1 00:00:04,430 --> 00:00:08,501 Thanks for the reply, I was hoping to join the roundtable. So I'll be here. 2 00:00:12,238 --> 00:00:18,323 The workbench tonight, that's at 8 o'clock local and the roundtable is at 8 on Thursday so we'll 3 00:00:18,443 --> 00:00:22,706 look forward to having you join us to roundtable. This is WA3VEA. 4 00:00:41,964 --> 00:00:47,223 that gentleman, Ron, was at Field Day. I think he's retired from Bell Labs. if that's the 5 00:00:47,223 --> 00:00:51,552 case, sir, great to hear you on my repeater. W3GMS. 6 00:01:00,290 --> 00:01:06,156 Yes, Joe, you're right. I met you guys on Sunday morning. It was a fun time. Thank you. 7 00:01:08,686 --> 00:01:13,186 Okay, I won't get in the way of the net, but this is the workbench that we're talking about. 8 00:01:13,286 --> 00:01:20,226 It's great to hear you, and we'll talk later. 73, W3GMS, clear. The workbench. I'm located 9 00:01:20,226 --> 00:01:27,666 in Westchester, Pennsylvania. We meet every Monday at 8 p.m. on the W3GMS Parkesburg repeater. 10 00:01:28,946 --> 00:01:36,946 Frequency is 146.985 with a negative 600 kilohertz offset, and the PL tone is 100 hertz. For those 11 00:01:36,946 --> 00:01:42,046 who use the Tone Squelch while receiving, the repeater transmits a squelch tone of 94.8, 12 00:01:42,326 --> 00:01:47,906 which comes especially handy if you have a rig that handles that when there are band openings. 13 00:01:48,846 --> 00:01:53,526 Newcomers are very welcome. We encourage all stations to check in, especially the station 14 00:01:53,526 --> 00:02:00,026 that just checked in. A warm welcome to you here on 985 and to the workbench. Take look 15 00:02:00,026 --> 00:02:08,442 at the repeater website located at www.w3gmsrepeater.com. It has lots of information including technical 16 00:02:08,442 --> 00:02:14,877 articles, of 985 users in action, and repeater etiquette and history. Please be aware that 17 00:02:14,877 --> 00:02:20,522 on occasion the repeater experiences intermod interference. Now is a good time to switch 18 00:02:20,522 --> 00:02:26,046 to maximum power or to be prepared to check in digitally through EchoLink or All-Star. 19 00:02:26,046 --> 00:02:32,932 We want to hear you. To be able to use EchoLink or All-Star on 985, you do need to register 20 00:02:32,932 --> 00:02:39,896 with us. Directions for doing so can be found On the website, again, that's w3gmsrepeater.com. 21 00:02:39,896 --> 00:02:48,562 Also, when Intermod is present before starting any transmission, please give a short call 22 00:02:48,562 --> 00:02:54,755 out to the net control, happens to be me, am I getting in OK? Once the host confirms that, 23 00:02:54,755 --> 00:03:00,429 then you can share your longer comments. Here on the workbench, we focus on answering general 24 00:03:00,429 --> 00:03:06,146 questions of radio theory and operations. Additionally, we invite each station to briefly comment on 25 00:03:06,146 --> 00:03:11,307 your amateur radio activity in the past week. When checking in, please indicate if you have 26 00:03:11,307 --> 00:03:16,852 a question for the workbench. If you don't have a question, please still check in. After 27 00:03:16,852 --> 00:03:22,775 all stations have checked in, we will first share what we've done this past week in amateur 28 00:03:22,775 --> 00:03:29,198 radio using a roundtable format. Please write down the call to the station that checks in 29 00:03:29,198 --> 00:03:34,375 right after you. When you have finished your comments, turn the mic over to that station. 30 00:03:34,375 --> 00:03:38,998 Once we have made our comments, we will start the question and answer portion of the workbench 31 00:03:38,998 --> 00:03:45,321 operating as a directed net. I will call on the station that indicated having a question 32 00:03:45,321 --> 00:03:51,015 then for stations who wish to respond to that question. Wait to be recognized by net control 33 00:03:51,015 --> 00:03:57,809 before beginning a transmission. Also, this is the point where you, at the first part 34 00:03:57,809 --> 00:04:03,542 of this net, if you're new to this, This is where you just say you have a question, don't 35 00:04:03,542 --> 00:04:10,364 post a question. We will call for the actual question in the second part of the work batch. 36 00:04:12,462 --> 00:04:17,556 At times, help for two stations to pass the mic back and forth to help clarify the situation 37 00:04:17,556 --> 00:04:23,651 to pass information. Feel free to do that as needed. Pass the mic back to net control. 38 00:04:23,651 --> 00:04:31,898 Also, it's a good rule to follow all the time. Don't be too quick to talk. Pause a couple 39 00:04:31,898 --> 00:04:37,593 seconds before hitting the press the talk switch. This is good repeater etiquette and the pauses 40 00:04:37,593 --> 00:04:43,519 are especially helpful for those on all star and echo lengths. When you do click the PTT 41 00:04:43,519 --> 00:04:48,463 button, wait a second or two before starting to talk. You don't want to miss what you have 42 00:04:48,463 --> 00:04:55,458 to say. It takes a moment for the repeater to process your PL tone. Also, the repeater 43 00:04:55,458 --> 00:04:59,761 has a three-minute timer. If you talk more than three minutes without letting up on your 44 00:04:59,761 --> 00:05:05,735 mic button, the repeater completely shuts down until you release your PTT switch. So every 45 00:05:05,735 --> 00:05:11,114 two to three minutes, release the mic button just for a moment, just like this. and then 46 00:05:11,114 --> 00:05:16,114 you can continue. You don't need to let the repeater carrier drop. Before we begin, I want 47 00:05:16,114 --> 00:05:22,674 to say thanks to all of our Workbench hosts. They're the ones that make this happen. If 48 00:05:22,674 --> 00:05:29,514 you may be interested in hosting a Workbench, please contact Jim AF3Z or any one of us and 49 00:05:29,514 --> 00:05:36,914 we'll help you get started. Lastly, please join us this Thursday at 8 p.m. for the 985 roundtable. 50 00:05:37,900 --> 00:05:42,181 At this time we're going to start the check-in process. Remember to indicate if you have a 51 00:05:42,181 --> 00:05:50,334 question for the group. So, digital stations, digital stations only, those using EchoLink 52 00:05:50,334 --> 00:05:57,656 or All Star. It's time for you to check in and I will leave long pauses. So hopefully 53 00:05:57,656 --> 00:06:02,527 you don't need to check the O-bit column. I will be back. But I leave long pauses to make 54 00:06:02,527 --> 00:06:08,241 it easier for those, especially on EchoLink, to check in. Digital stations only. Those using 55 00:06:08,241 --> 00:06:16,826 EchoLink are all-star. This is WA3VE and you're listening to the 985 workbench. Please check 56 00:06:16,826 --> 00:06:24,891 in now. Digital only. I one comment quickly, Ron. Right ahead. Did you start the net when 57 00:06:24,891 --> 00:06:37,884 I was talking to our new guest? At 8 o'clock in about 6 seconds. to make a final transmission 58 00:06:37,884 --> 00:06:41,120 to him and when I signed, you were talking. 59 00:06:44,174 --> 00:06:46,002 I that was an accident. 60 00:07:09,509 --> 00:07:18,823 I didn't hear anything. I did not hear anything. That's why I started the net. I figured something 61 00:07:18,823 --> 00:07:28,517 like that happened. Not an issue. you must not have heard me because I knew you would not 62 00:07:28,517 --> 00:07:33,775 do it. But especially as the owner of the repeater, if I'm talking to somebody at eight 63 00:07:33,775 --> 00:07:41,135 o'clock, then that can start at eight o'clock plus 15 seconds. Now there must have been a 64 00:07:41,135 --> 00:07:46,750 technical defuglity which happens. Have fun, take care, and thank you very, very much for 65 00:07:46,750 --> 00:08:01,302 running the workbench tonight. Whiskey 8, Charlie Romeo Whiskey, CR, no question. 66 00:08:05,550 --> 00:08:09,906 I have a question. 67 00:08:18,838 --> 00:08:22,296 Alpha Charlie 2 Echo Golf, no question. 68 00:08:28,327 --> 00:08:33,569 Alpha Alpha 3, Lima Hotel, no question, we just got a bad thunderstorm. 69 00:08:42,355 --> 00:08:45,810 Oh, Keelan Victor 3, Julia Gulf Bravo. question. 70 00:09:24,990 --> 00:09:36,048 So far we have WHCRW, KC3HQZ, with a question. We have Alpha Charlie 2 Echo Golf, Alpha 71 00:09:36,048 --> 00:09:45,015 Alpha 3 Lima Hotel, and we have KV3JGB. Any other digital question, any other digital 72 00:09:45,015 --> 00:09:46,476 check-ins, please call now. 73 00:09:53,382 --> 00:09:56,322 KC3SQI with a question. 