An external grounding system is Fig. 3: The overall layout of the loop
mounted together in this easily added if required. not necessary and LI. L2 and C antenna. with details of how 1.1 is
way to increase their are 'earthed' to the copper clad wound in two layers.
ellectis eness. front panel. It is interesting to
note that a 4m length of stout
loops le Series
wire. taken to a metal water pipe
The antenna schematic. Fig. 1. increased the noise level on
shows 24 turns (on a 915x915mm receive and did nothing to
frame) loop. LI. wired in series improve the transmitted ii nal.
with a ferrite cored inductor (L2 I.
resonated by a 10()OpF variable Clifililltitql (.11 plit4c 40

); 1111
DIALADIAl ............. ...

... ... .....
.
rs. a r nn n rirr"
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y BENEfI available februak

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Most of the products advertised by ML&S O IF Shift 1E17.1i DEPOSIT & 42 x £50 p.m
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A full range of accessories for all main As the official U.K's largest dealer of We're always short of good quality used
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Martin Lynch can also offer finance terms up to le months Deposits true a minimum of C25 We welcome your part elchange against any new lor usetP1 product provided its clean and in good working
order Call the Sales Desk today APR 19 ri Payment protection is also available up to 36 um*:
_(E142.
All units are brand new and booed aid altered with full manufacturers RIB warranty All prices quoted for cash cheque or Switchtelta card No additionalcharges for credit cards N
Martin Lynch is a licensed credit broker Full written details are available on request Finance is subject to status F&OE [10 p&p on all molar items AVF: UF:_,IF:A LI NG,
LON ()N W13 9S11
VLF -F.11 Antenna for 73 EZ Loop frame support
pole 25 duo
Continued from page 37
Rubber blocks
of pvc covered hook up wire down with fine glass
(22s.w.g.) with an o/d of I .2mm. paper before application
This wire specification is of the Superglue. The
41(.
mandatory. The first layer of 18 same hookup wire is
closewound turns onto the outer used for winding L2 .
frame and is held in position with But before beginning the
a few strips of pvc insulating winding, the rod is
tape. covered with one layer of
Over this first 18 -turn winding self-adhesive paper Fig. 5::1 baseboard and support pole are
is laid one layer of masking tape. (sticky side out) cut from made in this form.
onto which the coil winding is address labels (89 x
continued with a further six 36mm original size).
closewound turns wound over the Starting 12mm from
centre of the first winding layer one rod end. L2 is wound counter the vertical pole with two bolts,
(i.e. over the masking tape). clockwise with closewound wire washers and wing nuts. Wing nuts
The end leads for LI are turns. Feedline impedance facilitate easy removal of the
brought out through holes at the matching tapping point should be frame during initial testing and
made at 25mm for subsequent possible
for No. 1 and for modifications.
taps 2, 3 and 4 at The bottom limb of the frame
202
1130
.13..13..13.. 25
- 12
13mm intervals.
see Fig. 4. To
must lie against rubber pads as
shown, to further brace the loop.
complete the Two standard 25mm diameter x
winding bring the 25mm high rubber doorstops are
total winding up ideal.
W TOW I
to 160mm. Ferrite Loop L2 is mounted on
Lead oat Lead out
The frame the baseboard, through, and at 90°
4 3 2 1
Loop LI, is held to the frame loop using plastic

in position on a angle brackets (see parts list) and
stout vertical pole nylon 'V clips as shown. It is
embedded in a important that the ferrite coil. L2.
Fig. 4: Details of the centre of the bottom frame limb. heavy baseboard. onto which a is positioned as shown.
winding put onto the ferrite Tails should be left for connection small control panel with the
rod to make up L2. to the circuit components. The variable capacitor C is mounted, Control Panel
whole of Ll is wrapped. after see Figs. 5, 6 and 7. The
initial testing, with overlapping baseboard has to be rigid and A small control panel
turns of pvc tape. heavy to support the size and (200x100mm) is single sided
The ferrite rod cored coil, L2. weight of Frame Loop LI. It was copper clad Fibreglass board and
consists of a winding of an cut from a piece of 20mm thick is screwed to the centre front of
202mm 18in) ferrite rod with a plywood size 410 long x 160mm the baseboard as shown. The two -
diameter of I2.7mm (0.5in) wide. gang (2x5tXtpF variable capacitor
diameter. The rod can be Neosid The vertical mounting pole is a Cla and Clb is mounted behind
F14 material, or made from 2 x length of standard 25mm this board. The variable capacitor
4in long x 1/tin diameter Amidon diameter well seasoned wood should be of the larger rigid
61 material rods, secured end to dowel, such as is used for large receiving type.
end with Superglue to form one broom handles, or some garden A Jackson type E variable
rod. tools. the length required is capacitor was used on the
585mm. The pole is embedded prototype. having the advantage
1v. hat Ns and glued into a 25mm diameter that it has feet which can be
hole drilled into the baseboard as screwed to the baseboard. Some
If using two short rods, the shown. variable capacitors are fitted with
mating rod ends should be rubbed The frame loop is attached to pre-set padding capacitors. and
Fig. 6: The ferrite rod

section is mounted on qv
clips attached to plastic
angle brackets.

these should be removed. pattern of the FFL
The front of the panel is faced antenna, with a 410
with white glossy card, onto portable receiver/1.f.
Vertical support
which is a 0-180° protractor converter/ferrite pole
which acts as a scale with a large loop assembled into
(75-80mm diameter) instrument a briefcase. The
knob. The relationship of the FFL antenna was on
door -stop
board and panel are shown in Fig. a table indoors, 125dial
8. alongside the
A surface mounting coaxial CT439 Generator.
output socket is screwed to the
front of the baseboard, just i,) the In Operation
left of the control panel.
Assuming 5011 impedance is In operation, the
required, connect this socket to FFL will have to be
tap I on L2. Select the rotated for II panel
appropriate tap and feedline for maximum signals.

Coaxial socket nrItEi
other impedances. All 'earthy' and interference
connections i.e. on L I, L2 and elimination/reduction. A simple Fig. 7: Looking down on the baseboard and control panel assembly.
C I a/b) are all securely soldered to robust turntable will greatly
the copperclad panel. assist. In operation, the loop
Connect the coaxial socket to should not be standing on a
the receiver with a short length of metallic surface and should be
RG58 feedline. Tune the receiver kept away from a.c. mains wiring. Vertical support pole
1585 high 25 dm)
to the 73kHz band and rotate the The FFL is an excellent instrument knob
loop variable capacitor to experimental antenna for Copper clad board
faced with white
Protractor 1180
resonance, which is indicated by receiving the 73kHz band also card I200 1001
Rubber block
an increase in background noise transmitting on that band. It will
and signals. Useful Standard also monitor the projected Coaxial
Bottom of
socket
Frequency stations are MSF European v.l.f. band, where some fnentt
Rugby at 60kHz and DCF on 'jumping the gun' activity has 70:
77.5kHz in Germany. been identified between about
At my location, in Central 140 and I48kHz. Wooden baseboard 1410.180.201 Rubber block WTOODU
Southern England, using the Another projected use for the

really excellent Palomar VLF -A FFL is to monitor the USA
Converter with a 'souped up' 1750m experimental hand (160-
3.5MHz receiver, the MSF and 190kHz) during the dark winter Fig. 8: A closer look at the area of the control panel from the front.
DCF stations may be clearly months and which is usually more
heard throughout the 24 hours. or less blotted out by high power
with mighty signals at night. The European BC stations. There is The FFL was constructed in
antenna should next be tested at also of much interest to be heard such a away that future
the h.f. end using the long wave between 55 and 200kHz. modifications or improvements
broadcast stations. The Loop narrow bandwidth can easily be made in the light of
and beamwidth reduce any experience, that is why it is called
Wide Range atmospheric or man-made 'experimental'. When we. in the
interference and QRM as well as UK. have the projected new.
The range of the Loop Antenna is harmonic radiation on transmit. It European wide v.l.f. band, then
wide, being from about 55kHz to will also operate quite the FFL will be similarly
just beyond 200kHz just taking in independently of any grounding immediately available for both
BBC Radio on I98kHz. If the system. reception and transmission. PW
frequency range is way out, then
reverse the L2 leadout ends and
the end of LI.
For use on transmit, a simple
Shopping List
microammeter/diode r.f. signal Note: All dimensions are metric, except where an item has been supplied in inches.
monitor arrangement should be Solid core pvc covered wire (1/0.6mm 1.2mm o/d. Maplin PA56L (100m)
placed near the loop frame. The 1 1000pF variable capacitor (500pF + 500pF in parallel). Robust receiving type such as Jackson type 'E'
transmitter is tuned up. in the 1 Ferrite rod 8in long x 1/2in diameter (202 x 12.7mm dial - MMG Neosid F14 material or 2 x 4in
usual way, into a dummy load and long x 1/2in diameter - Amidon 61 material - rods adhered together end to end (see text
then fed into the loop (previously 3m RG58 coaxial feedline (Z0 = 5012) with suitable plugs
tuned to the transmitter frequency 1 surface mounting coaxial socket - Maplin HX970 or similar Self adhesive address labels
2 Nylon clips. Maplin 1/2in JLOOA or similar
using the receiver).
2 Plastic 1.25in x 1.25in 90° angle brackets (DIY Store)
The resonating capacitor C is
1 Panel 1200 x 100mm) single sided copper clad fibreglass board - Maplin HX01B
slightly adjusted as necessary for 1 large diameter instrument knob
maximum indicated output 1 protractor
radiated signal. I must stress that 1 White glossy card to fit panel
this loop is a loss power device 1 Wood base plywood board 4101(160V20mm thick
on 'transmit'. 1 length 25mm diameter dowel x 600mm long (see text)
However. during initial testing. 2 25mm diameter rubber doorsteps (DIY store)
using a signal generator CT438,
which gives 3V into 6(X)11, I was Useful Addresses
MMC-Neosid, Icknield Way West, Letchworth, Herts SG6 4AS
astonished by the strength and
Amidon Associates Inc., 3122 Alpine Avenue, Santa Ana, California 92704, USA
range of the test signal, while
checking the transmitted radiation

To order any of the titles mentioned on these two pages please use the 0
/A\
As PW is celebrating the centenary of Amateur
Radio throughout 1998 it seems appropriate to
suggest some good reading on the older
equipment many of us remember - and in some
cases - still enjoy using. With this in mind, the
Editorial team have chosen some interesting
tiles for this month's 'profile' which could help
you renovate some much cherished older
equipment.
Handbook Of Radio, TV,

Industrial & Transmitting Tube
& Valve Equivalents
G. C. Arnold Partners
Geoff Arnold G3GSR's reprints of the original Bernard's

Radio Valve Guides are deservedly popular. This booklet is
complimentary to the highly acclaimed series and provides a
great deal of information enabling valve users to find
commercial equivalents for valve types.
Reprinted from the original 1974 edition it carries
information on Second World War civilian valves, RAF types,
British Army types, Royal Navy Types, USA services types
with equivalents. A Very Useful Reference Source and
affordable too at just f2.95.
Essential Characteristics
Reprinted by Antique Electronic Supply
This book is a facsimile copy of the original General Electric
manual and provides a wealth of essential characteristics of
receiving valves, special purpose valves, c.r.t.s, reed switches,
thyratrons, vidicons, radio & TV pilot lamps, and i.c.s.,
transistors and ignitrons. It provides an excellent source of
reference to many valves found in our junk boxes and in
many items of older equipment. An Extremely useful
reference source at only £10.50.
RCA Receiving Tube Manual

This book is a very well produced reprint of the original Radio
Corporation of America manual. It really is a manual and will
prove to he extremely useful to anyone considering building a
project using valves.
In effect it provides a manual on working with valves - as it
provides much essential background details on valves (tubes),
their design, characteristics, circuitry techniques, applications
and operating details. The 'Circuits' section at the rear of the
book is particularly useful and will provide any valved -
equipment enthusiast with many ideas for projects.
An extremely interesting and readable reference/practical
information source. Very highly recommended and costing
just £10.50.
To order any of the titles mentioned on these two pages please use the 0
der Form in this issue or telephone Michael or Shelagh on (01202) 659930.
RCA Transmitting Tubes

This reprint will be an excellent companion to the Receiving
Tube Manual for anyone interested in using valves for
transmitting purposes - right up to 4kW plate (anode) input!
Many of the popular valves used for Amateur Radio linear
amplifiers are mentioned in the book and there is an
interesting (but of course dated) selection of transmitter
circuitry at the rear of the book. A very useful and readable
reference and practical information source.
RCA Transmitting Tubes costs £10.50 and is highly
recommended.
Electron Tube Locator

George H. Fathauer
Looking for an usual valve or just want to know what it does?

This spirally -bound book provides the basic information you
need - what the valve is, filament current and base details.
The 'lay -flat' format assists the reader when the pin -out
information section (in the rear of the book) is being used.
A useful CV -to -civilian equivalent guide is provided for
anyone wishing to identify those mysterious valves with CV
references. A Useful Reference Source which costs
£21.95
Old Time Radios - Restoration

& Repair
Joseph J. Carr
Joe Carr is a well known technical writer and Radio Amateur

but he's not so well known in Europe for his interest in 'old
time radio'. This is a great pity because this book is excellent
and although it's certainly an American book - everything Joe
Carr covers is applicable to European -made vintage radio
receivers. There's no problem even if you do come across
115V a.c. radios nowadays as 'step down' isolation
transformers - the recommended method - are easily
obtainable.
The book provides some background history, outlines of
techniques, example of early equipment, commonly found
circuits (from the r.f. front-end to audio, tone control and
power supplies, fault finding (this section is particularly useful
and well prepared) renovation methods, component details
and safety aspects.
An extremely useful book for any radio enthusiast. Very
Highly Recommended. Old Time Radios - Restoration &
Repair costs £17.95.
er Form in this issue or telephone Michael or Shelagh on (01202) 659930.

By George Dobbs G3RJV
In those far-off romantic early days

[W5013161
of radio a particular manufacturer
of plug-in basket woven coils used
the quotation "what are the wild Input
waves saying" as their trade mark.
Perhaps some knowledgeable PW
reader will be able to tell us the
name of the company?
Whatever the usage of
This month the Rev. Carpenter's original words, the idea
of radio 'waves' is firmly fixed in
George Dobbs G3RJP the popular mind. And in like
mind. Radio Amateurs attempt to
discusses two methods
push the maximum amount of the
of making instruments waves they generate into the
outside world. To this end many
to evaluate standing use a standing wave bridge, or
standing wave (s.w.r.) meter, to
waves. And of course ensure that most of it goes out and Fig. I: The 'classic' s.m.r. bridge first designed by Marren Bruene (see text).
very little is
he's found an
reflected back
appropriate quote to into the
transmitter.
"What are the an antenna.
This article
Bruene Meter
accompany the The theory wild waves suggests two The diagram in Fig. 1, shows the
of 'standing designs to circuit for the 'classic' Bruene
article' waves' is too saying" provide s.w.r. Standing Wave Bridge developed
much for this Joseph Edward measurements. by Warren Bruene of Collins
little column to which are Radio. Its 'heart' is a small r.f.
bear because of Carpenter (1813) simple to build transformer made from two
our 'practical' and can give windings on a toroidial core.
approach. But good results The smaller winding is
although s.w.r. with low connected in the path of the
measurement may not be power transmitters. The circuits generated radio frequency (r.f.)
everything that some claim...it is assume that the transmitters have a signal and the larger winding
the easiest way for the average characteristic output impedance of samples the signal as it passes
amateur to match a transmitter to 500. through. In this example the core is
a T68-6 toroid with three turns as
Fig. 2: A simpler form of the signal carrying section of the
s.w.r. bridge. This resistive transformer. The pick-up (or
type cannot he left in circuit [wsorti sampling) winding has about 55
and must be 'switched out' From turns on the same core.
after use (see text). transmitter To antenna The ratio of the winding is
SK1Ct tO) SK2 about right for a QRP transmitter
running up to about IOW output.
For higher or lower powers the
constructor will have to experiment
with the numbers of turns. (A
higher power transmitter can
simply use a single wire, which
passes through the core).
The larger winding samples the
r.f. and two signals appear at either
end of the winding at RI and R2.
Two trimmers, CI and C2. null out
any lack of symmetry in the circuit
due to components tolerances or
construction. These signals are 90'
out of phase and represent the
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The RSGB Yearbook The VHF/UHF Handbook
1998 Edition Hi Edited by Dick Biddulph, G8DPS
and practice of amateur radio
rwilts
Edited by Brett Rider, G4FLQ This guide to the theory

on the VHF and UHF
RSGB reception and transmission
This new edition of the ever -popular YEARB,J the background to such
Directory has been bands gives the reader
Call Book and Information EMC, propagation, re-
the inclusion of even essential topics as antennas.
further enhanced with together with construc-
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more information on tional details for many items of equipment.
27- the
ever before! amateurs today use commercial transceivers.
This year you will find a trade listing. VHF/UHF
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in emphasis is on accessories such as
giving details of all the regular advertisers ktittSCHTh
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The second book in the RSGB 'Pocket Guide'
The first RSGB consign
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companion product to the 1998 Yearbook! is available as a IMO
vare
has been written to help the newly -licensed
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radio amateur move
- setting up his or her very own radio shack.
System requirements: So many new licensees
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307 memories (261 in SW, 18 each in MW/FM, 9 in LW plus priority station)
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Optional features for European market
RDS (Radio Data System) on PI, PS and CT for station name and clock time
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forward and the reverse (or reflected) When a radio frequency signal is
currents in the feeder line. applied and all four impedances (RI,
A single pole change -over switch 2. 3 and the presented antenna load)
(S I) is used to select either of the two are equal. there should be a null
outputs. A diode (DI) converts the r.f. across the bridge. The resistances
energy to a d.c. signal. This produces used are 50Q (in practice 47 and 510 So the extra sections of the switch are
a voltage across R3. through a meter as these are the available 'standard' used as the termination points for the
(MI). which measures the resulting values). components. The metal frame of the
current. The resistor, R3. is a pre-set The reading across the bridge is by wafer switch forms the ground point
variable type, and forms a sensitivity means of a meter which indicates the for the circuit.
control for the meter. d.c. current produced by a diode (131). Most modern wafer switches are
The circuit in Fig. I shows a
Germanium diode used for DI. Better Fig. 3: Diagram
results would be obtained using a illustrating the wiring
Schottky or hot carrier diode. (The technique used by
really keen constructor might like to G3RJV to construct
match a pair of diodes for forward and the resistive bridge
reverse resistance readings). To SK2 From SK1 circuit on the switch
The meter could be an edge -wise itself (see text).
reading instrument of the type used in
To F15
tape recorders or as cheap S -meters. WT0815
These usually have a full-scale
deflection of some 200p A. Ground
Simple Calibration
In use. the Bruene Bridge requires A pre-set resistance (R5) sets the made entirely of plastic nowadays. If
some simple calibration. Firstly, you sensitivity of the meter. Again a cheap you're using a modern type you
should connect a 500 resistive load to signal strength meter can be used in should make a ring of copper wire to
the output of the meter. Next you this circuit. go around the wafer switch.
should apply a few watts of radio The resistive circuit has the The resistors in the bridge do have
frequency power to the input. obvious merit of only requiring a few to carry some current but of course
Now, with the meter in the cheap parts and no setting up the actual current is dependent upon
'reflected' position adjust for the procedure. It also has the advantage the power output from the transmitter.
lowest possible reading in the meter. that is presents a resistive load to the So. it may be best to use two 10012
Reverse the connections by feeding transmitter during the tuning up resistors connected in parallel for R I, Fig. 4: Photograph of
the signal in to the output and placing procedure. However, the chief 2 and 3. And although the layout I've the completed
the 500 load on the input. Then with disadvantage is that the bridge has illustrated in Fig. 3 is tight...with care resistive bridge and
the switch in the 'forward' position. to be switched out during it can be duplicated. the simplicity is
you should adjust Cl for the lowest transmission. The photograph shows such a evident. The
possible reading. resistive s.w.r. bridge built into a small indicating meter on
When using the Bruene Bridge. Three -Way Switch metal box. The switch holds the the lower right hand
adjust R3 for the highest reading in bridge components as in Fig. 3. side with R5 (meter
the 'forward' position. Then you A Mu -pole three-way switch is In the example shown the preset sensitivity
should switch to the 'reflected' required to select the required resistor. R5. is soldered directly on to adjustment mounted
position to read the relative reflected measuring function. It also 'switches the positive terminal of the meter. The directly on the meter
power. The antenna tuning unit (a.t.u.) out' the bridge during transmission of whole thing represents a simple but connector contact (see
can then be adjusted for the lowest the signal. effective s.w.r. monitoring unit for text and Fig. 3).
possible reflected reading on the Position 1 (Set) of the switch low power
meter. allows calibration of the meter. When operation.
power is applied R5 is used to set the There it is!
Simpler form meter at full-scale deflection. Home-brew
Position 2 (Reflected) on the s.w.r.
The diagram in Fig. 2. shows a much switch brings the bridge into the measurements
simpler form of standing wave bridge circuit. In this position the a.t.u. can on a tight
using resistive elements. This might be adjusted for the lowest possible budget -have
be called an antenna impedance reading (the null of the bridge). fun and get
matching bridge. (Do you remember Position 3 (Output) on the switch building. See
the Wheatstone Bridge, so beloved by bypasses the bridge and allows the you next time.
physics masters at school? Well, this full signal to reach the outside world. PW
circuit is a variant of the old The main part of the circuit can be
favourite). built on the back of the switch itself
In the circuit resistors RI, 2 and 3 and the layout is shown in Fig. 3. And
form three arms of the bridge. The although the switch is a four -pole
fourth is the load offered by the three-way wafer type. only two sets of
antenna, or the antenna via an antenna the three-way switching are required.
tuning unit. Waste not - want not is my motto!
If you're interested in
Taking A Peep -
'taking a peep' at the DX
Cluster, DX Peeper units
are available from Lowe
Electronics Ltd.,
At The DX Cluster Chesterfield Road, Matlock,

