Low Drive From Heil Mic's

Fri Apr 8 23:03:57 EDT 1994

N3RS Wrote:

I have been reading all the discussion regarding Heil microphone 
drive prob-
lems with great interest, waiting for someone to make a statement 
about the
solution I (at N3RD's suggestion) have stumbled onto.  If you 
happen to use
the DVP in your station, you can activate it during normal 
operations (non-
contest) by launching the DVPTSR.  I have found that although my 
Heil mic
will not even trip the VOX when plugged directly into the 
microphone plug
of my IC-765, by using the DVP as a buffer stage, the mic works 
very well
and I do not need to turn the gain up.

Perhaps this will be a quick & dirty solution for those of you 
that have a
DVP.

73's de Sig, N3RS
6481603 at MCIMAIL.COM

de K5ZD:

In my case the Heil mic works great with the IC-765 (I have the 
.47 mica cap in the mic line).  But, when I use the DVP it is 
definitely "hotter" in the audio department to the point that 
there is some RF feedback.  I guess it is always something!

I am amazed at all the variations we are seeing reported 
considering these are production radios and microphones!

Randy, K5ZD

>From MSgt Bob Smith/SCSMH <smithb at GF-WAN.AF.MIL>  Sat Apr  9 03:07:37 1994
From: MSgt Bob Smith/SCSMH <smithb at GF-WAN.AF.MIL> (MSgt Bob Smith/SCSMH)
Date: Fri, 8 Apr 94 21:07:37 CDT
Subject: SO & Packet Cluster
Message-ID: <9404090207.AA12318 at GF-WAN.AF.MIL>

Until very recently, I have operated without the advantage of
having DX packet cluster access.  I tried SOA (or whatever the
ARRL calls it) for the DX test.  Did it help, not really, I was
going single band low power anyways.  I would have found all the
stations regardless.  So in my mind, there was no advantage.

But then again, I was not on a record chasing operation.

Keep SOA seperate from SO.  I've tried both and prefer SO.

73 de Bob ND1H, 
smithb at gf-wan.af.mil

>From D. Leeson" <0005543629 at mcimail.com  Sat Apr  9 05:15:00 1994
From: D. Leeson" <0005543629 at mcimail.com (D. Leeson)
Date: Fri, 8 Apr 94 23:15 EST
Subject: Heil Mic Gain
Message-ID: <81940409041518/0005543629NA5EM at mcimail.com>

The various comments re Heil mic gain may reflect the differences in input
impedance of the various rigs...as I mentioned a while ago, the older Heil
HM-5's I am using work great into a 20K load, but go flat into a 1K load...
this may help explain the effect of using the DVP board as an input stage...
the difference with and without the impedance-matching unity-gain FET amp]
I put into the mic connectors is really dramatic with my TS-950's, as is
the change in tone (less highs into lower Z, sounds really alive into
higher Z)...I use a JFET, self-biased, with about 20K from gate to ground,
as a unity-gain source follower, powered by the voltage at the mic connector...
I also changed the circuit in my old DVK to have 20K input Z rather than
1K, with similar results...BTW, study the wiring of the DVP cables to see
how to do audio right without hum or RF: no signal conducted by the shields,
only by the internal twisted pair...73 de Dave, W6QHS

>From Roland A. Anders ("Rol")" <AB88%CATCC.BITNET at VTBIT.CC.VT.EDU  Sat Apr  9 17:18:31 1994
From: Roland A. Anders ("Rol")" <AB88%CATCC.BITNET at VTBIT.CC.VT.EDU (Roland A. Anders ( Rol ))
Date: Sat, 09 Apr 94 12:18:31 EDT
Subject: IRQ's still
Message-ID: <09APR94.13293426.0203.MUSIC at CATCC>

Perhaps someone can enlighten me regarding using four COM ports to
service multiop CT, a MODEM, a mouse, and a TNC.  The problem I
have had is NOT finding free IRQ's, but rather in getting any COMx
to function with any IRQ's other that the two "standard" ones for COM1
and COM2 (IRQ2 and 4 I think). Others have commented on the problems of
sharing IRQs. Jumpers allow me to change IRQ's such that each COM port
has its own unique IRQ; but, unless a port is given one of the 2 std
IRQ's, it won't work.  "Checkit" software reports that there
is no IRQ for the port if I use any other IRQ but these "standard"
ones.  I have called my computer store people, inquired of many,
and have gotten many different thoughts, but the most recent
advice was that I needed communications software that allowed me
to define  both the COM port I wished to use AND the IRQ I wished
to use, otherwise only the standard IRQ's would be recognized--limiting
me to 2 COM ports. I have bought a mechanical switch that allows me to
select either the TNC or the Mouse, but every time I want to use the
computer at W3LPL for the contests, I have to open  the computer, remove
the modem, and change jumpers to reactivate an external port with the
COMx and IRQ I was using for the modem.   Any ideas??

