20040131.qrp v03_n182.qrl.20040131 Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 19:03:10 EST From: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: QRP-L digest 3182 QRP-L Digest 3182 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) [166662] Re: Learning the code by "Lew Paceley" 2) [166663] Re: [Elmer 160] PIC EL Dimensions by "George Heron N2APB" 3) [166664] Re: Regens Live Forever by "Lew Paceley" 4) [166665] PIC-EL up and running - 2 questions by "Brian Riley (maillist)" 5) [166666] Re: PIC-EL up and running - 2 questions by "John J. McDonough" 6) [166667] Re: Learning the code by 7) [166668] ZIF Sockets for the PIC-EL board by "Jim Sheldon" 8) [166669] Re: Learning the code by Karl Larsen 9) [166670] 5 Beacons on 80 (oops!) by "Bill Walker" 10) [166671] PIC-EL by "richqrp" 11) [166672] Re: PIC-EL -- More Assembly comments by "richqrp" 12) [166673] Fwd: 15th OQRP-CONTEST: Deadline! by dl6aaf@t-online.de 13) [166674] mobile cross country by Mark Hogan 14) [166675] Re: [Elmer 160] PIC EL Dimensions by Lee Mairs 15) [166676] RE: PIC-EL Board - ZIF by 16) [166677] Still no PIC-EL! by "John" 17) [166678] BLT cased Rock Mite by "Tony Parks" 18) [166679] Re: Learning the code by Jason Buchanan 19) [166680] QRO, QRP and the Decibel by Jason Buchanan 20) [166681] Re: Wanted: Knobs for RS DSP by w5xe@juno.com 21) [166682] Re: ZIF Sockets for the PIC-EL board by "k3peg" 22) [166683] Re: PIC-EL up and running - 2 questions by "Brian Riley (maillist)" 23) [166684] Re: Learning the code by Bruce Muscolino 24) [166685] Re: ZIF Sockets for the PIC-EL board by "George Heron N2APB" 25) [166686] Re: PIC-EL up and running - 2 questions by "John J. McDonough" 26) [166687] Re: Regens Live Forever by na5n@zianet.com 27) [166688] Flaw in G4FON software by Karl Larsen 28) [166689] Re: Travel Antenna for Hand Held Receivers by Bruce Muscolino 29) [166690] Re: Flaw in G4FON software by "George, W5YR" 30) [166691] Re: mobile cross country by Mark Hogan 31) [166692] PIC-EL and DDS by "Merton Nellis" 32) [166693] Re: Learning the code by "Patrick Schwarz - KB8RTZ" 33) [166694] Re: Flaw in G4FON software by "Steve McDonald" 34) [166695] Re: PIC-EL up and running - 2 questions by "Craig Johnson" 35) [166696] Re: PIC-EL -- More Assembly comments by "Craig Johnson" 36) [166697] Re: PIC-EL and DDS by "Craig Johnson" 37) [166698] FS SSS Frequency Counter by Michael Neverdosky 38) [166699] Re: Learning the code by JClinton46@aol.com 39) [166700] RE: Elmer 160: PIC-EL - program chips besides 'F84? by "Joe Mann" 40) [166701] Re: QRO, QRP and the Decibel by Nelson Winter 41) [166702] Re: Beacons *5* on 80 ( HI ) by Chuck Carpenter 42) [166703] February Spartan Sprint Announcement by "John Huffman" 43) [166704] Re: Learning the code by 44) [166705] Beacons *5* on 80 -- IN, TX, AZ, CA & HI [Tonight] by Chuck Carpenter 45) [166706] Re: Learning the code by Karl Larsen 46) [166707] Building Tools by "Tim, N9PUZ" 47) [166708] SOLD was; FS SSS Frequency Counter by Michael Neverdosky 48) [166709] Re: Elmer 160: PIC-EL - ZIF Sockets, other chips, etc. by "John J. McDonough" 49) [166710] RE: Still no PIC-EL! by "rattray" 50) [166711] Sunday Morning SSB/CW QRP Net by "Ken La Rose" 51) [166712] Best way for Koch software by Karl Larsen 52) [166713] Re: Best way for Koch software by Garey Barrell 53) [166714] FOX: K0UU final log by Jeff Strandberg 54) [166715] GQRP Club Renewal Reminder by "Bill Kelsey - N8ET - Kanga US" 55) [166716] QRP freq xtals available by "Bill Kelsey - N8ET - Kanga US" 56) [166717] Embedded Research / TiCk Keyers Available by "Bill Kelsey - N8ET - Kanga US" 57) [166718] Re: Flaw in G4FON software by w5xe@juno.com 58) [166719] Still no pickle.... by "Tom" 59) [166720] (OT) Computer QRP in SE Asia! by John Seboldt 60) [166721] Koch Method by Darrell Bellerive 61) [166722] Re: Koch Method by michael harnage 62) [166723] Re: Koch Method by Darrell Bellerive ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 17:53:02 -0600 From: "Lew Paceley" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Cc: Subject: [166662] Re: Learning the code Message-ID: <007501c3e78c$328dd720$6501a8c0@swbell.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi Karl, In the interest of the success of your students, the letters G and Z should be corrected before you hand out the paper. GL. 72/73, *Lew* N5ZE ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 18:53:30 -0500 From: "George Heron N2APB" To: "QRP-L" Subject: [166663] Re: [Elmer 160] PIC EL Dimensions Message-ID: <021e01c3e78c$45c916b0$6400a8c0@n2apb1> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit BTW, in case you're interested, a photo of one our prototype PIC-EL boards in one of these cases is at www.amqrp.org/elmer160/board/picel-case.jpg 73, George N2APB > The other guys stated the dimensions Kevin. But some info I can add is that > the PIC-EL board was specifically layed out to fit perfectly in a plastic > enclosure from Mouser (p/n 616-63049-510-039, www.mouser.com), or PacTec > (p/n CM5-125 www.pactecenclosures.com/Plastic-Enclosures/CM5-125.html). At > either of those sites you can download a PDF diagram that gives precise > dimensions for those who wish to "roll their own". > > 73, George N2APB > > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 17:58:03 -0600 From: "Lew Paceley" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Cc: Subject: [166664] Re: Regens Live Forever Message-ID: <007901c3e78c$e6c7d740$6501a8c0@swbell.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi Bill, That is the nicest Kitchin regen I have ever seen. Your construction and packaging is always superb Bill but that Millen dial, ooooh-la-la. :-) 72/73, *Lew* N5ZE ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 18:59:53 -0500 From: "Brian Riley (maillist)" To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166665] PIC-EL up and running - 2 questions Message-ID: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Test point "TPA-Vpgm" measures 11.58 volts when there is 12.72 volts at the input., I checked over by R6 and right at D5, 11.58 volts each time ... Is this OK or is the zener "off" ??? I haven't finished my DDS daughter card so that didn't get tested ... Tomorrow, I hope! The Pushbutton test LED3 comes on immediately and stays on during the PB test. Pushing PB3 doesn't do anything, the others work fine. I powered down and checked the switch to see if it was jammed or shorted, the switch works fine. LED3 goes on an off appropriately during other phases. What does this mean??? Is it something I did or a flaw in the test program? Cheers ... 73 de brian, n1bq ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 19:46:27 -0500 From: "John J. McDonough" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Cc: Subject: [166666] Re: PIC-EL up and running - 2 questions Message-ID: <014601c3e793$a95da040$090044c0@BrianBoru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brian Riley (maillist)" Subject: PIC-EL up and running - 2 questions > Test point "TPA-Vpgm" measures 11.58 volts when there is 12.72 volts at the > input., I checked over by R6 and right at D5, 11.58 volts each time ... Is > this OK or is the zener "off" ??? Close enough for government work. > The Pushbutton test LED3 comes on immediately and stays on during the PB > test. Pushing PB3 doesn't do anything, the others work fine. I powered down This is not so good. Try hanging your meter on TP-H during the pushbutton test. Should read about 5 until you press PB3, in which case it should go to about zero. Do the LEDs behave during the other tests? In test 1 they should all blink on and off, then led 1, then 2, then 3. In the DDS test, again led 1 should be on (only) then 2 then 3. 72/73 de WB8RCR http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr didileydadidah QRP-L #1446 Code Warriors #35 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 19:51:14 -0500 (EST) From: To: Cc: Subject: [166667] Re: Learning the code Message-ID: <1351.192.168.1.117.1075510274.squirrel@192.168.1.1> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit > On Fri, 30 Jan 2004, Tim, N9PUZ wrote: > >> On Fri, 30 Jan 2004 14:56:25 -0700 (MST), Karl Larsen wrote: >> > >> > Here are two papers I have written for my code class this spring. >> >> > If you have ideas to improve let me know. >> >> I think you should have them go faster than 1 or 2 words per minute. >> >> Tim, N9PUZ > > Hi Tim, that was what I thought too. Last year we started at 5 > wpm and no-one passed. >> Hey Karl, Tim, and the gang; Well that may be because 5 wpm is too slow ....(so 2 wpm would also be too slow). The original Koch studies in code learning had their greatest success in teaching at around 12 wpm to start. I think it can even be as high as 18-22 wpm; as a current student I am elmering is doing fine at that starting speed. SO.....my recommendation is at least 12 wpm to start. Vy 72; Bob w9ya >> > > -- > > - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 18:53:43 -0600 From: "Jim Sheldon" To: "QRP-L Mailing List" Subject: [166668] ZIF Sockets for the PIC-EL board Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Folks, I saw a post by someone looking for an inexpensive ZIF socket (18 pin) that would fit the PIC-EL board. I did a google search on "zif socket" and after checking several sites, I ordered myself one from a company called Futurlec. They have an 18 pin standard ZIF socket available that should fit the board for $4.00 each in quantities of 1 and their shipping/handling is only $3.00 for ground. Not bad and no minimum order. I placed an order with them and got immediate email confirmation of receipt of order. Now we'll see how they shape up. Usual disclaimer applies, I had never even heard of them before doing this search, so I'm going to be the guinea pig. Anyone interested can check 'em out at the following URL. http://www.futurlec.com/Sockets/ZIFS18.shtml 72, Jim Sheldon - W0EB ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 18:13:18 -0700 (MST) From: Karl Larsen To: Lew Paceley Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166669] Re: Learning the code Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Fri, 30 Jan 2004, Lew Paceley wrote: > Hi Karl, > In the interest of the success of your students, the letters G and Z > should be corrected before you hand out the paper. Fixed Z but didn't notice G. Thanks. > > GL. > > 72/73, > *Lew* > N5ZE > > > -- - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 18:01:09 -0700 From: "Bill Walker" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [166670] 5 Beacons on 80 (oops!) Message-ID: <001301c3e795$b6d176f0$0a0110ac@pluto> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Sorry, I forgot to include my beacon frequency. The frequencies for the 5 beacons on Saturday are as follows: 3728 for Dean, KH6B, in HI 3729 for Jeff, KB9ZUR, in IN 3730 for Chuck, W5USJ, in TX 3731 for Bill, WV7G, in AZ 3732 for Trev, KG6CYN, in CA Enjoy es 72... Bill Walker - WV7G ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 17:02:29 -0800 From: "richqrp" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [166671] PIC-EL Message-ID: <004c01c3e795$e6797a10$c1770744@wd6fddstssz5sg> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hello to the group, Well I figured out what I did wrong with installing the drivers for the FPP program, and that is working nicely now.. I have just finished lesson 10 and I still do not believe it, but all values of all tests were great!! Believe me when I say, I have never had a project go as smooth as this one.. I always run into some kind of problem.. but I think whoever it was that said, "don't be in a hurry" was right on the mark!!! and that is what I have done. I have been taking my time, rechecking and so far the PIC board, the daughtercard, ( which was built before the pic-el) and now the program is all working great.. thanks again to the team that has put something together, that even I can do right!! 