Derbyshire DE4 5LE.
Tel: (01629) 580800,
FAX: (01629) 580020
By John Heys 6301)Q
for £149.
Computerless John Not owning a computer I have
been unable to see the DX
Heys 038D0 a keen Cluster, which is part of the
Packet system. I have no bench or
DX chaser has found shelf space for a computer system
and the financial outlay involved
a way of getting the would also be considerable.
I have long realised that .EMO .SKIP DX Peeper
latest information by
stations using the Cluster are at
using the `DX Peeper' considerable advantage and often
hear and work stations I have not
unit to look at the found. My trawling of the bands Some of the text was couched in The Peeper audio can be
for stations on my 'wanted' list the well known 'Japanese turned well down so it doesn't
'Cluster' information. has been a time consuming and English', but it was easily intrude into normal operating. But
often fruitless exercise. understood. at some convenient time the
In the autumn of 1996. I Then it was time to switch Peeper Memory button can be
spotted an advertisement for a on. This meant pushing the pressed. This results in a repeat of
new device called the 'DX Peeper On/OR switch upwards. the last six cluster messages
Peeper'. This item allowed access Little red l.e.d.s shone and after together with the time they were
to the DX Cluster System and what seemed an eternity (actually sent.
only needed a suitable 144MHz The Peeper does not have a
receiver tuned to a local packet signals came through. battery to allow memory storage
cluster node. (so this is lost when the power is
removed). The audio level can be
Alm Sipiels
adjusted with a front panel knob
Peeper Ordered
Instead of a visual display. the and it is quite easy to change the
Fired with enthusiasm, a Peeper Peeper delivered Morse signals. c.w. tone by an internal
was ordered and few days later it From its internal speaker came adjustment.
arrived at my door. The Peeper is 'DE VU2UPX 21259'. My The unit's Morse speed of 70
a small ( 120 x 40 x 153mm) transceiver was already set-up on characters a minute can be set to
black box and is made by the the 2I MHz band and I quickly give speeds of between 60 and 95
Japanese Company. Sigmatech found and worked Sharo before a characters per minute. (Its normal
The '1)X Peeper' really is Ltd. 'pile-up' developed. c.w. speed is about 13w.p.m.).
unobtrusive! John Heys The leads, to connect it to a Soon, lots of DX calls and
G3BI)Q's shack is I 2V power supply and to the frequencies came through the Parasitic Device
exceptionally compact and Packet audio output on my AKD Peeper as the DX conditions
the 'Peeper' 'position 144MHz f.m. rig, were soon 'perked up' and I could decide The Peeper is actually a
indicated by the inset made-up and fitted. I was then which stations merited my 'parasitic' device which 'rides the
arrow) receives audio from ready for 'switch on'. attention. The Peeper proved to back' of Packet cluster signals
his AKI) 2001 144MHz There's a considerable be an invaluable aid during the that have been initiated by a
transceiver and sits wisdom in first reading any CQ World Wide CW Contest and 'normal' cluster set up from a
comfortably above his instructions that come with new helped me to net some of the station within the local cluster
Keno nod TS -870 and gear, so I studied the four page exotic DX that appeared. group. It cannot itself initiate a
ancillary equipment. leaflet headed Users Manual. Whenever I am in the shack, it response.
stays switched on and alerts me to My area has about 1(X)
any unusual activity. stations which can access our
packet cluster node, so it's not
Unexpected Problem often that I'm deprived of signals
from the Peeper. The little unit
An unexpected problem arose has proved to he a valuable
when operating my station. It was addition to an already
easy to be disturbed by the overcrowded shack and it's
insistent c.w. from the Peeper. I certainly helped me work more
overcame this by using its DX!
memory facility. PW

t2.20
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Continuing
Walter's Wig
Sometime respected 300m (1000kHz)1 heard a faint
in 1923. name in those signal and with my ear close to
with the when 1 times. the loudspeaker, could just detect
was four years When the an American voice. I have never
centenary old, a man set was built heard a medium wave American
delivered to our to my surprise broadcast since!
house an item it worked! So, Sometime in the mid -1930s. a
celebrations of of floor - I got busy friend of my father gave me the
standing searching the bare chassis of a mains receiver,
Amateur furniture, with short wave with a useful -looking transformer
four glass bulbs bands and thus on it. My first job was to decide
Radio, avid PW sticking out of heard my first which windings were which.
the upper American Now, my only continuity test
reader and sloping part of station gear consisted of a pair of high
the front panel. W2XAF in impedance headphones
enthusiastic This was our Schenectady. (originally with the 1923 set
4",
first wireless 4,41pts New York, aforementioned) and a dry cell. If
Radio Amateur set, and I was 1 1, with a these and a winding in series
hooked! commentary formed a continuous circuit, then
Walter Farrar About four on a football a click could be heard in the
years later, we game. I sent in headphones.
G3ESP shares had a smaller a listener Contacts with the winding
tabletop set, report and in
%%alter aged 17 in 1937, I I )can before were made by finger and thumb
some of his with the glass gaining his amateur radio licence and hisreply received pressure. after all, there was only
bulbs (valves) speciall selected callsign 63ESP. a QSL card. a safe I.5V in circuit. However,
radio inside, but the The on one winding when breaking
tuning and station the circuit. I got quite an electric
reaction plug-in coils were on the W2XAF and its partner W2XAD shock (from the 'back' e.m.f.)!
memories from outside. It stood on a mahogany were not amateur stations. They At that time of life I was
cabinet (made by my Uncle were regular broadcasters, as was studying subjects such as French.
the last 70 Harry) which contained the KDKA Pittsburgh. also to be Latin and Greek and the bit of
batteries. heard on the band. Physics we did on the side
years. When I was eight, Uncle However. it was not until included nothing about
Harry gave me a crystal set. much later that I started electromagnetic induction. No
which he had built into a wooden constructing on my own account. harm done, but a lesson learnt!
box measuring about 250mm Later in the 1930s. I attempted Having obtained my School
cubed. The Ebonite panel carried more ambitious circuits. As a Certificate in 1935.1 went onto
two knobs, each surrounded by guide. I used to get Practical & study the Science side of things in
studs connected to a large coil Amateur Wireless, edited by F. J. the sixth form. Charlie Cowell,
inside (tuning by varying the Camm and once had a receiver my Physics Master, was a radio
inductance, it would seem), and. circuit 'buff' and he
of course, the galena crystal and published! kept a
'cat's whisker' in a glass tube. In 1934. our portable
I gained much enjoyment domestic radio receiver in
from the crystal set, getting the was changed for the
correct spot for maximum signal. a factory built 414 laboratory.
The 'in' phrase at the time was Marconiphone 8 -1998 One day
'tickling the cat's whisker'. long and medium I was
although my viewpoint is that the wave superhet OF TE tIR RADIO reading a
cat's whisker tickled the crystal! (Wot, no short book which
Never mind! waves'?). One showed how
Christmas time I had been out to modulate a signal. I cannot
Real Breakthrough visiting with my parents and precisely remember the (simple)
The real breakthrough for me when we arrived home at around circuitry, but from it I built an
came in 1930. My father, who midnight, I switched on the oscillator and applied the speech
knew nothing about wireless, wireless and it seemed to be dead. modulation.
bought a kit of parts to make a set This was because all the The signal from my oscillator
which would receive long. European stations had closed was picked up at the far end of
medium and short waves. The down by that time. the Science laboratory on Mr
label on the case was Lissen, a However. somewhere around Cowell's receiver. The next day.

reless World
the evening newspaper carried a married a Yorkshire lass eight So, I became a transmitting
letter from a lady living near the months previously. In Ossett. near radio amateur in 1948, 50 years
school, complaining about Wakefield, I made the after the first radio amateur.
interference on her wireless set! acquaintance of Cliff G2AQN Whether I will celebrate my 100
and Ken G3RB. Ken took on the years on the bands is open to
Modulation Mysteries task of training me up to the question, as by the time you
In 1941 when my academic standard of the Morse test. (I was reading this I will already have
studies over, I was drafted into exempt from the RAE by virtue celebrated my 78th birthday!
the Ministry of Supply at the of my B.Sc. qualification). PW
Signals Experimental Thus it was that on 8 May
Establishment (later the Signals 1948. I got my Amateur Radio
Research & Development licence with the selected call
Establishment - SRDE). There I G3ESP. I chose this callsign as I
was introduced to the mysteries hoped to find lots of Esperanto
of frequency modulation and the speakers on the bands. I have
application of n.b.f.m. at h.f. worked and met many. but it can't
rather than v.h.f. compete with English!
I was also working, to a small
extent, on British Army radio Hobby Indulgence
equipment and from mid -I943 To me. Amateur Radio is a hobby.
investigating captured equipment. to be indulged in as and when it
especially from the German pleases me. For some years now I
Army. During my time at this have favoured low -power
part -civilian part -military working (QRP) and I consider
establishment, my knowledge of that if all radio amateurs the
radio increased enormously. It world over were limited to. say.
was there also that I met my first 25W output. the hobby would be
Radio Amateurs and decided to just as interesting, a lot less hassle
join their ranks after the war. and far less expensive (just ask
At the end of 19461 left the any dedicated QRPer, who Pictured in 1997 in his shack, Walter G3ESP can be seen
Ministry of Supply and came chooses a maximum of 5W operating his Kensood TS -50. Situated on the two shehes
north to Yorkshire. having output). above is an AT -50 auto a.t.u. with a Watson p.s.u. to the right.
li you wish to have your February 8: The Kidderminuer Radar & Batman Fair is taking plat at the Kiddermmster.
Caller. We Road,
Kiddermtroder, Worts. Dnon open 11109 to 1500 Widmann to LI 30. There will he .11 the mad traden. plus anus &
Rally featured in Radio
Ray. Flea Market Ford mot Donka and a talk -in on 145.550MHz. kill GIMCK on (01527) 545823 or motile on (WM
Diary. all you have to do is 147954 or Any (WALT on 101502149052n nob& on 109601 902185
to put together as much
February 15: Northern Cram Rally to be held at Tbdttlef Pat Athletics Stadium, Wakefield. South Yodolite. jot Old
information about the Rally imn on the Horhory Road_ LW; Km., horn MI saviors 39 & 40. The event is well signpodol and talk -in MR be co 144
as possible, ie. dale, and 4515110 Qom, open at 1150 i 1030 for disabled swum and Bring & Buy I. Details fmm Peter (ARON nn 101924)
379680 mobile on 109761834938. Hemet On rally@ vearmAemonausk Weh page at
location, time, who to
http:lio ww.o re.demoncoulJrati
contact, etc, and send it to
Com 1 Bed b Zoe Crabb Zoe Crabb at the PW February 210 IIto 13th Itaenhani Radio Rally is to he held at tine Rainharn School For Gals. 1/erweni 16(o. &llama,. Kau
111 i illS It is say easy to find from Junction 4 '.0 nattorway 327$ to Gillingham or Iroin the A2 RallthaM lust follow
Editorial Office. Ow KRIS Arrows. Talk -in on S22 GB4RRR form ogcn at 10041193) (or disabled s111101, and heron !Mt the Bnng & Buy).
\Joussiun is L2. There will he the usual est:akar 'tux of mak wands, many special Interest getups will alas he repre,eruct
ARTG. Kern Repeater Group. Kent R AYNEL RN ARS, KEPAC. TCP/IP. Kent ATV Group 6-QRP Club BYLARA end
total club stands. There is a Lutz hazdstanduth &park, a Mewed bar. hot food and drinks and refreshment, will he
* Practical Wireless & SWM in attendance asalahk plus Yomeuhcro to sit and ear Martin NIOAAK on Medway 101434( 3659110 an any reasonable time.
'Mardi WE: The London Radio & Computer Show will he held 4i Ice Valley Leisure Centre. Palau Lock Lae.
Januar, 111: Dr Oldham ARC Mobile Rally is its he held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Civic Came. West Streit. Oldham. Edmonton, London. N9 Doom open Ifkun to Spin each day Time will he trade stands oath ever 1101 exhilmins, a Brute rk
I an.ashur [Notts open al II (K111030 Ire disabled a isnot. r The event fount all the usual laden plus a Bring & Buystall. Bay. RSGB /minnow and hook stands. opalemand MOIW OM 2m and 71km. Special Interest Groups, disabled
Strew tests one I, admbk no &Mild and there is a tallin on S1 ,111 GEWORC commencing at 0730. Mobile Contact prim lathes, bars. catering. Ant* Oa parking and lectures Adults r..3. pensdniassunder las. (2 1011231 895929
up to 14101 then: will be refreshments and free parking asailabk 1017061 146111 or 0161452 4161.
Mani It Die N'ythall Radio Club are hol&ng that I lilt Annual Radio Club Rally al SII,cr Street. Wythall.
January 25: the Lancastnan Rally i3 to take plan at the Lam:aster Limsersity Please wit dui this Rally or Iona under new near Brrmingliam inn the A435, lust tail nolo from runettrin a ol the 5142 Doom open from Illam ti Ipso and admission is
management and will be inn under the auspices of the Central Larteaahne Amateur Radio Club There ail' he the usual am LI. Them ill he the usual trade, in dime halls and a huge marquee. bar and refreshment facilities on site plus a Bring
Mader.. Bring & Bur and ample paring space is available the campus Admisslon VI and shou;d yin require
I & Bus stand Talkr in on S22. Conran Chris GORY() out 0121-246 7267 esrmngs and weekends. FAX tin 0121 -247 -pm or
lanher information contact Jim (ACV% ,m 1017721 621954 Enuil at gOryOrompunerrerum
February I: fhe I lib South Itssex Amitieur Radar Stnoety Radio Rally will take plate .0 the Paddocks. Long Road. Canvey Man* 14:11w 5th West Wales Attunew Radio A Computer Rally will be Mid 0 Penputau School. Aberystwyth. Mors
Island. Eases. This is ono of the biggest ad hew laws in Eases. life PAM., ks 1s Y1111.1lCd n Ihe end of the A1301. Donn open 1030 lo IWO (Ambled moms bun 1110111 Admission o Li only Iliac is Food parking fireditics with easy access fur
kITIMI a 1010 Features include AITIaleat Ratio. computer and electronic component exhibitors. a Bong & Buy. RSGB disabled and traders al all stalls, demonstration um and catering lartlities Features include Amatew RAho. Bong & Buy.
Mitre testing on demand Imo passport pilot. required'. home-made retreshmcnts. bee car parking with space MIMI& MHO computers, software and hardware. electronics. h I. and s.h I. to ate. packet stain& repeater pimp. RAFAlLS. RSARS. WAB,
doors lin any disabled armor. Admosnmi( it David G4L'AJ on 101268167797E RAYNET and other special Interest gnaws. trade stalls ad lots more lalkin on 1122. Giese and emirs sourseltt, For
details and trade stand hooking. Lontai Kan GAVISFO to (01451500675
February I: The Harwell Amateur Radio Society will he holding to second indax Radio & Computing Rally at the
Harwell Inienutional Business Centre. mate nest of the AM, between Oskird and New hury Taltin on 522 Donn open
I II pin Moan s Ise. Mi ncefa a raft 6Inlet It vas01)1411.4. good stalwio check all 1st well, beim
at 103015115 for any disabled ',intrust There will be trade wands. special imerew imams. Snag & Buy, craft eshibitors. se atd.1ME1YwW4110iPlPannabeMNwgerilsiritM04um1eiss,mils is supprad lor
hat and refreshments and ample eat patting with spaces for eloalskil strums it.11111MIOM i. CI. children free Arthur swims ad is pilided in gad faith as a unite to modem II pm Ion toff queries Not a putieular amt Owe
GOKOC 1012.35.11115399 contact the organisers direct. Editor

