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Dummy Load Antenna

Charles Wells
 

I was looking at the Ozarkcon Dummy Load Special Antenna with an eye toward assembling same.  I'm slightly confused about some details.

My interpretation is that one end of the zip cord is soldered together so that the total length of the radiator is 40 ft.  One end is then connected to the BNC ground and the other to the resistive load.  Is this interpretation correct?

Thanks for your help.

Chas
Re: Hilltopper Mods

Bob Zolecki
 

Hi Dave
Please put me on your list for the chip update and let me know what the price is when available...I have a beta HT-20
73 de Bob KR9Z



-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Benson <davek1swl@...>
To: main <main@4sqrp.groups.io>; HilltopperKit <HilltopperKit@4sqrp.groups.io>
Sent: Sun, Mar 24, 2019 6:23 am
Subject: [4SQRP] Hilltopper Mods

Folks-

Here are several easy mods to improve Hilltopper performance. They address audio levels and quality.

1)   'Loud sidetone':

The value of R8  (now 22k) can be increased to 47K to 100K.  (This change has been posted before, but it's worth including in this summary )

2) 'Low audio'  

The values of R5 (150K) and C22 (470 pF) may be changed to 330K and 220 pF respectively.  This yields a gain increase of 6 dB without affecting that stage's rolloff characteristic.

These two components are in 'tight quarters'- between U3 and the pushbutton switch.  Cutting one or both component leads and tacking the new components on the underside of the board makes the change much easier. 

 But wait- there's more!......

As some of you have noted, there's a 'screech' on loud CW signals- it necessitates riding the gain control. I evaluated samples of a more robust op-amp-  the NJM4556AD.

3) Replacing the NE5532P with that new device eliminates the screech. You'll hear some distortion when limiting occurs, but it's much less objectionable than the NE5532's rude noises. Its 'limiting' threshold is also about 6 dB higher than the present device.  The net result of this change, combined with 2) above,  is 6 dB more audio without the rudities (that's a word!).

Note that if you increase the gain without replacing the IC, you'll find yourself riding the gain control more often
------------------------------------------------
Here's the deal:

If you'd like parts for fixes 1) and 2), simply send me your address and I'll drop them in the mail to you.

I can provide the NJM4556AD as well, but I'd need to charge for it at my cost.  Most of that is postage- nearly $4 for a 'non-flat' mailing these days.   This part is also readily available through Digikey and Mouser.

73- Dave Benson, K1SWL
email: davek1swl at gmail.com
Re: Hilltopper Mods

Johnny AC0BQ
 

Gm Dave 
Put my name on 2 of the chips and the necessary parts to mod my Hilltoppers. 
I have the beta 20 that is built, but I have a 40 that is still in the box, awaiting some TLC bench time. 
I will drop you a check in the mail. 
72 
Johnny AC0BQ

On Sun, Mar 24, 2019 at 5:23 AM Dave Benson <davek1swl@...> wrote:
Folks-

Here are several easy mods to improve Hilltopper performance. They address audio levels and quality.

1)   'Loud sidetone':

The value of R8  (now 22k) can be increased to 47K to 100K.  (This change has been posted before, but it's worth including in this summary )

2) 'Low audio'  

The values of R5 (150K) and C22 (470 pF) may be changed to 330K and 220 pF respectively.  This yields a gain increase of 6 dB without affecting that stage's rolloff characteristic.

These two components are in 'tight quarters'- between U3 and the pushbutton switch.  Cutting one or both component leads and tacking the new components on the underside of the board makes the change much easier. 

 But wait- there's more!......

As some of you have noted, there's a 'screech' on loud CW signals- it necessitates riding the gain control. I evaluated samples of a more robust op-amp-  the NJM4556AD.

3) Replacing the NE5532P with that new device eliminates the screech. You'll hear some distortion when limiting occurs, but it's much less objectionable than the NE5532's rude noises. Its 'limiting' threshold is also about 6 dB higher than the present device.  The net result of this change, combined with 2) above,  is 6 dB more audio without the rudities (that's a word!).

