February 2024 Update on the Bands Above 50 MHz

 I hope you have been enjoying the improving band conditions, especially on 6 meters.  I must confess I’ve spent some time on HF, adding to my DXCC totals.  Lots of activity on 10 meters, but even 40 meters and 80 meters are cooperating some evenings.  

Back to VHF and Above.  This month, we have several upcoming events to tell you about.  There are plenty of places, from the west coast to the east coast, to gather with other VHF, UHF, and Microwave enthusiasts to swap stories, gear, and even learn something new!

 

My thanks to all who work to put these events together and promote them.  Please always send along any news about meetings, conferences, and on-air activities.  I’m happy to publish them.

 

2024 Conferences of Note

First up is MUD (not the kind all this rain is creating) but the Microwave Update.  This year’s conference is in Vancouver, British Columbia and will be held October 3rd through the 5^th.  Mark Thompson, VE7AFZ, reports that all info about the conference can be found here -  Microwave Update 2024

 

From Bill Caldwell, N0LNO, comes news of the Central States VHF Society meeting in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in July of this year.  More info here at the CSVHF web site at  http://www.csvhfs.org From experience I can tell you this is a knowledgeable group, with outstanding presentations.  Their proceedings publication is not to be missed.

Jay Baack, N1AV writes to let us know of the upcoming EME conference to be held near Trenton, New Jersey August 9th through the 11th.  While the focus of the conference is 432 MHz and above, those interested in working EME on 50, 144, and 222 are certainly welcome! There will be presentations, fellowship, and even an "EME101" course offered during the conference.  If you are at all interested in the world of "moon bounce" this is a great place to start.  Find the details at https://eme2024trenton.org

Odds and Ends

CAT Display Project

Luis, EA5DOM, from IM98 on the Mediterranean Spanish coast, writes to tell us of a project that may be of interest to those who use selected radios as IF decks for transverters on the higher bands.  Called Maxicom, this project is designed for operators using Yaesu radios as IF for their transverters. Maxicom has been developed in less than a year by Julio, EB4CUV (software) and Luis, (hardware) This is  basically a CAT display for Yaesu FT817/818/857/897. It is not only a nice color touch screen but also includes unique tools for the rover and portable microwave operator.

 

Some of the nicer features include an audio waterfall, memories by band to allow for storing regularly used frequencies, and a Sun AZ/EL indicator for calibration/alignment purposes.  The project is sold as a kit.  

Here are Dropbox links to the current user manual and Kit assembly manual in English
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zpif3o7rbs9sbfkpm8b2k/Instructions-Manual-English-5CV8xx.pdf?rlkey=v55kz4nm9diglktvrt6ux3a2p&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/i1rjlxxtg8fd50yqlv6ti/Assembly-Manual-for-Kit-MAXICOM-5CV8xx-English-Ver1.pdf?rlkey=t2nofgd86ns5gmcj4tjof11f5&dl=0

A link to buy the project HamBuy shop link is here
https://www.hambuy.es/hambuy/4588-maxicom-5cv8xx.html

Any questions or interest, contact EA5DOM directly by email -  luis@vigilant.es

(Note – I do not (yet) own one of these, and have no financial interest in the project)

 

10 Ghz Activity

 

From Pete, N0OY, we learn that he and WQOP made a couple of snow scatter contacts @1600z on February 16, their first. Both stations were on the back end of a large snow mass heading Northeast from Kansas.  Pete expects that others would find conditions ok for doing the same in similar circumstances.  Signals were 55a both ways and with about 1 khz of doppler. Sounded like spring!

 

Ron, W9ZIH has returned to the air on 10 Ghz and reports a successful contact with WD9BGA in Wisconsin at about 90 miles on February 22^nd.  Signals were strong enough to support SSB transmissions, even with QSB.

On the Bench at N4DTF

Two projects of note around here.  First, in the interest of advancing technology, I am working to implement a Cariboulite SDR using a Raspberry Pi.  (Photo A) This device is a HAT for the 40 pin connector on the RPi.  Thus far, configuring the software is the biggest challenge.  Stay tuned for more updates on this little transceiver, which covers 30 MHz to 6 GHZ.  

Second, I am getting closer to having my Hallicrafters SR-400 "Hurricane" on the air.  (Photo B) Recent work included testing and replacing various components, especially capacitors, plus two tubes that tested bad.  Always something to "fiddle" with.