Coping With QRM
B John Worthi on GW3COI
John Worthington In former years. i.e. before the However, most 'hams' any originality I have never yet
advent of the single sideband aspired to receivers which would seen it described in Amateur
0W3COI describes transceiver, many c.v... operators make c.w. life easier and their Radio literature.
used to manage most of the time demand opened up a small market You can use the technique
some useful methods with no special means of cutting for the brave manufacturers. Then when you are in contact with a
down QRM at all. The brain is a s.s.b. started to become popular, station which has a comfortable
to try and cut down
marvellous 'sorter out' on its own bringing with it the steep sided S7 signal when up comes the
on these strong but cannot carry on its wonderful 2.5kHz filters and c.w. men soon QRM within 50Hz calling CQ.
work indefinitely and sooner or came to recognise that the s.s.b. Now, if you are bothered. proceed
interfering signals. later most amateurs would take transceiver made a very good c.w. as follows: a) switch on your IRT
steps to help their head out with rig (not only for its selectivity but and adjust same until the QRM
one of the many ways known at stability, ease of operation. etc.. has disappeared the other side of
the time, and this includes me! etc.). zero beat or the opposite way (i.e.
The best known was the the QRM signal note has been
crystal filter followed by Ire Stroke made too high in pitch to he a
narrowly tuned If. transformers, problem. b) if you are still having
audio filters and so on. Quite Indeed, the 2.5kHz wide pass - problems say now with an
effective was the common hand in one stroke removed what additional station who has started
earphone available at that date seemed to be at least 80% of the up. switch to the other sideband
employing magnets. coils and QRM and what is more, the only position.
metal diaphram. These remaining signals that could he Find your contact station and
instruments invariably had heard were those to one side of see if you can now receive them
resonances which could be zero beat. This fact was a better. Often, this switching of
revelation to those received sidebands will be
accustomed to reading effective, c) you cannot forget to
from the wide passbands switch back to the c.w. position
of e.g. 455kHz i.f.s or when you want to transmit as
even to an AR88 or most rigs are otherwise
HRO receiver for the inoperative anyway!
reason that signals both
sides of zero beat were tittle Skill
getting into the final
audio with resultant It should be pointed out that no
mayhem. little skill is required for the
So. it ended up with above in that one has to be able to
the unlikely spectacle of pick out the wanted signal from a
the two entirely different new ball game when the sideband
mode operators being switch is activated. So, this
well pleased at the same involves recognising the subtle
time. The 'phone men sound of the other station's fist
were very gratified with and signal. no mean feat in these
their vastly improved days when all signals are so
effectiveness and so perfect.
ri.p,we-p "PE f;frilF - , were the c.w. lads! Another useful point to
remember is that most 2.5kHz
activated by tuning the wanted Met Stitisfiell sideband filters have 'resonant'
signal accordingly. making it points near their edges. And by
stand out apparently many S - But most amateurs are never judicious IRT tuning you can
points above noise and other satisfied for long and so special often make the wanted signal
stations. c.w. filters soon became available 'stand out' five or six S points.
as we now have them. But what albeit the tone of the same is high
Popular Cube of the occasions when you find pitched.
yourselves without any add-on The methods described are of
One popular ex -government item filters? course most useful when there are
was a small cube containing a Well, not all operators use not more than two or three strong
resistance/inductance filter narrow band reception and some interfering signals hut they are a
designed to 'sort out' beacon (like myself!) even normally ready answer for all seasons and
signals for direction finding manage without it. but there is a all the better for costing nowt!
purposes. In amateur use, it was method of operating the normal
quite effective, although needed s.s.b. transceiver which can bring
quite a lot of audio pushed a good deal of relief to the hard
through to work effectively. pressed, although I do not claim PW

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alve &
intage
Fig. 2: The Collins 32V-1 transmitter clearly
First, a Happy New Year to everyone. the 3.5MHz band I hope that illustrating its very finely engineered tuning
as this is my first column for 1998. 1 a small amount of capacity dial arrangement and symmetrical dial lay-
hope Santa delivered what you wanted, across the tuned circuits out (see text).
if not. remember to ask earlier next might prove enough to get it
year! onto the band. The transmitter uses a old Communist Bloc countries. Very
These dark winter nights are ideal free running oscillator but the old trick solidly constructed. the 123 covers the
Ben Nock for those restoration projects that I of putting an appropriate frequency frequency range of 20 to 51.5MHz.
never completed in the heat of the crystal across the grid resistor might giving about 20W of f.m. output. My
G4BXD has summer. Many boxes here already have lock it up enough to make it usable on copy of Jane's Military
been busy this been stripped, cleaned and re -painted the band. Communications 1991 still quoted it as
ready for the next display season. in service with Soviet and other
month - he's A telephone call from a friend way 'Warsaw Pact' forces.
been 'treasure The Collins 32V-1
back in October (thanks Anthony) Four pre-set frequencies can be
hunting' in informed me of a BC -I48 languishing Still looking at equipment made in the entered on the R-123 or the set can be
in a junk shop. A quick 40km or so North American continent (but more tuned manually across its range. Some
junk shops, dash, with a much slower return trip, recently built) is the Collins 32V-1 1261 channels at 25kHz spacing are
looking at an secured the set which turned out to be a Amateur hands transmitter. Fig. 2. available. An external power supply is
rather cute little pre -Second World War which is a real fine piece of used providing 1.2. 6.3. 150. 250 and
interesting transmitter receiver. engineering. Though large and heavy 600V for the set from a basic 26V
Russian radio, (approximately 48kg!) it's a very vehicle supply.
and has The BC -148 attractive set indeed. looking like a real The M version of the R-123 was
radio should do in my opinion. slightly modified and the MT version
tackled wood- The transmitter -receiver. Fig. 1. I The Collins uses 17 valves in all allowed remote control operation. A
worm in a bought turned out to be an American (that's including the modulator and 4m long whip antenna was used on the
made BC- I48, part of the SCR -131. It regulator valve) and an inside view is vehicle when in motion, a 10m long
South African operates between 3.950 and 4.4MHz shown in Fig. 3. The 32V-1 has an RK- whip was employed when stationary.
military radio! and uses what must have been an early 4D32 in the p.a. stage, amplitude Quoted ranges were 20 and 50km
magnetic loop as the antenna (there's modulated by a pair of good old 807s. respectively.
nothing new in radio!). A power input to the 'final' of 120W The front photo of the R -I23. Fig.
The transmitter uses a single valve, on 'phone' or 150W on c.w. is obtained 4. shows the set with its p.a. valves
type (USA)VT-25 or commercial type with coverage of the 3.5 to 28MHz removed and rather strangely all the
10 or UX-210 and the receiver uses bands (no WARC of course). markings are in English! The interior
three type VT -24 or Although the v.f.o. tuning on the rear view. Fig. 5, shows the set with an
commercial type 864 32V-1 is very fine and smooth, I think 807 for size comparison and gives a
valves. There's a it's rather odd that it tunes well past the good indication of the modular
'balancing' circuit in the band edges. even by American construction used. (This modular
regenerative receiver standards. On the '40' metre hand the construction is a very common feature
circuit which reduces Collins tunes from 6.4 to 8MHz. and up in many of the Eastern Bloc sets).
the radiation of the on '20' it covers 12.8 to I 6MHz. I fail
receiver oscillator when to see why there is such a large overlap.
South African Teco
it's used for receiving does anyone have any thoughts on this?
Morse code (c.w.). The set is quoted a 'table top' unit A contact in South Africa mentioned a
The antenna is a (there must be strong tables in the set, called a Teco, of which there were
diamond shaped loop USA) as it contains the transmitter, apparently many lurking in an old shop
which fits into two modulator and power supply all in the in Pretoria. So. having a friend who
sockets on the rear of one box. A matching
the set, the sides of the receiver (and matching
loop being weight) would be one
approximately 1m in of the 75A range of
length. Internally sets. Wonderful...'Ham'
contained batteries of radio as it used to be'
4.5 and 45V powered
the receiver while a
Russian Made
Fig. 1: Ben's 'junk shop' hand cranked generator (designated as
BC -148 transmitter - a GN-35) powered the transmitter. On the Russian made
receiver. The set itself is supplying it with 10V for the valve 'front' now. The R-123
housed in the lid of the filaments and change -over relay and is a Russian made set
box and the receiver 400V high tension supply. which was used in
batteries are under the In addition to the BC -I48 there was armoured vehicles.
\lorse key. The chart also a BC -I51 (SCR -161). This was That's probably why it Fig. 3: Inside the Collins transmitter with the p.a.
mounted on the right of identical apart from covering the band stage on the left and the v.f.o. in the centre front.
looks and feels like one!
the Morse key is the 4.37 to 5.IMHz. The R- 123 was The power supply is at the rear centre and the
unit's circuit diagram. Although the BC -I48 just misses supplied to many of the modulator on the right hand side.
4111.11111
travels the world a lot and was just details or history on the set, it may
about to go to South Africa. I have been used in the North
persuaded him to find the shop and African campaign against the
secure a set for me. mighty Field Marshal Rommel.
After walking the streets of And on applying power the
Pretoria looking for the junk shop thing worked! I've even had
my friend gave up but asked his contacts on '80' with Ray GMFF,
colleagues to carry on the search. during the Military Wireless
As luck had it. they did indeed find Amateur Radio Society (MWARS)
the shop but alas. only a few beat Sunday Net. Later on I'm planning
up Teco sets were evident. to show you a picture of the
Undeterred, on my friend's next finished set but if anyone has
visit to Pretoria one was purchased information. I'm sure I and other Fig. 4: An interesting (and very rugged) Russian -made military set -
and. via Namibia and France. readers would like to hear it from the R(P)-123M showing its two p.a. valves removed for display
found its way here. you. purposes. The power and headset sockets are on the lower left (with
The Teco was in a good state, English lettering).
dirty hut nearly complete. The case
Some Rumours
though was full of woodworm (It's I think it's in all our interests that if anyone has any idea as to
a wooden enclosure ... just in case There are some rumours around that the 'type approval' situation is which set it was used in, he would
you thought South African that, in the very near future. the closely monitored and that any like to know. (So would I. so
woodworm eat metal!). powers that dictate our hobby groups interested in vintage details to me and I'll pass them
I've made a new box and work (mainly in mainland Europe it equipment. be it military or vintage on).
is continuing on the restoration. seems) may allow only type amateur equipment. should make Walt Novinger wrote to ask if
representations to those powers anyone could give him the location
informing them of our interests. of a 3AMP I A (aka DG7-32 aka
Individuals not connected with CV2431 CRT) as used in the Racal
a group could write in as well. 121B ISB adapter. The one in his
Possibly the RSGB could he set has a heavy line burned in the
petitioned. though there arc phosphor and is quite dim, (Let me
reservations in my mind about the know and I'll pass it on to Walt).
effectiveness of petitions, as well Thanks also to Alan G4YMU
as consulting your MP or even and James Farquhar who
your 'Euro MP'. supplied information on the AVO
It's a certain fact that if nothing 40 multimeter. this was passed on
is done, then arguments based on to Michael VE3PRW. So. it's time
EMC problems. stability and to go off duty again and as always.
spectral purity of old sets, etc.. may I can be contacted via the PW
see just such a Ivan being imposed. offices. or direct at: 62 Cobden St,
Fig. 5: Inside the Russian set. Note the modular construction. The Kidderminster, Worcestershire
807 valve provides an indication of the size of the equipment and DY11 6RP. (s.a.e. please) or at
Tips & Post Bag
the Russian p.a. valve dimensions. G4BXD@compuserve.com on the
Before looking into the post internet.
The photographs. Figs. 6 and 7. approved rigs to be used. This idea bag...here's a restoration tip. After
show the set itself, which is a (if true) means disaster to vintage re -painting a set, and giving it that
simple affair with separate tuning set users. final polish and huffing up the
dials for the receiver and How can you 'type approve' a identification tag I apply a coat of
transmitter covering from about 3.5 60 year -old transmitter designed Nail Enamel. I use No. 7 (mainly
to 7.5MHz. for war? Although in my opinion I as that's what 'she indoors' has on
In appearance the Teco is very think that many military rigs are of her dressing table!) as it gives a
similar to the WS I8 set and a higher specification than 'plastic' nice finish to the name plate and
apparently. though I have very little Amateur Radio gear. stops it tarnishing with age.
Into the mail bag now and I've
received a letter from Ralph
VE3BBM. who wrote to say he has
a valve which he
thinks is from a
First World War
transmitter. Its
marked with
'WD EDISWAN
AT50 serial No
6146'. (Nothing
to do with a
modern 6146).
Ralph's
valve is a triode
with the grid and
filament leads
Fig. 6: The South African Teco wireless set (without meter. Note the brought out at Fig. 7: Inside the Teco set with the receiver on the
very simple controls - the centre 'tank' knob tunes the p.a. stage (an the sides to three left, transmitter on the right. The modulator is in the
1Q5 valve). The date of manufacture 11941) is marked on a plate in binding posts. In centre and the p.a. stage tank coil at the top centre.
the lower right-hand corner. his letter he asks
Cheerio for from Ben, see you in May.

Mike Richards G4WNC akes a look at
AMTOR, has news of a Web she you can
visit to hear data modes and starts off
with a 'weather update!
Tne mention I made of weather The image channels provide rebuilds the original
information on the Internet in views that range from pure visual on binary number and
the December issue seems to channel one, through to pure infra- converts it into a
have caused quite a stir, especially red on channel five. The images from letter/number and prints
as the address I gave for one of the all five channels are made available it on the screen! Phew! It
sites was wrong! If you want to take in both JPEG and GIF file formats with took me best part of a
a look at the fascinating and the more efficient JPEG images column to explain that
informative Jersey Met site, the running at about 100kb and the GIF last time!
address is images at around three times that So, let's start by
http://user.super.net.u1/-jmet/ If you size. looking at why anyone
have any trouble with this just search The images contain loads of would want to develop
for 'Jersey Me' using the Infoseek detailed information for those of you an alternative to RTTY -
search engine. that want to watch weather surely, being so simple
Since mentioning the weather developments to spot potential and cheap there's not
information lots of readers have enhancements in propagation much point in changing?
written telling me about their own conditions. If you want to get really Although RTTY seems
favourite sites so here's one of the serious you can write to the almost magical when you
best. Scott Carpenter has located an university and arrange to buy high first start to use it you
excellent site at Dundee University resolution satellite images. The will soon find that there
which carries a host of detailed Internet site address is: are a few problems.
satellite data that's loaded onto the http://www.sat.dundee.ac.ok/ Most of the
Web lust five minutes after the problems stem from its
satellite pass. susceptibility to errors.
As the satellite information is Inside AMTOR Going back to basics you will recall Standard infrared image
taken eight times a day you can see that the RTTY systems uses the from the Dundee site.
that the Dundee site is great for the As my introduction to RadioTeleTYpe International Telegraph Alphabet No2
very latest weather pictures. When (RTTY) proved so popular, this month (ITA2) to convert the text into a five
you first visit the site you are required I'll take things a little further and take bit binary number.
to register, but this is just to give the a look at how the more sophisticated One of the problems with this
site operators intormiltton on how the AMTOR system works. Before I go particular code is the restricted
delving in, let's just number of characters that can be systems quickly gets out of synch, as
briefly re -cap on handled with such a small code. As a all the following characters could be
what you learnt result, each five bit number has two printed as numbers instead of letters
from my RTTY interpretations. These are known as or vice -versa. 11 you've ever used a
tutorial back in the Figures and Letters. RTTY system you will be only too
December 'Bits & For example, the ITA2 binary familiar with this problem.
Bytes'. number 10000 can mean E or 3. There have been a number of
You will recall Switching between these two systems developed to try and limit the
that when operating meanings is done by including a corruption and one of the common
a computer based couple of special characters called ones found on most decoders is the
RTTY station each Figure shift and Letter shift. These unshift-on-space facility. When
press of the are used rather like a toggle switch. enabled this causes the decoder to
keyboard is If you want to send some plain revert to letters whenever it
converted into a text you first send a letter shift then encounters a space. Although this is
five bit binary the various letters that make up a a useful fail safe that works quite
Part of a high resolution number that emerges, one bit at -a - message. If you want to add a effectively it's not a total solution.
NOAA image. time, from the computer's serial port number or some punctuation you An alternative that was used by
in the form of a voltage that varies have to send figure shift followed by telex systems went to the extreme of
between OV and +5V depending on the number or punctuation and then using only letters and spelling -out all
information is being used - there's no whether the bit is a logic one or zero. another letter shift to restore the the punctuation and numbers. You
charge for registration. This varying voltage is then system to accept letters again. will no doubt have seen this in
Rather than use the more converted into one of two tones As you can see this is a rather telegrams from long ago as they
common Meteosat images, the again depending on whether a one or long winded process which can always spelled out the word STOP at
Dundee site uses images from the zero is being sent. Finally, these two result in a lot of shift characters the end of each sentence.
NOAA polar orbiting satellite which tones are applied to the microphone being sent just to send a relatively Although the operational
provides coverage from the North input of your s.s.b. rig and you have a simple message. Not only does this techniques developed to reduce the
Pole through to the mid -Atlantic from frequency shift keyed RTTY signal. slow down the progress of the effects of interference were quite
their listening site. The NOAA At the receiving end the whole message but it also makes the effective, they did not really lend
satellite provides very detailed process is reversed i.e the tones are system very prone to errors. themselves to automated reception.
images using a total of five image converted to voltages which are If one of the shift characters is What was really needed was a
channels. applied to the computer which then lost due to interference the whole system that would automatically