Note that if you increase the gain without replacing the IC, you'll find yourself riding the gain control more often
------------------------------------------------
Here's the deal:

If you'd like parts for fixes 1) and 2), simply send me your address and I'll drop them in the mail to you.

I can provide the NJM4556AD as well, but I'd need to charge for it at my cost.  Most of that is postage- nearly $4 for a 'non-flat' mailing these days.   This part is also readily available through Digikey and Mouser.

73- Dave Benson, K1SWL
email: davek1swl at gmail.com



--
QRP....."More smiles per Watt"
72
JOHNNY AC0BQ  ..
Magic Box for Sale

John Lonigro
 

I have an unassembled Magic Box kit that I won as a door prize at Ozarkcon several years ago.  I also have a printout of the instructions.  No idea what it is worth, but if anyone is interested, please submit a bid. The highest reasonable bid, as of tomorrow night at midnight, wins.  I'll bring the kit with me to Ozarkcon and we can make the exchange then.  Don't let the "reasonable" qualifier scare you off.  This is all very subjective and what is unreasonable to you might be perfectly acceptable to me.  I figure if I haven't built the kit by now, I probably will never build it.  Might as well let someone have it who could put it to good use.

Please don't send any bids via the 4SQRP reflector. Use my personal email address, which is jonigro(at)gmail.com.  Thanks.

72,

John. AA0VE
Re: FS resistor assortment

George H. Gates
 

Item sold. Geo. W2BPI



Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
Hilltopper Mods

Dave Benson
 

Folks-

Here are several easy mods to improve Hilltopper performance. They address audio levels and quality.

1)   'Loud sidetone':

The value of R8  (now 22k) can be increased to 47K to 100K.  (This change has been posted before, but it's worth including in this summary )

2) 'Low audio'  

The values of R5 (150K) and C22 (470 pF) may be changed to 330K and 220 pF respectively.  This yields a gain increase of 6 dB without affecting that stage's rolloff characteristic.

These two components are in 'tight quarters'- between U3 and the pushbutton switch.  Cutting one or both component leads and tacking the new components on the underside of the board makes the change much easier. 

 But wait- there's more!......

As some of you have noted, there's a 'screech' on loud CW signals- it necessitates riding the gain control. I evaluated samples of a more robust op-amp-  the NJM4556AD.

3) Replacing the NE5532P with that new device eliminates the screech. You'll hear some distortion when limiting occurs, but it's much less objectionable than the NE5532's rude noises. Its 'limiting' threshold is also about 6 dB higher than the present device.  The net result of this change, combined with 2) above,  is 6 dB more audio without the rudities (that's a word!).

Note that if you increase the gain without replacing the IC, you'll find yourself riding the gain control more often
------------------------------------------------
Here's the deal:

If you'd like parts for fixes 1) and 2), simply send me your address and I'll drop them in the mail to you.

I can provide the NJM4556AD as well, but I'd need to charge for it at my cost.  Most of that is postage- nearly $4 for a 'non-flat' mailing these days.   This part is also readily available through Digikey and Mouser.

73- Dave Benson, K1SWL
email: davek1swl at gmail.com
Re: FS resistor assortment

Peter Dehman
 

Four Sail

On Sat, Mar 23, 2019 at 2:56 PM Frank Perkins <N6CES.r@...> wrote:
What is FS?


On Sat, Mar 23, 2019, 11:52 AM George H. Gates via Groups.Io <w2bpi1=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:
Fill up your junk box. Must clean out shack. $20.00 plus shipping. 72  George/W2BPI

Re: FS resistor assortment

davemrtn <davemrtn@...>
 

So, is that $10 per resistor !!??

How about some details...


David Martin - NA1MH - Mountain Home, Ar. -----------------------------------------
Wherever I go, there He is.
Recycle, Reuse, Re-purpose, Repair
>Professional Sports - An activity for small minds<
!! There is a reason it is called "Sports Trivia" !!