73's Rich ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 17:03:38 -0800 From: "richqrp" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [166672] Re: PIC-EL -- More Assembly comments Message-ID: <005f01c3e796$0f7655f0$c1770744@wd6fddstssz5sg> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit that's what I did... I used that one during lesson 10.. ...Rich ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brian Riley (maillist)" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 3:51 PM Subject: PIC-EL -- More Assembly comments > Resistors --- even more grrrrr-s than the testpoints !!!!!! > > You will likely be doing the resistors in batches of 5-10 then solder and > clip. Make sure you do R7 and R8 at the same time, they have a junction an > the pads are right together, soldering either one will likely flow the other > hole, best have a resistor lead in each and save the trouble of cleaning it > out! > > Oh yes ... testpoints ... What are the two holes labeled "GND" along bottom > edge of board. Is that another testpoint sans formal "TPx" label? > > Cheers ... 73 de brian, n1bq > ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 01:53:43 +0100 (CET) From: dl6aaf@t-online.de To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [166673] Fwd: 15th OQRP-CONTEST: Deadline! Message-ID: <200401310053.i0V0riS00966@joringel.privnet.de> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit From: DJ7ST@DB0ABZ.#NDS.DEU.EU 29-Jan-2004 QRP-CONTEST-COMMUNITY (qrpcc) c/o Dr.Hartmut Weber Schlesierweg 13 D-38228 SALZGITTER Tel.:05341-50113 Dear OQRP-Contest friends, if you participated in the 15th OQRP-Contest (Dec-27/28th-2003) but do not find your callsign in the following list: please send your log within the next few days. ---------------------------------------------- These nearby 250 logs for the 15th OQRPC have been received so far (29-Jan, 21 UTC): 9A3ML DK9EA DL4VBN G3VIP OK2BND DF0AWG DK9KR DL4ZBI G4EDG OK2BTT DF0EFG DK9OY DL5ANS G4HSO OK2CLL DF0IR DL0MFL DL5KWG GIKAR/p OK2CVA DF0LB DL0NZ DL5SCU HA5MY/9 OK2PZL DF1UQ DL0OG DL5YM HA5X OK2WH DF2HL DL0RL DL6ABB HA7JCA OM3TY DF2SJ DL0SBK DL6CGC HA8LNT OM7DX DF3OL DL0VW DL6DSA HB9DCL OM7PY DF3YJ DL1AVD DL6KWN HB9DEO ON4ADR DF4FA DL1AZK DL6UKL HB9HQX ON5AG DF4SD DL1BBO DL7DAX HB9IQB ON5GL DF5LW DL1EH DL7MA HB9JBO ON6MG DF5WI DL1GKE DL7UWE HB9RE ON6NW DF7DJ DL1HR DL7VPE I1EFC OZ5AEV DF8BB DL1HTX DL8BEG I2AZ OZ7BQ DJ0GD DL1IRM DL8GN IK1RAC/1 OZ7MA DJ1KAI DL1JGA DL8LRZ IK3TZB OZ9KC DJ2AX DL1LAW DL8MTG IK6FPT OZ9QM DJ2GL DL1RNN DL8OBD IZ0DQZ PA/DF9DH DJ3AX DL1RPL DL8UAW IZ4DYX PA0ATG DJ3GE DL2ABH DL8UBR/p LA7SI PA0CMU DJ3LR DL2ARL DL9CE LY2LF PA0FAW DJ3XK DL2AWA DL9FZ LZ1FJ PA0FEI DJ4VP DL2BQD DL9GWA LZ1IQ PA0LSK DJ5NN DL2BXC DL9HCW LZ2VP PA0RBO DJ6FO DL2DSD DL9OE M0AEK PA1B DJ6NS DL2DYL DL9QM M0AVN PA1SL DJ6UB DL2HRF DL9ZEA MI0BPB PA1W DJ7JE DL2HWX DM3SWD OE6KYG PA3AFF DJ7ST DL2JGT EA1KC OE6WTD PA7XG DJ9CS DL2NH EA4OA OE8GBK PA9M DK0AY DL2RT EA4RJ OH2JXA PA9RZ DK0IBF DL2WRJ EA5BKV OH7QR RK1NA DK0SZ DL3AKF EA5CEC OH8PB RV3DBK DK0VLP DL3BCU/p EA5EF OK1AIJ S51CL DK0XB DL3ECG EA7AAW OK1CZ SM6FPC DK1IO DL3JGN EA8/DK3RED OK1DEC SP3BOL DK1LG DL3JIN EU6AA OK1DLB SP5AGU DK2JK DL3LBZ F/DL4IW OK1DLY SP5GBJ DK2SH DL3OCG F5IQJ OK1DMP SP6GB DK3BN DL3VNL F5VBT OK1DSU SP6LV DK3DUA DL3ZAI F5ZV OK1DZD SP7BCA DK3UZ DL4AC F6ABI OK1FAO SP9NSV DK4CU DL4DQA F6AUS OK1FAQ UA4ARL DK4LX DL4HG F6FTB OK1FCA UY2ZZ DK5RY DL4JLM F8DLJ OK1FED DK7MA DL4LAC G0KRT OK1FKD DK7MA DL4LBB G3CQR OK1IF DK8SX DL4NSE G3LHJ OK1ITK G3RSD Many thanks! 73/2 Hal, DJ7ST ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 17:12:46 -0800 (PST) From: Mark Hogan To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166674] mobile cross country Message-ID: <20040131011246.91409.qmail@web9610.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii If you were going mobile cross contry and were using the hustler antennas, would you start in the morning with the 20m coil or the 40m coil? Dont choose another those are what I have... I have a trip in the near future and was wondering. I'll start out at teh crack of dawn and drive east until Oh/Wv then stop for the night...pressing on after rest. I want to have some hf fun, but not spend all day wondering if I picked the most productive band, since I only stop for gas. Thanks Mark Hogan / N5OBC __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free web site building tool. Try it! http://webhosting.yahoo.com/ps/sb/ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 20:13:38 -0500 From: Lee Mairs To: adverseyaw@twmi.rr.com, Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166675] Re: [Elmer 160] PIC EL Dimensions Message-ID: <001501c3e797$79ffa1a0$0200a8c0@J4> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Do you suppose those 2 call guys in NJ are jealous of us 8 call area folks? May be that's why our mail boxes are still empty! 73 de Lee km4yy/8 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kevin M., W8VOS" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 6:02 PM Subject: Re: [Elmer 160] PIC EL Dimensions > Thanks to all who responded. > It seems the board is 4" x ~4.75". I plan to mount it on a flat piece of > aluminum (Painted black) that has rubber feet. > I still haven't received mine... Waiting patiently, almost. > 73/72 - Kevin, W8VOS > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Kevin M., W8VOS" > To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" > Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 4:47 PM > Subject: [Elmer 160] PIC EL Dimensions > > > > Gang, > > Can someone who has received their board tell me the dimensions? I am > going > > to cut some aluminum today to mount the board on, like breadboards you see > > from proto-board. > > Thanks, > > 73/72 - Kevin, W8VOS > > > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 20:14:20 -0500 (EST) From: To: Joe Mann Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166676] RE: PIC-EL Board - ZIF Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Hi, I made mention of the ZIF. I happend to have a 20 pin TEXTOOL ZIF socket. First I built the Pic-el stock. Then I had to do what I had to do:) To fit my 20 pin ZIF in the 18-hole slot left by the "removed" ic socket.. -first I relocated C9 and R30 to the bottom of the board. I decided to have the end of the 20 pin ZIF socket that would have pins 10 and 11, would now become pns 9 and 10. Next I clipped off the "old" pins 1 and 20, since pin 2 will become pin one and pin 20 will become the "new" pin 18. Now I placed some foil tape over the old pins 1 and 20 since they won't be used. Next I "reformed the lever on the ZIF to clear Socket One on the PCB. Popped the modified ZIF into the pcb holes and checked operation of the lever... Then soldered it in place. I popped the test PIC in the ZIF and powered it up....Everything works as it did :) Only now I can pop PIC's in and out like crazy :)) I don't have a source for the ZIF's. Someone will I am sure. Oh, the other thing I did was install some standoffs under the outside end of the LCD. Now it is pretty solid. Overall a winning project. Thanks for all the contributors for their work. 73, Jim n2go On Fri, 30 Jan 2004, Joe Mann wrote: > Jim (or anyone else with info), > > What size ZIF socket will fit on the PIC-EL board and is there a > reasonable source for same? > > Joe, K9HDE > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU > > [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU]On Behalf Of > > n2go@arrl.net > > Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2004 4:19 PM > > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > > Subject: Re: PIC-EL Board > > > > > > I agree about the daughter card 90 angle arrangement. Seems > > kinda cheesey. > > I have been looking for a 90 degree connector. I know I have one > > somewhere.Maybe on an old 5 1/4" hard drive or old pc board..... > > I would have paid extra :)) > > Also I am going to put a ZIF connector on the board for the > > PIC. I know I will trash the pic chip leads after a couple times. > > Especially with that tin ic jack. > > > > 73, > > > > Jim n2go > > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 18:18:51 -0700 From: "John" To: "QRP-L" Subject: [166677] Still no PIC-EL! Message-ID: <004e01c3e798$309740d0$6401a8c0@HP5400> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Here it is 18:15 Friday evening and no PIC-EL on the doorstep. Now I have to wait until Monday. This is probably for the best because I am currently emptying out the shack to make room for a new radio/computer corner desk so I am pretty busy. Oh well. John K7SVV ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 20:29:00 -0500 From: "Tony Parks" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [166678] BLT cased Rock Mite Message-ID: <027501c3e799$9b5c35f0$524fe940@DGN0JF31> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit The aluminum BLT case, without the BLT holes, sure makes a nice case for a Rock Mite. I recently packaged my 40 meter Rock Mite along with six AAA cells (two Radio Shack 3xAAA battery holders) in a BLT case. The two battery holders are fastened to the inside surface of the lower portion of the case. Two Radio Shack lever switches are mounted on the underside of the top of the case to form paddles. The little levers stick out through a slot in the front of the case with a right and left lever for keying. Also mounted on the front of the case is a toggle switch for battery power. The Rock Mite circuit board is mounted on standoffs on the underside of the case top along with the frequency select pushbutton switch and the earphone connector. A chassis mount BNC connector is mounted in the case back. The case front stays with the lower portion of the case and the case back stays with the upper portion of the case so that only two switched DC power leads connect between the two sections for easy battery replacement. Measured power output with six AAA cells is about 250 mW. Not quite a KX1 but it does make a neat little toy :-). 