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SAE win1 i Wants 1111,1 LALWO, s1 111VitMAN'l I NIA
NEW BOOKS
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PM20 Power Meter/Dummy Load
A "terminated" 150[21 power meter permitting power Racal RAr Communications Receiver Technical smite manual Ell %mule copy Cuntains
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lot the latest 1998 will be the ninth year at Picketts Lock for the
WHEN? London Amateur Radio and Computer Show. A
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check for errors and then put them
right! Special Offers
The answer came with the
development of Simplex Teleprinter If you'd like a copy of Hamcomm/JVFAX, etc. I've arranged a very special offer with the Public
Over Radio ISITORI. This used a new Domain and Shareware Library (PDSL). They have put together a library set of all five disks for just
code known as CCIR476, which uses £12, all inclusive.
seven bits to represent each Using PDSL also makes ordering simpler as they accept all the usual credit cards so you can
character. order by 'phone - you don't even have to write a letter. Please direct all orders and enquiries about
The particularly special feature this disk set to PDSL, Winscombe House, Beacon Road, Crowborough, Sussex TN6 1UL. Tel:101892)
of the SITOR code is the ratio of logic
663298 and request library volume: H008739abcde.
ones and zeros which remains at 3:4
The software is avaialable as a set of five disks as follows: IBM PC Software (1.44Mb disks): Disk
for every character. This simple
A - JVFAX 7.1, HAMCOMM 3.1 and WXFAX 3.2; Disk B - DSP Starter plus Texas device selection
characteristic is used at the
software; Disk C - NuMorse 1.3; Disk D - UltraPak 4.0 and Disk E - Mscan 1.3 and 2.0.
receiving end of the transmission to
check for errors.
All the system has to do is
examine the received signal and Detailed Look (FEM. So why do we need another Warbles & Whines
check for the 3:4 ratio If the mode?
transmission doesn't match the 3:4 Let's now take a slightly more The main limitation with Mode A One of the common questions posed
ratio, then there must have been an detailed look at the AMTOR system to that I've concentrated on so far is by those new to the data modes is
error and that character needs to be see just how the timings are that to work it requires both stations how to recognise all the different
discarded and requested again. arranged to keep the message to be linked together and warbles and whines that are to be
AMateur Teleprinter Over Radio flowing. The first point to note is that synchronised. This is great when you found on the bands these days. One
iAMTORI is a development of the the transmission of the bursts of want to link -up with a friend, but how very useful starting point is to get
commercial SITOR system. This is all three characters is usually done at do you call CQ? hold of a recording of the various
very well, but how can you ask for a 100baud. What's really needed is a modes.
character to be sent again? This is The original reason for a baud broadcast mode where anyone can If you have access to the
where the other key difference rate of 100 was to keep the overall listen into the transmission. This is Internet you can do this on-line as
between RTTY and AMTOR comes through -put of information at the precisely what Mode B or FEC does, the Worldwide Utility Newsletters
into its own. same rate as you would get from a but to make use of the error Web site has an excellent collection
Rather than send a constant standard 50baud teleprinter system. correction it has to put the message of digital modes all in .WAV format.
stream of characters, the messages The higher speed being necessary to together in a slightly different You can either listen to these on-line,
are broken -up into chunks of three compensate for reception of the manner. or you can download them by holding
characters at a time. Once these acknowledgement signal. Rather than send three the shift key before you click on
have been sent, the sending station I've shown a detailed timing characters then wait, FEC mode them.
drops back to receive and waits for chart in Fig. 1 As you can see, the sends the message twice within a The audio files can also prove
an acknowledgement from the initial burst of three characters takes constant stream of characters. It extremely useful for testing your
distant receiving station. 210ms then there's a rest period of does this by interleaving the decoding gear as they are usually
If the acknowledgement is 240ms to allow for the rig to switch characters so that the message is in nice clean examples. They can also
received in the set timescale the back to receive and capture the fact sent twice but the repeat of the be very useful if you want to
message is delayed by 35 bits
or five characters. An
210nis example is shown in Fig. 2. Dundee Satellite
The logic behind the Receiving Station
interleaving method is that
D E F
unless there is very bad
interference you are unlikely
to lose both versions of the
4DUrrs message. So, the receiver just Dundee University Satellite
checks for the 3:4 ratio and when it Station.
finds an error it just waits to see if the
Fig. 1: AMTOR Mode A timing chart. duplicated character arrives OK. experiment with more detailed
If the duplicated message is also analysis of data signals, as you can
corrupt there's no way to recover the use tools like Spectrogram to take a
incoming acknowledgement signal. situation, unlike Mode A. If you've more detailed look at the signals. The
In the early days of AMTOR, you never used AMTOR I would address for the digital sounds page is
E F
B C often had to make modifications to recommend you to try it as it's a very http://www.gem.net/-beri/wun/files/
your rig to improve the switching simple but effective communication sounds/digital sounds.html
speeds or you would end -up missing system.
Fig. 2: An example of the the acknowledgement. However, One of the things that always
FEC message format. today's modern rigs with solid-state used to fascinate me was the very
switching have much improved low powers that can be used to
switching speeds and can usually communicate reliably over huge
station goes back to transmit and handle AMTOR with ease. The first distances. The trick here is to first
sends the next three characters. If rig I used for AMTOR was an old call CQ using full
the acknowledgement is missing or a Icom IC -720 which was a great rig, power and, once the rsat's all I got room for this month so, until next time
repeat request is received, the but the relay switching made a link has been set-up, have fun using your computer in the shack and don't
transmitting station will resend the dreadful din whenever I used just try winding the
first set of three characters. AMTOR. power down to a forget to keep your news and views coining to me at
The process continues until the Returning to our timing diagram setting lust above
PO Box 1863, Ringwood, Hants BH24 RD or via
complete message has been sent. As you will see that the overall time for the point where the
you can see the whole thing depends sending the three characters is link starts to show -mail to: mike.elaine@btinternet.com Don't forget
on the use of the 3:4 ratio in the 450ms which is exactly the same as some errors.
that my Web site can he found at.
received text to identify and remove three characters would take if we I used to find
any errors. were using 50baud RTTY with one that I could make http://www.htinternet.com/-mikespage
While the process may seem and a half stop bits. reliable links into
fairly crude it really does work very So far I've only covered what's South America with
well indeed. I have used the AMTOR
mode extensively in the past and
known as mode Automatic Repeat
reQuest (ARO) but there is a second
just a watt or two. As well as being
an interesting exercise, this
END
have been amazed by the results that very important system that's called technique also helps to reduce the
can be achieved. Mode B or Forward Error Correction QRM levels on our crowded bands.

Due to the fast turn
around of popular
secondhand items,
readers should check on
availability of advertised
stock. In other words...if
you spot something you
fancy...don't delay or you
could miss it!
YOUR GUIDE TO SECOND-HAND EQUIPMENT

WATERS & LOWE SOUTH EAST NEVADA
STANTON ELECTRONICS COMMUNICATIONS
(REP OF IRELAND)
01702 206835 01629 580800 01705 662145
PLEASE NtITE SECIRI1H %NI/ 113:NIS 0511 -
00353 51 871278 t.01N 1895
HE TRANSCEIVERS
WITH 41 1.1.3 MONTH PARTS & I. %ROI R
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AOR
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and hm £650 Kenwoix1 TS1(50sat with extra filters
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AOR 3000A....__.1575
HF TRANSCEIVERS
Isom IC 728 HF transceiver £550 AOR 7030 (599
korn ICTASSILR Molwledhhe with bin and 2m trot JST135 HF Transceiver £975 Yaesu 1-71000MP/DC demo £1699 ATLAS 350XL HF L299
kom IC 725 Tra,encr 12, 025 K enwood ISM Mobile HF Transceiver !coin IC737A auto ATI! etc £899 BEARCAT DX1000. rare C185
Kenwood TS -140S Base Irmscoket 12, 1525 TINOS 160W 2m Amp £199
rs ISIS Raw Tralxnorr 1750 £551.1 I-T990DC boxed mint with auto ATI'
DAIWA PS304 11 MU 189
or "5 51,6114 T,ankcnn si Irn 4thiti" 079 Kenwood 155305 HF Transceiver £495 £11199
DRAE 24A ..... £79
K enwraxl TV1211 HI' Transceiver £395 Kenwood TS680s HF+6m base/mobile DRAKE RSA £1125
14144 HE BASE/%1011ILE TRANSCEIVER
MC1421)11 2m 254 RI Mohlr £129 Vaesu FT747GX HF riall,c1:11C1 £400 transceiver £649 DRAKE 438E £750
kl) hfill I hm P.1 Slohlr 1129 Kenwood TS50s also AT50 auto ATI) FDK MULTI 2700 Base £399
Alnico DR-41071km RI Alohle C129
£699 ICOM IC -71E + RIcontrol L558
kom IC -2751. 2ra 254 All Ask Ba.e L595 DATACOMMS ICON IC -723 1595
Icon, 10.551 but All hloile 0.6t C395 Karat -Ionics KAM am WOM IC-W2E £199
Kenwrhl TM -24l F. 2m FM ALM& EDS VHF/UHF TRANSCEIVERS: ICOM 706. C675
Y Jew FT.290RI1 2m All Mode Ponahk £299
Vacs) FT -MOOR 2mr71k-m RI Mobile £299 VHF/I HF TRANSCEIVERS KI:1111.0(Id IM702E 2m/7(cnts 25 watt ICOM IC -728 £629
mobile £269 ICOM R-7' 3675
Aline() DJ5IMIE Dual Band Handheld £249
VHF/IIHF HAM) HELD TRANSCEIVER ICOM IC -R70(01 + R/Control 1615
Alinco 1)J5M1 Dual Hand Handheld Yaesu FTSIR top spec hand held £299
slow° F tukhi £119 1ST 100 COMPLETE C499
Ione IC-P4E 71km FM I Ul lehl £169 £199.00
ADI 146 50watt 2m demo £199 KENWOOD TH-2I 5E (14.5
loom 1C -M I I VHF Manor 1-1/11(.11 £219
Mince DR599 Dual Hand Nlohile £425.00 Kenwood TH78E 2m/70cms handi KENW000TM-241F £225
Isom ICAV21E 2m/71km 111 Hilleld 1199
lcum 1C24ET Dual Band Ilandheld £269 £199 KENWOOD TM -451E... 1299
1(01.1,04TH-23E 2m 1.5111/Held £99
Krum,m1TH-29E 2m 131 IltHeld 1199 Alinco 380511E SOwutt mobile £199 KENWOOD TR-751E L425
Icom 1('W2E Dual Band Handheld £249 £799
sundA c_310 :Ant m 111 (Meld £165 Minco DR1 121. 2Swatt 2m mobile KENWOOD TS -50+ AT50 .
Yam FT -103R Irn FM }VH(.1(79 Kenwood TH205E 2m Handheld £159 KENWOOD TS -4401 1525
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Yam FT -23R 2m 1-54 11/Hek1f99 Kenwnix1TH78E Dual Hand Handheld KENWOOD TS -680s HF+6ni £625
Yam FT -111R In RI 11111cld £99 Yaesu FT726R 2m/70cms multimode KENWOOD TS -850 Choice from £999
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has £649 KENWOOD TS -950 Digital £1495
Kenwood '1A17321:1)ual Band Mobile /
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A/D HE5 12. flaseAlohle Recenel 4109 SHORTWAVE RECEIVERS:
Drake RNE Rae Wawa Receort 11Sa5e. (695 Kenwood '111(2500 2m Handheld £1411 MF1-7114 DSP Filler £175
Giundig 1-B-206 Ponahle Receoei (79
5c1R 3030 boxed mint as new £329 £139
Yaesu FT290R 2m Multimode £250.00 PALSTAR K116+ EILITSIS
(Su dig 1 B Win Ilisiabk Reset. or .otli Nsfl (99 At 1K 7030 boxed mint as new £549 RACAL RA17 /139
koin IC -R70 Paw Ga9m Recci,r (449
Vatwu IT470R Dual Hand Handheld £259
Kenwood R501)0 the Rolls Royce REALISTIC 2036 £179
loom IC -R7 I Rase 10.9mn Rhcn. 1525 Vaesu FT2200 2m FM Mobile £289 169
receiver £649 REALISTIC PRO -50
loom IC -R71 Base Stamm RC.1, (549
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ken IC R72 Base Stamm Remo- (549 Yaesu FRG8800 0-30mhz mint £349
IR(' NR0525 Raw Shama Rex,. ei 1:349 detachable front £375 SATCOM P40 (PAIR) £149
IRC Nlitn-S)5 Base Station Repro cr (675
Yaesu FRG7700 again 0-30mhz mint SENTEC 20M HANDIE. /195
Lowe HF-150 12. HawAlohile Rh roe, £279 £289 SONY SW77 RX 049
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Lowe HF225 plus FM and STANDARD C5110 1185
Lowe 11E225 12. Baw/Mohile Recmcr ti299 Lowe HF225 HF Receiver with all TEN TEC OMNI VI S.O.B £1999
Lowe IW-225 12. Base/Mobile Reveno 1299 keypad.boxed £349
accessories £345 TIMEWAVE DSPs from - C99
Lowe 11F-2511 12s BaseAlohtle Reemer £449 Lime HF150 boxed with keypad £299
Lowe HE -2511 Ili BaseMobile Rome, (449 Lowe 11F225 Europa HF Receiver £450 TOKYO HC-200ATU £99
Realistic DX394 boxed as new £139 TOKYO HL- IKGX AMP £799
Lowe SRX 100 12s Bise/Mobik Recener (109 Sony ICFSW55 World hand Portable £229
Partitumw RFB-65 Portable Ramer with SSB (109 Sony SW55 as new. a bargain al £099 TOKYO HX-650 C199
Lime 11E150 Portable HF Receiver £295
RadioShack DX 394 12. Bee./Mobtk Receiver £159 Sony PRO80 0-225mhz ash £199 TRIO AT -120 165
knix41,12-10I Portahk RaNYMT t69 GrundigVB217 Portable receiver £95 TRIO AT -230 ATLI 1189
Rohm, R-821 Portable RAcistr with SSB £109
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TRIO JR-599 RX £125
Robcris RC -818 Pooabk Ratner with cosene (119
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Axn ICF-SWIMIE PrirtaNe Reemer with SSB £149 AOR ARI000 Handheld £169 TRIO 120V IOW HF £259
Som KT.7600DS Pitiable Roemer with SSB C79 Icom IC-R7l0(IDC 25-2101mh/ base TRIO 1205 100W HF 1325
Sou ICE 'WOG Doable Roemer with SSB £129
AOR AR2001 Base Scanner without PSII demo £899 W9-GR DSP II 1185
E159 AOR 3000 0-2036mhz £399 YAESU FL -1 It) HE Amp 100W E169
SCANNERS MOBILE/BASE AOR A R2700 Handheld Scanner £160 YAESU FP -707 20A PSU £139
Realism Pm -2039 1164.4, 1101-174,3140-512)1116- [corn ICR7000 25-2000mhz £699
AOR AR28110 Base Scanner with SSB YAESU FRG 9600 £379
199 AOR 3000A demo £599 YAESU FT -1 IR £169
Realistic Pro -920066-5128111, i with pap., (115 £195
Yresa FRG -9N10 609(155111e All Mode Risco, £269
Realistic PRO 2035 £249 YAESU FT -107M 10000 £425
Yana FRG9000 60405%11i/ All Mirk Ramo £269
(rum ICR1 Handheld Scanner £199 AOR 80(N1 0- 1900mh/ boxed etc £249 YAESU Fr -2011 EXTRAS_ ..... £179
Tam FRG -9618)6090551H/ All %lode Menet 1269 Vupiteru NIVT7000 Handheld Scanner Yupitent M VT7 I 00 0- I 650mhz £199 YAESU FT -22 IR 2m BASE.... .. 1299
f200 YAESU FT -29(I I
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ADR AR -20D1-500411,- I MISIIIr AM.14.1.11I-Al (139 (225
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Commie! Comm -Ill 6N3IIMH,14nh paw £79
Vupiteru VT225 Airband Scanner £180 STATION ACCESSORIES: YAESU FT -650 24.54MHZ . .1699
Commlel Com-204 60-9991i1Hz 141111pdmi £129 Vupiteru VT125 Airband Scanner £150 Diamond DL -I000 dummy load 4:109 YAESU FT -707 £349
RiaboShael. Pm-6366-512MHz 141111 ppsl (09 YAESU 1 FT -726 Tribander 0799
Vupiteru MVT5000 Handheld Scanner Diamond SX100 swr/pwr meter £79 .
Realistic Pm -46 he 82(MH, with mid £109 YAESU Fr -727 ...... ........ _1169
Realist. Pine: 68.96081H/ 1.1th gaps) £129 £180 Veclronics VC300DLP 3lIOwatt tuner YAESU ET -747 FM 1475
kraal R-5975 VHF Alrhand Recenci (39
£99 YAESU FT -757 AT £225
Welt WS -100)1 50111.11r-18415111/ Romer 1159
WIN Win -1101 VIIF 3arkind Romer £109
bent, are held at various brunches. please MF1 948E 300watt tuner mint £89 YAESU Fr -900 AT 025
Yupeltru VT t25A'111/1 HF Alrhoul Khmer (159 wither our Matlock branch for further ME1 259 antenna analaii ter £189 YAESU 23cm unit for FT736R 1349
%Tam MST7211111411111/-1650)111, All Mode
detail% on 01629 580 sob YAESU SP102 Speaker ISO
Ramer [239 ALL PRICES ARE STERLING (215
YUPITERC MVT 7100
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Kellwood TS -51£S.. (550 KENWOODIS5315E 049
Yaesu 11757GX + FC754tSAT 1:651)
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l'acsu IT 7117 FC7011 099 Keihrood TH42E 70emr IVIIeld Ker pad C175 YAERIFT-101B HF t GOOD CONDITION, 1140
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loom R7 I E General Coverage Recciter Mint (495 ICON IC -2350 IEX-DEMO, L329
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lcom R7 I E lion Cos RN %oh ALL OPTIONS £.595
non' £2110
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harm ICR72 General Cot cup RN
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Isom IC -2_511........ Icon IC -735 £5.49.041 ICONIICW21-ET DUAL BAND HANDII
lane HE151 HF Gen (74n. RN - Sloe (325 ICOM KIV-32ED('AL BAND HANDHEI I) C169
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!cum ICR7100 h trcd . 1E1. ['Sawa AF -4061( Annie Filler I ,111 015 N'IlF/UHF VAESII F1-71IOR 7004% MULT1MODE 1225
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lcurn AG25 2/1 %wheat! Pre.imp £49 .Ahnoo D1 -580E Dualband handheld 1799
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DAVID BUTLER 4ASR
-
Jr-jrjr\i-)
V iri \
David Butler G4ASR reports on the