74 00:10:02,830 --> 00:10:05,845 KC3WWC with a question. 75 00:10:19,128 --> 00:10:23,314 any additional digital check-ins. This is WA3VE. 76 00:10:33,646 --> 00:10:40,306 go to RF check-ins now. is WA3VE and this is the 985 workbench. Please call out. 77 00:10:46,677 --> 00:10:47,762 23TYX 78 00:10:54,872 --> 00:11:01,407 NA-3CW, no question. KC30K, no question. 79 00:11:08,556 --> 00:11:12,658 Kilo Delta 3, Echo Mike Sierra, no question. 80 00:11:19,786 --> 00:11:22,162 Alpha Foxtrot 3 Zulu, no question. 81 00:11:26,926 --> 00:11:27,645 Jeez, nope. 82 00:11:36,674 --> 00:11:39,442 KD3AIS with a question. 83 00:12:13,016 --> 00:12:17,084 Okay, any additional check-ins before we run down the list and get started? This is WA3 84 00:12:17,084 --> 00:12:18,290 VEE. 85 00:12:26,594 --> 00:12:33,787 a roundtable session in a moment. This is the list that I have here. remember who follows 86 00:12:33,787 --> 00:12:45,022 you in this list and turn it over to them. WHCRW, KC3HQZ with a question, AC2EQ, AA3LH, 87 00:12:45,022 --> 00:13:01,147 KV3JGB, KC3SQI, KC3WWC, and Wayne and John both have questions. KC3TYX, NA3CW, KC3OOK, 88 00:13:01,528 --> 00:13:12,998 KD3EMS, AF3Z, W3KZG, and finally KD3AIS with a question. One last call for check-ins before 89 00:13:12,998 --> 00:13:17,522 we get started. This is WA3VEE. Please call now. 90 00:13:26,094 --> 00:13:31,774 Okay, take one minute and explain what we did in the last, each of us explain what we did 91 00:13:31,774 --> 00:13:38,434 in the last week in amateur radio and CR you can kick us off. WHCRW, WA3VE. 92 00:13:43,438 --> 00:13:49,339 Thanks Ron, and thanks for taking the chair. And you got a long list, so I'm going to make 93 00:13:49,339 --> 00:13:58,095 it quick. 985 activities, but the highlight was field day weekend. And the highlight 94 00:13:58,095 --> 00:14:06,689 of the highlight was Gene's Scrapple and Egg Sandwich. Speaking of Gene, KC3HQZ, pick it 95 00:14:06,689 --> 00:14:08,160 up. WHCRW. 96 00:14:14,062 --> 00:14:22,456 Go ahead. Thanks, CRW. KCGH, she said. Yeah, that was kind of a highlight. I cooked for 97 00:14:22,456 --> 00:14:30,079 everybody and they all enjoyed it. And I was glad. And that's why I cook. OK. No question. 98 00:14:30,079 --> 00:14:36,472 OK. But we did have a good weekend. We really enjoyed ourselves. I'm not sure who was next. 99 00:14:36,472 --> 00:14:40,114 Echo, Echo Go. 100 00:14:51,362 --> 00:15:00,600 This is Alpha Charlie 2 Echo Golf. Name here is Eric. And my activity this week was introducing 101 00:15:00,600 --> 00:15:06,574 myself to the group and getting out the field day. I want to thank everyone there for their 102 00:15:06,574 --> 00:15:15,161 hospitality and introducing me to all the things the repeater group does. I'm hoping 103 00:15:15,161 --> 00:15:22,030 to get on the air soon. And doing it the hard way. I'm trying to. build my own stuff rather 104 00:15:22,030 --> 00:15:29,750 than buy it but I'll still be around as long as there's an echo link. That's all for now. 105 00:15:29,770 --> 00:15:32,658 I'll pass the baton to AA3L8. 106 00:15:39,182 --> 00:15:46,162 Yeah. Good evening everybody. This is AAH308. Yeah. Highlights. Field Day. Man, I like field 107 00:15:46,162 --> 00:15:51,442 days. I went out there and tried making some contacts Sunday afternoon and I got dupes. 108 00:15:51,862 --> 00:16:00,518 Almost all of them were dupes. I made one official legal contact. And I was not a dude, but I 109 00:16:00,518 --> 00:16:06,098 have fun. It's fun running field day. I just, I just enjoy that. And we have a thunder, heavy 110 00:16:06,098 --> 00:16:11,818 thunderstorm going on. got bloomers. I thank the Lord and I thank you for having echo links 111 00:16:11,818 --> 00:16:16,718 so we can still talk. Other that we would not be on the repeater tonight because she's not 112 00:16:16,718 --> 00:16:23,458 banging away outside. Uh, that's all I have. We have a lot of questions. I'm going to let 113 00:16:23,458 --> 00:16:32,543 it go at that. Okay. Yeah. Who did I write down here, I'm not sure. If you ever follow me, 114 00:16:32,543 --> 00:16:34,692 go ahead. A308. 115 00:16:42,734 --> 00:16:48,414 Thank you, Leon KV3, JGB, Mountain Valley. Like everybody said, got a lot of questions and 116 00:16:48,414 --> 00:16:53,154 a lot of people, so I'll keep it brief. 95 repeater activity and of course field day. Unfortunately, 117 00:16:53,294 --> 00:16:57,314 some personal things prevented me from attending and actually even operating at field day. But 118 00:16:57,314 --> 00:17:01,954 sounds like it didn't even that much. We had a great field day and I was able to make it 119 00:17:01,954 --> 00:17:06,214 up. Brought Chester County Commissioner, Eric Grow up there. He was really excited to listen 120 00:17:06,214 --> 00:17:11,834 to a lot of people talk, including Ron, talk about all the emergency benefits of amateur 121 00:17:11,834 --> 00:17:19,001 radio. So that is it for me and I'll hand it over to KC3SQI, KB3JGB. 122 00:17:25,486 --> 00:17:38,019 uh... thank you very much this case c three s q i uh... the uh... thirty-meter new antenna 123 00:17:38,019 --> 00:17:48,432 mast about ready to go and about ready to set up gotta put the uh... crossmember on it and 124 00:17:48,432 --> 00:17:59,717 uh... settled up right but it is uh... put together and ready to go as soon as the weather 125 00:17:59,717 --> 00:18:09,122 breaks a little bit so that I can work out there without sweating to death. So with that, 126 00:18:09,122 --> 00:18:15,026 I'll turn it over to KC3WWC. This is KC3SQI. 127 00:18:21,166 --> 00:18:28,245 KC3WWC, can you tell me if I'm getting in on You are, John. Just go ahead. 128 00:18:31,454 --> 00:18:37,800 was John in Lannister. For my past couple weeks I was traveling, I was in California, so I 129 00:18:37,821 --> 00:18:44,197 got to activate a park twice. One day I hiked my gear in a mile and half on my back and 130 00:18:44,197 --> 00:18:50,403 then the next day I was out there I biked a couple miles in and up a mountain so I wasn't 131 00:18:50,403 --> 00:18:51,064 down in the... 132 00:18:58,862 --> 00:19:05,155 field day so I kept it QRP, emergency power on the patio here at home so my 50 contacts 133 00:19:05,155 --> 00:19:21,572 turned into 650. Over to Vic, KC3TYX, this is KC3WWC. Thank you, John. KC3WWC. This is KC3TYX, 134 00:19:21,572 --> 00:19:29,147 Nick. I'll keep it pretty short. Got a long list here. Ended up doing field day with the 135 00:19:29,147 --> 00:19:36,171 State Line Radio Club down in Rising Sun, Maryland this year. And it was pretty good time. Weather 136 00:19:36,632 --> 00:19:41,505 wasn't as bad as we thought it might be, so I was happy with it. I didn't say earlier, 137 00:19:41,505 --> 00:19:49,778 but I have no question. And I will now pass it on to... NA3CW from KC3TYX. 138 00:19:53,262 --> 00:20:02,210 We're making it in OK and A3CW. Copy, Chuck, go ahead. Very good. Standing here with my 139 00:20:02,210 --> 00:20:07,730 HT. We've got a thunder boomy going on outside. So I disconnected everything and shut all the 140 00:20:07,730 --> 00:20:15,630 equipment off. So since I am within HT distance of the repeater, I got that luxury. I'll keep 141 00:20:15,630 --> 00:20:21,830 it short because of the lifts. Ham radio this week was field day, field day prep, field day 142 00:20:21,830 --> 00:20:29,890 operations, and field day cleanup. And of course, 985 operations and the PMAM net on Sunday. 143 00:20:31,118 --> 00:20:38,678 So, let's see, that would be next to Bill, KC30, okay, this is NA3CW. 144 00:20:41,742 --> 00:21:08,754 in the air. Tonight I prompt, I hosted a... Both have. 145 00:21:12,430 --> 00:21:19,806 computer was down, but we were able to get, I guess, five or six people on the 985 Simplex. 