On 3/23/2019 13:52, George H. Gates via Groups.Io wrote:
Fill up your junk box. Must clean out shack. $20.00 plus shipping. 72  George/W2BPI

Re: Hilltopper 40 progress

Gary E. Kohtala
 

Hello Bobby,

Nice to meet you. Thanks for your message. Yes. I have been having fun with QRP for years. Ever since I discovered
the 4SQRP group and the wonderful kits they offer I have been in ham heaven. Previously I purchased and built all of the
Small Wonder Labs SW series, 80, 40, 30, and 20m. I should probably break them out and see if they still work as it h as
been a number of years since I used them. I built the SW20 and SW40 in the  year 2000 in a Muldraugh hotel. I was a government contractor in training at Fort Knox. Hard to believe it was that long ago. I finally retired in 2016 and moved
to Radcliff from Washington state and have been here ever since. Been struggling to get some decent antennas up. I only
have wires up now but hope to get at least one tower and rotatable antennas up this spring/summer. I hope to work you
on the air sometime.

Best regards,

Gary, K7EK

---



On Saturday, March 23, 2019, 10:25:47 AM EDT, Bobby Rolph via Groups.Io <kb4qnr@...> wrote:


Hello Gary. I just wanted to send you a quick hello from Lexington. It is great to see a Nother person in Kentucky involved with the four state QRP group.Well I see that Siri does not transcribe very well sometimes. Hi hi. 73 and have fun with your Hilltoppers rigs. 72/3
Bobby Rolph
KB4QNR



Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad

On Friday, March 22, 2019, 11:57 PM, Gary Kohtala via Groups.Io <gary.k7ek@...> wrote:


I purchased a set of JBL EnduranceRun earbuds. In several days of tuning around I have found that although the receive audio will sometimes clip on strong signals with the GAIN control wide open, I have yet to experience the terrible screeching noise I experienced with the computer type headphones... AND the receiver audio level is quite acceptable as-is. I have usually kept the GAIN control wide open when tuning the band but ride it just in case I approach a strong signal, at which time I reduce the audio a bit and tune by. That technique and the new earbuds seem to have overcome the screeching noise that plagued me on all other types of headsets. By the way, the JBL earbuds are based upon strong magnets. Not sure if that is why they seem to be working so well for me. In any case I am completely happy now and can commence to building my remaining Hilltopper 20.

Oh, and by the way, I made my first contact tonight on the HT 40. It was approximately 935 miles with a station up in Maine. I got a 559 at first, then he upped it to 579 as the band was changing a bit. Had a nice little chat with him until my single paddle suddenly went crazy and I had to sign. I apparently hadn't firmly cinched down all of the adjustments and one of them suddenly got very sloppy, totally messing up my sending. I fixed that and am now looking for contact number two on my HT 40. I have been CQ'ing a lot on or around 7123.0 khz but have heard zero thus far. I will keep at it. When I can remember, I am spotting myself on QRPSpots. I wish more operators would use that excellent tool.

Thanks to all of those that offered assistance and suggestions with my HT 40. I am grateful and have learned  a lot. I expect that my un-built HT 20 will go together much quicker and smoother. Now if we could see a HT 80 and HT 30, I'd be in ham heaven...Hint, hint..  See you on the air.

Best regards,

Gary, K7EK

Radcliff, KY (EM77at)
Ref FS resistors

George H. Gates
 

Forgo to add picture available. 72 Geo/W2BPI
Re: FS resistor assortment

Frank Perkins
 

What is FS?