recent Leonids meteor shower.
Sporadic -E and Auroral openings and
has news of the Joint Russian/ French
Sputnik.
Band conditions during meteor reflections the band didn't EB4GIA,
November were very much like seem to be very lively. Surely all the HB9QQ,11DMP,
the weather, generally gloomy TV stations would have been active I1JTQ and
with intermittent sunny patches! at that time of the morning? SP4MPB. Best
Best of the 'sunny patches' was the Moving up to the 50MHz band I DX was YU7EW
tremendous increase in meteor was hoping to find lots of activity but at 1859 km,
activity during the Leonids shower disappointingly I heard only two followed by the
on Monday November 17 stations DL4MDQ IJN58) and two 18 stations
Other periods of brightness OE2UKL IJN68). These stations were at 1829 and 1827km. It certainly was Fig. 1: The operating
included two openings via auroral worked very easily on s.s.b without worth taking the morning off work! position at the QTH of
backscatter (November 22-23) on the having to resort to conventional m.s. Dave G7RAU 110901 was active David Butler G4ASR.
50 and 144MHz bands and five days procedures and reports. Then it was between 0234-113OUTC on
of Sporadic -E (Sp -El openings on the time to take a listen on the 144MHz November 17. He uses a Yaesu FT -
50MHz band (November 4, 16, 19, 23 band to see what the c.w. activity 757 transceiver, a muTek transverter, and G4HGI (1887km). He used a
and 24). The Marconi c.w. contest on was like. 70W and a pair of 9 -element OZ5HF 250W amplifier and a 10 -element
November 1-2 created a fair bit of I listened on the calling Yagis. 0J9BV Yagi to make these single
activity on the 144MHz band but very frequency 144.100MHz for 10 Dave made 12 s.s.b. contacts on burst QSOs.
little in the way of DX. Conversely minutes but heard only one station the 144MHz band with stations in As you can see it's relatively
there was some good DX during the calling CQ. It was Marek SP4MPB nine countries. They were EA3TI, easy to make m.s. contacts on the
ARRL earth -moon -earth (e.m.e.) IK0031, 1584km away, but I had EA7GTF, ES2RJ, HB9FAP, IK2LGV, 144MHz band but it is also a real
contest on November 15-16 but worked Marek many times in the IV3HWT, IK4DCX, LAOBY/P, LY2WR, challenge when attempted on the
relatively little activity being only past. This was getting desperate! SM3LBN, S52EA and 9A1CAL. 430MHz band. But that's exactly
available to the real enthusiast. Where was all the activity that I 'Getaways' included DL9MS, what David Dibley G4RGK 00911
had predicted? By now it was EA3ECE, EB4GIA, HG1DLZ, HA50V, tried recently.
Meteor Shower 0655UTC and I decided that I'd better IWICHX, I1DMP, I1JTQ, I8MPO, Using his e.m.e. amplifier and
Past observations of the Leonids have a listen on 144.200MHz, the SP4MPB, YU7EW and 9A1CCY antenna array David arranged a two-
meteor shower have shown that s.s.b. meteor scatter calling At the 0TH of Mike Stevens hour test with LY2WR in Lithuania.
approximately every 33 years the frequency. GOKAS (1091) a total of five stations, The results (not unpredictably) were
shower reaches storm proportions. Immediately I heard 9A1CAL in EA3TI, EA7GTF, IV3HWT, LAOBY/P disappointing with David only
The last peak was in 1966 and for the Croatia calling CQ. So, this is where and S53EA were worked in the receiving one very weak burst of
past few years each succeeding the real action was! morning. Mike mentions that he was signal. He reckons that his antenna
year has seen the zenith hourly rate Switching the amplifier on only 'dipping' in and out at odd times is far from ideal for m.s. work being
(z.h.r.) of the shower steadily (shown in the photograph, Fig. 1) and and didn't make a concerted effort to far too sharp with a very clean
increasing. turning the 17 -element Yagi towards work all the DX available. pattern.
Although we are not due for the central Europe, I was ready for Mike runs an corn IC -275H, an What you actually need David is
33 -year cyclic maximum until 1998 or action. The activity on s.s.b. was amplifier with a pair of 4CX250B's a relatively broad beamwidth to
1999 the shower, which peaked on really amazing and the best I've and a 17 -element Yagi. On the illuminate as many ionised meteor
Monday November 17, produced heard in any meteor shower for a following day he completed a QSO trails as possible. David suggests
some excellent results especially on long, long time. with 9A2RD. that one long Yagi and lots of
the 144MHz band. On this band many Between 0657-1129UTC I made Another m.s. enthusiast transmitted power could be the
stations reported receiving bursts of 27 contacts with stations in 11 participating in the Leonids shower answer to making a successful m.s.
signals of up to three minutes countries. The list included EA3TI was Ray James GM4CXM 110751. He contact on this band.
duration and this went on for a IJN111, EA7GTF IIM871, DL3IAE reports that the reflections were the David did report however that
number of hours throughout the (JN491, DL4MEA IJN581, DD6UFR, best he had heard in a long time on he has made two m.s. contacts in
morning. DJ9KV IJN681, F6DRO (JN03), the 144MHz band. the past on the 430MHz band. These
Surprisingly, although the 50MHz HA5CRX (JN97), HA50V, HA7UL The activity was very high on were to Germany and Austria but the
band was open for lengthy periods (JN97), HB9FAP, IK1EGC (JN35), the random calling frequency distances were not very great, being
there did not appear to be much IK2EAE (JN45(, IV3BBL, IV3HWT 144.200MHz and Ray reckons that it around 1200-1400km. Making
activity compared to that on higher IJN651,1K4WIL,18MPO IJN701, would certainly help if stations contacts via aurora on the 430MHz
frequencies. Perhaps most stations I8TWK (JN701, LAOBY/P (J059), spread themselves out more to band has been much easier although
that can be worked via meteor OE3MWS IJN88), S51MQ IJN75), reduce the interference level. Using G4RGK reports it's a difficult task to
scatter (m.s.) on this band have S53EA (JN76), YU1WP, YU7EW 400W and two 16 -element Yagis he get operators to move up from the
previously been worked via the (KNO5), 9A1CAL IJN86), 9A2RD and made 17 s.s.b. QS0's with stations 144MHz band during an intense
summer Sp -E openings. Or could it 9A4EW IJN95). located in six countries. Between event.
be that the real DXers prefer to Many bursts were between two 0842-1114UTC he contacted 7 x DL,
operate on the 144MHz band where to three minutes long with signal EA2LU, EA3TI, EB4GIA, F6DRO, Auroral Openings
the effective radiated powers (e.r.p.) strengths peaking S9 on numerous HB9DFG, HB9FAP, IWIBCV,110MP, Two auroral openings were reported
are considerably higher? occasions. It was difficult to assess IW5AVM and S51AT. on the 50 and 144MHz bands
At my QTH 110811 in when the peak occurred but A report from Pista YU7EW occurring in the period November
Herefordshire I commenced m.s. certainly conditions appeared to be (KN05) details making 18 s.s.b. 22-23. Geomagnetic activity had
activity at 0615UTC on November 17. excellent between 0700-0800UTC contacts between 0704-1056UTC. His been at 'quiet' levels on February 20-
Initially, I listened to the television and 0915-1000UTC. furthest distance contacts included 21 with the daily A -index being
video carriers between 48-49MHz. Other stations heard on s.s.b. G4AEP (1704km), G4CLA, (1733km). recorded as two units.
Although there were some but not worked were EA3BTZ, G4ASR (1859km), G8XVJ (1874km) However, around midday on

February 22 a geomagnetic storm c.w. contacts to be made from the down to 145.820MHz. This effect is 29.450MHz. To make contact you
commenced lasting until late on UK with stations around 1500km known as doppler shift and is always need to transmit on upper sideband
November 23. Geomagnetic levels away. noticed on low earth orbiting (I.e.o.) (u.s.b.) or c.w. between 145.910 to
increased to 'major -storm', with an Your reports also indicated that satellites. Dennis mentions that 145.950MHz.
A -index of 45 and 60 on November 22 contacts were made with stations although his callsign is not very old, If you want to hear the RS -15
and 23 respectively. located in CT, EH, EH6, ES, F, I, IT, LX, he is 71 years young and can satellite then you should set your
First indications that anything OE, OH, OK, OZ, SM, SP, S5, VT, YO remember hearing the original receiver to the c.w. beacon on
unusual was happening in the UK and 9A. Among the DX worked were Sputnik on 20MHz some 40 years 29.353MHz or listen for users
was when the station of Bill Stirling the stations of EH6NB(JM191. ago! between 29.357 to 29.397MHz. The
GM4DGT 110851 noticed the GB3RMK IT9KSS IJM681, LX/PA3FUE (JN391, Ritchie Craib GM1LKD (10871 uplink (u.s.b. or c.w.) is between
beacon (50.060MHz) go auroral at OF3QL (KP20), SQ9CXT (J090), S58J also mentioned that he heard 145.857MHz to 145.897.
2245UTC. Bill then went on to make IJN76), YO2LAM (KN05) arid 9A3HZ. Sputnik -1 in 1957 and was pleased to In both cases the difference
auroral backscatter contacts with Certainly nothing to write home hear the model Sputnik (now between your transmitted frequency
OZ4VVand SM3NRY. The event about but it makes for some interest formally classified as RS17) recently (145MHz) and received frequency
continued to around 0300UTC on the on the band. on the 145MHz band. He reports (29MHz) is 116.50MHz. So, if you
following morning and it was receiving signals strong enough to transmit to RS -12 on 145.920MHz you
fortunate that it occurred over a Satellite News be heard on his hand-held can expect to hear your signal come
weekend period. On October 4 1957 the Soviet Union transceiver. back down on 29.420MHz. You need
Alan Wright GW3LDH 110831 launched the first artificial satellite, Located in north Wales Paul to make a few kilohertz allowance
reported the stations of ES1CW Sputnik -1, into Earth orbit. To Owen MW1CAN (1073) is another for doppler shift however.
IK0291, GI3PND (1064), GM7SVK commemorate its 40th anniversary a newcomer to the v.h.f. bands having Both RS -12 and RS15 act like a
(1075), PA2VST1J022) and SM6CMU one-third scale model of Sputnik only been licensed since July 1997. repeater, accepting a range of
(J057) all active on the 50MHz band was hand -launched from the Mir He first heard RS17 late in the frequencies on its input and re-
between 0058-0238UTC on the Space Station on November 3 and evening on November 26. transmitting the entire range on the
Sunday morning. Up on the 144MHz I'm pleased to report that it was Paul uses a Yaesu FT -290R Mkl output. Since the satellite is
band the DX seemed to be even received very well by stations and a 9 -element crossed Yagi (A transmitting many signals at the
better. throughout the UK crossed Yagi is one that has a set of same time it is dividing its output
David Johnson G4DHF (10921 The one-third scale Sputnik was elements in both the horizontal and power amongst all of these signals.
reported LY2WR (K0241, SM4IVE, built as a joint protect by schools in vertical polarisation plane). Paul If someone transmits a very
SM5BSZ and SP4MPB between Russia and Reunion Island, with noted that the satellite was weak on powerful signal into the satellite it
0010-012OUTC on November 23. All of technical assistance from AMSAT- vertical polarisation but very strong will use most of its power re-
these stations of course being on France. The Russian students built on horizontal polarisation. transmitting that signal and all other
c.w., the mode real DXers use for the satellite body, while the French Another station to hear RS17 signals will drop in level. This is not
making long distance contacts. students made the internal was Bob G7EDC (J002). He received the way to earn friends and it will
Operators located in the north of transmitter. the Sputnik's bleep on 145.820MHz at make you very unpopular!
England and Scotland got the most The transmitter ran 150mW 2149UTC on November 24. Bob was Operators who use too much
out of this opening. For example the output into 500mm circularly using a Yaesu FT -290 Mkl and a 5/A power to access the satellite are
station of Keith Kerr GM4YXI (1087) polarised antennas and was vertical antenna. commonly called 'alligators', all
was spotted on the European DX powered solely on internal dry A station with a similar set-up is mouth and no brain! A good rule of
Cluster system by such DX as batteries. Reception was possible in Alan Philips G1EUK (1082). He used thumb is to ensure that your
OK1JKT and RU1AA 1KP40) over either f.m. or s.s.b. mode and his FT -290R in s.s.b. mode to hear downlink signal is no stronger than
1800km away. consisted of a 'bleeping' beacon on RS17 on a number of passes during the satellite's beacon signal.
Another auroral event occurred 145.820MHz. November. Antennas for 1.e.o. satellites can
later in the day between 1200- Two working models of the In an early morning pass on often be very simple. A pair of
1400UTC. Most traffic, on both Sputnik were assembled and November 18 when the satellite was crossed dipoles, ground -planes or
bands, seemed to be between transported to the Mir space station, 515km away Alan received it at S9. other verticals are often used on the
stations located in central and but only one was used. The Sputnik On the next pass, approximately 96 145MHz uplink. Small Yagi antennas
northern England to Scotland. model was hand launched from Mir minutes later, the received signals work well but generally need to be
Scottish stations always have during a space walk by Cosmonauts had dropped to S7. steered towards the satellite thus
the advantage in the smaller types of Pavel Vinogradov and Anatoly On the later pass RS17 was only complicating the system somewhat.
events. However, in the really big Solovyev on November 3. Initially 16° above the horizon at a distance On receive a simple sloping dipole
auroral openings GM stations lose they turned on the transmitter and of 1103km. Alan also heard it on cut for 29MHz works very well.
out as the auroral circle moves to checked out reception aboard Mir November 27 peaking 43 around Further information about
the south of them. with help from US Astronaut David 220OUTC. amateur radio satellites can be
Stations in central England and Wolf KC5VPF. The beacon signal was obtained from the AMSAT-UK
Wales then hold the advantage and One feature of the transmitter is expected to continue until mid Secretary, Ron Broadbent MBE
are able to work some excellent DX that the frequency of the beacon December but it may be possible to G3AAJ, 94 Herongate Road,
up to 2000km or so away. (More on tone indicated the satellite's internal still hear weak signals from the Wanstead Park, London E12 5EQ
this subject as we head upwards temperature. The scale ran from satellite. I wonder when the last
towards the maximum of Solar 1361Hz at +50°C down to 541Hz reception report will be? Deadlines
Cycle -23). at -40°C. 11 you did manage to hear the That's it again for another month. By
Observations made by the US Sputnik you can claim a certificate the way the annual table which I ran
Sporadic -E stations W8RVH and W8ZCF showed by sending your reception report to during 1997 was a dismal failure and
An E-mail from Bob G7UTO (J001) that there was a downward drift of Sergei Sambouroy, PO Box 73, I don't propose running it again.
reports some of the Sp -E contacts temperature in the two weeks Kaliningrad -10 City, Moscow Area, However I'm always looking for
he made recently on the 50MHz following launch. Using an audio 14070, Russia Include a self- feedback regarding any aspect of
band. Most of his contacts in generator, frequency counter and addressed business size envelope v.h.f., u.h.f. or microwave operation.
October were predominantly to the oscilloscope they measured an and one International Reply Coupon Please send any news, views,
south of the UK, mainly into Italy and internal temperature of +27°C on (IRCI. Both envelopes should be kept comments or photographs
Spain. November 6. Two days later it 'low profile' and don't put anything (especially) to reach me by the end
On October 30 Bob made a brief measured +22° and on November 17 on the outside of the envelope that of the month. Send them to me at
s.s.b. contact with CN8LI (1M64) in it had dropped to 18.5°C would draw attention to it. For Yew Tree Cottage, Lower
Morocco, North Africa. So, far he's Dennis Kearton MOBDR (1084) example, callsigns or colourful Maescoed, Herefordshire HR2 OHP
worked 38 countries and 119 locator reports hearing the Sputnik on stamps. You can also contact me via Packet
squares with his Yaesu FT736, 50W November 7 and November 8 with Other I.e.o. satellites to listen for radio @ GB7MAD, the UK DX Cluster
amplifier and vertical antenna. signals peaking around 53. He was include RS -12 and RS -15. Both use GB7DXC or E-mail via
Your reports show that a number using a Kenwood TM -251E and a an uplink in the 145MHz band and a davebu@mdIhrtagw.bt.co.uk
of Sp -E openings occurred on the vertical antenna and first heard the downlink in the 29MHz band. To hear Alternatively you may find it easier to
50MHz band during November. The satellite on 145.825MHz. RS -12, leave your receiver tuned to telephone me on (01873) 860679
best of these were on November 4, As the Sputnik moved away the c.w. beacon on 29.408MHz or
16, 19, 23 and 24 enabling s.s.b. and from Dennis the frequency moved listen for users between 29.410 to
END
LEIGHTON SMART GWO L BI
Leighton Smart GWOLBI reports on your

activities and what a busy bunch of
contributors you've been in the last month
or so!
Well, it looks as if recent behaviour? Thankfully, most of our A QSL card