Making Contacts

Get on the air and make some contacts!  As we move closer to spring, tropospheric openings will be more common, you can watch for these via the Hepburn Maps at https://dxinfocentre.com/tropo.html

6 meters is experiencing a variety of propagation, including some F2 (HF – like propagation) when the solar flux rises above 150-175.  Watch www.DXmaps.com for openings.  Remember that there is a group of operators on 50.145 every morning using SSB to work meteor scatter, look for them beginning around 6 am local time.  Visit the Sidewinders on Two page to find a local 2 meter SSB/phone net at https://www.swotrc.net/TheSWOTRCHP.aspx

Finally, get your 222 Mhz equipment on the air around 6pm local time on Tuesdays, you will find a great group of ops on phone, EME and of course digital modes on Tuesday evenings.

 

Please continue to update me on your events and activities and I will post them here!

 

73,

 

Trent

N4DTF EM55

 

Trent.fleming@gmail.com

January 2024 Update on the Bands Above 50Mhz

Greetings and Happy New Year!.  Here are a few items regarding VHF and above frequencies that I hope you will find of interest.

 

Insights on the Magic Band

Just after the new year, a nice surprise turned up in my mailbox.  Jim Wilson, K5ND, sent me a copy of his new book “Magic Band Revealed.”  This is an update of Jim’s previous work on 6 meters and VHF in general, including work from his web site at K5ND.net.  I found this updated version to be chock full of old and new wisdom, and was able to read through it easily as Jim’s style is light and informative, even when handling more complex matters.  I’ve been on 6 meters for a while, and have learned much from this fickle, yet engaging band.  However, I found much in K5ND’s new book to help me expand my horizons on 50 to 54 Mhz.  In particular his treatment of meteor scatter (easier than you might think) and EME have instilled in me a desire to focus on these areas as next steps in leveraging 6 meters to make more contacts!  Finally, Jim has included a section on using SDR (software defined radio) techniques to improve your receive capabilities which is fascinating.  This is especially timely as several of the leaders from the Fred Fish Memorial Award (that provides recognition for those who confirm contacts with all 488 grid squares in the CONUS) have declared that SDR receive has been an important addition to their 6 meter operating position.

It is important to remember that the entire 6 meter band, and all modes of operating, are available to every licensed amateur in the US.  Here’s another way to leverage your Technician class license and gain valuable operating and technological experience.

 

I highly recommend Jim’s book.  It is available through his website at K5ND.net, and all the other usual sources.  If you read it, let me (and K5ND) know what you think!

 

New Microwave Group

Mark Thompson, WB9QZB, reports that there is a new group focused on microwaves, the Northern Illinois Microwave Group.  The purpose of the Northern Illinois Microwave Group is to promote the use of the UHF, Microwave & Millimeter Wave bands in Illinois and surrounding areas. 

 

Microwave enthusiasts and those interested in Microwave activity are encouraged to join the group at: 

 

https://groups.io/g/NorthernIllinoisMicrowave

 

 

December and January contacts to New Zealand

 

This year’s winter season into the south pacific has been good, and continues even as I write this on January 22, 2024.  Our friend Bob, ZL1RS, wrote on December 19, 2023, at 10:15:

“As a matter of possible interest, the approximate antenna and power for the ZL callsigns appearing in the screen shots from FT8 that several folks posted on social media are as follows”

ZL1SWW:      4 or 5 ele Yagi and 350W
ZL1AKW:       6 ele Yagi and 1kW
ZL1BQD:       3 or 4 ele Yagi and 100W
ZL1RS:          a 3-stack of 5 ele Yagis and 1kW
ZL3OZ:          3 ele Yagi and 70W, remote hill top QTH ~2500 feet ASL
ZL3GAV:       vertical and 100W?
ZL3RC:          7 ele Yagi and 1kW

 

Thanks to Bob for sharing this info.  Always interesting to see the operating conditions on the other end of the DX contact.  Don’t forget – when FT8 signals are strong, consider trying SSB and CW as well!!!

 

W5ZN WORKING 432 AGAIN

Well-known amateur radio operator and volunteer Joel Harrison, W5ZN, has announced renewed operations on 432 Mhz from his excellent station in EM45.  Joel is good on QRZ if you want to discuss 70cm weak signal work or arrange a sked.

That's all for this time.  73 and Good DX and Grid Chasing!!!!