146 00:21:40,551 --> 00:21:51,506 KC3EMS. KC3OK. Good evening everybody. Bill, great to meet you on Saturday. So yeah, the 147 00:21:51,506 --> 00:21:58,306 highlight will definitely be, will definitely be field day for myself. With only being a 148 00:21:58,306 --> 00:22:03,406 ham for a couple of months, that was my first field day. And what an experience. I cannot 149 00:22:03,406 --> 00:22:10,966 say enough about AO3Z Jim. I got the chance to sit down next to him for a good, probably 150 00:22:10,966 --> 00:22:20,374 20 minutes to half an hour and just learn so, much. Definitely also from Chuck, N-E-3-C-W, 151 00:22:20,854 --> 00:22:26,774 doing the go to station. What an experience that was. It definitely makes me want to get 152 00:22:26,774 --> 00:22:35,074 my general sooner than later. it was my first contact on HF and I got a good seven or eight 153 00:22:35,074 --> 00:22:41,434 contacts on Saturday. So once again, thanks everybody, even the people that are here tonight, 154 00:22:42,274 --> 00:22:50,615 as well as... What was the other gentleman's name? K3YVIJack was also extremely helpful 155 00:22:50,615 --> 00:22:56,982 as well. yeah, this definitely boosted my urge to get my general license and move on. 156 00:22:56,982 --> 00:23:05,490 So I believe I'm actually going to pass it back over to AVZ3... AF3Z. 157 00:23:10,410 --> 00:23:17,272 Okay, very good Chris. Yeah, it good to get to talk with you as well. And yeah, that 158 00:23:17,272 --> 00:23:24,624 was fun. Field day was good. A little warmer than I'd like, but it really wasn't too oppressive 159 00:23:24,624 --> 00:23:31,747 this year. And got some good CW in, worked with Luke for a while there, logging and sending 160 00:23:31,747 --> 00:23:40,653 or whatever. forget who was doing what when, but we had a good time. I did a good pratfall 161 00:23:40,653 --> 00:23:48,048 and survived it quite well. I remember very carefully setting up, putting the wires and 162 00:23:48,048 --> 00:23:54,453 trying to get them neat. We had cones up so people wouldn't trip over them. So who but 163 00:23:54,453 --> 00:24:00,257 me would come walking by eating some food and totally forget about it and fall flat on my 164 00:24:00,257 --> 00:24:12,044 face almost. But I really survived it quite well, thanks to Tom. I'm not sure on that. 165 00:24:12,044 --> 00:24:19,697 Anyway, Tom was my doctor and helped patch me up, but I'm really doing quite well. So 166 00:24:19,697 --> 00:24:23,489 anyway, yeah, thanks to everybody and all the people who put a lot of work into getting ready 167 00:24:23,489 --> 00:24:31,743 for that. Good time. So after me comes Scott. Good to see you and Dylan both over the weekend 168 00:24:31,743 --> 00:24:34,994 too. W3KZG, AF3Z. 169 00:24:38,042 --> 00:24:45,654 F3Z, this is W3KZG. Am I getting into the repeater room? Beautifully, Scott. Go right ahead. 170 00:24:48,814 --> 00:24:50,455 This week in radio. 171 00:24:54,818 --> 00:24:55,219 My first. 172 00:24:59,214 --> 00:25:03,762 He had done field day up there before and a few times. 173 00:25:10,478 --> 00:25:12,181 and this was the first one. 174 00:25:18,708 --> 00:25:21,023 actually I think everything went pretty smooth. 175 00:25:24,366 --> 00:25:24,744 Cheers. 176 00:25:28,200 --> 00:25:32,082 a few more little things here and there that would make it a little easier. 177 00:25:45,310 --> 00:25:55,250 And that is all I have for now. W3K03AIS, this is W3KZJ. 178 00:25:59,466 --> 00:26:10,866 W3KZG, is KD3AIS, Tim and Malvern. In the last week, I unfortunately missed field day, but 179 00:26:10,866 --> 00:26:17,322 when I got home, I was able to listen to the 20 meter band. Thank you all. 180 00:26:20,866 --> 00:26:23,730 that, I will send it back to Ron, WA-3. 181 00:26:27,842 --> 00:26:32,585 Good Tim, excellent, all the way around. So before we get started with the question section, 182 00:26:32,585 --> 00:26:39,982 let me ask if there are other additional check-ins, digital or RF? This is the 985 workbench and 183 00:26:39,982 --> 00:26:46,994 this is WA3VE. Additional check-ins, any mood, please call now. 3SC1. 184 00:26:50,003 --> 00:26:51,080 3QP, no question. 185 00:26:58,734 --> 00:27:03,840 Okay, last call for check-ins before we go to Luke and Tim for their comments on what they 186 00:27:03,840 --> 00:27:09,266 did in Ham Radio for the last weekend. Last call for check-ins. This is WA3VE. 187 00:27:18,958 --> 00:27:22,306 W3MFB? No question. 188 00:27:26,862 --> 00:27:35,922 Okay, very good. Luke, it's the last check-ins here, KC3SKY, W3QP, W3MFB. So Luke, one minute 189 00:27:35,922 --> 00:27:42,262 on what you did in ham radio in the last week. This is WA3VEE and this is the 985 workbench. 190 00:27:45,762 --> 00:27:46,784 Thanks for hosting. 191 00:27:52,430 --> 00:27:56,818 I was working with George and... 192 00:28:02,254 --> 00:28:04,274 and I need a lot of... 193 00:28:08,728 --> 00:28:09,842 for field day. 194 00:28:13,806 --> 00:28:17,814 internet logging system which 195 00:28:24,494 --> 00:28:30,074 Like we had the coax all set up. thought, well, of course I was in there to set up Friday. 196 00:28:30,834 --> 00:28:33,534 So because I was at camp, was, I didn't know what happened then, 197 00:28:37,742 --> 00:28:46,466 I thought everything went pretty smoothly, so... Anyways... just been working on my CW 198 00:28:46,466 --> 00:29:01,938 and I plan to operate the 13 colonies event. I think at 8 a.m. hopefully I can... on one 199 00:29:01,938 --> 00:29:07,338 band. hope to make at least half because more people have told me work them early in the 200 00:29:07,338 --> 00:29:12,898 morning instead of late in the afternoon because that's when all the pilots are. So anyways, 201 00:29:13,378 --> 00:29:16,918 over to Tim. W3QP. This is KC3SKY. 202 00:29:20,654 --> 00:29:28,462 C3 SCY this is W3 QP also field day for my activity for this past week I've been busy 203 00:29:28,462 --> 00:29:33,787 with stuff around the house so not too many projects but I guess one thing I wanted to 204 00:29:33,787 --> 00:29:41,445 mention is there is a special event station K3H that's going to happen up at the Eastern 205 00:29:41,445 --> 00:29:48,000 Pennsylvania Homestead Festival which is up in Oh, hang on a second, Kutztown. So in 206 00:29:48,000 --> 00:29:53,715 Kutztown this coming weekend, Thursday through Sunday, they're looking for operators to come 207 00:29:53,715 --> 00:29:58,498 up and do two-hour shifts. Joe sent an email out about it, but if you're not on the email 208 00:29:58,498 --> 00:30:03,873 list, I'm good on QRZ. Drop me a note and I can get you the information. That is all for 209 00:30:03,873 --> 00:30:10,258 me. Over to W3MFP, think it was. This is W3QP. 210 00:30:15,502 --> 00:30:22,502 everybody on the workbench 95 workbench this is whiskey three mike fox bravo um torndale 211 00:30:22,502 --> 00:30:29,382 mike uh... had part of field day uh... spent a few hours on saturday and a few hours on 212 00:30:29,382 --> 00:30:36,502 sunday operating bronze radio the ft-nine ninety one alpha that was for six meter and two meters 213 00:30:36,502 --> 00:30:45,332 sideband got a kick uh... cranking up that tower or that math i should say uh... Sunday morning, 214 00:30:45,332 --> 00:30:54,975 I was sitting at home and noticed there was an opening, a band opening on the PHF propagation, 215 00:30:54,975 --> 00:30:59,977 the packet propagation. We were in the yellow and the orange and red. And I was like, Oh 216 00:30:59,977 --> 00:31:05,368 God, I said, I gotta get up there. I bet you that station's still locked down from when 217 00:31:05,368 --> 00:31:10,870 we shut it down, when we heard the lightning and all on Saturday evening, Saturday night. 218 00:31:11,662 --> 00:31:17,746 So I got that going up in the morning. So made a few contacts here and there, two meter sideband 219 00:31:17,766 --> 00:31:25,130 and six meters. Six meter was the kicker. Had a few on too. Enjoyed talking to each operator. 