73, Tony KB9YIG ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 20:29:17 -0500 From: Jason Buchanan To: schoon@amgt.com Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166679] Re: Learning the code Message-ID: <401B04ED.5000003@Digistar.COM> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Mark Schoonover wrote: > I'm sure there will be tons of comments on teaching morse. When I took morse > in the Navy, there was nothing in writing. All the students stood up in > class and would say " dit-dah Alpha, dah-dit-dit-dit Bravo " etc. We were > not allowed to look at morse code written out. We were taught not to learn > code by patterns, or counting. Needless to say, I kept my mouth shut that I > was a ham, and boy did I have some fun at the instructor's expense!! I second that ;-) Once you get those mental pictures in your mind it's almost impossible to get 'em out. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 20:44:13 -0500 From: Jason Buchanan To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166680] QRO, QRP and the Decibel Message-ID: <401B086D.1010607@Digistar.COM> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I have finished a "drafty" version of a webpage I have had rolling around in the back of my mind for a while about QRP, mostly with the intention to educate those who don't know what QRP really is or why it is worthwhile. I'd appreciate any feedback, flames or words of praise for the page below: http://n1su.us/qrp.html This page started out as a means to clear up the psycho-babble about the benefits of running 4500 watt amplifiers, mostly from the section in the page at http://n1su.us/qrp.html#decibel and below, but I believe the entire page is useful for new hams who think 120 watts is "louder" than 100 watts. 72 Jason N1SU ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 19:02:08 -0700 From: w5xe@juno.com To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [166681] Re: Wanted: Knobs for RS DSP Message-ID: <20040130.190208.-327363.16.w5xe@juno.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit some caps for various products in tubes like hair products, toothpaste, etc are about the right 1/4 inch diameter size. Might be worth a look. Ray If you know the forest, you will not fear, If you do not know the forest, then you will fear the forest.'Luther Standing Bear' Ray Colbert, W5XE, OOTC#3618, SOWP#1064M NARTE-NCT2R FP-111 QRP-ARCI 5784 El Paso,(FAR WEST)TEXAS ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 21:07:25 -0500 From: "k3peg" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [166682] Re: ZIF Sockets for the PIC-EL board Message-ID: <027501c3e79e$f9c08a60$6501a8c0@k3pegshack> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi Jim and group, FB on finding the ZIF socket for the PIC-EL, and thanks for passing the info on to us. I've bought from Futurlec in the past, and I was happy with what I got for my money. 73, Larry ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 21:19:56 -0500 From: "Brian Riley (maillist)" To: "John J. McDonough" , Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion , Subject: [166683] Re: PIC-EL up and running - 2 questions Message-ID: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit On 1/30/04 7:46 PM, "John J. McDonough" wrote: > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Brian Riley (maillist)" > Subject: PIC-EL up and running - 2 questions > > >> Test point "TPA-Vpgm" measures 11.58 volts when there is 12.72 volts at the >> input., I checked over by R6 and right at D5, 11.58 volts each time ... Is >> this OK or is the zener "off" ??? > > Close enough for government work. >> The Pushbutton test LED3 comes on immediately and stays on during the PB >> test. Pushing PB3 doesn't do anything, the others work fine. I powered down > > Do the LEDs behave during the other tests? In test 1 they should all blink > on and off, then led 1, then 2, then 3. In the DDS test, again led 1 should > be on (only) then 2 then 3. All of the LEDs (including LED3) behave fine otherwise. I broke for dinner, relaxed a bit and then went back over the board thoroughly with the large lighted magnifier. I can find no short, no cold joints. > > This is not so good. Try hanging your meter on TP-H during the pushbutton > test. Should read about 5 until you press PB3, in which case it should go > to about zero. I get 3.8 volts dropping to zero when I push PB3 -------------- Well something happened, as far as I can tell, I didn't 'do' anything but the 7805 died, took its trace to ground out and fried the 16F84A. I got the power off before anything else seemed to go wrong. Cut the 7805 out, worked out the leads, cleaned the holes, patched the burn trace and put in a new 7805. Ran all the voltage checks, everything is back to normal ... Except of course the 16F84A is over the hill ... I am going to need to replace the 16F84A. I have a bunch of PICs around here, but not 16F84A .... So what do I do, who do I contact? How much? ... Sigh ... Murphy Lives! Cheers ... 73 de brian ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 21:33:03 -0500 From: Bruce Muscolino To: k5di@zianet.com Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166684] Re: Learning the code Message-ID: <401B13DF.BD4C9F31@erols.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Karl, There will probably be a dozen or more ways to teach your students; here's mine. Your students should learn the code by sound. This is the way they are going to use it, and regardless of what speed the code is taught at, the transition to higher speeds will be faster. And, should they ever go inactive for periods of 10 years or more, they can start again at almost the same speed they stopped at. The above is a personal experience. I learned the code at about 7 wpm. I went up to 13 wpm over the next two years. I stopped using the code regularly about 1958 and didn't start again until about 1969. I was able to pick it up again at 12 wpm and go up to about 18 wpm within a year. Teach your students a few characters, chosen at random, by sound. You will have to show a graphic representation of the characters a few times while they are learning the sounds. After that don't use the graphics any longer unless the class is having trouble with a character. After they have learned the sound of three letters start your Koch program and have it send the entire alphabet plus all numbers and the common prosigns randomly. If the pace seems slow, you can probably pick the number of characters up to four each session, but remember always that the objective is to turn out a code user. Have your class copy everything they hear that they understand. First off all this is how they will receive most CW. Second, the random mixture of letters, numbers, and prosigns will teach them not to fall asleep or be distracted during a code session. And third make them WRITE DOWN the entire session. There is plenty of time to learn "head" copy after they can copy everything at 5 or more wpm, on paper, Try to pack the first sessions with letters, numbers, abbreviations, and prosigns so they can recognize some common CW off the air. You don't have to use live CW, you can always make a recording for them to copy. Run your sessions like an old FCC test. The objective should be to learn the code; fancy tricks can wait. Pick up their papers promptly so they have no opportunity to erase or change their copy. Grade and return the papers promptly. Teach them a little discipline, allow them to cross out bad copy but pick up again within a few characters. Teach them to write or print everything. This will result in kudos for you from any VEC, and give them something to take home that they may be able to learn from further. Keep each session short; 15 to 30 minutes is ideal. Boredom or tiredness can kill their ability and incentive to learn. Yes, I know the military taught for 4 hours at a time with only meal breaks, but these people are learning what should be something that is fun. Ultimately their enjoyment will be set by your example Make it fun and they will always use the code; make it boring and, well you know that answer. You can go over 30 minutes, but be sure you include a break, and only use 30 minutes for teaching and testing. Use the rest for making a QSO or two or, demonstrating other ham related gear. Don't use any handouts unless you should be able to talk the League and other magazines and manufacturers and/or vendors into some free handouts. They have always been happy too assist us at FDIM. A few neatly typed letters asking for assistance can get enough stuff to give away to your students to last a lifetime. Ask one of your friends to "guest" visit one session; hopefully a CW user, but not all their ham experience is going to be CW. His experience and a few of the different QSL cards he has received will promote a lot of excitement and interest. See if one of the emergency nets or local nets can arrange to have a session when you are teaching Check in and let everyone have a chance to talk. There's no better way to hook a fish and spread some excitement. Gosh, I'm really sorry this is so long winded. Obviously I'm proud of having taught myself the code entirely by myself. Of course learning the code had slightly different objectives in 1955; you were trying to get to 13 wpm in the shortest possible time. The teaching ideas are ones that have worked successfully in the Paso code teaching sessions. Good luck, and