On Sat, Mar 23, 2019, 11:52 AM George H. Gates via Groups.Io <w2bpi1=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:
Fill up your junk box. Must clean out shack. $20.00 plus shipping. 72  George/W2BPI

FS resistor assortment

George H. Gates
 

Fill up your junk box. Must clean out shack. $20.00 plus shipping. 72  George/W2BPI
Re: Hilltopper 40 progress

Bobby Rolph
 

Hello Gary. I just wanted to send you a quick hello from Lexington. It is great to see a Nother person in Kentucky involved with the four state QRP group.Well I see that Siri does not transcribe very well sometimes. Hi hi. 73 and have fun with your Hilltoppers rigs. 72/3
Bobby Rolph
KB4QNR

On Friday, March 22, 2019, 11:57 PM, Gary Kohtala via Groups.Io <gary.k7ek@...> wrote:


I purchased a set of JBL EnduranceRun earbuds. In several days of tuning around I have found that although the receive audio will sometimes clip on strong signals with the GAIN control wide open, I have yet to experience the terrible screeching noise I experienced with the computer type headphones... AND the receiver audio level is quite acceptable as-is. I have usually kept the GAIN control wide open when tuning the band but ride it just in case I approach a strong signal, at which time I reduce the audio a bit and tune by. That technique and the new earbuds seem to have overcome the screeching noise that plagued me on all other types of headsets. By the way, the JBL earbuds are based upon strong magnets. Not sure if that is why they seem to be working so well for me. In any case I am completely happy now and can commence to building my remaining Hilltopper 20.

Oh, and by the way, I made my first contact tonight on the HT 40. It was approximately 935 miles with a station up in Maine. I got a 559 at first, then he upped it to 579 as the band was changing a bit. Had a nice little chat with him until my single paddle suddenly went crazy and I had to sign. I apparently hadn't firmly cinched down all of the adjustments and one of them suddenly got very sloppy, totally messing up my sending. I fixed that and am now looking for contact number two on my HT 40. I have been CQ'ing a lot on or around 7123.0 khz but have heard zero thus far. I will keep at it. When I can remember, I am spotting myself on QRPSpots. I wish more operators would use that excellent tool.

Thanks to all of those that offered assistance and suggestions with my HT 40. I am grateful and have learned  a lot. I expect that my un-built HT 20 will go together much quicker and smoother. Now if we could see a HT 80 and HT 30, I'd be in ham heaven...Hint, hint..  See you on the air.

Best regards,

Gary, K7EK

Radcliff, KY (EM77at)
Re: Hilltopper 40 progress

Dave Benson
 

Gary-

Thanks for that good news!

My experience has been that a good set of earbuds is spec'ed at 103 dBa/mW or better. Your JBLs undoubtedly fit in that category, and the rare-earth magnets definitely help with sensitivity.

I recently advised another builder with new component values to boost the Hilltopper audio gain by 10 dB. He's delighted with the change, but leaves me thinking he'll hear 'limiting' more often.

To that end, I've ordered and received samples of a different op-amp with higher current drive specs.  I'll evaluate that part today (Saturday).  I'll plan to post further information shortly.

73- Dave, K1SWL


On Fri, Mar 22, 2019 at 11:57 PM Gary Kohtala via Groups.Io <gary.k7ek=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

I purchased a set of JBL EnduranceRun earbuds. In several days of tuning around I have found that although the receive audio will sometimes clip on strong signals with the GAIN control wide open, I have yet to experience the terrible screeching noise I experienced with the computer type headphones... AND the receiver audio level is quite acceptable as-is. I have usually kept the GAIN control wide open when tuning the band but ride it just in case I approach a strong signal, at which time I reduce the audio a bit and tune by. That technique and the new earbuds seem to have overcome the screeching noise that plagued me on all other types of headsets. By the way, the JBL earbuds are based upon strong magnets. Not sure if that is why they seem to be working so well for me. In any case I am completely happy now and can commence to building my remaining Hilltopper 20.

Oh, and by the way, I made my first contact tonight on the HT 40. It was approximately 935 miles with a station up in Maine. I got a 559 at first, then he upped it to 579 as the band was changing a bit. Had a nice little chat with him until my single paddle suddenly went crazy and I had to sign. I apparently hadn't firmly cinched down all of the adjustments and one of them suddenly got very sloppy, totally messing up my sending. I fixed that and am now looking for contact number two on my HT 40. I have been CQ'ing a lot on or around 7123.0 khz but have heard zero thus far. I will keep at it. When I can remember, I am spotting myself on QRPSpots. I wish more operators would use that excellent tool.