forecasts of better fellow amateurs are considerate to from the
conditions have been pretty others, and the TI4CF situation is due "State of
close to the mark, with propagation to a minority. YAP" (who
conditions improving all the time on However, let's not forget that says Radio
the higher h.f. bands this last month. I every time each of us transmit, we Amateurs talk
say this as that's where all our are heard by short wave listeners too much?)
reporters seem to have been working and people interested in getting a sent to
this month! ticket and joining us on air. So let us GWOSGL VK4GPS
The recent CQ SSB Worldwide PW readers continue to set the confirming a (Australia) at 105OUTC.
contest even showed that there have proper example that we always have OSO with Still in Milton Keynes, Sean
been reasonably good conditions on eh7 ( Well said Leighton, let's show Micronesia. Gilbert G4UCJ has been busy
28MHz. And once again it proves the them! Editor). 'QRPing' of late. His low power (2-
old adage 'if no one puts out a call, 4W) 21MHz log shows s.s.b. contacts
no one will be worked'! Falklands Activity with FM/K2PF (Martinique Island),
One good thing is that quite a few I've heard that Mr C. M. Vernon (Greenland), all were worked on c.w. CYODX (Sable Island), 5B4AGC
DXpeditions from rare locations have GOTQJ will be active from the around 1600UTC. (Cyprus), and UN7BD (Khazakstan),
been received well here in Europe. Falkland Island (VP8) up until the 12th Ted reports s.s.b. contacts on all between 1100 and 1300UTC. A
They've been giving us the chance to of April 1998. He will be specifically 14MHz with CYODX (Sable Island) switch to low power c.w. brought
notch up a few of those rarely looking for UK stations on 3.5, 7, (QSL via VA3EU) at 1826, HC1JQ contacts with K9DP (USA), 7Z500
activated places. 14.290, 21.290, and 28MHz. (Ecuador) at 2300, VU2ELJ (India) at (Saudi Arabia), and HFOPOL (South
On the other side of the coin At the time of writing to me 1512, 9XOA (Rwanda) at 1628 (QSL to Shetland Islands) around 150OUTC.
however, is the appalling behaviour (November) GOTQJ did not know his OL5WM). He also worked V29NR
of some operators during the callsign, but will be active as you (Antigua) at 1719, and ZS5BBO The 28MHz Band
inevitable pile-ups on the h.f. bands. read this. QSL via RSGB or direct to: (South Africa) at 1756UTC. In deepest Wiltshire, Jon Wheeler
For example I heard TI4CF in Costa 57 Parker Road, Wittering, While down in Skewen, West GOIUE has been busy on this 28MHz
Rica on the 18MHz band recently, Peterborough, Cambridgshire, Glamorgan, Carl Mason GWOVSW band. He worked ZS6SA (South
and what seemed to be the entire England PE8 6AN logged all-c.w. contacts with BV7FC Africa), LU6ETB (Argentina), CX8XX
world was calling him. No problem (Taiwan) JA3ULF (Japan), PY6AN (Uruguay), V268 (Antigua Islandland
really, as most operators patiently Your Reports (Brazil), and VK5GZ (Australia). All W3LPL (USA) during one afternoon
wait their turn, so to speak. Now it's straight into your reports, were worked between 0630 and between 1200 and 1500UTC.
The annoying thing was that a and as most of our reporters have 093OUTC. New reporter Dr Peter Ewing
very large number of European been on the higher bands this month, Richard Lewis GWOWRI in GMOWEZ operating from Edderton in
stations were continuously calling I'll start with 14MHz this time around. Brynamman has been busy on the Scotland offers a short log for his
TI4CF when he was actually (Must be a first for 'HF Far & Wide'!). bands, sending a huge list of s.s.b. first contribution to the column, in the
transmitting! They were also calling Firstly though here's the monthly contacts. He worked 905HX (Zaire - form of contacts with FM5DN
him when stations were replying to propagation report from Don McLean now the Democratic Republic of (Martinique Island) as well as P5JR
him, thereby forcing him to ask for G3NOF in Yeovil. Don says 14MHz Congo), 5H3HG (Tanzania), and (North Korea), and PY1SW (Brazil) all
repeated reports( has been opening most days around 5N37BHA (Nigeria) between 1700 on 28MHz s.s.b. (Thanks Peter...and
The bad behaviour could only 0800 on the long path to Australia and 1900. Operating around 0900 welcome to 'HF Far & Wide').
mean that either they couldn't hear and New Zealand, while in the gave him contacts with JA3USA
him (unlikely since he was well over afternoons there have been openings (Japan), BA1CO (China), and V63KU Signing -Off
S9+15 on my simple dipole) or they to Asia and the west coast of the (Micronesia). Well, that lust about wraps it up for
were being just plain ignorant and USA. Africans were heard around Next comes short wave listener this month, folks and it's signing -off
inconsiderate to other amateurs. 160OUTC. Derek Blunden BRS171057 in time) Hope I managed to get you all
I listened to the 'circus' for about Don says "the 21MHz band has Swindon. His gigantic log shows in, although lack of space this month
20 minutes, and despite repeated been very active during the Ca SSB s.s.b. reception of CP6DA (Bolivia) at really means it's a real squeeze this
pleas by TI4CF for calling stations to Contest. The long path to Australia 0653, RW9JE (Asiatic Russia) at 0818, time around!
stand by, they continued to call over opened for a few days around 0930 5X1T (Uganda) at 1500. Also Thanks to all reporters for your
him, thereby making proper contacts and North and South America and mentioned were N3HBX (USA) at help in making the column a success,
impossible. I can honestly say that Asia came in during the afternoons. 1505, VU1PA (India) at 1517, and and as usual, reports and information
I've never heard such bad operating The 28MHz band was another active VK2EKY (Australia) at 1538UTC. (and photos!) by the 15th of each
on the h.f. bands. band during the contest, but has month to me' Leighton Smart
I wondered how many s.w.l.s and been patchy. African stations came The 18 & 21MHz Bands GWOLBI, 33 Nam Gwyn, Trelewis,
potential Radio Amateurs were in the morning and afternoons, while Over to Milton Keynes now, and the Mid -Glamorgan CF46 6DB, Wales.
listening to the chaos surrounding the Americas also came in well log from Charlie Blake MOAIJ. Tel: (01443) 411459 or (01443) 710749
poor TI4CF? And how many decided during the afternoon. Charlie reports s.s.b. contacts with 19am-6pm). FAX: (01443) 710789
there and then that amateurs were Next on the list comes Ted 3A7G (Monaco) at 1100 on 18MHz,
an undisciplined lot? Trowel! G2HKU on the Isle of while 21MHz brought contacts with
More importantly, how many Sheppey in Kent, who hooked up SV2COL (Greece) at 1523, C33RI
decided that amateur radio was not with 5B4AGC (Cyprus), CYODX (Sable (Andorra) at 1222, CN8VB (Morocco)
for them because of the bad Island) K8CW (USA), and OX/OZ8AE at 1057, 5N377 (Nigeria) at 1314, and
END
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Peter Shore was lucky enough to travel
to Australia recently. and even found
time to drop in on the new management
team of Radio Australia.
am becoming rather disillusioned. Darwin transmitting station in the 15.415; 0100-0800 on 15.24; 0600-0900 number of international radio
It seems that short wave radio is north of the country, and Radio on 15.415, 17.75; 0800-0900 on 5.995 stations which now have Internet
on the decline. The number of sets Australia's ability to reach its key la real DX catch as it's a 10kW audio services... it's already large
in the shops available to listen to target audiences in the Pacific and transmitter!), 9.71 (100kW); 0830-1800 and is growing each month.
international radio, both in the UK South East Asia is truly diminished. on 6.08; 0900-1100 on 11.88; 1330- You can hear the news from
and overseas, is falling. Instead, the station has to make do 1700 on 11.66 (likely candidate for BBC World Service each hour at
Radio stations around the world with low powered transmitters in the reception in Europe); 1430-2200 on www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice so if
are having their budgets cut. It's a southern half of the continent -sized 9.435; 1800-2000 on 6.08, 7.24; 1800- you're sitting at home in front of the
gloomy picture, and one which was country. 2130 on 9.415; 2100-2200 on 7.24 computer or are hooked up at work,
illustrated for me recently when I At Shepparton in Victoria (not (100kW), 9.66 (10kW); 2130-2300 on you can listen to the service without
was lucky enough to travel to far from Melbourne) there are 11.695 (also a European bet); 2100- having to switch on a radio.
Australia. 100kW senders while in Brandon in 0800 on 9.66 (10kW) and 2130.0100
If you walk along the Yarra River Queensland there is a truly old- on 13.755MHz. Via Satellite
in Melbourne's city centre, past the fashioned 10kW transmitter. As a Despite all the difficulties, Radio Then, of course, a huge number of
chic boutiques and restaurants of result, signal strength is severely Australia has in reaching outside the stations are available via satellite,
the Southgate Arts and Shopping reduced. country, tuning around on my Sony although lust who is listening is
Centre, and cast your eyes away SW100 receiver I kept on sometimes a bit baffling. Swiss
from the river, you might lust notice a discovering the station with Radio International and Radio
modern building with a couple of Fate Of Darwin remarkable clarity. This brings home France Internationale both have
satellite dishes on the roof. Nothing The fate of the Darwin station is the fact that Australia is huge, so extensive satellite radio feeds,
unusual in that, but if you look more currently undecided. It is expensive large in fact that it is hard to including one to Asia via the
carefully, you see that one of the to run because its geographic visualise its exact size in relation to European Bouquet, the only free -to -
dishes has Radio Australia's name remoteness means that it has to other parts of the world. air digital TV and radio service
emblazoned on it. generate its own fuel from diesel And Australia is such a long (made up entirely of European public
The building is the home of generators, with the diesel brought way from so much of the world service broadcasting stations)
Australia's international radio in by road. It may be that the (spending 24 hours on a plane beamed to the region.
service, and until earlier this year, transmitting station is to be leased getting there from England confirms But ask any of the
the country's fledgling pan -Asian front the Australian authorities by this in no uncertain terms!), that it's manufacturers of the digital satellite
television service, too. As I strolled another organisation. surprising that any short wave decoders how many black boxes
along the river on a glorious There have been several signals manage to reach there from they've sold, and you'll find out that
summer's day in December, with the expressions of interest and it may be other parts of the world. the numbers are in the low
temperature a sizzling 38°, there was that a non -Australian -company takes hundreds, as opposed to the tens of
no one around me who took any over the operation, hiring time on the thousands which would make it an
notice of the fact that Radio high powered transmitters to Broadcast Bands economically successful venture.
Australia was just a stone's throw broadcasters willing to pay I listened across the broadcast Aha, but are these stations
away. handsomely to put good signals into bands at different times of day reaching t.m. and a.m broadcasters
Compare my Australian stroll Asia. One organisation rumoured to during my trip (which was limited to on the ground who want to relay
with walking around the Aldwych in be looking at transmitting from Melbourne and Sydney which are them? No, is the straightforward
central London where Bush House is Darwin is the US Congress -funded both in the far east of the country), answer. Only Deutsche Welle, which
located and, whatever the weather, Radio Free Asia, which is the and I have to say that it was all fairly is giving away the satellite decoders
you'll find someone pausing to look modern day equivalent of the Cold dead. Trying to find the BBC in and a dish to stations, has had any
at the building and commenting to War versions of Radios Free Europe English, despite having the current success in this area.
their companion that 'this is the and Liberty. copy of On Airmagazine with all the So, maybe that means that
home of the BBC World Service'. However, it is likely that China right frequencies, was all but satellite isn't the answer. And not
would take a very dim view if short impossible for much of the peak everyone has access to a computer
wave transmitters on Australian morning and evening periods. with high speed modem, so the
Lack Of Interest territory were used to be beam, what Yet both Deutsche Welle (DW) Internet isn't the solution, either.
Given the lack of interest in Radio it views as contentious propaganda, arid the Voice of Russia put in very That only leaves short wave
Australia among visitors to and to its peoples. The matter is unlikely good signals. I assume that OW's broadcasting.
apparently residents of Melbourne, to be resolved for some months, but signal originated at the Trincomalee All we need is for governments
maybe we shouldn't be too surprised Radio Australia's management has relay in Sri Lanka, while the Voice of to realise the importance of the
that the station has effectively been some hopes that it will regain use of Russia was probably broadcast from services their public broadcasters
cut in half in the past 12 months. I Darwin at some point before too a station in the Russian Far East, offer overseas, and for radio
called in and met with some of the long. such as Vladivostock. But trying to manufacturers to get back into
station's new management team find anything else was really quite production with a range of exciting
which has had to preside over a difficult. and worthwhile new short wave sets
painful cut in staff from more than Current Schedule The absence of broadcasting which people will want to buy.
150 people to a little over 70 in the Meanwhile, the current schedule, that's audible leads me to confirm
last year, a transition that's not yet hot from the hands of Radio my worst suspicion that sooner Until next month, good listening!
complete. Australia's transmission manager is: rather than later we'll be without a
Combine that staff reduction
with the closure of the powerful
English: 0000.0400 on 17.75;
0000-0800 on 13.605; 0100-0400 on
whole variety of direct short wave
radio broadcasting. Look at the END

GRAHAM HAN K I N S G8EMX-
r' rl
Graham Hankins G8EMX reports

J
on all the latest news from the
ATV scene.
In December I reported the news of already available, because the 24cm

the formation of the Beacons ATV unit will co -exist with a 70cm
Repeater Group (BRG) to provide voice repeater and other radio
10 and 1.3GHz Amateur Television services. eventually cranked towards Bode. A microwave block being
repeaters to serve the West Dual Alford -Slot antennas are This done, a lightning strike then put converted by Alan Kendall
Midlands. Since then substantial being used for the 1.3GHz unit, so the an end to the output p.a. stage! A
first job was to mount them high replacement was soon installed to
G6WJJ for use in the West
progress has been made towards
the 10GHz (3cm) unit. enough up on the surrounding bring GB3WV back to 18W e.r.p.
Midlands 10GHz ATV
Most of the hardware is being buildings. Lengths of very low -loss The West Devon ATV Group has repeater transmitter (see
home -constructed, or modified by feeder, a transmitter and receiver just produced the first edition of its text).
BRG members Credits so far go to plus a spare BBC Model B computer newsletter WDATV News, which
Alan G7UMW who has built the await installation, so watch for contains an update on 'WV
video modulator board, Chris G7IPT updates on both projects, here in contributed by chairman Tony
for the audio filter and sound sub - 'Focal Point'. G8CEQ. Tony comments: "GB3WV adding another sideband filter to the
carrier p.c.b., while the Group's has actually set a record for the transmitter to comply with the latest
chairman Alan Kendall G6WJJ has speed of its conception to operation. Repeater Specification, more video
been working on the transmitter and
Devon Coverage 'Teething' problems are inevitable, processing too chroma boosting
receiver. Not every ATV repeater needs all- but we can all look forward to a and black -level clamping for the
The BRG repeater will be using round coverage. The West Devon high -quality service. Please use it"! received video".
slot antennas to provide the omni- ATV Repeater Group runs 24cm unit The Devon group was invited to Ian also has plans for a 70cm
directional, horizontally -polarised GB3WV, which opened in April 1997 the Launceston Computer Club to ATV facility, adding: "We hope to
radiation or sensitivity pattern using three trough -reflector give a talk on the use of computers also use part of the 430-440MHz
normally required. The two antennas antennas. These were intended to within Amateur Radio and AD/ Tony band for monochrome direct station -
have been constructed by BRG point at Torbay, Plymouth and Bude - relates what took place: "An AN to -station links"
members but required careful unfortunately, the Bude antenna had station was set-up and the whole The Solent Club for Amateur
checking to determine how close to been aligned roughly at Exeter. evening was sent through GB3WV. Radio and Television (SCART) near
truly circular their polar diagram The weather in the Dartmoor Various other stations joined in to Southampton is trying to find a better
was going to be. area and the planning required for demonstrate how their computers site for the ATV repeater GB3AT, but
Alan Kendall describes how the antenna work delayed corrective were applied to AN, producing without much success so far. Mike
antennas were tested: "The slotted action, but the 'rogue' antenna was weather pictures, graphics and Sanders G8LES explains: "At the
waveguides were placed 20 metres suchlike. The whole moment coverage is poor in certain
away from the detector in an 'open event was thoroughly directions, but trials at another
field' site - my back garden! The year, theBrill Amatetw enjoyed by everyone location failed from physical
deviation from circularity was found es to each repeater Group directly or via the present and on the problems - the antenna and
to be no worse than 3dB so it was B., asking each Group to renew its affiliation air". mountings produced excessive
agreed that this performance was with the national ATV Club. The latest wind -loading stress on the mast".
very acceptable. The gain was rmation is that there are 18, 1.3GHz and four Updates So, the hunt continues.
measured at 10dB relative to a Hz f.m. ATV repeaters around the UK, plus one One of the 10GHz AN repeaters
dipole, which again was satisfactory 1.3GHz unit (GB3UT, Bath) which uses a.m. Now for some updates currently off -air for re -tuning is
for an omni-directional antenna". from other ATV GB3TG at Milton Keynes.
The 10GHz transmitter, receiver Licenced 1.3GHz f.m. ATV repeater list: Repeater Groups Meanwhile, keeper Dave McQue
and antenna assemblies will be Firstly Home Counties G4NJU is busy with modifications
housed in some plastic domestic GB3TM Amlwch (North Wales) have added a new Dave says: "We are rebuilding
drainpipe. This piping can be GB3VR Brighton 'tone' to the 24cm the logic so that a PC can be used
obtained in white, grey or black GB3ZZ Bristol repeater GB3HV. This for control instead of the 'Spectrum'.
which on a house is usually of no GB3PV Cambridge will alert any stations Hopefully, GB3TG will be back in
consequence provided it looks GB3TT Chesterfield monitoring 'HV when service very soon."
pleasing to the resident and takes GB3RT Coventry incoming video is
the water away. GB3TV Dunstable detected from the So, cheerio and P5 for now. More
However, ATV enthusiasts have GB3HV High Wycombe sync. pulses. progress reports, ATV news and
discovered that the colouring GB3ET Huddersfield The GB3PV repeater is newsletters next time - when I may
pigments used in the plastic piping GB3EY Hull part of the Cambridge even have an internet address!
are not inert to microwave r.f.! Black GB3KT Kent Repeater Group and is Please keep posting all that news to
piping has been guilty of distorting GB3GV Leicester in use nearly every me, Graham Hankins G8EMX at 11
repeater service areas, so only GB3L0 Lowestoft day, especially during Cottesbrook Road, Acocks Green,
white or grey drainpipe is GB3MV Northampton the Thursday activity Birmingham 827 6LE.
considered suitable for protecting GB3NV Nottingham evenings Group
ATV antennas! GB3WV Plymouth chairman Ian Waters
Alan Kendall and I have visited GB3AT Southampton G3KKD highlights
the site where the 1.3GHz repeater GB3UD Stoke-on-Tren some of the changes
will be located. A screened housing being planned for 'PV.
for the r.f. and logic modules is Ian says: "We will be
END
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ARRL UHEMICROWAVES PROJECT MANUAL (ARRL)........ pages. Ili CO ELECTRON TUBE LOCATOR. (,orgr II Failtiner 3511 pages. 121.95
MICROWAVE HANDBOOK - COMPONENTS & OPERATING WI iltsGBI slo 91 ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS (TUBES & 772.4.9 ttiroRs)
MICROWAVE HANDBOOK CONSTRUCTION & TESTING Vol 2 ilLSCH) il; 1,eneral Ele% ,Inhed hs .1hr pages 110 50
MICROWAVE HANDBOOK BANDS & EQUIPMENT Vol 3 ilLSGB) 115 "5 or buy all 4 hr 13 I
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AMATEUR RADIO OPERATING MANI_ .AL (RB). Ray Eckaskl Gill) .219 Iwo 11213 RCA RETEJVI.V6 TI 'BF 1I4 NI Al i4inal Publishers Litho Corporation Of America)
ARRL HANDBOOK 1998 "Sib Edition i24 Iri )1r Annum' 384 pages. 110.50
ARYL HANDBOOK 199' ON CDROM .1.30 R(..A rkivsitini\(, s
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'704 Sate FT -411. 21n t 144MHz), FT -811.