if you want/need any help you know the number. Bruce ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 21:45:30 -0500 From: "George Heron N2APB" To: "QRP-L" Subject: [166685] Re: ZIF Sockets for the PIC-EL board Message-ID: <027901c3e7a4$4d9bba10$6400a8c0@n2apb1> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Good information Jim. But of course, if all goes well in building the PIC-EL, the Elmer 160 students should never need to remove the PIC. I've had mine in place on my prototype PIC-EL board since early December, and it's been through maybe 200 re-programming cycles. But of course you'll be removing the PIC when you using the PIC-EL as a programmer board for a PIC destined for use in another project application! Thanks again for the link - I'll put it on the Builder's Notes page. 73, George N2APB ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 21:48:02 -0500 From: "John J. McDonough" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Cc: Subject: [166686] Re: PIC-EL up and running - 2 questions Message-ID: <01bc01c3e7a4$a5c99450$090044c0@BrianBoru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brian Riley (maillist)" Subject: Re: PIC-EL up and running - 2 questions > I get 3.8 volts dropping to zero when I push PB3 This should be very close to 5. It needs to be over 4 to work reliably. Take a peek around R20/Q5 and R34. You would expect no current flowing into the base of Q5 to speak of, so R34 should be sufficient to pull it up very close to Vdd. Do you have good volume from the speaker? Almost sounds as if Q5 could be in wrong. 72/73 de WB8RCR http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr didileydadidah QRP-L #1446 Code Warriors #35 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 19:55:30 -0700 From: na5n@zianet.com To: "Bill Jones" Cc: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [166687] Re: Regens Live Forever Message-ID: <20040131025530.17642.qmail@nacho.zianet.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Bill, and the gang, Another superfragilisticexpialadocious classic from the KD7S workshop. Bill, another great job. The quality of Bill's work has been legendary for years, and I have had the pleasure of holding a few of his creations in my hands at PacifiCon and the like. The photos of his regen are great, but I can't wait to see that one "in the flesh" as well. Thanks for sharing it with us, Bill. It's making a lot of us water at the mouth over such fine craftsmanship. > Bill Jones KD7S <>< > http://www.psnw.com/~kd7s 72, Paul NA5N ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 20:19:50 -0700 (MST) From: Karl Larsen To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [166688] Flaw in G4FON software Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII I must rewrite my instructions because the software will not function with a character rate of 15 wpm and a word rate of 1 wpm. So what I will do is start at 3 wpm and hope they can still learn the characters! -- - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 22:30:54 -0500 From: Bruce Muscolino To: "Mike Duke, K5XU" Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166689] Re: Travel Antenna for Hand Held Receivers Message-ID: <401B216E.EAC10DF7@erols.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Unless Kenwood has designed its HT differently than Icom, the major faults with these receivers is a wide-band front end and almost no filtering for any band. You cannot help but improve things with any type of preselector. Yes, a simple tuned circuit will do a wonderful improvement for the receiver just be sure to disconnect it before transmitting! You should be able to package it in an Altoids tin using a toroid as the coil. U would be somewhat uncertain of placing the capacitor in such tight quarters though. As long as you keep the box open a small clip should work. Design it right and you can store a short, 20 feet or so, of wire coiled up inside too. Bruce ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 21:52:12 -0600 From: "George, W5YR" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [166690] Re: Flaw in G4FON software Message-ID: <0bd601c3e7ad$a381b110$0401a8c0@PS> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Karl, none of my business, but having operated CW for over 57 years and having taught it for the Air Force, it seems to me that what you describe is a recipe for disaster. At 3 wpm, that is 15 characters or an average of four seconds per character. I cannot imagine how anyone could learn the sound and rhythm of Morse code at such an artificial and unrealistic rate. The students are going to resort to counting dits and dahs unconsciously, and once they start that, they have lost all hope of ever learning the code. Imagine an H sent at the rate of one dit every second! An S at one dit every 1.25 seconds. Sorry, but my experience both personally and as a professional instructor is that the characters are best learned at a rate of somewhere between 15 and 20 wpm where the rhythm is clearly heard and the speed discourages if not makes impossible dit and dah counting. Best of luck to you and the class, but I think that major problems lie ahead. 73, George W5YR w5yr@att.net ----- Original Message ----- From: "Karl Larsen" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 9:19 PM Subject: Flaw in G4FON software > > I must rewrite my instructions because the software will not > function with a character rate of 15 wpm and a word rate of 1 wpm. So > what I will do is start at 3 wpm and hope they can still learn the > characters! > > -- > > - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 20:07:59 -0800 (PST) From: Mark Hogan To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166691] Re: mobile cross country Message-ID: <20040131040759.68185.qmail@web9603.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Thanks to all that replied Overwhelming response to starting out on 40, then moving to 20. Early is still dark... This should work fine, I'll switch about first fuel, or rest stop whicher is first...hopefully fuel! See ya on the bands Mark Hogan / N5OBC __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free web site building tool. Try it! http://webhosting.yahoo.com/ps/sb/ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 22:25:14 -0600 From: "Merton Nellis" To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [166692] PIC-EL and DDS Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed A question for the PIC-EL experts... I just finished testing my PIC-EL and DDS. Works GREAT. I was pleasantly surprised that my DDS worked because my solder job on the AD9850 was not that great. I did have one problem because I had installed the Ctr jumper on the board and that caused the PB1 push button test to fail because the light was on continuously. The pull up for the input was not high enough with the counter amp load on it. But when I removed the jumper, it was OK. Also during the paddle test the dits and dahs operated led 1 and led 3 whereas I was expecting led 1 and led 2. led 2 was on continuously during the paddle test phase. Is this OK? Seeing the correct freq. on my freq counter was a real thrill. 73 Mert w0ufo@arrl.net _________________________________________________________________ Scope out the new MSN Plus Internet Software optimizes dial-up to the max! http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-us&page=byoa/plus&ST=1 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 23:05:51 -0500 From: "Patrick Schwarz - KB8RTZ" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [166693] Re: Learning the code Message-ID: <000d01c3e7af$8558fac0$48708318@ce1.client2.attbi.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I first learned the alphanumeric prosign characters. Boredom grew quickly, so I made text files of W1AW bulletins and let the program read from the text files as I copied. I broke the bulletins into segments since it would take forever to copy one completely through, and when I stopped it wouldn't start where I left off. It still took me roughly 3 months to learn, but started at 3 wpm. :-) All else looks good below. Patrick...KB8RTZ... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Karl Larsen" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 4:56 PM Subject: Learning the code > > Here are two papers I have written for my code class this > spring. I'm defraging my laptop windows 98 because the Koch version 5 > software has been failing to work. But that takes several hours. This > class will be taught using this software running at 1 word a minute with > 2 characters first. Here is the first paper: > > > Code List > > > 1 A=dit dah > 2 B=dah dit dit dit > 3 C=dah dit dah dit > 4 D=dah dit dit > 5 E=dit > 6 F=dit dit dah dit > 7 G=dah dit dit > 8 H=dit dit dit dit > 9 I=dit dit > 10 J=dit dah dah dah > 11 K=dah dit dah > 12 L=dit dah dit dit > 13 M=dah dah > 14 N=dah dit > 15 O=dah dah dah > 16 P=dit dah dah dit > 17 Q=dah dah dit dah > 18 R=dit dah dit > 19 S=dit dit dit > 20 T=dah > 21 U=dit dit dah > 22 V=dit dit dit dah > 23 W=dit dah dah > 24 X=dah dit dit dah > 25 Y=dah dit dah dah > 26 Z=dah dah dah dit dit > > Note: numbers and puncuation count > as two characters. > > 27 0=dah dah dah dah dah > 28 1=dit dah dah dah dah > 29 2=dit dit dah dah dah > 30 3=dit dit dit dah dah > 31 4=dit dit dit dit dah > 32 5=dit dit dit dit dit > 33 6=dah dit dit dit dit > 34 7=dah dah dit dit dit > 35 8=dah dah dah dit dit > 36 9=dah dah dah dah dit > > 37 .=dit dah dit dah dit dah > 38 ,=dah dah dit dit dah dah > 39 /=dah dit dit dah dit > 40 ?