220 00:31:25,130 --> 00:31:34,315 Actually made the contact, hit enter, logged them in and then said hello and how are conditions 221 00:31:34,315 --> 00:31:40,008 and got reports from people. Some people were giving me, giving me bearings. uh... from my 222 00:31:40,008 --> 00:31:48,063 location to try to look for a few people uh... and actually work was able to uh... to make 223 00:31:48,063 --> 00:31:54,217 some more contacts by that information so it's great to be friendly and uh... and help each 224 00:31:54,217 --> 00:32:00,810 other out for sure so had a great time on six uh... it was more fun and and then just be 225 00:32:00,851 --> 00:32:06,354 given your uh... your information your classes section and you're gone you know so we had 226 00:32:06,354 --> 00:32:12,787 some fun along with making some contacts for the log book. No question tonight, so I will 227 00:32:12,787 --> 00:32:23,854 pass it over to Ron so we can get this shindig started. WA3VEW3MFB on EchoStink. First of 228 00:32:23,854 --> 00:32:29,267 I want to thank all those who participated in Field Day this weekend. A lot of work, but 229 00:32:29,267 --> 00:32:38,372 a great team effort. And my understanding is we had 1,400 contacts at least. So, or 230 00:32:38,372 --> 00:32:45,246 thereabouts, plus or minus. And if anyone has any videos or pictures, please, if you like, 231 00:32:45,246 --> 00:32:51,460 to have those posted on SmugMug like I usually do, please send them over to me. If there 232 00:32:51,460 --> 00:32:58,395 are many... I have Google Drive, I have Dropbox, so I can take large, large, large files for 233 00:32:58,395 --> 00:33:04,569 sure. So almost never get pictures anymore over email, definitely. So Google Drive or 234 00:33:04,569 --> 00:33:11,973 Dropbox will work wonderfully. OK, now we'll begin the roundtable session. And we'll start 235 00:33:11,973 --> 00:33:16,405 with the questions and answers. And I'll go over who has questions here in a second. We 236 00:33:16,405 --> 00:33:23,046 encourage all stations to make comments, observations, and share experiences. Don't assume that your 237 00:33:23,046 --> 00:33:28,078 level of experience and knowledge isn't enough. We can all learn from each other and contribute 238 00:33:28,078 --> 00:33:34,189 to our discussions. So feel free to pick up the mic and have some fun and share your experiences. 239 00:33:34,189 --> 00:33:42,722 So right now I've got Gene, KC3HQZ, with a question. I've got KC3SQI with a question. 240 00:33:42,722 --> 00:33:54,184 KC3WWCJohn. And I have Tim, KD3AIS, with a question. Is there anyone on, who has checked 241 00:33:54,184 --> 00:33:58,154 in, who I missed, who has a question? Go ahead. 242 00:34:07,874 --> 00:34:13,484 You're first. KC3HQZWA3VEE. What's your question? 243 00:34:21,012 --> 00:34:31,000 Okay K23HQZ, thanks Ron. My question is why does a PODA station have a different call 244 00:34:31,000 --> 00:34:40,178 sign than the rest of the field day activities? Yeah, field day activities I guess I want to 245 00:34:45,080 --> 00:34:51,430 Okay, why does the Pota station have a different call sign than the field day activity? Did 246 00:34:51,430 --> 00:34:52,882 I get the question correct? 247 00:34:57,430 --> 00:35:09,175 Yes, just wondered. Those who want to respond to Gene's question, this is WA3VEE, please 248 00:35:09,175 --> 00:35:09,606 call now. 249 00:35:14,926 --> 00:35:22,994 KC3WWC. KC3WWCWA3VE 250 00:35:26,602 --> 00:35:33,436 rolled in here so I switched back to digital. I did see a couple POTA stations while I was 251 00:35:33,436 --> 00:35:39,499 operating. was on digital, I was doing FT8 because I just had a few hours. I assume they 252 00:35:39,499 --> 00:35:43,431 just didn't want to participate. I know there was some discussion. People were like, oh, 253 00:35:43,431 --> 00:35:50,115 the bands are going to be useless because of field day. The field day exchanges were different. 254 00:35:50,115 --> 00:35:59,816 You were doing the classes and counts and your section. that's not the POTA exchange. 255 00:35:59,816 --> 00:36:04,612 So maybe they just wanted to stick to POTA and ignore field day. That's my guess. Back to 256 00:36:04,612 --> 00:36:13,266 you, KC3, WWC. Additional comments for Gene, this is WA3VE, please call now. 257 00:36:23,030 --> 00:36:32,858 AF3Z here, Click twice here. Question, I guess. Were we talking about the GODA station? Why 258 00:36:32,858 --> 00:36:39,574 a GODA was W3GTS and the others were W3R? I'm not sure, but I think that maybe was the 259 00:36:39,574 --> 00:36:50,333 question, AF3Z. Yeah, that's a good point there, Jim. Gene, KC3HQZ, WA3VE, did you mean the 260 00:36:50,333 --> 00:36:58,834 GODA station? Go ahead. 261 00:37:04,110 --> 00:37:08,882 The G word. The G word. 262 00:37:12,206 --> 00:37:17,997 That's a different question. Okay, great. So why does our go to station have a different 263 00:37:17,997 --> 00:37:24,460 call sign than the Whiskey 3 Romeo? People want to respond to that. Go ahead. 264 00:37:28,211 --> 00:37:35,084 AF3Z. Go Jim, thanks for pointing that out. I didn't catch that at all at first for sure. 265 00:37:37,538 --> 00:37:39,986 Jim, AF3Z, WA3VEA. 266 00:37:44,876 --> 00:37:49,937 All right, very good. And I don't have the answer, but I'll tell you my supposition, my guess 267 00:37:49,937 --> 00:37:58,220 or whatever. The go to station is very much to encourage new hams and not yet hams, people 268 00:37:58,220 --> 00:38:05,251 who may get licenses eventually, to get on the air. And it's meant to be one of the major 269 00:38:05,251 --> 00:38:16,262 efforts of field day in a way. So I assume it's kept kind of separate so that it's Well, 270 00:38:16,582 --> 00:38:21,945 and the contacts made on the GoTo station also count more. I think it's like five points rather 271 00:38:21,945 --> 00:38:32,271 than one or two for SideBanner CW. So anyway, I think it's to encourage groups to have a 272 00:38:32,271 --> 00:38:38,674 GoTo station and really emphasize that. And so by keeping it a separate call sign or something, 273 00:38:38,674 --> 00:38:44,968 it doesn't add in to how many stations we say we have operating. So it's kind of a bonus 274 00:38:44,968 --> 00:38:51,321 station. for our field day effort and it's a bonus station for getting the word out and 275 00:38:51,321 --> 00:38:56,167 getting people a little experience on ham radio. So that's the way I understand it. I don't 276 00:38:56,167 --> 00:39:01,634 know if there's any other big reason for a different call sign but I've been wrong at least once 277 00:39:01,634 --> 00:39:10,326 or twice. Back to you Ron, AF3Z. Very good. Any additional comments on why GODA has a 278 00:39:10,326 --> 00:39:13,666 different call sign than the rest of field day? 279 00:39:21,102 --> 00:39:23,026 W3MFB. 280 00:39:26,702 --> 00:39:31,398 So a little muffled, don't know what's going on there, but you're copyable. So go ahead, 281 00:39:31,398 --> 00:39:33,170 this is WA3VE. 282 00:39:37,752 --> 00:39:45,507 Sorry about that, Ron. I will try to annunciate W3MFB here. I'm thinking, like Jim said 283 00:39:45,507 --> 00:39:52,852 as well, having a different call sign to be able to track those Go-Tas, Go-Tas contacts. 284 00:39:52,852 --> 00:40:00,017 As Jim said, they're going to be having more points so you can tally up all the Go-Tas 285 00:40:00,017 --> 00:40:06,082 stations and contacts that you have. Keeping it separate from Whiskey 3 Romeo is a good 286 00:40:06,082 --> 00:40:15,176 point. because then you will have the operators initials in underneath the call sign. So you'll 287 00:40:15,176 --> 00:40:24,011 be able to track also how many non-licensed or just newly licensed operators were at the 288 00:40:24,011 --> 00:40:32,986 go to station. So I believe it's good for metrics as well, keeping track of visitors and newly 289 00:40:32,986 --> 00:40:39,594 licensed to get on the air and experience and have fun. So I think that's another good reason 290 00:40:39,594 --> 00:40:46,887 to have the other calls on as well. back to you Ron, hopefully I came through okay on the 291 00:40:46,927 --> 00:40:56,144 echo link. WA3VEE in the group, W3MFB. That's what it is. Yeah, very good, Mike. Excellent. 292 00:40:56,225 --> 00:41:01,958 Any additional comments for Jean before I turn it back to her? This is WA3VE and this is 293 00:41:02,099 --> 00:41:03,512 the 985 workbench. 294 00:41:11,886 --> 00:41:16,888 WC3HQZ, WA3VE, do we answer the question? 295 00:41:23,670 --> 00:41:29,833 Yes, you did answer my question. Thanks so much. think I understand now. It's more the good. 296 00:41:29,833 --> 00:41:43,971 It's more of a training session and the regular call sign is for the experienced guys and 297 00:41:43,971 --> 00:41:49,824 the ones that are working to get point and the good is for you to learn how to do this and 298 00:41:49,824 --> 00:41:56,242 get on. So I thank you very much. I understand. KK60HQZ. 299 00:41:59,246 --> 00:42:04,206 Good Gene, excellent. Well glad we answered your question and we should have gotten you 300 00:42:04,206 --> 00:42:08,926 over there to actually see what was going on but you'll see some videos and also lot of 301 00:42:08,926 --> 00:42:16,206 photographs when they go to station. Okay next up is Wayne, KC3SQI, WA3VE with the workbench. 302 00:42:16,226 --> 00:42:17,306 Your question please. 