>From DKMC" <dkmc at chevron.com  Sat Apr  9 18:11:25 1994
From: DKMC" <dkmc at chevron.com (DKMC)
Date: 09 Apr 94 10:11:25 PDT
Subject: Single Unassisted
Message-ID: <199404091712.AA36118 at portal.chevron.com>

 From: McCarty, DK 'David'
 To:  OPEN ADDRESSING SERVI-OPENADDR
 Subject:  Single Unassisted
 Date: 1994-04-08 16:36
 Priority:

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 TO K5ZD:

 Hello Randy.'

 You recently wrote:

 >Now that we KNOW that packet is not that significant of an advantage, why
 >not combine the two single op categories back into one?

 I don't like the reasoning here.

 1.  First of all, there's the "old-fashioned" reason which goes back to the
 original definition of single operator: no help with logging or finding
 multipliers or contacts from any source.

 2.  Second, I don't agree that packet is not a significant advantage.  For
 example, every year I wonder how I could have missed so many of the
 expeditions to the Carib. on one or more bands, even though I'm getting
 better at using two radios.  Such contacts would probably not have been
 missed with packet and appropriate software to filter the spots.  I have
 little doubt that I would increase my score by at least 5% with packet.

 3.  I have the impression that some packet cluster networks are not "open"
 during important contest weekends.  Moreover, the practice of "private"
 spots has become popular in areas where the open networks are maintained.
  This means that THE ASSISTANCE RESOURCE IS NOT EQUAL between competitors
 (not to mention regional differences in participation x propagation--spots
 you can't hear or work).  I'm not complaining here, just pointing out the
 problems with making assisted/unassisted the same category.

 Also:

 >Given that the top single-ops are often beating (and certainly
 >competitive) with the assisted guys, why do we need two categories?

 1. Of course they are competitive.  They are better at finding new ones than
 95% of the people putting out spots.  They also are likely to be doing more
 with their station and their operating to take advantage of the so-called
 single-multi style.

 2.  Are they really beating them to the top spot?  A perusal of the results
 for the last 6 major weekends leads me to believe that most of the reason
 for the seeming lack of competitiveness of the SOA's is due to who's
 operating and where from (station and geography).

 3. Another factor in the seeming difference is the learning curve, which I
 believe is still not level for most in the "serious SOA" group.  And
 computer software will only improve their use of the assistance.

 John Dorr has pointed out several other very good reasons to leave it alone.

 I hope the categories will remain separate.

 73,
 Dave

 David K. McCarty, K5GN
 dkmc at chevron.com

>From Rick Zabrodski <zabrodsk at med.ucalgary.ca>  Sat Apr  9 21:49:15 1994
From: Rick Zabrodski <zabrodsk at med.ucalgary.ca> (Rick Zabrodski)
Date: Sat, 9 Apr 1994 14:49:15 -0600 (MDT)
Subject: SO & Packet Cluster
Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9404091435.A666-0100000 at ume>

I have no local packet cluster but can connect with you guys down east
(2000 miles away).  Even with this distance when working all bands it is 
a big difference, at least during the one contest I tried. Obviously its 
easier to keep track of one band.  I would like a qrp soa class!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Rick Zabrodski                                   VE6GK "glider king"
EMAIL:  zabrodski at med.ucalgary. ca                   "M.D. on weekdays"
Packet: VE6GK at VE6YYC.#cgy.ab.can.na                  "Solar powered aviator
Phone: (403) 271-5123   Fax: 225-1276                     on weekends!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Fri, 8 Apr 1994, MSgt Bob Smith/SCSMH wrote:

> Until very recently, I have operated without the advantage of
> having DX packet cluster access.  I tried SOA (or whatever the
> ARRL calls it) for the DX test.  Did it help, not really, I was
> going single band low power anyways.  I would have found all the
> stations regardless.  So in my mind, there was no advantage.
> 
> But then again, I was not on a record chasing operation.
> 
> Keep SOA seperate from SO.  I've tried both and prefer SO.
> 
> 73 de Bob ND1H, 
> smithb at gf-wan.af.mil
> 

>From D. Leeson" <0005543629 at mcimail.com  Sat Apr  9 23:41:00 1994
From: D. Leeson" <0005543629 at mcimail.com (D. Leeson)
Date: Sat, 9 Apr 94 17:41 EST
Subject: KH6IJ SK
Message-ID: <03940409224130/0005543629NA3EM at mcimail.com>

As a contester and as a radio amateur, I was saddened to receive the
following message by packet:

"From: W6CF  Date:  9-Apr 1747Z  Subj: KH6IJ - Silent Key

Katashi Nose, KH6IJ, is a silent key.