=dit dit dah dah dit dit > > > This is the main paper: > > > Learning to use the Morse Code > > > There are 3 phases in learning to send and receive using the Morse > Code. The first phase is to learn the 40 characters. The second phase is to > learn how to copy the characters quickly so you can do it at a rate of 5 > words a minute. The third phase is learning to do it much faster which > requires that you train yourself to convert a Morse code character heard by > your ear to a written character on paper automatically. > > Phase One: > > After we learn to use the Koch5 software, each of us will set up the > software to send 2 characters at 1 word per minute. This will be very easy. > Then we will send 4 characters at 1 word per minute. This begins to get > difficult. When you find that your able to copy 90% of the characters > correct add another character. > > When your at about 20 characters it is most difficult. Let me say > here that your LEARNING. And learning is difficult for all but the few > genius's among us. > > When your using 40 characters at 1 word a minute and getting 90% of > them right, your done with phase one. > > > Phase Two: > > Now set your word per minute to 3. Be certain that you don't have my > paper your using with A=dit dah on it in sight because now it's too fast to > hear the sound, glance at the paper, and write it down. At this speed you > must simply hear the Morse code, in your head convert it to an English > character and write it down. > > Practice until you can copy over 90% of the characters correct. Your > done with phase two. > > > Phase Three: > > At this point your able to copy 5 words per minute and you want to > copy at faster speeds. This is done by learning. It is just like phase two. > You simply set Koch to 7 words per minute and copy it until your getting 90% > of the characters right. Then up the speed 2 words per minute until you > reach the speed you desire. > > Time: > > How long is phase one? It depends on you and how long you study each > day. If your committed and spend 30 quality minutes every day, you should be > done in 7 days. If you don't study, or do so "off and on", you can spend 30 > days! Phase two is faster. With study it will take 5-7 days. Your now ready > to take the test. > > If your done with phase two and have some free time, I suggest going > to phase three and get as far as you can before the end of class. > > > If you have ideas to improve let me know. > > > > > -- > > - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 20:38:12 -0800 From: "Steve McDonald" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [166694] Re: Flaw in G4FON software Message-ID: <002801c3e7b4$0f41b5c0$9f1179d1@jsm> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit >it seems to me that what you describe is > a recipe for disaster. I agree 100% with George! I learned CW way back in Boy Scouts, around 1958, and did it the real hard and wrong way. We first learned what it looked like on flash cards and then what it sounded like...sent really slow. I then had to convert the sound back to the visual, counting dots and dashes all the way...terrible...but I loved every minute of it and to this day it is still my favorite mode. Long live CW!! Steve / VE7SL Visit the "THE VE7SL RADIO NOTEBOOK" at http://www.imagenisp.ca/jsm [L.F. Loop] [Tuna Tin DX] [H.F. Maritime DX] [Crystal Radio DXing] [136 kHz Band * updated*] ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 22:48:18 -0600 From: "Craig Johnson" To: Subject: [166695] Re: PIC-EL up and running - 2 questions Message-ID: <025101c3e7b5$72500710$6201a8c0@cbjp2> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Brian, I bet you have the CTR jumper in. Try removing it. 72, -Craig, AA0ZZ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 22:52:35 -0600 From: "Craig Johnson" To: Subject: [166696] Re: PIC-EL -- More Assembly comments Message-ID: <025701c3e7b6$0bb48570$6201a8c0@cbjp2> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Brian, The GND holes are for another GROUND connection, like the one at the "top". I found I often needed to hook up my scope probe down at that end and needed a convenient place to hook the ground. 72, Craig, AA0ZZ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 22:55:54 -0600 From: "Craig Johnson" To: Subject: [166697] Re: PIC-EL and DDS Message-ID: <026001c3e7b6$84333b40$6201a8c0@cbjp2> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Mert, >I just finished testing my PIC-EL and DDS. Works GREAT. I was pleasantly surprised > that my DDS worked because my solder job on the AD9850 was not that great. I have > ordered another board for my other AD9850 (I got two) so I can do some other things. Good going, Mert! >I did have one problem because I had installed the Ctr jumper on the board and that caused > the PB1 push button test to fail because the light was on continuously. The pull up for the >input was not high enough with the counter amp load on it. >But when I removed the jumper, it was OK. Yes, it does that. There should be a warning in the manual. This is one of those interactions that we ran into when we tried to multiple functions on the small number of pins that are available. That's why we had to put the header in the Counter line - to keep the counter driver disconnected in most cases. >Also during the paddle test the dits and dahs operated led 1 and led 3 whereas I was expecting > led 1 and led 2. led 2 was on continuously during the paddle test phase. Is this OK? Yes, that's correct. It just happens to be the way John programmed the test program to work. By the way, the paddles are also connected to the same pins as PB1 and PB2, so you could actually send CW with those two pushbuttons instead of paddles. Don't try this when you are the FOX ! It may be tiresome! >Seeing the correct freq. on my freq counter was a real thrill. Great, Mert! 73, -Craig, AA0ZZ ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 00:00:47 -0500 From: Michael Neverdosky To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166698] FS SSS Frequency Counter Message-ID: <401B367F.E6EC7E71@earthlink.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I have an extra ScQRPion Stinger Singer Frequency Counter. Long ago I bought two, built one and it is a fine unit. The project that was going to use the other never happened. Now that the kit is no longer available I thought that someone might like one of these and it would be better in service than in my junk box. I think I paid $20 for it so will sell it for $20. 72 michael N6CHV ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 01:09:26 EST From: JClinton46@aol.com To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [166699] Re: Learning the code Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I am a current student and I can only relate my limited experience. I think there may be some confusion between character speed and word speed. George, W5YR wrote "Imagine an H sent at the rate of one dit every second!" If I read Karl correctly he intends on using a character speed around 15 WPM but spacing them so the overall speed (number of characters sent per minute) is around 3 WPM. Many years ago I "learned the code" (letters only) by a table instead of a sound. I was in flight school and we needed just enough code to read navigational aid identifiers. Not a difficult task since most identifiers were 3 letter and they repeated themselves. Besides you knew which ones to expect. Flash forward to today and trying to learn code correctly. I find it takes a character speed above 15 WPM to keep me from using a "lookup table". Even so, too slow a word speed allows me to mentally slow the character down and do the same thing. So for me, 18-20 WPM character and 8-10 WPM overall is about right. YMMV Those not having to unlearn and learn at the same time will probably find slower speeds work better for them. I do know that repetition is key. My problem area now is the numbers. As I progressed adding characters, the newest characters were not getting the exposure of the earlier ones. (Consider - with the first two characters each one is sent about 50% of the time. By the time the 20th character is taught you are also reviewing 19 others. I am not suggesting each is sent an equal number of times but the new character exposure will probably be less than when only two were sent.) I plan to concentrate on my problem characters until the recognition becomes as easy as the others then add back in the previously learned characters. I agree completely with those recommending writing down the answers. I tried using a tape in the car but found a few minutes with pad and pencil is more effective for me. Hope the class passes with flying colors Karl! 73 Clint Poss KE4FDT ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 23:53:36 -0600 From: "Joe Mann" To: "qrp-l" Subject: [166700] RE: Elmer 160: PIC-EL - program chips besides 'F84? Message-ID: <004201c3e7be$91324860$9403bb42@joeii> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit George, Thanks for the insight that other combinations of chips and the FPP software can be used with the PIC-EL. I suspect that owners of the PIC-EL would be interested in what additional chips might be programmable, using the PIC-EL, possibly with other software. In those cases where a chip may not be used, the reason (different pinout, different programming algorithm, etc.) might alert people to the possible dead end before they waste too much time barking up the wrong tree. The possible resting place for this type of information might be the FAQ page, or possibly its own page. The web site is currently down, so I can't verify if the PIC-EL supports ICSP which then might expand the list of chips programmable with a PIC-EL to those with <> 18 pins. Here's a partial list of 18 pin PICs to start the ball rolling: Chip Ok Software Comments/Reasons 16F627 ? ? 16F627A ? ? 16F628 Yes FPP 16F628A ? ? 16F648A ? ? 16F818 ? ? 16F819 ? ? 16F83 ? ? mature/obsolete 16F84 ? ? mature/obsolete 16F84A Yes FPP 16F87 ? ? 16F88 ? ? 18F1220 ? ? Hardware multiply 18F1320 ? ? Hardware multiply (18 pin Low voltage and non-flash chips not listed.) Let me know if I can be of any assistance in gathering/storing/manipulating/disseminating any of the above information. If the above information already exists, just point me to it and excuse my pushiness. 