Please keep me up to date on your operating activities, projects, and clubs.

trent.fleming@gmail.com

N4DTF EM55

 

A First on 902 MHz - 2 Meter Activity - Odds and Ends

 Greetings from EM55 and the Mid-South!  In the little time available to play radio, I admit I have been on the HF bands.  10 and 15 into the South Pacific have been especially good, I have added a few ATNO’s to my DXCC efforts.  One exciting thing I’ve seen is some 10m FM work from some of the dxpeditions.  I haven’t gotten in on it yet but it is a really good sign that folks in the states are working FM at those distances!  I want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my family.  Hoping for great openings on all bands all year long in 2024.  Take time to let me know about your activities, interesting contacts, projects, or questions.  I  always look forward to hearing from you!

 

A First on 902Mhz

 

By now, you have seen more about the report in last month’s column that Al Ward, W5ULA, has achieved the first WAS (worked all states) award on 902 Mhz.  As promised, I have more details.  Al was kind enough to spend some time on the phone with me recently to discuss his journey on 902 Mhz.

 

I asked Al what drove his interest in 902.  He told me that he became interested when US Amateurs gained access to the band in 1985.  Whe I asked “any particular reason?” His answer was simple “It was a new band!”  There’s a lesson there for all of us.  We need to use the allocations we have so as to keep them and perhaps gain a new one occasionally!

 

Al reports that 902 is not without its challenges.  First, it is a shared band, technical in the ISM range, so there is a lot of potential for interference, ranging from repeaters in the ham band to older wireless phones and weather stations, to actual ISM devices.  To address interference he suggests using a filter after the first stage of amplification.

 

I asked Al about modes and propagation.  He indicated that he started out with a lot of tropospheric/terrestrial contacts, he estimated 20 of his first 32 were done that way.  His longest tropo was with K0VXM in Florida, about 1,000 miles.  Which, as Al points out, is pretty good for tropo on any VHF+ band!  For the last 18 QSOs, he used mostly EME, with a combination of CW and more recently, Q65.   Al was quick to express his thanks for the rovers involved in helping him get all 50 states.  Peter KA6U,, Brian NX90 and Jay N1AV.  These rovers do great work by providing access to states and grids where there is just no activity.  Thank you for your efforts!

 

Al reports that he builds a lot of his own gear, including the first EME preamp he used, which was one he designed in his “day job.”   Significant changes over the years include solid state amps instead of tube amps, and of course the move to EME activity on the higher frequencies including 902 Mhz.

 

On the antenna side, dishes are preferred, Al suggested that the W2HRO dish is a great one to use, offering strength and portability.  There are no doubt other good ones out there.

 

 

Sidewinders on the Air – Promoting 2 Meter Weak Signal Work

 

Sunday Evenings 1900 Local on 144.250 MHz USB you will find a 2m roundtable focused on southern Utah and surrounding areas.  The roundtable is focused on Exploration, Experimentation, Communication, and Comradarie.

 

This month I’m including the write up from the Sunday October 22 event – thanks to Art, K7DWI and Kelly, KV7V for this information.

 

We had a total of 22 stations in 5 grid squares and 4 states on the air for the October 22nd roundtable.

 

Legend:  Moderator  Home Station  Mobile Station Portable Station Via Relay Via Remote

 

Order	Station Call Sign	Operator Name	Location	Grid Square
0	KV7V	Kelly	Santa Clara	DM37
1	WO1S via N7ARE	John	Wickenburg, AZ	DM34
2	N7ARE	Gary	Santa Clara	DM37
3	KI7JUA	Daniel	Colorado City	DM37
4	K7MSS	Mike	Saint George	DM37
5	KT6KT	Serge	Las Vegas, NV	DM26
6	N7ADL	Bruce	Saint George	DM37
7	NR7T	Jon	Cedar City	DM37
8	N7TSH	Tom	Hurricane	DM37
9	KG7SXQ via K7MSS	Lynden	Saint George	DM26
10	KL7KTO	Bill	Leeds	DM37
11	KB7K	Barry	Gunnison	DM37
12	KF7YRS	Lee	Saint George	DM37
13	K6FEU	Tom	Saint George	DM37
14	K8NG	Mac	Sun River	DM37
15	KF7PSM	Peter	Las Vegas, NV	DM26
16	W7TMO	Tom	9 Miles East of Mesquite, NV	DM36
17	KG7HBC	Bob	Saint George	DM37
18	KF6ELU via NR7T	Blake	West Wendover, NV	DN20
19	KJ7ETX	Dennis	Old St. George airport bluff	DM37
20	AL7BX	George	Highway 14 Cedar Canyon	DM37
21	KI7L via K6FEU	Steve	Hatch	DM37