Thanks to all of those that offered assistance and suggestions with my HT 40. I am grateful and have learned  a lot. I expect that my un-built HT 20 will go together much quicker and smoother. Now if we could see a HT 80 and HT 30, I'd be in ham heaven...Hint, hint..  See you on the air.

Best regards,

Gary, K7EK

Radcliff, KY (EM77at)
Re: Switch and 1/8th Jack Nut driver

Dave Benson
 

Hi Terry-

Thanks for the reference to that little 'horizonhobby' tool.  How do you use it?  I assume it slips down over a recess in the underside of the tool.   From the looks of it, it still needs some sort of slotted driver to torque the 3.5mm nut down.

Thanks- Dave, K1SWL


On Tue, Mar 19, 2019 at 4:51 PM Jim Sheldon <w0eb@...> wrote:
They're currently out of stock, but I believe a Wiha 30517 is a better deal with a nice handle on it.

Jim, W0EB

On Mar 19, 2019, at 3:00 PM, WA0ITP <wa0itp@...> wrote:

While perusing the Horizon Hobby web page to fuel one of my other hobbies, I ran across the wrench below.  It is being sold as a RC Transmitter switch wrench, buit is also works perfectly for the 1/8" Jacks we have on receivers, keyers, amps, xcvrs,etc..  These are the little round nuts that seem impossible to tighten. The bars on the wrench fit into the slots on the nuts.

https://www.horizonhobby.com/spektrum-radio-switch-bezel-wrench--orange-p-spma1310  

<aeggmmcjoccplokf.png> 
-- 
72 WAØITP
I love this radio stuff.
www.wa0itp.com
www.4sqrp.com
Hilltopper 40 progress

Gary E. Kohtala
 


I purchased a set of JBL EnduranceRun earbuds. In several days of tuning around I have found that although the receive audio will sometimes clip on strong signals with the GAIN control wide open, I have yet to experience the terrible screeching noise I experienced with the computer type headphones... AND the receiver audio level is quite acceptable as-is. I have usually kept the GAIN control wide open when tuning the band but ride it just in case I approach a strong signal, at which time I reduce the audio a bit and tune by. That technique and the new earbuds seem to have overcome the screeching noise that plagued me on all other types of headsets. By the way, the JBL earbuds are based upon strong magnets. Not sure if that is why they seem to be working so well for me. In any case I am completely happy now and can commence to building my remaining Hilltopper 20.

Oh, and by the way, I made my first contact tonight on the HT 40. It was approximately 935 miles with a station up in Maine. I got a 559 at first, then he upped it to 579 as the band was changing a bit. Had a nice little chat with him until my single paddle suddenly went crazy and I had to sign. I apparently hadn't firmly cinched down all of the adjustments and one of them suddenly got very sloppy, totally messing up my sending. I fixed that and am now looking for contact number two on my HT 40. I have been CQ'ing a lot on or around 7123.0 khz but have heard zero thus far. I will keep at it. When I can remember, I am spotting myself on QRPSpots. I wish more operators would use that excellent tool.

Thanks to all of those that offered assistance and suggestions with my HT 40. I am grateful and have learned  a lot. I expect that my un-built HT 20 will go together much quicker and smoother. Now if we could see a HT 80 and HT 30, I'd be in ham heaven...Hint, hint..  See you on the air.

Best regards,

Gary, K7EK

Radcliff, KY (EM77at)
Re: 40m Net

W6BOW
 

David KB1PJ,

Thanks OM!
Your e-feedback a big surprise to me and absolutely helpful.