8-) Joe, K9HDE > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU > [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU]On Behalf Of > George Heron N2APB > Sent: Sunday, December 14, 2003 7:30 PM > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > Subject: Re: Elmer 160: PIC-EL - program chips besides 'F84? > > > The 16F628 will plug into the PIC-EL board, program up just > fine using FPP, > and be functionally backward compatible to the 16F84A. We're > just starting > with the 'F84A because it's lots easier to learn on. > > Here's the blurb from the Elmer 160 course FAQ page ... > > Why aren't we using the PIC16F628? > For many applications the PIC16F628 is indeed a better part, > as it costs > less than the 16F84A and has much more capability -- however, > it is a very > complex part. We felt it was better to start people out on > the simpler > 16F84A. By the end of the class students will have developed > the skills > required to program and use the 16F628 by using the > pin-for-pin compatible > 16F84A. All the functions of the lesser device, including > the programming > method and circuitry, are applicable to the 16F628, so > sudents can later > substitue the more capable and modern microcontroller for > future custom > applications, if desired. In fact, we have some advanced > lessons planned > downstream for students wishing to upgrade the > microcontroller in this way. > > 73, George N2APB > > > --- > Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 22:17:47 -0800 (PST) From: Nelson Winter To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166701] Re: QRO, QRP and the Decibel Message-ID: <5525060.1075529870028.JavaMail.thenels@gomailjtp01> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi Jason, A very wise man told me once that the best wine to drink is the one you enjoy. So it is true for Amateur radio and all of its many facets.' Your web page works long and hard at driving home the point that QRO is unnecessary. Although I personally agree with the technical aspects you bring to bear in your discussion, the document takes on a tone of 'right way' vs. 'wrong way', which may do more "rubbing the wrong way" than mentoring and enlightening. Especially when you consider how very stubborn and thickheaded many folks can be (grin). Using the wine metaphor, the way each person 'enjoys' our ham radio hobby is the best way. So, just because someone wants to waste some watts doesn't mean that it is necessarily wrong or inappropriate. Thus, I would encourage you to think about wording your document in terms of the similarities between QRP and QRO rather than the differences. Its a subtle difference, but much more palatable. With each passing day our numbers, as an Amateur Radio community, dwindles. We should be focusing our attention on what binds us together rather that pointing out our differences and faults. Thanks for listening and the bandwidth, Nelson Winter WB6DWD -----Original Message----- From: "Jason Buchanan" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Date: Fri Jan 30 17:44:13 PST 2004 Subject: QRO, QRP and the Decibel > >I have finished a "drafty" version of a webpage I have had rolling >around in the back of my mind for a while about QRP, mostly with the >intention to educate those who don't know what QRP really is or why it >is worthwhile. > >I'd appreciate any feedback, flames or words of praise for the page below: > >http://n1su.us/qrp.html > > >This page started out as a means to clear up the psycho-babble about the >benefits of running 4500 watt amplifiers, mostly from the section in the >page at http://n1su.us/qrp.html#decibel and below, but I believe the >entire page is useful for new hams who think 120 watts is "louder" than >100 watts. > > >72 Jason N1SU ___________________________________________________ Check-out GO.com GO get your free GO E-Mail account with expanded storage of 6 MB! http://mail.go.com ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 04:29:34 -0600 From: Chuck Carpenter To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [166702] Re: Beacons *5* on 80 ( HI ) Message-ID: <3.0.2.32.20040131042934.00839a30@mail.9plus.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" [Posted for Dean] Hello Group: I will be running my K2 at 5 watts on 3728 kHz. Antenna is a full-wave sloping loop. The schedule: 0400 - 1600 utc, Sunday. In Hawaii, that's 6pm Saturday to 6am Sunday. That embraces Hawaii sunset and most Mainland USA sunrise times. My email: kh6b@arrl.net. 72, Aloha, Dean KH6B BK29kp - Near Hilo Hawaii Chuck Carpenter, W5USJ, Point, Rains Co., TX - EM22cv, NETXQRP #1 QRP-ARCI #5422, QRP-L #1306, QRPp-I #115, ARS #1280, SOC #57 Zombie #759, COG #11, 6 Club #201, FP #601 oo http://www.netxqrp.org ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 06:13:44 -0500 From: "John Huffman" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [166703] February Spartan Sprint Announcement Message-ID: <000f01c3e7eb$4aa64f90$0cad59cf@jhuffmanlt> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Spartan Sprint Contest Monday - It may not be the Super Bowl, but it's still a lot of fun! Do the Sprint! The February Spartan Sprint will be held on Monday, February 2, 2004 (which is our standard date--the first Monday of the month). It's two hours of fun as you contact other QRP CW stations on 80, 40, 20, 15, and/or 10 meters. The contest starts at 9 pm EST, 8 pm CST, 7 pm MST, and 6 pm PST. That's 0200-0400 UTC. The Spartan Sprint exchange is RST - State - Power (e.g. 559 MI 5W). Contest details and rules are below. In your Soapbox comments after the contest, start by listing your radio and antenna. We think everyone would be interested in this information. It's winter and it's a lot tougher to be outside, but we will continue our special recognition for those who operate outdoors. If you operate outdoors, please note it in your Soapbox comments after the contest. If it's portable and outdoors, it's Adventure Radio! NOTE - The deadline for logs is noon on Wednesday, Pacific Time. There's more details at www.ARSqrp.com and you'll find the autolog there. The autolog page is www.ARSqrp.com/ars/ss_log.html We've made a few changes to clarify what information goes in each box. Good luck on Monday! Contest Rule Summary - You may operate on any one or more of five bands--80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. The frequencies will be 3560+- kHz, 7040 kHz+-, 14060 kHz+-, 21060 kHz+-, and 28060 kHz+-. We commend the winners in two categories--overall points (the Tubby Division), and points per pound (the Skinny Division). We show everyone's score in both categories. The exchange RST, SPC (state, province or country) and power output. If you choose to call CQ, use the format "CQ SP". You can take credit for working the same station on a second, third, or fourth band. After the contest, we invite you to use our autolog, which is part of the ARS Sojourner. Just go to www.ARSqrp.com/ars/ss_log.html "Station Weight" is defined as the combined weight of all transmitters, receivers, keys, keyers, batteries, and power supplies used during the Sprint. The specifics of our weight rules for the Skinny Division and several examples can be found at: www.ARSqrp.com/ars/pages/spartan_sprints/ss_weight_rules_new.html We publish results for each Spartan Sprint on the Thursday following the Sprint. This may be the world's quickest contest reporting! Please send us your log as soon as possible, but in no event later than Wednesday at noon. 73 de NA8M John Contest Manager ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 06:12:06 -0500 (EST) From: To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166704] Re: Learning the code Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII SOme friends got together and we taught ourselves the code, when I was a kid. Here is how we did it. We started with the simplest letters. E, I, S, H one day adding T, M, O the next. So yes, we were counting at first, but soon we could recognize the sounds. We made up words and did short strings of these few letters until we could copy close to 5WPM. Then we started adding letters. We added letters that were 'similar'. A and N, B and V, G and W and only added more when we got good with what we had. This method allowed practice sessions to vary depending on our attention span that day (girls were attracting a lot of attention too). The point is: It worked well because after the first session we could copy 4 letters, well. So, we finished up feeling we had accomplished something. Hey, only 22 to go! If I were teaching someone now, I would not go beyond 4 simple letters, until they were comfortable with them. Then 2 to 4 a lesson with a lesson not considered complete until they can talk to each other using the set of letters they've learned. I've taught a few times since. If you have a group, they can have a lot of fun. Without learning the entire alphabet, they can start sending back and forth after a few lessons. This helps with sending skill. If you've a few mischevious students, some of the messages might get a little risque. This 'play' encourages learning the new letters. Once we had the letters, we HAD to learn the numbers and punctuation because we were almost there(ready for tests). That was plenty of motivation. I remember Y and Q, P and X, being the most difficult. L and F were pretty easy because of our desire to use them in our messages :-) 73, -Bob ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 05:20:25 -0600 From: Chuck Carpenter To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [166705] Beacons *5* on 80 -- IN, TX, AZ, CA & HI [Tonight] Message-ID: <3.0.2.32.20040131052025.00832930@mail.9plus.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" QRP Folks, Reminder Five 80 meter beacons Saturday night local, Sunday morning UTC. 3728 for Dean, KH6B, in HI -- 0400 to 1600 UTC 3729 for Jeff, KB9ZUR, in IN -- 0000 until around 0600 UTC 3730 for Chuck, W5USJ, in TX -- 0200 to 0500 UTC 3731 for Bill, WV7G, in AZ -- 0200 to 0500 UTC 3732 for Trev, KG6CYN, in CA -- 02:00 to at least 07:00 UTC W5USJ/B operating from 0200 to 0500 UTC Sun Feb 1, equipment -- FT-857 at 4 Watts, Butternut vertical and K-10 keyer. Follow up messages will be posted by the other beacon ops with their specifics as to operating time and equipment. To help us with creating the logs and for Bill to map the results on his website, please use the following report format. First Report -- Time: (UTC) Name: (first only) Call: ( for log) R/S: (readability & strength) Grid: ( e.g., EM22cv ) City, State Soap Box: (comments about equipment and conditions) Subsequent reports only needs time and R/S. Chuck Carpenter, W5USJ, Point, Rains Co., TX - EM22cv, NETXQRP #1 QRP-ARCI #5422, QRP-L #1306, QRPp-I #115, ARS #1280, SOC #57 Zombie #759, COG #11, 6 Club #201, FP #601 oo http://www.netxqrp.org ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 05:56:54 -0700 (MST) From: Karl Larsen To: JClinton46@aol.com Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166706] Re: Learning the code Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Sat, 31 Jan 2004 JClinton46@aol.com wrote: > I am a current student and I can only relate my limited experience. That is simply what I need Clint. I am willing to learn too. > > I think there may be some confusion between character speed and word speed. > George, W5YR wrote "Imagine an H sent at the rate of one dit every second!" If > I read Karl correctly he intends on using a character speed around 15 WPM but > spacing them so the overall speed (number of characters sent per minute) is > around 3 WPM. > Exactly. George did mis-understand. > Many years ago I "learned the code" (letters only) by a table instead of a > sound. I was in flight school and we needed just enough code to read > navigational aid identifiers. Not a difficult task since most identifiers were 3 letter > and they repeated themselves. Besides you knew which ones to expect. > That's right they were on the map and even shown as --.. --- .