303 00:42:22,644 --> 00:42:37,640 Okay, thank you Ron, WA3VEE. This is KC3SQI. My question is I'm looking at possibly going 304 00:42:37,640 --> 00:42:54,350 from a Windham to a hex beam and the hex beam only weighs 25 pounds. and it will have 305 00:42:54,350 --> 00:43:12,212 about a one foot base pole on it to work for the rotor. Now, since I'm only going up 306 00:43:12,353 --> 00:43:23,701 thirty feet, would a small TV antenna rotor work with that without a thrust bearing? 307 00:43:24,601 --> 00:43:35,459 So, try to find out or figure out about what I would need for us to not have to have a 308 00:43:35,459 --> 00:43:44,645 thrust bearing. go through all of the uh... things that you have to do for that. Back to 309 00:43:44,645 --> 00:43:44,855 you. 310 00:43:48,046 --> 00:43:56,850 Very good. or remarks for Wayne. This is WA3VE. 311 00:44:02,712 --> 00:44:09,950 C3OK, comment. Bell KC3 OK WA3 VEE go ahead. 312 00:44:12,974 --> 00:44:18,226 Thanks, Ron. Well, everyone knows I'm new to this world of beams. 313 00:44:23,718 --> 00:44:30,752 about it but my first reaction would be that weighing 25 pounds is actually pretty good 314 00:44:30,752 --> 00:44:31,454 weight for an ant. 315 00:44:34,636 --> 00:44:36,201 really darn pretty darn cheap. 316 00:44:39,982 --> 00:44:47,063 The A's over. It might do it, but I don't think it would hold up for a long time. But that's 317 00:44:47,063 --> 00:44:49,140 just my guess. I'll be curious to hear what 318 00:44:52,622 --> 00:45:02,150 WRAD W3PEKC30K. input. Additional comments for Wayne. is WA3 VEE. 319 00:45:19,662 --> 00:45:22,258 W3MFB 320 00:45:25,262 --> 00:45:27,858 3MFB WA3 VEE, go ahead. 321 00:45:32,750 --> 00:45:37,830 Thank you Ron. I'd have to agree with Bill on that one. mean, know there's Wayne, I know 322 00:45:37,830 --> 00:45:45,670 there's some that you can get at the local Home Depot or Lowe's RCA makes one. Now our buddy 323 00:45:45,670 --> 00:45:58,090 Aaron, he had one TV rotor on his homemade six meter dipole, horizontal dipole that he made. 324 00:45:58,170 --> 00:46:06,710 So it was just PVC and six gauge. solid-gauge wire. It was great for six meter, but it didn't 325 00:46:06,710 --> 00:46:12,050 weigh a lot. And he had that sitting in the concrete, like a five gallon bucket, up on 326 00:46:12,050 --> 00:46:20,450 the flat roof and some PVC pipe. So it really didn't do the job. I mean, it did the job for 327 00:46:20,450 --> 00:46:25,430 that. It's a light thing. It only weighed like six pounds or whatever, right? Just the antenna 328 00:46:25,430 --> 00:46:33,798 were less. Most TV HD... antennas they're going to be from the 10 pound like the residential 329 00:46:33,798 --> 00:46:40,891 ones that you see around here some Yagi shape some different shapes but I would imagine 330 00:46:40,891 --> 00:46:49,485 they're probably like 10 12 or 10 pounds or less and I agree with Bill on the dexterity 331 00:46:49,485 --> 00:47:00,178 of of the consumer market rotors uh... back to run w a three p e w three msd 332 00:47:03,342 --> 00:47:09,190 Very, very good. Additional comments for Wayne. Good question, Wayne, for sure. This is WA3VE, 333 00:47:09,190 --> 00:47:12,434 additional comments. 334 00:47:16,384 --> 00:47:28,414 Good entry OGF your comments please this is WA3VE Radio Shack, Wavies Radio Shack, in 335 00:47:28,414 --> 00:47:33,790 central road. The first one I had a four helmet course craft mounted horizontal, high wind 336 00:47:33,790 --> 00:47:41,047 that destroyed it. Two mounted on it and a six-feet of coach grip horizontally on two 337 00:47:41,047 --> 00:47:45,360 different ones and they were flying, but the first one, it got the sprouting high wind 338 00:47:45,360 --> 00:47:47,702 with a four-elm and coach grip and field gyf. 339 00:47:51,224 --> 00:48:00,285 Good. N3OGF, remember correctly your name is John. Did I get that right? did, Ron. Me name 340 00:48:00,285 --> 00:48:05,487 is John. I met you last year, uh, no day. I could not make it this year because I'm medically 341 00:48:05,487 --> 00:48:14,349 restricted from driving. NPOGF. Well, look for the photographs. We'll be glad to share 342 00:48:14,349 --> 00:48:19,760 with what we did. Excellent comments. Other comments for Wayne and the rotor question. 343 00:48:19,760 --> 00:48:21,522 This is WA3VE. 344 00:48:25,172 --> 00:48:37,310 3KZG. W3KZGWA3VEE, go ahead please. So I looked up the specs on a Channel Master TV rotor, 345 00:48:37,394 --> 00:48:44,441 I'm guessing that's the version or... They don't have a weight rating for the weight of the 346 00:48:44,441 --> 00:48:49,192 antenna. They just tell you what the rotor's capable of doing. If you were going to do 347 00:48:49,192 --> 00:48:56,034 it, I don't see it not working, but I would put the antenna as close to the rotor as possible. 348 00:48:56,034 --> 00:49:02,716 Don't put a big piece of pipe above the rotor to give it extra wind torque on the rotor 349 00:49:02,716 --> 00:49:08,747 itself. Just put the antenna right above the rotor, maybe a foot, and keep it as close 350 00:49:08,747 --> 00:49:15,500 to the rotor as possible. And you should be okay. I don't know how many years of service 351 00:49:15,500 --> 00:49:21,685 it'll give you, but it should work. But 25 pounds, that seems pretty heavy for, I don't 352 00:49:21,685 --> 00:49:26,299 know what the antenna is, I haven't looked that up, but yeah, I would keep it as close to the 353 00:49:26,299 --> 00:49:31,634 rotor as possible to keep wind torque off of it because they have very small, I don't even 354 00:49:31,634 --> 00:49:37,609 think they use bearings, I think they use plastic bushings on their main shaft in those ones. 355 00:49:37,609 --> 00:49:41,589 consider the light duty rotor. 356 00:49:44,718 --> 00:49:50,682 Like I said, I don't know the antenna and the wind load it's going to put on it, but I 357 00:49:50,682 --> 00:49:59,058 would keep it as close to the rotor as possible. This is W3K's edgy. Scott, thank you so much. 358 00:49:59,058 --> 00:50:00,792 Any additional comments for Wayne? 359 00:50:10,286 --> 00:50:16,506 through my two centavos or three zwoti in here. Basically, I'm looking up also, generally a 360 00:50:16,506 --> 00:50:21,726 question, usually put a question like this right to Google and it comes up. Channel master, 361 00:50:21,866 --> 00:50:30,166 and this is one model, do not know again if this is what you're considering, but says the 362 00:50:30,166 --> 00:50:37,526 channel master 9521A is designed for antennas weighing approximately 15 pounds with a mass 363 00:50:37,526 --> 00:50:45,372 of about three feet. Again, these are consumer grade, they're light duty, so not sure it 364 00:50:45,372 --> 00:50:52,954 would really handle. And also consider ice. It's one thing that this time of year with 365 00:50:52,954 --> 00:50:58,686 thunderstorms outside and heat and ice unless it's in a glass with iced tea or whatever your 366 00:50:58,686 --> 00:51:05,678 preferred beverage is, we normally don't think about ice. But that adds an additional weight 367 00:51:05,678 --> 00:51:15,011 load. So my suggestion would be go for a light or medium duty YASU, not something to cheap 368 00:51:15,011 --> 00:51:20,658 out on. So one last call for comments for Wayne. This is WA3VE. 369 00:51:29,070 --> 00:51:33,113 KC3SQI WA3VEE. Do we answer your question, Wayne? 370 00:51:38,830 --> 00:51:53,210 Good evening everybody. Yes you did and I think I will also put the thrust bearing on it and 371 00:51:53,210 --> 00:52:05,565 put that to the top of the inch and a half rigid conduit and that should keep it where it 372 00:52:05,565 --> 00:52:16,744 work for you know, go with the light duty Yates and thrust bearings. So thank you for that 373 00:52:16,744 --> 00:52:24,530 and I will turn it back to you Ron, KC3SQI. Clear. 374 00:52:30,632 --> 00:52:38,279 Very good Wayne, excellent. John, you're next. KC3WWC with a question. This is WA3VE with 375 00:52:38,279 --> 00:52:38,870 the workbench. 376 00:52:43,310 --> 00:52:50,746 Thanks for on this KC3WWC, am I still making it in on digital? Beautiful, full copy and 377 00:52:50,746 --> 00:52:52,360 almost full quieting, go right ahead. 