70cm (430MHz). FT -91 I. 23cm
22 channels. 10/1W. c/w manual.
mobile bracket, d.c. lead. mic..
boxed, manuals. mic.. internal
:Liu., internal p.s.u.. little used,
receiver, excellent condition.
used. £50. Buyer collects or pays
11296MHz). NC29 fast charger, 2 I(X) o.n.o. Niall GOVOK, bargain at £1800 o.n.o. Can P&P. DX394. bought 26/8/97. Tel:
1997 Callbook on CD ROM. PA6 d.c. car adapter. MH 18 Nonhwich. Tel:101606) 871413. deliver. Tel: 0161-292 8176 after 10585(I I1181 (mobile) anytime.
£15. Information on more than speaker me.. MMB32X2 mobile 6pm.
1.400.000 licensed radio amateurs brackets. 2 x 10. I x FNB9, JRC NRD-515 RX. 100ktit to Teardrop mic.. £25. Automatic
world-wide. over 54.(XX) QSL 2 x FBA10, £.150 the lot or may 30MHz. s.g.c.. L395. MCM515 Lowe HF-225. mint condition, a.t.u. 180 for !corn 706, only one
manager listings, lots. lois more. consider splitting, all v.g.c. and freq. controller, boxed. £811. IC - boxed. manuals. f.m.-AMS hoard month old. good reason for sale.
Alan Jubb G3PMR on (01767) boxed. etc. Peter GOKUX, 737a. boxed, £795. IC -3220H fitted. £291). Yacsu FT -221 plus Wanted MFJ-949 h.f. a.t.u. or
677913. E-mail: QTHR. Tel: 0181-482 61156 dual -band, boxed, £275. Yaesu manual. £190. Sony PRO80 plus similar MFJ 16010 wire tuner.
shacklogkraoicom evenings/weekends. FRG -7700 RX. v.g.c_. £275. frequency convener, manual. John on (01283) 22187(1 after
Azden PCS-7500 6m 150MHz 1 Mixed. £170. Lake DTR7 built 6piii.
AEA PK232 multimode TNC FT -726R dual -band v.h.fJu.h.f. 5(1W CTCSS. boxed. £235. tested. £50. Buyer collects. Pete
mailbox. PACTOR fitted. all -mode base station, with Eddystone 199 )R 25-250MHz. on 1)181-661 1466 evenings. Ten Tee Corsair Nikil deluxe
includes leads, manual. satellite module, no mods, totally Boh G4AFY. Kidderminster Tel: a.c./p.s.u. spkr. remote v.f.o., desk
PAKRATT software. £220. untouched internally and pnstinc 1015621747480. Projector 16mm Siemens optical mic.. twin paddle keyer, all
Serene 2m/70cm (144/430MHz) condition. manuals included, sound speaker. films splicer. optional filters, all handbooks,
collinear base station ant.. £411, all £650. -1-ek v.h.f. Tonna. £30. 12- JRC NRD-S2S with manual. spares. etc_, £100. Tel: Gloucester absolutely mint condition, £745.
items excellent condition. Ron ele u.h.f. beam. £25. Both new. boxed, unmarked, excellent (014521830018. Century 22 a.c. p.s.u. and marker.
G3NKO on (017051647858. unused. Tel: East Anglia 10468) condition. L600 o.v.n.o. Vine on mint. £225. G4YZX. Dover
756762. 101487) 823879. Racal 17L h.f. receiver, (013ff4) 373101.
Alinco DJ -18112m 1144MHz) excellent condition. g.w.o.,
hand-held, 50 memory chip, Going QRT. Have Yacsu FT- Kenwood 430S hi. transceiver. handbook, £140. Rare Test gear. Weitz s.w.r. meter,
speaker mic.. 12V adapter. NiCad 747GX, £350. KWSIX) linear. excellent condition. boxed, Hallicrafters 500W b.f. linear, £711. Thurlby digital storage
and charger. 2 empty cell cases Trio 2m f.m. 75(X). KW Z Match. instructions, bargain. £375. Mk11 £195. Collector's Marconi RGI2 adapter. £2.50. Black Star
for AA cells, boxed with manual. Maplin oscilloscope. many other 2m 1144MHz) multi -mode with ships radio. p.s.u/speaker g.w.o.. 'Jupiter function generator. £60
E145. no offers. Brian. West items. KW Z Match. Hansen NiCad pack, plus clip on E125. RI155. unmodified, in plus more, call for details. Kerin,
Sussex. Tel: (019031762134 s.w.r.. buyer collects. G3ZMV. amplifier. £400. bargain. Tel: original RAF transit box, £170. Hemel Hempstead. Tel: ((11442)
between 9am and 2pm only. QTHR. Tel: 0151-645 3162 West Midlands (1121-52_09686 Various old collectable domestic 394758.
any day after 4.30pm. sets. Tel: Yorkshire ((11482)
AOR 8000 c/w box, manuals. GokIrlag Lenco transcription 869682. Trio TS -700 2m (144MHz) multi,
etc.. and Opto Scout Reaction deck, v.g.c., £30 + carriage. Kenwood TS -430 and PS -430, f 180. TS -820 hi. TX/RX. £280.
Tune, as new. £450. Peter, Supply unit rectifier. No. 7, as good condition, sen ice manual. Racal RA17 with I.f.. RA37 with Yupiteru MVT-71t8)E scanner,
Exmouth. Tel: (013951222241. new. £25 + carriage. Tel: (01427) 1.450. G4FOY. Hants. Tel: manuals. £110. Eddystone 1837/2 case, charger. etc.. boxed. £180.
611160. (01420182855. in cabinet. 280. Buyer collects. Wanted hi. transceiver, anything
Datong AD370. new. £50. Tel: Harlow 1)1279) 437650. considered. Tel: (016911831312.
Diamond MX2000 50/144/430 Grundig Ts ION hi -ti reel-to- Kenwood TS -430, box and
triplexer. new. £35. Diamond reel semi prof. tape recorder manual. etc.. £395. Kenwood Rapid Results College RAE Two sectioned 25ft steel mast,
MX72N 144/430 duplexer. new, tapes, sale or exchange Grundig MC60 mic., £40. Hy -gain DX88 course. plus text books. £50. rotator. control unit, two 8 -
£22. 1 pair Oscar 160m (1.8MHz) SAT3400. Tel 0151-924 5547. 8 -band vertical with manual. £80 Aerial rotator. plus support element 2m (144MHz) Yagis.
traps. 1.12. Yaesu SP5 speaker c/w Wanted Aline° DX -70. may part bracket, boxed, new. £35. Both f275. DRAE power unit.
box, as new, £75. Timewave 59Y Hacker Sovereign model RPM. exchange. Tel: Crediton 1)13631 plus postage. Tel: 0181-854 9589. Microwave Modules 30W pre -
DSP. £2(X). Adonis AM308 mic.. covers m.v../1.w. s.h.f./f.m.. black 774676. amp. v.s.w.r. meter. £175. Yacsu
£40. G3XNR QTHR. Tel: Rexine covered wood case/silver RCA AR88, four valise holders 290R, complete with charger,
(01992) 632434. trim/carrying handle. complete, Kentwood 15-4405 with voice missing, otherwise good clean £195. J. Mirams on (01865)
good condition. untested. £27.50. readout. plus stand alone AT250 condition. hence, £31). Tel: 374868.
Drake RSE v.h.f.. £695. Samsung carriage £7. Howard. 34 auto a.t.u. and CapCo mag loop Southend (01702) 522929.
PCD730 hi -ft, £95. As new Yacsu Edwinstone Drive. Nottingham 10. 15, 20m (14.21 & 28MHz) Vaesu FLDX400 transmitter,
FRG -8800 all mods a.t.u.. £375. NG5 3EP. plus rotator, £925 or will split. W. Samson ETM9C. full feature boxed. as new, with matching
v.g.c., all manuals, boxes. collect. Winters GW0PQ1 on (01492) memory keyer. mint condition. Sommerkamp RX, manuals, leads
carriage extra. Tel: ((11502) Ham -Master 2m (144MHz) 623672. £75. Harry GMOTFQ on (01467) to transceive, £200. Leak
711880. home base all -mode TX. £125. 620677. Troughline tuner. 1.50 g.w.o. Pair
Tokyo 2m (144MHz ) all -mode Kenwood TS-4SOSAT with 2.4k Tripletone valve hi -fl amps. £150,
Drake TR7 manual, fan. p.s.u.. linear, 10W/80W and pre -amp. s.s.h. filter, as new, little use. Sell or swap a brand new, never all s.g.o. Rod G3ZEH on (015(121
300Hz filter. mic., boxed. £550. £85. Miniature G3TSO 80m £675. Yaesu FT -102. £325. Trio used BT DF50 FAX machine, 560869.
MN7 a.t.u.. boxed. £160. Datong (3.5MHz) TX kit, cost £70, 9130 2m (144MHz) all -mode. bought for a project that failed.
Eli with mains adapter. £70. accept £30. Alan GOHBC. C250. Nevada TM 1(X8) a.t.u.. cost £229.99 at Argos this last Yaesu FT-101ZD. mint. £300.
excellent condition. Bill G3WNI. Solihull. Tel: 1)121-745 1000. £90. TS- I 017. £250. All in 1st year. all offers considered. Tom. Swap 28-30. 144-146 converter
Devon. Tel: (01823)680778. class condition with manuals and Northants. Tel: (01536) 522007. for SW a.t.u. (receive) or w.h.y.?
1CF-2001 digital receiver. boxes. Tel: Crewe 101270) Buyer collects. David Hamilton
Eddystone communication I 50kHz to 30MHz, plus 668111. Sony SW77. hosed, £.200. CRF on (012901426128.
receiver 940. mint condition. £60 76/108MHz, a.m., f.m.. s.s.b.. 7600D s.s.h.. boxed, £80. FRG -7,
o.n.o. RAF I I 55N Marconi ex - scan, memories, amazing Kenwood TS-530SP, all WARC. like new. £125. Trig 1(, £195. Yaesu FT-290RII. pristine with
wartime receiver. working order. performer, well below usual price. 1110W transceiver. immaculate Sony 76(X)DA, G ig Mkt!. all accessories, including lin.
£50 o.n.o. Tel: (017031273360. accept. £100 inc. postage. John. condition, boxed. manuals. etc.. Toshiba HIL. 1 I s. Philips amp, new. honed. bargain. £425.
Wirral. Tel: 1)151-632 2638. £325. Matching AT230 ditto. AE3405/20. Grand g 230, 16 Yacsu FT -11117,D MkIII. mint
Eddystone receivers. 8400, C125. Free SP230 with both bands. Roberts R808. £60 each. condition. new pa. valves lilted
870A. EB35. 740. all v.g.w.o., Icom 706 MM. hosed as new. above, also Icom IC2SE. £140 Wanted RF900, CRF320, V2I. thrive months ago + spare set of
and just serviced 840C. £I 10. guaranteed five years. complete and !corn RI. £180. John on CRF330, 1792/1772 1650/9. valves. £325. DTI tested.
870A. £85. E035. £90. Aiwa 700 with 30A p.s.u.. £950 o.v.n.o. (01225) 769945. NRD-505. Zenith, 12 hands. Tel: GOVZO. Warwickshire. Tel:
s.w. portable. 1.71 I to 30MHz, Buyer to collect. G6CUI. (1181.813 9193. (01203) 382215.
digital m.w.. (.w., f.m.. stereo Rotherham. Tel: (017091873874. Kenwood TS -680S h.f. + 6m Standard C520 2/70cm
never used. May deliver. Peter. (.50MH1). v.g.c.. boxed, manuals. (144/430MHz hand-held f.m. Yaesu FT -470, boxed. 2m/70cm
Cheshire. Tel: (01928) 561246. Icon 737A h.f.. as new, internal etc., £623. Kenwood 751E 2m transceiver. extendod receive, (144/430MHz) hand-held.
a.t.u., one owner front new, £775. (144MHz) multi -mode. £375. 124-980Mlit t w with gaps). caw CTCSS, d.t.m.f.. twin v.f.o..
Fremar 2m hand-held Storno 61XX) 70cm (430MHz) Cushcraft 13 B2 2m 1144MHz ) box, manual. p.s.u.. £160. Steve memories. NiCad and charger.
transceiver, £75 o.n.o. FT -709R p.m.r. mobile. £75. KPC3 plus Yagi. very little use. £80 + G71MB. Aylesbury, Tel: (01296) speaker. mic.. battery box. 12V
70cm 1430MHz) hand-held Packet TNC, as new, £95. Toshiba carriage. BNOS I.P50 6m 428584 evenings. d.c. unit, case. 7 -element 70cm
transceiver, f95 o.n.o. Uniron 286 T18(X) 386 lap -lop. £250. Tel: (50MHz) amp, £81). Tel: 1018031 (430MHz1 Yagi, manual, all in
computer with printer, suitable for Kent (01474) 823797. 665772 after 3 o'clock. Tandy DX394 receiver. used for excellent order. £250 o.n.o. Tel:
packet, £130 o.n.o. Tel: Staff's one week. hosed, guarantee, mint Bath urea 1017611435521 or
(01827) 58605. Icon 1C-240 2m (144MHz) f.m.. Kenwood TS -9505D. as new. condition. £120. Matsui MR5000 mobile on (0467) 230205.

Yaesu F1-5200 dual -hand remote etc.. w.h.y.? Peter GM3PIP on Morse key. Altai god dip meter HF/s.s.b. (330MHz) linear non -working items, spares.
head mobile. unused. including (017711623654. with coils. boxed, new, boxed amp, either 1,V ( 13.8V ) or HV accessories. service manuals. etc.,
manual. bracket, leads. etc.. and I2BY7A valves. advance al. sig. considered le.g. similar willing to travel anywhere and
YSK-1 remote kit. £375. Barry Amiga 500+ 1 meg. colour generator, 15Hz. to 50kHz. Anieritron models ALSSOOMX or collect. Tel:1014821 869682.
GOTPG. Redditch. Tel: 101527) monitor. extra disc drive. mouse. Microwave Modules r.f. switched ALSK II Tel/FAX: (1)16371
542266. joystick. loads of discs and hosed pre-antp. I(' Logic probe wanted. 860305 or E-mail: Six metre (50MHz) f.m.
games, exchange for comms lom (28M11z) mobile TX/RX. g3Imo(Otiol.com transceiver. about 25W required.
Yaesu FT-890AT. as new, boxed, receiver or scanner up to Tel: (012541832350. must have CTCSS tones and
£695. Kenwood TM15IE 2m 1300MHz (no gaps). Tel: W. I am looking for rotator. one repeater shift. prefer freq. read-
1144MHz1 f.m.. as new, boxed, Sussex (019(13) 260851. size up from AR40 to turn out, but 'channels' ok. GWOGHF.
£225. Manson EP925 30A power Jaybeam Minimax tribander QTHR. Tel: S. Wales 101222)
supply. as nev,. £51). Tel: Swansea C5608DA 2m/70cm (USA bands) beam. within 30 miles driving 71)3429.
1017921414440. d.t.m.f. CTCSS options fitted. distance from Bolton please.
programmable tone burst hoard John G3EGC, Bolton. Tel: Software for CBNI64 on disc. 5
Yaesu FT -980 100W all -mode fitted, set at 1750Hz, owner's (01204) 301502. I.4in floppy to buy or copy. J. J.
h.f. general coverage, narrow c.w. manual. workshop manual, call Sales GOAZJ. 6 Ennerdale Close.
filter. keyer. excellent condition. for full details, exchange for Icom 1C-AT500 auto a.Lu.. also Lancaster 1.A I 3NB.
£595. MFJ949 h.f. a.t.u., built-in Kenwood TM -751E. FT -290R11+ !cum IC -PSIS p.s.u./IC-PS35 int.
dummy load, mint. £100. IC - amp, others. Tom on 1(11872) p.s.u.. also Mosley TA-33-JRN or Sommerkamp TX FL100-13.
229E 25W 144MHz f.m. txcvr. 572535. 121. 122 Spy sets. A Mk111, B2 TA -33.M. Stuart GOGNM. Glos. g.w.o. preferred, but accept as
£225. John GSM on (01428) suitcase sets. OP3. NP3. BP3, TeL (1(14531 752411. long as complete. Will collect 70
656991. Sony TC-377 four track stereo AP4, MkI19 AN/PRC64. Delco miles radius Worksop. Notts.
reel-toreel recorder. mint, swap 53)8), have Mk128, 301 RX. Icom 1C730 service manual reasonable price paid. David on
Yaesu FTIOOOMP. in superb for Sony. Grundig. not compact MCR I RX. An/GRC71 for needed by Novice, also r.f. board (01909) 4753131home) or 0114-
excellent condition, seven months older type, world radio interested, possible swaps. also old or for above. any spares at all, small 248 6434 (work).
old only. boxed. manuals. must party collect. Tel: (1161-743 157(1. unusual Morse keys wanted. Bill cash reward for above, any old
sell due to other comminments. MacDonald. 40 Latchett Road. PW radio hook. postage paid. Sony CRF320. ICF2400. 3400,
£1650. buyer gets a free Mosley Swap or sell Kingshill power London El8 I DJ. Tel: 0181-5(15 Many thanks. Daniel de -Aston ICF 6700L. 6800WA. serial no.
TA33 beam. (360x)RC. Tennamact supply, rack type, 20A. looking 0838. 2E1EYD on ((11724) 858709. above 30,000. orange writing.
for sale also. J. Curtis GOSEC on for SEM Z Match a.t.u. Tel: also Zenith Transoceanic, all mint
1013051833307 after 6pm. Creditor ((11363) 774676. Can you help? Looking for ICS FAX4 or FAXI weather with manuals, will swap S870A,
manual and circuit diagram for FAX decoder with or without 8400. Sony 760G. Aiwa W700.
Yaesu FT736R v.h.f./u.h.l. + 6m Swap two crystal sets with Yaesu FT22 I R - photocopy printer. must he in sery good R827 or cash. Tel: Cheshire
150MHz), mint condition. C1150. phones for h.f.. v.h.f. receiver. acceptable, will pay cost of condition. Please write to: Dave. (01928) 773628.
Kenwood TS -850S h.f.. as new. Sell 770 v.h.f. Eddystone. £71). copying. Joanna MaeLeix1 5 Alton Close. Bushhury.
£900. BNOS I -5W input, 100W Hallicrafters 120 h.f. receiver, GMOWPQ on (01975) 563833. Wolverhampton WV1(18ES. Spares wanted Trio TS -520
RMS output. 2m 1144MHz) linear £70. Tel: (01827) 65641. wider switches, also p.a. loading
amp. £90. All equipment boxed Decoder software disks for a Kenwood SH-230 station capacitors. Tel: (01829) 270436.
with manuals. Tel: Ipswich Tails 500, one v.h.f. converted by Commodore 064 TIF1 Morse monitor. MI I BJW. QTHR. Tel:
(01473) 612657 evenings. Eprom for full 2m (144MHz1 decoder by Technical Software or Belfast (1)12_32)760822. Trio JR599 RX only, in g.w.o.
hand coverage and one u.h.f. with the complete Morse Decoder with operating manual. Alex. W.
Yaesu V1DX401 with matching converted F.pmm. part of 7(k-ni which includes the RX4 Mirco c.w. circuit diagrams for Kent. Tel: (01732)864920.
speaker. boxed. £200. Altai 1430MHz) hand. both for dual - multimode receiver program one c.w. freq. portion of 8(1/40/20
grid dip meter. 1.5 to 250MHz band hand-held. in good disks. thank you. Bill on 1(11945) 13.5. 7. 14MHz) only. Using QRP Yaesu FRG -7700 memory unit.
with coils. new. boxed. £30. condition. John on (01908) 585857. I W only. 9 or 12V d.c. RTY. also YR-910 Morse code and/or
Computer multiport data switch 6425(16 or mobile on 104111 Micro keyer. single wire antenna. RTTY. must he full working
25 AB. new. f 10. Brian GOKOU. 5503(16. For the attention of all radio all on breadboard if possible. order. Frank. 22 The Green,
Chelmsford. Tel: (01245) 266122. hams and enthusiasts Hying In ambitious project. Les Winward, Radway, Warwick CV35 OUG or
Tokyo IMMO 6m (50MHz) the Sheftield area. Wanted half 12 Weymouth Avenue. Marton. Tel: (01295) 670108.
Yaesu h.f. transceiver 101W. transverter for Tokyo 2m inch ferrite rods that were bought Middlesborough TS8 9AB.
v.g.c.. fan. f.m. board. no mods. (144MHz) linear or similar linear. from Bardssells. Atiheydale Road
£295 o.n.o. Ken G4MIV, approx 100W output. HX64fl between 1980 and 1989, Peter Plastic sheet to 'convert' h&w
Loughborough. Tel: (015091 never used TX and mint, so amp Tankard. Sheffield. Tel: 1)114-234 TV to 'colour'. (made in 1950s i
813175 after 6pm. must be excellent, boxed, will sell 3030 9.30am to 9pm. also Galaxy 111 or V. Douglas
transvencr for £200. David Byrne G3KPO. 52 West Hill
Yupiteru MVT7100 s.s.b. G6STD. not QTHR. Tel: (01736) Grundig short wave radio. Road. Rydc. Isle of Wight P033
scanner. 0.1 to 1800MHz. n.l.m.. 756385. model 14(8). Staab' and Grundig I LN. Tel: (01983) 567665.
u.s.b..1.s.b.. am.. c/w car Would anyone like a brand new mains valve radio. Marlborough
charger, mains charger, manual. 1)150 FAX machine. never model 3365 made 1965 and one Posi Office type audio patch
case and UK Scanning Directory. used. bought at Argos last year integrated circuit. No TDA 1037. leads tined with P0316 jack
£150 o.n.o. Paul on 101908) for 030. Either sell or swap. Hugh McC'allion, No 8 Strathard plugs. about 20 in various length,
378247, w.h.y? Bought for business Close. Coleraine. Co. L.Derry. needed for project. Geoff Parr. Please use the Form
venture which failed. Tom on Northern Ireland BT5 I 3ES. Tel: West Dorset. Tel: 011308) provided to send
(01536) 522007. 01 1 265) 43793. 897351.
Stasifetie your advert in or
Has anyone got a memory unit Racal manufactured equipment write it neatly on a
1511 feet of Andrews LDF5-50A eutted for a Vaesu FRG -7700 they wish wanted M cnthusiasUcollector.
postcard.
heliax coaxial cable for anything to dispose of for cash? Tel: anything considered. ancient or
in ham transmitting equipment, Bathtub BX model Bakelite Cambridge (((1223) 565590, modern. large or mull. including
%GAIN BASEMENT HOU 1101111

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For Sale Valves Computer Software