-- on the map. > Flash forward to today and trying to learn code correctly. I find it takes a > character speed above 15 WPM to keep me from using a "lookup table". Even so, > too slow a word speed allows me to mentally slow the character down and do the > same thing. So for me, 18-20 WPM character and 8-10 WPM overall is about > right. YMMV Those not having to unlearn and learn at the same time will probably > find slower speeds work better for them. > I am going to try to get my students to deal with 40 characters from the start. A usual problem is the student who is great with 26 characters but any number or puncuation kills tham. > I do know that repetition is key. My problem area now is the numbers. As I > progressed adding characters, the newest characters were not getting the > exposure of the earlier ones. (Consider - with the first two characters each one is > sent about 50% of the time. By the time the 20th character is taught you are > also reviewing 19 others. I am not suggesting each is sent an equal number of > times but the new character exposure will probably be less than when only two > were sent.) I plan to concentrate on my problem characters until the recognition > becomes as easy as the others then add back in the previously learned > characters. > The koch software works real good Craig. If you don't have it go to www.qsl.net/g4fon and get version 5. > I agree completely with those recommending writing down the answers. Yes. I insist they write down what they hear. Then check it against what koch says it sent. I tried > using a tape in the car but found a few minutes with pad and pencil is more > effective for me. > Yep. After your at 20-25 wpm you can start to copy in your head. Any slower and you forget the first letter. > Hope the class passes with flying colors Karl! > > 73 > Clint Poss > KE4FDT > -- - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 06:44:04 -0600 From: "Tim, N9PUZ" To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166707] Building Tools Message-ID: <20041316444.314229@arthur> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Friday I was at the local Harbor Freight Tools store and found a bargain on an inexpensive OptiVisor knock off. HFT has a "Magnifier Head Strap w/Lights" for around $5.00. It's light weight and has a Velcro adjustable head strap. There are two sets of lenses that cover both eyes and a third that swivels down in front of your right eye for really close up stuff. They claim the various magnifications possible are: 1.8, 2.3, 3.7, and 4.8 X. Model number on the box is LP-23 II. SKU#P38896 Haven't used it for any serious building yet but examining a few boards it seems like it'll be a big help to these 47 year old eyes. Tim, N9PUZ ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 08:46:07 -0500 From: Michael Neverdosky To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166708] SOLD was; FS SSS Frequency Counter Message-ID: <401BB19F.C33628FE@earthlink.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I could have sold a few of these. :-) Thanks all michael N6CHV Michael Neverdosky wrote: > > I have an extra ScQRPion Stinger Singer Frequency Counter. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 09:08:46 -0500 From: "John J. McDonough" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [166709] Re: Elmer 160: PIC-EL - ZIF Sockets, other chips, etc. Message-ID: <005601c3e803$be5e8fc0$090044c0@BrianBoru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit A few comments about programming other chips and installing ZIF sockets on your PIC-EL. Those of you who, like me, have perhaps used a programmer and gotten used to the whole programmer cycle probably quickly lust after a ZIF socket for their PIC-EL. I actually have a few of the Textool sockets, but the 18 pin socket from futurlec does sound appealing. For those of you who haven't been buying ZIF sockets .... 18 pin sockets have tended to be very expensive. That's why Jim is talking about covering holes in the sockets. PIC folks have been using these larger, cheaper sockets for years. But before you go running off buying a ZIF socket .... wait until we get farther down the course. The PIC-EL is going to spoil you. After a few months of being able to make changes and test them without pulling the chip from the test circuit to put it in the programmer, you are going to find the whole business of a separate programmer to be an intolerable inconvenience. Later in the course we are going to cover in-circuit programming. This isn't really very hard at all. That's why we included the header on the PIC-EL. You will be able to make up a cable to connect the PIC-EL to your circuit and do the programming without removing the PIC from your circuit. This does something else. Not only is it more convenient, but it opens up the PICs in different packages. Any of the PICs listed in the FPP dropdown can be programmed in circuit, and quite a few more. If you don't have to remove the part to program it, you can also consider the surface mount parts for those Altoids tin projects. There are some limitations in FPP, and I still haven't found software that will program the PICs that use the new programming algorithm AND will work with the PIC-EL (or any of the other popular hobbyist designs for that matter). So for example, while we can use the 16F877, we can't use the 16F877A. Most of the programming software doesn't let you configure the programmer pin by pin like FPP. Still working on that, though, and it may be just a question of figuring out the maddeningly opaque user interfaces to some of these things! There are a LOT of choices in programming software. Before you go out searching for a ZIF socket, read Microchip's 30277d.pdf. You may decide that it's not worth it (although Futurlec's $4 socket sure lowers the bar!) 72/73 de WB8RCR http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr didileydadidah QRP-L #1446 Code Warriors #35 ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 09:06:34 -0600 From: "rattray" To: , "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [166710] RE: Still no PIC-EL! Message-ID: <000501c3e80b$d44ac4e0$7900a8c0@Bonnie> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit No PIC-EL here as well John...but then I always receive "goodies" later being "up here"...we had a blizzard all day yesterday so if you would like to pass the time and get some fresh air too, come on up and help me dig out John!...first time I ever had a problem getting our front door opened because of all the snow...hihi...for most of yesterday the police had all the roads in & out of Regina blocked off because of the 4 ft to 6 ft snow drifts on the roads...but overall, it hasn't been a bad winter this time around...72 - Bruce ve5rc/ve5qrp -----Original Message----- From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU] On Behalf Of John Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 7:19 PM To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: Still no PIC-EL! Here it is 18:15 Friday evening and no PIC-EL on the doorstep. Now I have to wait until Monday. This is probably for the best because I am currently emptying out the shack to make room for a new radio/computer corner desk so I am pretty busy. Oh well. John K7SVV ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 11:18:44 -0500 From: "Ken La Rose" To: "QRP-Canada" , Cc: "Terry Ferguson" , " Julie Hardesty" , Subject: [166711] Sunday Morning SSB/CW QRP Net Message-ID: <002b01c3e815$e69a6060$c4618a3f@D1YQV721> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Greetings! Please join us if you can for another informal weekly QRP gathering on 40m around 7.067MHz, at 10:00 AM local (ET), 1500 UTC tomorrow morning. Listen for NCS VE3ELA on lower sideband, or break-in on CW/SSB if you hear a net participant, and they will QSP. All Hams within hearing range are invited to join us. Last Sunday conditions weren't the greatest, but we had an excellent net. It's interesting to hear the mixture of QRP CW and SSB on frequency, and it seems there's always a surprise check-in: VE3KQN Jim, Pickering, ON VE3OSC John (VA3JE), Ont. Science Ctr., Toronto, ON VE3JC John, London, ON VE3RLX Ric, Brantford, ON NA8M John, Grand Rapids, MI VE3QF Tony, Scarborough, ON VE3WZ Ron, Pickering, ON VA3QF Keith, Ottawa, ON WA1FXT Bob, Amherst, OH VE3ELA Ken, Midland, ON Thanks to all for participating! CU AGN 72, de Ken VE3ELA (NCS) ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 09:46:46 -0700 (MST) From: Karl Larsen To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [166712] Best way for Koch software Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII For 3 years I have used this software to teach morse code and a major problem is getting the software loaded on their computer! One year I gave them the URL and said to just download Koch3.zip and load it. I discovered a week later half the class could not get the software loaded! The basic problem is zip. You go to the web page www.qsl.net/g4fon/ and download Koch software you wind up with a file Kochx.zip where x is the version number. If you don't have pkzip your out of luck! As it happens I have zip on my linux so I unzipped Koch5.zip into: DISK1.ID _INST32I.EX_ _ISDEL.EXE Koch5.zip _SETUP.1 _SETUP.DLL SETUP.EXE SETUP.INI SETUP.INS _SETUP.LIB SETUP.PKG which I put on a cd-rom. There are 7 files needed and the way to get them all loaded is simple. What I did was put the cd-rom into my windows 98 se laptop and checked with Windows Exporer. I found them as drive D: and just like the above. So then I clicked on Run, told it to browse and then looked in the D: drive. There was Setup.exe so I clicked on that, then clicked on Run and the install shield came right up and the software loaded quick and easy. The new Koch rans fine. -- - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 11:49:06 -0500 From: Garey Barrell To: k5di@zianet.com Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166713] Re: Best way for Koch software Message-ID: <401BDC82.1040703@mindspring.