I did not officially log a "QSO" with you. 
However your 559 5W sigs were Solid Copy here in the Bay Area by way of the excellent ...
KFS WebSDR HF radio receiver system located six miles south of Half Moon Bay, California USA.
I sometimes fudge using KFS WebSDR. My QTH is SF proper. Big city = big noise!

Will be listening for you in future, David

73-Don
W6BOW


-----Original Message-----
From: David Speltz <dspeltz@...>
To: main@4sqrp.groups.io <main@4SQRP.groups.io>
Sent: Thu, Mar 21, 2019 8:15 am
Subject: Re: [4SQRP] 40m Net



I am amazed you heard me — I heard tones in the background including a K a few times, and once I think a 559.  I was transmitting 5 watts from Portsmouth, NH.  I never got a full call sign.

David KB1PJ



On Mar 20, 2019, at 10:18 PM, dekle <dekle@...> wrote:

An interesting night tonight.

In addition to the usual suspects, there were some new check-ins.
QNIs were:

WA9PWP       Paul         WI
AB4QL           Barry        AL
WB5OJJ         Al             TX  (Member 1712)
KB1PJ            David       NH?   (I didn't hear him come back - possibly in FL)
VE4FEB         Fernan     Manitoba (Member 1088)
KK4ITX          John         FL
WB5CTS/M   Steve        AZ (Member 176) - A rare mobile QNI.


Can't wait till next week. Thanks everybody.

73
Bill
KV6Z


Re: 40m Net

John - KK4ITX
 

David,

I have a great admiration for these guys........ Try as I might I think that I send garbage but somehow they interpret who I am and where I’m from.  This CW business is all EARS and patience and the NCO deserves at least 75% of the credit for the QNI.

Hats 🎩 Off !

John
KK4ITX 

If you need a parachute and don't have one you probably won't need one again.

On Mar 21, 2019, at 11:15, David Speltz <dspeltz@...> wrote:



I am amazed you heard me — I heard tones in the background including a K a few times, and once I think a 559.  I was transmitting 5 watts from Portsmouth, NH.  I never got a full call sign.

David KB1PJ



On Mar 20, 2019, at 10:18 PM, dekle <dekle@...> wrote:

An interesting night tonight.

In addition to the usual suspects, there were some new check-ins.
QNIs were:

WA9PWP       Paul         WI
AB4QL           Barry        AL
WB5OJJ         Al             TX  (Member 1712)
KB1PJ            David       NH?   (I didn't hear him come back - possibly in FL)
VE4FEB         Fernan     Manitoba (Member 1088)
KK4ITX          John         FL
WB5CTS/M   Steve        AZ (Member 176) - A rare mobile QNI.


Can't wait till next week. Thanks everybody.

73
Bill
KV6Z


Re: 40m Net

David Speltz
 



I am amazed you heard me — I heard tones in the background including a K a few times, and once I think a 559.  I was transmitting 5 watts from Portsmouth, NH.  I never got a full call sign.

David KB1PJ



On Mar 20, 2019, at 10:18 PM, dekle <dekle@...> wrote:

An interesting night tonight.

In addition to the usual suspects, there were some new check-ins.
QNIs were:

WA9PWP       Paul         WI
AB4QL           Barry        AL
WB5OJJ         Al             TX  (Member 1712)
KB1PJ            David       NH?   (I didn't hear him come back - possibly in FL)
VE4FEB         Fernan     Manitoba (Member 1088)
KK4ITX          John         FL
WB5CTS/M   Steve        AZ (Member 176) - A rare mobile QNI.


Can't wait till next week. Thanks everybody.

73
Bill
KV6Z


4sqrp dmr net check ins

Robert
 

good evening

tonight's topic was satellite communications

N8DAH DAVID

N0TGR DICK

NK80 CHARLES

N9PUZ TIM

WG5F ED

KD9MDL BILL

AC0BQ JOHNNY

NA1MH DAVID


HOPE TO SEE EVERY ONE IN BRANSON AND HEAR EVERYONE NEXT WEEK

73'S

BERT

N0YJ