378 00:52:56,078 --> 00:53:01,918 getting an NFED half wave here for 80 meters. It breaks occasionally and I put it back up 379 00:53:01,918 --> 00:53:07,598 and I'm having a little trouble getting it to like tune on all the, or not tune, but get 380 00:53:07,598 --> 00:53:12,457 resonance on all the bands, all the harmonics. It doesn't quite line up. You know, I've got 381 00:53:12,457 --> 00:53:17,218 a capacitor in there that I've put in and out and I was like, I saw what that does. But I 382 00:53:17,218 --> 00:53:23,798 end up using the tuner on the radio to touch it up and use it that way. So I'm wondering 383 00:53:23,798 --> 00:53:38,544 if I'm getting my... it. Is there much benefit over just a... favorite 71. same tree and 384 00:53:38,544 --> 00:53:43,029 use the tuner the same way. There doesn't make much difference between the NFED half 385 00:53:43,029 --> 00:53:50,258 wave and the NFED random wire if I'm not quite hitting all the resonances. Back to you. 386 00:53:52,622 --> 00:53:56,850 Very, very good. Comments for John. This is WA3VEA. 387 00:54:05,696 --> 00:54:14,356 Random thoughts, NA-3CW. And A3CW, WA3VE, please proceed with randomness thought. 388 00:54:21,184 --> 00:54:25,302 Yeah, I assume your NFET half wave has a transformer. 389 00:54:30,040 --> 00:54:36,267 Yes, I've built it with a 49 to one and I think I have a 64 to one that I wound that I'm using 390 00:54:36,267 --> 00:54:36,628 right now. 391 00:54:39,918 --> 00:54:45,804 Okay, and therefore you have a coax feed from that transformer to your tuner. 392 00:54:50,094 --> 00:54:57,733 Correct, coax feed, probably about 50 feet of coax and I do have a counterpoise on the 393 00:54:57,733 --> 00:54:58,174 antennas. 394 00:55:02,840 --> 00:55:04,287 kind of mismatch are you getting? 395 00:55:10,286 --> 00:55:15,174 It's thick, it's towards three to one in some of the places and I'll touch it up to get it 396 00:55:15,174 --> 00:55:20,012 down closer to two and a half or two to one. There are a couple that go up to like... 397 00:55:23,918 --> 00:55:32,780 Okay, I assume it's okay to go back and forth, Ron. When you had the wire going directly 398 00:55:32,780 --> 00:55:38,358 to your tuner, did you have any, I mean, what made you change it from that to an infant halfway? 399 00:55:42,988 --> 00:55:47,372 Oh, just like to change things occasionally and experiment. I had always done random wires 400 00:55:47,372 --> 00:55:55,249 here, but I realized I had enough space. could just eke out the 40 meter long wire to that 401 00:55:55,249 --> 00:55:56,660 tree. So I gave it a shot. 402 00:56:00,206 --> 00:56:08,209 Okay, so I'll roll it all up here. So you have the tuner, you got 50 feet of coax running 403 00:56:08,209 --> 00:56:14,253 at a high SWR and you've got a transformer that may or may not be running in its efficient 404 00:56:14,253 --> 00:56:22,716 range. I would say if the way you had it was you were able to tune it to all the bands 405 00:56:22,716 --> 00:56:28,269 you want satisfactorily without anything in the middle. I'm thinking it's probably more 406 00:56:28,269 --> 00:56:33,941 efficient, assuming you had no issues with RF in the wrong places and all that sort of 407 00:56:33,941 --> 00:56:38,590 thing. But from a loss standpoint, you're eliminating a transformer and eliminating 50 feet of coax 408 00:56:38,590 --> 00:56:44,255 that's running at highest WR. I'd to hear some other comments on that from others. Back to 409 00:56:44,255 --> 00:56:45,586 NET, NA-3CW. 410 00:56:50,104 --> 00:56:52,332 This is WA3VEE, please. 411 00:56:55,884 --> 00:57:00,587 be clear, I swapped antennas around, but I'm using the same radio with the same built-in 412 00:57:00,587 --> 00:57:06,900 tuner and the same run of coax. Just at the end of the coax, I am swapping the transformer 413 00:57:06,900 --> 00:57:09,362 and the wire. Back to you. 414 00:57:17,224 --> 00:57:23,857 3CW WA3VE. Chuck, you want to respond to that or, well let me ask you that first question 415 00:57:23,857 --> 00:57:29,813 first. Do you want to respond to that? Not sure I heard all of it or understood what I heard. 416 00:57:29,813 --> 00:57:31,126 You want to say all that again, please? 417 00:57:35,190 --> 00:57:42,176 Okay, yeah, thanks Chuck. This is KC3WWC. I have the same radio with the same built-in 418 00:57:42,176 --> 00:57:51,525 tuner and the same run of coax for any of my antenna setups. Then the transformer and 419 00:57:51,525 --> 00:57:59,232 the wire changes. That's it. So the coax is involved and the counterpoise is involved 420 00:57:59,232 --> 00:58:01,394 in everything. Back to you. 421 00:58:04,408 --> 00:58:09,674 So you were tuning your random wire at the end of a piece of coax, yes? 422 00:58:17,652 --> 00:58:21,140 It just, I thought I could go a little bit longer, let's try something else. 423 00:58:32,014 --> 00:58:37,814 in here for a second. John, you're clipping the very first part of your transmission, so 424 00:58:37,814 --> 00:58:42,834 again, give it a couple seconds after you press the PTT. We missed the first couple syllables 425 00:58:42,834 --> 00:58:47,854 there, which is said, I think was, Chuck was asking you a yes-no question, we totally missed 426 00:58:47,854 --> 00:58:52,674 that, so I think he asked if you're tuning, you're tuning the antenna at the end of that 427 00:58:52,674 --> 00:58:57,074 coax. So give it a little bit of delay before you respond. 428 00:59:00,974 --> 00:59:01,494 KC3WWCWA3VEA. 429 00:59:05,880 --> 00:59:15,875 Yep, sorry about that. I got excited, but I'm on digital. I am, yeah, it's the same radio 430 00:59:15,875 --> 00:59:28,841 with tuner to coax to transformer to wire. So the tuner is always at the radio end 431 00:59:28,841 --> 00:59:31,072 of the coax. Back to you. 432 00:59:34,568 --> 00:59:41,315 So back when you were doing your random wire, you had a random wire at the end of that coax 433 00:59:41,315 --> 00:59:47,862 as opposed to the so-called inset halfway with the transformer. Is that correct? And 434 00:59:47,862 --> 00:59:49,364 again, click then talk. 435 00:59:56,622 --> 01:00:03,002 Yes, the random wire was at the end of the coax and there was a 9 to 1 transformer in between 436 01:00:03,002 --> 01:00:07,922 instead of the 49 to 1 for the NFET or for the NFET 437 01:00:22,530 --> 01:00:26,858 Yeah, I wish you had said you had a tuner out at the end, but you don't. 438 01:00:32,846 --> 01:00:35,155 I guess one last question, what size is your co-ac? 439 01:00:42,478 --> 01:00:45,234 Um, have to... 440 01:00:48,910 --> 01:00:59,161 It is, it's not the thin, thin stuff, but it's not LMR 400. It's probably... or whatever 441 01:00:59,161 --> 01:00:59,423 it is. 442 01:01:03,438 --> 01:01:14,576 Okay, yeah, you have a combination of inefficiencies there. Running high SWR on RG58 versus say 443 01:01:14,616 --> 01:01:25,608 an RG8 family. You got a lot of loss there. Yeah, this is a more complicated question 444 01:01:25,608 --> 01:01:33,775 than maybe we have time for. Generally speaking, you don't want to be tuning a high SWR load 445 01:01:33,815 --> 01:01:39,319 through a piece of coax, especially small coax, and that's what that is for this purpose. 446 01:01:39,319 --> 01:01:45,014 Generally, a remote tuner is the ticket for what you want to do, the remote tuner and 447 01:01:45,014 --> 01:01:54,222 a piece of wire. The that you have difficulty getting a transformer down to a decent SWR 448 01:01:54,222 --> 01:02:05,241 with the 49 to 1 and you're trying various remote tweaks at that. Yeah, that's difficult 449 01:02:05,241 --> 01:02:12,448 situation. And yeah, I think I'm rambling. Back to NET. 450 01:02:16,044 --> 01:02:24,079 Good. Let me stop there and let me ask first of all, John, is this making any sense and 451 01:02:24,079 --> 01:02:30,162 are you looking for additional comments? KC3WWCWA3VEA. 452 01:02:35,886 --> 01:02:42,448 I am all for experimenting and stuff, and that's what I've been doing, but I ask questions along 453 01:02:42,448 --> 01:02:48,710 the way so I can see if I understand it a little bit better. I understand that it would be 454 01:02:48,710 --> 01:02:55,631 better to tune at the other end. I do put the Nano VNA on my Enfit Halfwave, and I try 455 01:02:55,631 --> 01:03:01,973 to lengthen it and bump it around to try to get all the bands closer, but there's still 456 01:03:01,973 --> 01:03:08,895 some that aren't, and I need the tuner. So the question is, if I've got my NFET half wave 457 01:03:08,895 --> 01:03:14,167 and I'm still needing the tuner for some of those bands, am I any better off than if 458 01:03:14,167 --> 01:03:19,798 it was just a random wire that would work just fine too, you know, on the coax with the 459 01:03:19,798 --> 01:03:27,207 same inefficiencies and all that same feed inefficiencies? Yeah, so just wondered is there, should I 460 01:03:27,207 --> 01:03:32,342 stick with the NFET or is it fine at that