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit OR ! You could just convert it to a "self extracting" ZIP file. OR ! You could just let them download the _FREE_ ZIP software from Karl Larsen wrote: > For 3 years I have used this software to teach morse code and a > major problem is getting the software loaded on their computer! One year > I gave them the URL and said to just download Koch3.zip and load it. I > discovered a week later half the class could not get the software > loaded! The basic problem is zip. > > You go to the web page www.qsl.net/g4fon/ and download Koch > software you wind up with a file Kochx.zip where x is the version > number. If you don't have pkzip your out of luck! > > As it happens I have zip on my linux so I unzipped Koch5.zip > into: > > DISK1.ID > _INST32I.EX_ > _ISDEL.EXE > Koch5.zip > _SETUP.1 > _SETUP.DLL > SETUP.EXE > SETUP.INI > SETUP.INS > _SETUP.LIB > SETUP.PKG > > which I put on a cd-rom. There are 7 files needed and the way to get > them all loaded is simple. What I did was put the cd-rom into my windows > 98 se laptop and checked with Windows Exporer. I found them as drive D: > and just like the above. > > So then I clicked on Run, told it to browse and then looked in > the D: drive. There was Setup.exe so I clicked on that, then clicked on > Run and the install shield came right up and the software loaded quick > and easy. The new Koch rans fine. > > ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 13:53:10 -0600 From: Jeff Strandberg To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [166714] FOX: K0UU final log Message-ID: <1075578790.401c07a6a5924@webmail.us.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit 1/28/04 - Hunt 27 - K0UU 0201 N5ZE 559 TX LEW 5W 0202 W5YR 559 TX GEORGE 5W 0203 N1FN 559 CO ET 5W 0205 KN5L 559 TX DON 5W 0205 K5DW 559 TX DON 5W 0207 N9NE 559 TX TODD 5W 0208 K0EVZ 559 NM DOC 5W 0211 AB9CA 559 AL DAVE 5W 0212 W5USJ 559 TX CHUCK 5W 0213 AC5JH 559 OK TOM 5W 0214 KL7V 559 OK SAM 5W 0216 W0ANM 559 MN CHRIS 5W 0217 K5JHP 559 TX BILL 5W 0218 AA5O 559 LA VERN 5W 0220 K0LOA 559 TX DWAIN 5W 0221 KI0II 559 CO RON 5W 0222 KK5LD 559 TX DAN 5W 0223 W5TB 559 TX DOC 4W 0224 K5UV 559 OK MIKE 5W 0226 K4BYF 559 FL JACK 5W 0228 K5DI 559 NM KARL 5W 0231 AG4PJ 559 CO DAVE 5W 0232 W7ILW 559 AZ WALT 5W 0232 KT5V 559 TX DAVID 5W 0234 K4JPN 559 GA STEVE 5W 0236 K5EOA 559 LA WAYNE 5W 0237 K6VNX 559 CA ARLEN 5W 0239 N1TP 559 FL TOM 5W 0239 W5HNS 559 TX HENRY 5W 0251 WA5BDU 559 AR NICK 5W 0304 K6IA 559 CA WARD 5W 0315 K0MAX 559 MN MAX 5W 0326 AC7A 559 AZ TOM 5W 0336 KD5UDB 559 LA CHRIS 5W 0344 KC1FB 559 CT JIM 5W 0347 W2XN 559 FL FRED 5W 0356 WA9TXE 559 WI JIM 5W 0357 NK6A 559 CA DON 5W 0359 N7CQR 559 OR DAN 5W 0400 K0PC FOX MN PAT 5W 0400 K0UU FOX MN JEFF 5W ------------------------------------------------- This mail sent through IMP: http://horde.org/imp/ ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 13:30:25 -5 From: "Bill Kelsey - N8ET - Kanga US" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [166715] GQRP Club Renewal Reminder Message-ID: <401BADF1.19821.289115F0@localhost> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Content-description: Mail message body If you have not already done so for 2004, be sure to get your renewal for the year ($14 per year) in to me so you don't miss any issues of SPRAT. Checks made out to GQRP Club should be sent to : Bill Kelsey 3521 Spring Lake Dr. Findlay, OH 45840 Include your GQRP Club number and call on the check. I will take care of the rest. 73 - Bill - N8ET Kanga US kanga@bright.net http://www.kangaus.com 419-423-4604 (Kanga) 419-423-5643 (home) ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 13:30:21 -5 From: "Bill Kelsey - N8ET - Kanga US" To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166716] QRP freq xtals available Message-ID: <401BADED.8578.289106EB@localhost> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Content-description: Mail message body I now have a stock of the CW QRP frequency crystals for all the HF bands except 160 meters. They are $4 each, or $3 each if you order at least 3 (same or different frequencies). S/H for a "crystals only" order is $2. They are listed on my web page at: http://www.bright.net/~kanga/kanga/misc/misc.htm 73 - Bill - N8ET Kanga US kanga@bright.net http://www.kangaus.com 419-423-4604 (Kanga) 419-423-5643 (home) ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 13:30:23 -5 From: "Bill Kelsey - N8ET - Kanga US" To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166717] Embedded Research / TiCk Keyers Available Message-ID: <401BADEF.4072.28910F0E@localhost> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Content-description: Mail message body I have updated my web site to include the Embedded Research Chips and Keyer kits I now carry. (TiCK-1, -4, and -4-EMB kits and the -1, -3 (SMT), and -4 chips) The URL to go directly to that part of my web site is: http://www.bright.net/~kanga/kanga/embedded_research/embedded_r esearch.htm or go to www.kangaus.com and follow the links to Embedded Research. 73 - Bill - N8ET Kanga US kanga@bright.net http://www.kangaus.com 419-423-4604 (Kanga) 419-423-5643 (home) ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 11:48:35 -0700 From: w5xe@juno.com To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [166718] Re: Flaw in G4FON software Message-ID: <20040131.114835.-1027531.8.w5xe@juno.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit So true George. 1st hand experience as a professional government cw operator 30+ years. 73 Ray If you know the forest, you will not fear, If you do not know the forest, then you will fear the forest.'Luther Standing Bear' Ray Colbert, W5XE, OOTC#3618, SOWP#1064M NARTE-NCT2R FP-111 QRP-ARCI 5784 El Paso,(FAR WEST)TEXAS ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 14:00:06 -0500 From: "Tom" To: "qrp-l" Subject: [166719] Still no pickle.... Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Man, the mail came and went and still no package in the ol box. Of course I'm also waiting on my w-2's so either I made an enemy at the USPS or the powers that be don't like people from Virginia ; ) 73, de Tom kf4yyd Fredericksburg Virginia IDHACWID* QRP Club #1 *I Don't Have A Clue What I'm Doing ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 13:18:39 -0600 From: John Seboldt To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [166720] (OT) Computer QRP in SE Asia! Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.0.20040131130455.00a2a470@seboldt.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/37936 The above link is a fascinating scenario of a kind of homebrew wireless data infrastructure this guy is promoting in Cambodia and Laos - getting them rudimentary wireless Internet connectivity even before there are power and phones in the area! If I read it right, there's even a bicycle-riding "e-mailman" who rides by remote schools to "deliver" the e-mail via wi-fi (if they're too far out). Bicycle-powered generators round out the scene to power the efficient little Linux machines that do most of the data crunching. Kind of a Field Day scenario for remote computing! John K0JD Milwaukee, WI ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 13:59:31 -0800 From: Darrell Bellerive To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166721] Koch Method Message-ID: <1075586371.4594.33.camel@jupiter.belletech.com> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT With the Koch method of learning code, is there a preferred order of characters to learn? >From what I have read, the Koch method starts with two characters, and then as one becomes proficient, adds one new character at a time. I have not been able to find which two characters should be learnt first and in what order should the rest of the characters be added? Darrell Bellerive VE7CLA ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 17:41:06 -0500 From: michael harnage To: ve7cla@shaw.ca Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166722] Re: Koch Method Message-ID: <401C2F02.3020308@boeing.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit This is the generally accepted order for the Koch method. K M R S U A P T L O W I . N J E F 0 Y , V G 5 / Q 9 Z H 3 8 B ? 4 2 7 C 1 D 6 X I used it. It works! I would recommend not using the Farnsworth spacing, i.e. use the same word speed as letter speed and keep it over 13. 73 de ko1m mike Darrell Bellerive wrote: >I have not been able to find which two characters should be learnt first >and in what order should the rest of the characters be added? > > > ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 14:53:10 -0800 From: Darrell Bellerive To: michael harnage Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [166723] Re: Koch Method Message-ID: <1075589590.4596.55.camel@jupiter.belletech.com> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Thanks Mike! This is exactly what I was looking for. I originally learnt the code using the Farnsworth method. Characters at about 12-13 wpm, and slower spacing. It got me past the 10 wpm exam, and on the air, but I never seemed to be able to get the speed higher. I kept finding the characters would run together, and my mind wouldn't separate them. So I am trying to relearn the code at 27 wpm using the Koch method. I am keeping the spacing of characters and words at 27 wpm and the dot dash weighting at exactly 1:3. Also trying to move from pencil and paper copy to copying in my head. I find 27 wpm the speed at which I no longer have a tendency to count, and seem to be able to recognize the sound of each character as a whole. Now on with the practice... 73, Darrell VE7CLA On Sat, 2004-01-31 at 14:41, michael harnage wrote: > This is the generally accepted order for the Koch method. > > K M R S U A P T L O > W I . N J E F 0 Y , > V G 5 / Q 9 Z H 3 8 > B ? 4 2 7 C 1 D 6 X > > > I used it. It works! I would recommend not using the Farnsworth spacing, i.e. use the same word speed as letter speed and keep it over 13. > > 73 de ko1m mike > > > Darrell Bellerive wrote: > > >I have not been able to find which two characters should be learnt first > >and in what order should the rest of the characters be added? > > > > > > > ------------------------------ End of QRP-L Digest 3182 ************************ --------------------------------