 

 

KG7SXQ (Lynden) in Saint George rigged up his dual phased Hourglass antennas and sends pictures, attached.  (Photo A)

From Lynden: I could barely hear W01S but I could understand him. I could hear you (KV7V) S9 when you pointed your antenna SE otherwise you were S3.  I couldn't hear Jon, Serge etc.  Bob, Dennis, Mike, Gary were all S9 or more.  I'll have to load it up and go portable and compare it with my single hourglass.

KL7KTO (Bill) in Leeds sends pictures of his new fiberglass mast supporting a 2 element Yagi.  Bill has been heard in the Tucson area with this small antenna! (Photo B)

 

KF7YRS (Lee) in Saint George has been doing some preliminary design work on a reversible 2 element Yagi (1 driven element and 1 reflector for each direction.  He reports some interesting results with antenna modeling (Photos C and D).  

 

From Lee:

 During yesterday's pre-roundtable, Bill and I mentioned that we had been discussing a 2m reversible Yagi.  It would have some gain but maybe not require a rotator, since you could reverse the direction depending on which of the two driven elements you feed.  I played around with EZNEC this afternoon, and once I remembered how to work it, tested some configurations.  It was fun and I came out with a 3 element (one reflector and 2 driven elements) that looks good on paper.   I used half inch Pex-Al-Pex as the conductor and the projected SWR bandwidth looked great across the entire 2 meter band.  I tested the unused driven element as a solid wire or with a small gap in the center to mimic a feed point, made no difference.

 

 

 

A large Public Health drill will be held on November 9^th.  Washington County ARES is keenly interested in gauging the effectiveness of VHF SSB for backup and emergency communications.  Please consider lending your skills and equipment to this important effort.  A short net will be called on 144.250 MHz USB at 9:45a.m. Mountain Time on the morning of November 9^th.  There will be no exercise traffic passed.  This is solely for the purpose of testing the ability to reach areas of interest in Southern Utah and SE Nevada.  Target areas will be Beaver, Garfield, Kane, Iron, Washington and E. Clark County.  It is expected to last only 30 minutes, but if you only have time to check in and check out, that’s good too.  Regular SU2MSSBRT participant Dennis, KJ7ETX is now the Washington County ARES Emergency Coordinator and has really hit the ground running with his new assignment and he has personally approached me with this request and it’s an honor to have this request made of our group.  (Note that this event has passed, but I wanted my readers to see the effort this group puts forth)

 

Utah 2 Meter SSB Activity

National Calling (Default 24/7 Monitoring) – 144.200 MHz USB

Southern Utah 2M SSB Roundtable – Sundays, 1900 Mtn Time – 144.250 MHz USB (Pre-Roundtable informal chat on 144.200 MHz USB starting as early as 1800 Mtn Time)

Utah Valley VHF SSB Net – Thursdays, 2100 – 144.230 MHz USB

Central Utah 2M SSB Net – Mondays, 1900 Mtn Time – 144.250 MHz USB

Northern Utah 2M SSB Net – Mondays, 2000 Mtn Time – 144.250 MHz USB

Bridgerland ARC (NE Utah) 2M SSB Net – Thursdays, 2100 Mtn Time – 144.200 MHz USB

 

 

Remember 144.200 during the week and between roundtable sessions.  A few of us hang out and monitor there for activity on the National Calling Frequency, so put a call out there and you never know who you might work.

 

Please send any corrections of location and pictures of your station, especially portable operations.  Hope to hear you on Sunday evening!

 

Thanks again to Art and Kyle for this info.  I decided to include this write up because it does a great job of showcasing all the things hams are doing with 2 meters.  Everything from home brewing to public service events! 

 

Visit https://www.swotrc.net/TheSWOTRCHP.aspx to find a 2m group in your area and get on the air!  Even if you only have a vertical, give it a shot – email the net control and let them know you plan to be on the air, and they will listen for you – some are even set up to switch to vertical for you.   All will be welcoming and helpful, so don’t hesitate.

 

Wishing you great propagation and ice-free antennas!

 

73,

 

Trent

N4DTF

EM55

Trent.fleming@gmail.com