point to just go back to the random wire and try 461 01:03:32,342 --> 01:03:45,274 that again? I'll see how it does, how it performs. Back to you, KC3WWC. 3QP? Tim, go ahead, W3QP 462 01:03:45,274 --> 01:03:54,821 WA3VEA. W3V and the group W3QP. I certainly agree with everything Chuck's saying. I think 463 01:03:54,821 --> 01:04:00,053 to try to get at the question you're asking, you talked about having trouble getting the 464 01:04:00,053 --> 01:04:05,875 half wave to line up on all the handbands. That is super normal, especially when you're 465 01:04:05,875 --> 01:04:11,468 running in trees. Everything reacts with everything. And so what I get on my property and what 466 01:04:11,468 --> 01:04:17,914 you get on your property is very likely to be different. So that's pretty normal. I do not 467 01:04:17,914 --> 01:04:23,634 know off the top of my head what the efficiency of a 9 to 1 and what the efficiency is of a 468 01:04:23,634 --> 01:04:31,314 49 to 1 from a transformer perspective. taking everything out of the equation, if, and I'm 469 01:04:31,314 --> 01:04:39,314 making numbers up because I don't know, if the 49 is 90 % efficiency and the 9 to 1 is 99 470 01:04:39,314 --> 01:04:45,717 % efficiency, obviously there's an advantage there. I don't know. I do know with the half 471 01:04:45,717 --> 01:04:54,132 waves you can stack cores to handle more power, but it also affects the efficiency. 472 01:04:54,132 --> 01:04:59,505 I'll have to dig around and see if I can find the article that I have that gets into the 473 01:04:59,505 --> 01:05:05,489 efficiency there. There are ways of measuring that with your nano VNA, but I don't know the 474 01:05:05,489 --> 01:05:13,517 details off the top of my head. As for the individual bands. It really depends on what 475 01:05:13,517 --> 01:05:19,912 SWR you're pulling on the individual bands. Again, I'll make up numbers. If you're at 476 01:05:19,912 --> 01:05:27,307 1.5 to 1 on 20 meters with the half wave and you're 1.6 to 1 on 20 meters with the random 477 01:05:27,307 --> 01:05:34,372 wire, then for that band, your half wave is a little bit more efficient. Again, you have 478 01:05:34,372 --> 01:05:39,016 to look at the transformer side of things. So it just really depends on what bands you're 479 01:05:39,016 --> 01:05:45,759 using. what the efficiency is for that particular band. The transformers are not going to be 480 01:05:45,759 --> 01:05:51,053 the same efficiency across all the bands. So it really gets down and you're going to have 481 01:05:51,053 --> 01:05:55,817 to measure and dig out the numbers. Somebody on the internet might have answers for you, 482 01:05:55,817 --> 01:06:00,600 but I certainly don't know. I don't know if that helps point you in a direction, if that 483 01:06:00,600 --> 01:06:05,234 answers your question. I will turn it back over to Nat. This is W3QP. 484 01:06:08,878 --> 01:06:13,969 Very good. John, let me turn it back to you and see if we gave you enough information to 485 01:06:13,969 --> 01:06:18,258 go on there. KC3WWCWA3VEE 486 01:06:24,078 --> 01:06:28,872 Yes, Tim, thank you, and Chuck, thank you. It gives me some things to think about, especially 487 01:06:28,872 --> 01:06:35,317 the efficiency of the transformer that I've built, and swapping them in and out, and what 488 01:06:35,317 --> 01:06:41,092 they might be doing. I did play around with a 49 to 1 and a 64 to 1 as I was trying to 489 01:06:41,092 --> 01:06:46,096 make things happen. But it's good also to know that it's not uncommon for them to just 490 01:06:46,096 --> 01:06:53,041 be a little, just for some of the bands to be a little off when I look at the tunings. 491 01:06:53,041 --> 01:07:01,322 I'll do the experiment, I'll report back. Maybe the 71 foot wire is, well I'll look back and 492 01:07:01,322 --> 01:07:05,762 realize it doesn't perform near as well. But I'll give it a shot and I'll see what I can 493 01:07:05,762 --> 01:07:18,583 measure. Thank you. KC3WWC. Very good. Last question for the evening is Tim, KD3AIS WA3VEA. 494 01:07:37,784 --> 01:07:45,194 Tim had a power failure out there. K-E-3-A-I-S-W-A-3-V-E-E. I'm going check the PICO outage map. 495 01:07:48,334 --> 01:07:55,743 KD3AIS, sorry I stepped away at the wrong time. My apologies. Tim, go ahead with your question. 496 01:07:58,636 --> 01:08:06,431 My question is a newer ham who's not a general yet and trying to listen to the traffic 497 01:08:06,431 --> 01:08:13,214 on field day, just on 20 meters, because that was the easiest for me to do. I'm on a Yehsu 498 01:08:13,214 --> 01:08:21,049 FT-991A and I started thinking about, I wonder if a computer screen is helpful, or some kind 499 01:08:21,049 --> 01:08:30,066 of screen is helpful at all in trying to navigate. HF, sure there's plenty of people that will 500 01:08:30,066 --> 01:08:36,346 say never use it. can look at all the pictures of people, stations that have no screens. So 501 01:08:36,346 --> 01:08:42,706 I'm sure it's possible to do without a computer screen. But I was just interested, has anybody 502 01:08:42,706 --> 01:08:50,366 ever found it beneficial to use a computer screen and or maybe this is why people get a second 503 01:08:50,366 --> 01:08:56,826 radio and then it has a slightly bigger screen. So my question is, is a screen helpful at all? 504 01:08:57,864 --> 01:09:01,390 and looking at tuning in HF, your thoughts. Thank you. 505 01:09:05,166 --> 01:09:10,866 W3MFB. Comments for Tim. This is WA3VEA. 506 01:09:15,341 --> 01:09:23,314 Sorry, Ron. W3MFD, comment? W-A-3-V-E-E-I Mike. 507 01:09:27,502 --> 01:09:32,762 thank you ron you know working uh... echo link on the phone is uh... and haven't done in a 508 01:09:32,762 --> 01:09:41,262 while it's a little difficult uh... i have uh... also have their radio and uh... operated on 509 01:09:41,262 --> 01:09:47,482 field day for six meter into the inside there had every year of where we one hundred water 510 01:09:47,482 --> 01:09:55,730 you have had since i've been a m since nineteen uh... honestly Alright, so the waterfall on 511 01:09:55,730 --> 01:10:01,970 the 991 is like looking at the NES Super Mario Brother 8-bit, you know? And then you see all 512 01:10:01,970 --> 01:10:09,870 the other modern Yee-Soo or i-Com 7300, whatever. And it's like, you know, PlayStation 4 or 5, 513 01:10:09,870 --> 01:10:18,130 right? Honestly, yes, it's nice when you're, say you're on a frequency and you're finishing 514 01:10:18,130 --> 01:10:25,260 up your Q-So, whatever, and then you see some activity down below. uh... but are fully i'd 515 01:10:25,260 --> 01:10:32,447 use it yes but do what i put on the computer screen no uh... personally i would not do 516 01:10:32,447 --> 01:10:39,073 that because i'm listening i'm using my ears because i'm turning that dial i'm using my 517 01:10:39,073 --> 01:10:44,588 ears and turning that dial because if you don't have the waterfall you don't have a spectrum 518 01:10:44,588 --> 01:10:51,729 scope on your radio or whatever uh... You're just using your ears and turning the dial and 519 01:10:51,729 --> 01:10:58,883 you're listening for good stations that you can copy, especially on field day or a contest. 520 01:10:58,883 --> 01:11:07,387 always make sure that I am able to first, I listen. don't just jump at the, my God, there's 521 01:11:07,387 --> 01:11:13,290 somebody in Washington who cares? Okay. I'm going to listen and make sure that I can understand 522 01:11:13,290 --> 01:11:18,526 their call sign. and understand the information they're giving, it's powder or something like 523 01:11:18,526 --> 01:11:24,788 that, what the number is. I usually write all that stuff down first and then once I can 524 01:11:24,788 --> 01:11:31,551 hear them fine, then I make the contact. Yes, all the technology that these newer radios 525 01:11:31,551 --> 01:11:38,444 have is excellent, but me personally, guess, I'm new school to him, but old school in thinking. 526 01:11:38,444 --> 01:11:45,131 I don't think it's necessary, but that's just my point of view. uh... w three m f p back 527 01:11:45,131 --> 01:11:53,292 to row Hey, very good, Mike. Other comments for Tim? This is WA3VE. You're listening to 528 01:11:53,292 --> 01:12:02,449 the 985 Workbench. Other comments, please? W-A-H-C-R-W W-A-H-C-R-W W-A-3-V-E-E-G-S-G-R 529 01:12:08,302 --> 01:12:16,611 agree with Mike, but I would say I have a 19 inch monitor connected to my Yee-Soo FT-DX10. 