& Hardware
QUARTZ CRYSTALS 2kHz-100MHz at £1.50. VALVES GALORE Most valves available from
Transmission power and test equipment. For stock. Otherwise obtained quickly. Please send PC SSTV-DATA Tx/fix pack £29.95. Other
lists phone Electronic Design Associates. SAE stating requirements or telephone. VALVE PC/AMIGA SSTV,Packet Interfaces. SAE leaflets,
Tel: 0181 391 0545 Fax: 0181 391 5258. & ELECTRONIC SUPPLIES Chevet Books, 157 £1/stamps 1.44 DEMO disk. Peter Lockwood
Dickson Road, Blackpool FY1 2EU. G8SLB, 36 Davington Road, Dagenham RM8 2LR.
TECHNICAL MANUALS, AR88, CR100, R210, Tel: (012531751858 or Fax: (01253) 302979. Tel/Fax: 0181-595 0823.
HRO. E5 each. Circuits E1.50. Hundreds
available. SAE list. Bentley, 27 De Vere Gardens, VALVES WANTED for cash: KT88, PX4, PX25, LOW COST ADSP-2014 DSP KITS £75 inc.
Ilford, Essex IG1 3EB. Tel: 0181-554 6631. DA100, EL34, EL37, CV4004, ECC83. Valves must RCM. Flat 2, 110 Henley Road, Caversham, RG4
be Mullard/GEC, West European to achieve this 6DH. Tel: 0118-947 1424.
THE UK's LARGEST SOURCE for Vintage price. Ask for free wanted list. Prompt and E-mail: )eon@lfheller.demon.co.uk
Service data, circuits and manuals from 1900 to courteous service. Visitors please phone for an
the 1970s. Free brochure from Tudor Gwilliam- appointment (we are a very busy Export
Rees, Savoy Hill Publications, 50 Meddon St, Warehouse).
Bideford, The Little White Town, North Devon, Billington Export Ltd. Billingshurst,
EX39 2EQ. Tel: 01237 424280.
E-mail: tudor.gwilliam-rees@virgin.net
West Sussex RH149EZ.
Tel: (014031 784961. Fax: (01403) 783519.
Wanted
INTERESTED in vintage wireless? Send 2 x 1st VALVES:- OVER 50000 STOCKED Ham, WANTED FOR CASH Valve or solid state
class stamps for latest list of books, bits & Vintage, Military, Audio. SAE for FREE list to: communication receivers Pre -1980. Preferably
pieces etc. Old Time Supplies, PO Box 209, Wilson Valves, (Jim Fish G4MH1, 28 Banks Ave., working and in good condition. Non working sets
Banbury, Oxon 0X16 7GR. Golcar, Huddersfield, West Yorks HD7 4LZ. considered also domestic valve radios. Items of
Tel: 01484 654650. Fax: 01484 655699. Government surplus wireless equipment and
JAPANESE TRANSMITTING TUBES and E-mail: Wilsonvalves@surflink.co.uk obsolete test equipment. Pre -1965 wireless and
microwave semi -conductors for broadcasting, Visa etc. Fast & personal service. audio components and accessories. Pre- 1975
communication and industrial use. T. Yoshihara,
wireless and TV books and magazines. Also, most
Osaka, Japan. Fax: 816-338-3381.
CASH FOR VALVES. ECC32 £10. ECC33/35 £6. valves wanted for cash. Must be unused and
ECC83/EF86 £3.50. KT66 £40. KT88 £65. EL34 boxed. CBS, 157 Dickson Road, Blackpool,
SAMSON ETM/SQ TWIN PADDLE KEY only £20. EL37 £18. PX4 £70. PX25 £130. GZ34 £8. FY1 2EU.
£42. USA memory superkeyer-3 E115. Integral GZ32 £8. DA100 £150. 4212E £150. PT15 £10. Tel: 1012531751858 or Fax: (01253) 302979.
paddles model £145. Iambic El-keyer £42.
Ask for free wanted list.
Details: G5BM. OTHR. Tel: 01531 820960.
Colomor (Electronics) Ltd, 170 Goldhawk Road, WANTED S/MANUAL Eagle Star SR550.
London W12 8HJ. Photostat OK. Advise price. Tel: 01653 694061
Tel: 0181 743 0899. Fax: 0181-749 3934. (evening).
E-mail: giacomelli@colomor.demon.co.uk
Educational
DISCLAIMER
CITY & GUILDS RADIO AMATEURS EXAM.
Pass your exam the easy way with an RRC home
TOP PRICES PAID Some of the products offered for sale in
advertisements in this magazine may
study course. For details write or phone THE for all your valves, tubes,
semi -conductors and ICs. have been obtained from abroad or
RAPID RESULTS COLLEGE, Dept. JX400, Tuition
from unauthorised sources. Practical
House, London SW19 4DS. Tel: 0181-947 2211. Langres Supplies Ltd.
1 Mayo Road, Croydon Wireless advises readers
Surrey CR0 20P. contemplating mail order to enquire
TEL: 0181-684 1166. FAx: 0181-684 3056. whether the products are suitable for
Miscellaneous use in the UK and have full after -sales
back-up available.
VALVE ENTHUSIASTS: Capacitors and other Holidays The publishers of Practical Wireless
parts at attractive prices( Ring for free list. Geoff wish to point out that it is the
Davies (Radio), Tel: (017881 574774. responsibility of readers to ascertain
NORTH WALES HOLIDAYS - Caravan
USED AMATEUR EQUIPMENT? Buying or bunkhouse camping. Elevated rural site, two
-
the legality or otherwise of items
selling? See you at www.harnradio-mart.co.uk miles from beach, use of shack and antennas, offered for sale by advertisers in this
Cheap rates! No internet access? SAE: G4TNY, open all year. Tynrhos, Mynytho, Pwllheli. magazine.
41 Onslow Crescent, Colchester, Essex CO2 8UN. Tel: 01758 740712.
Please photocopy this fo if you prefer

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itt.t).ry urJuitii
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To reach 40,000 readers of Practical Wireless, have you

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Telephone Chris on (01202) 659920
DEMODULATORS FOR JVFAX HAMCOMM

HESING TECHNOLOGY RADIORAFT DL4SAW SSTV & POCSAG
41 Bushitical Road. Litton Socon. Canths PE I 9 3BT THE ORIGINAL RECEIVE ONLY with 25 way 'D' type £16.99
POCSAG RECEIVE version (as above, with variable hysteresis) £19.99
Tel (01480) 386156 Fax (01480) 386157 TRANSMIT version (Pocsag Rx + FaxiSSTV/HamComm Txl £24.99
25 to 9 way Adaptor £3.00. Shareware on 3.5" HO Disks
JVFAX7 + HamComm3.1 + PKTMON12 + *NEU POCSAG (1302.04) £2.50
Manuals Spares Repairs Technical Support RADIORAFT Version 2.12 £2.50 DL4SAW SSTV (V1.2) £2.50
REGISTERED VERSIONS OF SOFTWARE
NOW ALSO INCLUDING RADIORAFT
DL4SAW (GSHPC) SSTV (V2.21) £34.99 HamComm3.1 £19.99
LAR COMMUNICATION CENTRE ImiiIsHED 21 %IAA, WPOCSAG (PD2.04) £19.99 RadioRaft Version 2.12 £19.99
12 Station Road, Crossgates, Leeds LS15 7..IX ices UK/Eire inc VAT « P&P. For non-EU deduct 17.5% VAT
All products (except software) carry a full money back guarantee.
Tel: 0113-232 8400 Fax: 0113-232 8401
I. 1 i -. . r r El5 00 Outside British Isles add £2.00
Approved dealers for Kenwood. AOR, Icom, Yaesu and many others We sell Pervisell Ltd, 8 Temple End, High Wycombe, Bucks.
amateur radio equipment, scanners, shortwave receivers, antennas and over 800 HP13 5DR Tel: (01494) 443033 Fax: (01494) 448236
accessories. Books. PW and SWM Our after sales service is second to none. http://www.pervisell.com e-mail harn@pervisell.com
E e
We are open Mon to Sat 9am to 5pm we have private customer parkong
CM tttlNSA
34:14
wdtTIN LVIV711
&Son
Mom IC -746 now available iik40
from stock. 111
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GRAND TOTAL
The ARRL Handbook For Radio Amateurs 1998
The ARRL Handbook For Radio Amateurs /998 is one book that the
PW 'team' feel that no amateur should be without and therefore we'
selected it as our Star Buy for this month.
Often referred to as the 'The Standard in Applied Electronics and
Communications' and now in its 75th edition, this well established
book is packed with information covering topics such as What Is
Amateur Radio? through to Practical Design, Construction Techniques
and Operating Practices. Containing 1200 pages and costing just £24
plus £1 P&P (UK). £2 P&P (overseas) the ARRL Handbook For
Radio Amateurs would make a welcome addition to any shack
bookshelf and is well worth considering whether you are an 'old hand'
or a newcomer to the world of radio.
To order your books either use the order form above or call the Credit Card Hotline on (01202) 659930 and quote P1\'2.

THE UK'S BEST SELLING AMATEUR RADIO MAGAZINE
'MEM
w re ess LONDON SHOW GUIDE!
Find out what delights are in store at the
antennas
lion
1998 London Amateur Radio & Computer Show.
REVIEWED!
David Butler G4ASR has been roaming

the Herefordshire hills with the Garmin GPS113
navigational unit.
z
The Yaesu VX-1R is said to be the
'smallest dual -band hand-held in the world' - read
Tex Swann G1TEX is back with more antenna what Richard Newton GORSN thinks of it in his
review.
related hints and tips.
Plus all your regular fallourites 0
and much more!
CAN YOU AFFORD TO MISS IT? - ON SALE 12 FEBRUARY 1998 - PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY!
COMING UP IN THE FEBRUARY ISS I N SALE 22nd JANUARY
Magnetometer Sensors by Joe Carr K4IVP.
Chris Lorek reviews the new Yupiteru MVT-3300 Hand -Held Scanner.
Barlow Wadley - The Non -Phase Locked Loop by John Wilson G3PCY.
Code3 Gold Review by Kevin Nice G7TZC.
Wage War On Whistles - Part 2 - Peter Rycraft concludes with a description of how to build
and use the filter unit.
Indoor Ionosphere - Part 2 - by the late Fred Judd G2BCX.

YOUR LOCAL DEALERS

N. IRELAND SURREY
Chris Rees
= MID GLAMORGAN
SANDPIPER
LONDON
Nip,RT I N LYNCH
micron electronics G3TLJX COMMUNICATIONS & Son
124 Great Victoria Street The QRP Component Company Unit 5. Enterprise House. Cwmhach For all your amateur radio needs
Industrial Estate. Aberdare.
BELFAST Po Box 88 Haslemere Surrey Cit:27 2BI-
Mid Glamorgan CF44 OAF
140-142 Northfield Avenue
Ealing London W13 9SB
Tel: 1014210 661501
YAESU, ICON). KENWOOD ALINCO Tel: 101685i 870425 Tel:
Fox: 1014210 66179-1
Fax:011685)876104
AMATEUR & SW radio specialists 0181-566 1120
x_rtAls. KITS, KEYS & QRP A lull range of transmitting & receiving
Fax:
MAIL INIDLN - 9ANI Ti) best (NUl SUNDAYS' antennas available for the amateur
TEL: (01232) 438610 SAE FOR IJCTS AND I rrniATURF commercial market. 0181-566 1207
1- IF'
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...61)
1 i;t.k 9 p
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BIRMINGHAM SCOTLAND KENT Ell= DORSET
FREE CB JAYCEE KANGA QRP KITS BOOKS BOOKS

We stock a complete range of QRP kits
RADIO CATALOGUE ELECTRONICS LTD for beginners or the more expert' Prices
start from just £3.95. BOOKS
PHONE 20 1loodside %lio,Cilenrothes, Fife KV7 51)F
Tel: (0159217569621Mo or Night I
Fan 'So:1015921610451
Send an SAE for our for catalogue or
cheek out our nun pages:
PW PUBLISHING
0121-457 7788 .Yew opening hours: ;Uncial -Fmk, Son to 5rn
Soludo Non 10 -rpm Pined StlItilill 41" m
Intp://www.kanga.demon.co.uk BOOK SERVICE
****** KEM400D.1AESU d ICON IPPROI ED DEALERS
Kanga Products Tel: (01202) 659930
Stavin,. Moue. Crete Road East
SRP RADIO CENTRE .4 good track of new and secondhand
equipment alwayi in aock
Follgestanr. Arnt (718 IEG
1c111-.11, u l 913 191 106
Fax: (01202) 659950
WEST YORKSHIRE DORSET AVON/SOMERSET SOUTHAMPTON

HUDDERSFIELD ELECTRONICS THE SHORTWAVE QSL SMC Ltd
Tit( AMATEUR RAtno Stine
SHOP COMMUNICATIONS Main Dealer for: Yaesu.
Suppliers of new & used arnaleurtSVILICH
Novice/C.B./Amatcur/SWL Equipment. Me stork all makes of equipment Kenwood. Icom AOR &
equipment We shy CUM a full range Ile arcessuries
Full range, secondhand equipment
for the Amateur and Listener. Cushcraft
,14111Ve I rig Mlle II
always available. Part Exchange %%chow SM House. School Close, Chandlers Ford
4A Cross Church Street
Industnal Estate. Eastleigh.
Huddersfield HD1 2PT. 18 Fairmile Road. Christchurch, Unit 6. Winic Indusinal (-ewe. Coker Road
Hampshire SOS 3BY
Tel/Fax 01484 420774 Work. Weston-SuperStarc BS22 OBX
Dorset BH23 2LJ Tel: 1017031 255111
Hours- Mon - Sal 9 0114m to 5 30pm 'eel/Fax: (019341 512757
Tel/Fax: 01202 490099 Fans: (01703) 263507)
DERBYSHIRE NORTHWEST SCOTLAND

To reach almost
Lowe 40,000 readers
every month,
ARC Ltd.
Everything for the radio
TENNAMAST
Electronics ring Chris on amateur under one roof! SCOTLAND LTD
THE HAM RADIO SUPERSTORE 38 Bridge Street, EurIcstown. Newton Masts from lift 40ft
Kenwood. Yaesu. Icom etc. always in stock. (01202) 659920 le -Willows,
Merseyside WA 12 9BA
AdaptAMast
Chesterfield Rd.. Matlock. Derbys DE4 5LE
Tel: 01629 5801100 Fax: 01629 580020
and advertise I Tel: 01925 229881
1015051503824
E-mail: inloOlowc.co.uk orders@ linse.co.uk YOUR company Fax: 01925 229882 NI Slam, knot'. 1161h. brIntr. k S I /NT
Index to Advertisers
AKD 49 Lake Electronics 57 Pyramid Electronics 65
Ambyr 4 Langrex Supplies 57 Radiosport 58
ARC 45 LAR Communications Centre 73 RAS Notts 65
Castle Electronics '8 Lowe Electronics 6 RSGB 45
Centre Electronics 57 Martin Lynch & Son 38/39, 73 Short Wave Magazine 75
Chevet Supplies 57 Mauritron Technical Services 57 SRP Trading 46
Cirkit Distribution 49 Monitoring Times 4 Sunrise Electronics 17
Eastern Communications 5 Multicomm 2000 10/21 TDC 65
Haydon Communications 31, 32/33 Nevada Communications /6/27 Telford Electronics 65
Hesing Technology 73 Northampton Communications 57 Waters & Stanton IFC/1. 2
Howes C M 28, 58 Pervisell 73 Yaesu OBC
Icom UK IBC Photo Acoustics 53

us! on Count
icomsales@icomuk.co.uk e-mail co.uk icomuk //www http Internet:
741742 01227 Fax: 741741 01227 Telephone: 8LD. CT6 Kent Bay Herne Street Sea Ltd. (UK) Icom
RF/SOL AF
NR
filter notch o
synthesizer voice -102UT Optional
radio -range mid o
144MHz) for (single -amp pre -step 2 in first PBT, Twin °
connections antenna different 3 widths passband 3
DX'ers for ideal split, Quick
with APF Selectable
capability narrow FM 5kHz 12 display function reduction noise adjustable Continually

-read -to easy Large,
keyer memory standard as fitted DSP 4
channels 10 with pad Memo

-channel 4 with functions CW Ample bands 144MHz
(mm) 317 x 120 x 287 size Compact and 50MHz HF, all for output 100W °
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-tone 50 with standard squelch Tone memories preset with tuner antenna Auto coverage multimode 8MHz-144MHz 4 1
'98. in own to transceiver THE this make output RF watt 100 and DSP capabilities, -station base VHF design, Superior
144MHz. to through 50MHz to HF coverage; wideband providing transceiver, HF/VHF latest ICOM's is -746 IC The
for! asking been everyone's

-
that transceiver the -746 IC
Revolution! Year's New
ICOM
0
"The VX-1R is
smaller than most
pagers!" VX-1 R
Ultra -Compact
"Over 19 hours' of
use from the
"Looks like Yaesu
did it again!"
Dual -Band Handheld
rechargable lithium
ion battery!"
The world's smallest

HT with all the
high-tech features
you'd want in
the world!
The ultra -compact size of the
VX-1R Dual -Band is the first thing
you notice as you cradle it in your
._
palm. But the high-tech features SET SCAN A
make this radio one you must have Duo! Band
now! Simple combinations, using

seven buttons and one knob, control I
this marvel of engineering. One
soft key touch and wide receive
VHF/UHF 76-999 MHz Rx;
1U-146,430-440 MHz Tx, or
AM/FM Broadcast - even TV sound,
spring to life! Touch again for
Yaesu-exclusives, SmartSearch'"
and ARTS", or Priority Channel Features
Alarm. Built-in CTCSS and DCS Frequency Coverage
Encode/Decode for 2m/440 amateur Wide Multi -Band Receive
RX: 76-999 MHz-
bands, CTCSS/DCS Tone Search, TX:144-146.430-440 MHz
FT -50R
Compact
and Dual Watch, are included along AM/FM/TV Broadcast Receive Dual Band
AM Aircraft Receive Handheld
with 291 Memory Channels in 9
CTCSS Encode/Decode
banks with 500 mW power output. DCS EncodelDecode
Backlit LCD Display shows CTCSS/DCS Tone Search
Dual Watch FT -51R
6 -character alphanumeric capability; SmartSearch"i' Dual Band
backlit keypad makes operation Auto Range Transpond Handheld
System (ARTSTM)
easy in dim light. And, although the Priority Channel Alarm
VX-1R is the world's smallest dual - ADMS-1D Windows
band HT, you get over 19 hours* of Programmable
1 Watt External Power Supply
use with just a 1 hour recharge from 80 Minute Rapid Charger
its long-lasting lithium ion battery!
Big features, small size - the most
satisfying combination in the world!
Flexible Antenna. Belt Clip.
Hand Strap
"Cellular blocked
YakE SU
...leading the way.sM
*Battery Lite 5-5-90 duty cycle.
http://www.yaesu.co.uk
Specifications subject to change without notice. Specifications guaranteed only within amateur bands
Some accessories and or options are standard in certain areas. Check with your local Yaesu dealer for specific details.
YAESU UK LTD. Unit 2, Maple Grove Business Centre, Lawrence, Rd., Hounslow, Middlesex, TW4 6DR, U.K. 0181-814-2001

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PRACTIRL

A KEW IIPL LAIACH 'FP LE 1.11.1!J.;

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MFJ or e-mail to sales@wsplc.demon.co.uk

Ham Radio MFJ-945E

MFJ-7848 --. MFJ-781 Electronic Keyer 300

1 8MHz 170MHz ' Decodes CW. R77Y. ASCII, AMTOR FEC

270 x 375 x 115mm Best seller

Enquiries: Tel. 01702 206835 / 204965

Waters & Stanton Fax. 01702 205843

FEBRUARY 1998 CONTENTS

Practical Wireless, February 1998 3

95/NT Simple drag -and -drop circuit editor

Subs Rates (1 year)

Telephone (01202) 659930

4 Practical Wireless, February 1998

FIRST FOR MAIL ORDER WWW.CTICQCO.COM

CC$MN 650077 Fax: 01692

Mon -Fri: 9 - 5.30, Sat: 9 - 4.00

Mosley H.F. Antennas

70cm 13.6dB £59.95 CL -36-M 10/15/20m 6 EL £989 120

Practical Wireless, February 1998 5

Practical Wireless, February 1998 7

will receive a voucher You now arrive

worth £10 to spend on

letters will receive a

PW's Postb If our letter is published you'll %sin a prize.

This Month's Star Letter press release sent in by

8 Practical Wireless, February 1998

Practical Wireless, February 1998 9

Micro Sized Trisseekte Neal Recorder

10 Practical Wireless, February 1998

Practical Wireless, February 1998 11

-keep the News and

those Club magazines

Com lied b Zoe Crabb

12 Practical Wireless, February 1998

Practical Wireless, February 1998 13

The Pioneer SX-P530 system features a stereo receiver (amplifier and

SO, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? - DO DElic41111AKE SURE YO t

ORDER YOUR .ii;SC11,1111Qa'a DAY! BUILD

14 Practical Wireless, February 1998

The Motion Picture 1040-24 is a 16bit

Once the Motion Picture or PIC Pocket is

NN/ he: DI enclose a Cheque/Postal order (payable to PW Publishing Ltd) for £

Practical Wireless, February 1998 15

question What is A Pin diode?

£209.99 " /IND 06) S,229.99

SR& Universal holder