530 01:12:16,611 --> 01:12:25,091 And it makes looking at the screen a lot easier. It's not necessary, but I call it 531 01:12:25,091 --> 01:12:26,292 a bonus. Back to that. 532 01:12:32,110 --> 01:12:36,594 Okay, very good CR. Other comments for Tim? WA3VE here. 533 01:12:40,152 --> 01:12:45,874 KZG. 3KZG WA3VEE, you got it 534 01:12:49,142 --> 01:12:54,898 I with CR. I also have a DX10. Now it's not, I think the DX10 screen is actually. 535 01:13:03,726 --> 01:13:13,435 did have the screen hooked up to my DX10 for, I would say... of Saturday on field day 536 01:13:13,435 --> 01:13:20,368 and then I had to give up the power cord for that monitor to my brother so he could recharge 537 01:13:20,368 --> 01:13:28,482 his batteries that he was running his 7300 off of because we had only brought one computer 538 01:13:28,562 --> 01:13:36,769 plug cable. used so I went the rest of field day without the big screen and it didn't seem 539 01:13:36,769 --> 01:13:43,008 to inhibit me at all. So it is nice looking at the big monitor though, especially if you 540 01:13:43,008 --> 01:13:49,362 have aging eyes or wear glasses. is easier to see. 541 01:13:52,450 --> 01:13:53,266 Not, not needed. 542 01:13:58,018 --> 01:14:07,967 warned so many times just be sure to use a DBI. sure you don't backfeed voltage into the radio. 543 01:14:07,967 --> 01:14:10,177 If you would use like an H- 544 01:14:17,112 --> 01:14:30,162 Absolutely very true. Additional comments for Tim. This is WA3VE. CW. 3CW WA3 VEE. 545 01:14:34,550 --> 01:14:47,191 in the immortal words of KFC. Okay. This weekend I had Ron's 710 and it has a little screen 546 01:14:47,191 --> 01:14:55,258 on it and he plugged it into a big screen. Now, I agree that the bigger screen makes it easier 547 01:14:55,258 --> 01:15:01,764 to see your settings and look at the S meter and frequency is right there in front of 548 01:15:01,764 --> 01:15:06,337 you and especially with all the visitors we had, it was a wonderful thing, especially with 549 01:15:06,337 --> 01:15:13,362 all the visitors. But as far as the band scope went, The general condition was so noisy 550 01:15:13,362 --> 01:15:21,596 and so packed with stations that the band scope was pretty much useless. Because you're getting 551 01:15:21,596 --> 01:15:27,499 perfectly, I won't say perfectly copyable, but copyable stations that were down in the grass 552 01:15:27,499 --> 01:15:37,145 that did not show themselves above the general hash at the bottom of the screen any more 553 01:15:37,145 --> 01:15:42,833 than just the noise was. It didn't point anything out, it didn't provide any new information. 554 01:15:42,833 --> 01:15:50,540 Again, this is just the band scope thing, but like I said, it was great PR. Now, if you're 555 01:15:50,540 --> 01:15:58,207 in a band, I won't say no experience on six, but I have the next best thing to know experience 556 01:15:58,207 --> 01:16:07,127 on six. Now, in a band like six or ten, which comes and goes, and... activity that you 557 01:16:07,127 --> 01:16:12,920 don't know about and you're not necessarily scanning your VFO up and down the band, it 558 01:16:12,920 --> 01:16:17,853 may be useful to say, oh, there's some activity down here that I didn't know about. So you 559 01:16:17,853 --> 01:16:22,975 go dial, dial, dial, and you see them and hear them and you can work them. In that case, 560 01:16:22,975 --> 01:16:28,498 the band scope I think would be useful in a sparse band when you're waiting for things 561 01:16:28,498 --> 01:16:35,422 to pop up. In a crowded band, it's just a zoo. It's just grass on the screen. from what 562 01:16:35,422 --> 01:16:43,195 I can see. you know, it's like Scott said, it would be nice to have, but as far as enhancing 563 01:16:43,195 --> 01:16:48,819 operation, especially with the band scope, it depends on what you're doing and what band 564 01:16:48,819 --> 01:16:56,854 you're on. Back to NET, NA-3CW. Very good. Excellent. All the way around. Great, great 565 01:16:56,854 --> 01:17:06,066 questions and great answers here and great comments. Final comments for Tim. This is WA3VE. 566 01:17:09,742 --> 01:17:16,789 KC3WWC. WCWA3VE, go ahead John. 567 01:17:20,686 --> 01:17:25,766 My little HF radio here has a pretty big screen. It's mostly screen. And they'll be sitting 568 01:17:25,766 --> 01:17:32,626 there on all the time. And I use the waterfall a lot because I'm not necessarily paying attention 569 01:17:32,626 --> 01:17:38,966 to it, but I can glance over and see the CW band on fire. You know, I know I'm like, oh, 570 01:17:38,966 --> 01:17:42,726 there's some kind of contest. I should go listening. You know, I should tune around a little bit 571 01:17:42,726 --> 01:17:51,284 and listen to some CW. It's cool for just monitoring, I think. And it helps. zero in on a signal 572 01:17:51,284 --> 01:17:54,950 real fast if you're scrolling around. Back to you. 573 01:17:58,062 --> 01:18:05,298 Very good. Excellent. Tim, KD3AIS, do we answer your question? WA3VE. 574 01:18:08,770 --> 01:18:16,026 Yes, Ron, everybody did and thank you very much for all the feedback. And I think my, would 575 01:18:16,026 --> 01:18:22,422 just say I have, normally have my radio on with the volume all the way down because I have 576 01:18:22,422 --> 01:18:27,376 it at my desk when I'm working during the day. And so maybe I've developed a lazy habit to 577 01:18:27,376 --> 01:18:33,822 watch that waterfall to see when somebody's talking. But that said, I think my takeaway 578 01:18:33,822 --> 01:18:40,768 from this, this is great. limit on my tendency to just go out and buy something. And I think 579 01:18:40,768 --> 01:18:46,251 my takeaway from this is to maybe my time is better spent rather than driving down to HRO 580 01:18:46,551 --> 01:18:51,623 and buying a screen or buying a different radio to actually study for the general exam and 581 01:18:51,623 --> 01:19:02,108 pass it. So thank you to the NET. This is KD3AIS back to WA3VE. Very, very good. Is 582 01:19:02,108 --> 01:19:06,679 there anyone else with a question out there who's checked in already? WA3VE, last call 583 01:19:06,679 --> 01:19:07,230 for questions. 584 01:19:20,622 --> 01:19:25,268 Before we close down the workbench for the evening, let's see if we have anyone else 585 01:19:25,268 --> 01:19:30,416 who wants to check in. So if you've been listening or just tuned in, we'd like to hear from you. 586 01:19:30,416 --> 01:19:34,962 Last call for check-ins just to get on the log. W-A-3-V-E-E. 587 01:19:42,252 --> 01:19:49,581 Hey Ron, W3MFB. I did have a question real quick and you can answer it very quickly. Go 588 01:19:49,581 --> 01:19:52,428 ahead Mike, W3MFB, WA3VEA. 589 01:19:57,154 --> 01:20:02,721 Thank you very much. Real quick question. Up at the Field Day site, hey, is that a six meter 590 01:20:02,721 --> 01:20:06,326 and two meter beam up there all the time for use? 591 01:20:09,522 --> 01:20:14,834 Who wants to answer Mike's question about the 6 and 2 meter beam? This is WA3VEA. 592 01:20:24,078 --> 01:20:28,978 Chuck, go ahead, A3CW, WA3VE. 593 01:20:32,494 --> 01:20:37,628 I'm not speaking for George, but I think as long as it's up, it's available. The only 594 01:20:37,628 --> 01:20:41,872 issue is you'll have to put coax on it because there's no coax on either of those antennas 595 01:20:41,872 --> 01:20:42,252 right now. 596 01:20:46,638 --> 01:20:51,078 Very good. Mike, back to you. W3MSB WA3VE. Go ahead. 597 01:20:56,438 --> 01:21:01,683 Alright, thank you very much Chuck and that answers the question, no problem. Alright, 598 01:21:02,123 --> 01:21:11,246 I appreciate it. Thank you. W3MFB. Excellent, very, very good. Thanks to all stations tonight 599 01:21:11,246 --> 01:21:18,826 for checking into the 985 workbench. And a big thank you to Joe, W3GMS, for making the 985 600 01:21:18,826 --> 01:21:23,786 repeater available for the workbench. You are invited to use the repeater often. It's a great 601 01:21:23,786 --> 01:21:29,886 way to show that you appreciate the gift of 985 to the amateur radio community. Finally, 602 01:21:29,906 --> 01:21:35,726 we hope to hear you again on Thursday evening at 8 p.m. during the 985 roundtable. This concludes 603 01:21:35,726 --> 01:21:40,514 the workbench for tonight. Feel free to stick around and continue the discussion on 985 if 604 01:21:40,514 --> 01:21:50,074 you like. Have a good night. Great week ahead. 73, this is W3, WA3. VEE, I'll be clear. And 605 01:21:50,074 --> 01:21:50,614 QRT.