The news of Nose's death came today from his wife Matsuyo, in a call to
Brad, K6WR.  Nose passed away in Honolulu on Thursday, April 7, following
His recent stroke.

Nose was known and respected throughout the world as a DXer and
championship contester.  His operating skills and high ethical
standards gave him a very special place in the world of amateur radio
and in the hearts of those who were fortunate enought to know him.

He will be missed.  Jim, W6CF"

He was already a hero when I was first licensed 40 years ago, and I'm
sorry for his passing.

Dave, W6QHS

>From XMSJ29A at prodigy.com (MR JAMES A WHITE)  Sun Apr 10 00:15:08 1994
From: XMSJ29A at prodigy.com (MR JAMES A WHITE) (MR JAMES A WHITE)
Date: Sat, 09 Apr 1994 19:15:08 EDT
Subject: HELP  - Needed - TH6
Message-ID: <013.00571451.XMSJ29A at prodigy.com>

- URGENT - URGENT - URGENT - URGENT - URGENT - URGENT - URGENT - URGENT -

NEED INSTRUCTIONS FOR HYGAIN TH6 - HAVE ONE THATS BEEN ON GROUND THAT NEEDS
TO BE PUT BACK TOGETHER AGAIN - NEED DIMENSIONAL INFORMATION, IE LENGTHS
AND SPACINGS, ETC....IF YOU HAVE DIRECTIONS OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS
DIRECTIONS AND CAN FAX OR MAIL THEM PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP - I CAN
RECIPROCATE AT DAYTON IN THE FORM OF A DRINK OR HAM SANDWICH OR WHATEVER...

...UNFORTUNATELY TIME IS PRESSING ON THIS ONE. THANKS IN ADVANCE!

de Jim   K1ZX    XMSJ29A at Prodigy.com

>From XMSJ29A at prodigy.com (MR JAMES A WHITE)  Sun Apr 10 00:19:20 1994
From: XMSJ29A at prodigy.com (MR JAMES A WHITE) (MR JAMES A WHITE)
Date: Sat, 09 Apr 1994 19:19:20 EDT
Subject: KH6IJ - Silent Key
Message-ID: <013.00571466.XMSJ29A at prodigy.com>

The contest community, and amateur radio, has lost one of the greats again.

The passing of KH6IJ is very sad to me as I had the good fortune of knowing
Katashi and his family personally. His ability to explain something complex
simply earned him a position at Harvard. As a teen at our dinner table Nose
one day showed me-with a rubber band-what angle of trajectory would produce
the best results as far as distance travelled...I think my father was
trying to put the end of a dipole over a tree that day...occasionally there
would be a "Hint & Kink" in QST from KH6IJ-it was always one of the ones I
refer to as "a keeper".

When I became a ham, my first ARRL DX Competition contained only a few five
band QSOs, predominantly with DXpeditions to Central or South America...and
KH6IJ....a logcheckers nightmare, Katashi was never known for his
penmanship but boy he sure could run in a contest.

The past several years have been hard ones on our particular interest in
this many faceted hobby...now we see one whose operating was the standard
of comparison leaving us.

....one of the first jokes I remember hearing after I got interested in
contesting was that if you had a question about contesting you should ask
Katashi....Katashi Nose. Thanks for the wonderful memories - Aloha Nose.

--[ FORWARDED PRIVATE MESSAGE ]--------

     To: XMSJ29A
   From: Jim Maxwell
Subject:  KH6IJ - SILENT KEY
   Date: 04/09/94 03:40 PM

Katashi Nose, KH6IJ, is a silent key.

The news of Nose's death came today from his wife Matsuyo, in a call to
Brad, K6WR.  Nose passed away in Honolulu on Thursday, April 7, following
his recent stroke.  Services will be held on Wednesday, Arpil 13, 8:00 PM,
at the Hosoi Mortuary, Honolulu.

Nose was known and respected throughout the world as a DXer and championship
contester.  His operating skills and high ethical standards gave him a
very special place in the world of amateur radio and in the hearts of those
who were fortunate enough to know him.

He will be missed.

Jim, W6CF.

 -------- Original message header follows --------
>From dx-request at unbc.edu  Sat Apr 09 15:40:41 1994  [PIM 2.1.2-356.36]
Received: from unbc.edu by inetgate.prodigy.com with SMTP id AA11844
  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4); Sat, 9 Apr 1994 15:21:38 -0400
Received:  by unbc.edu
        id m0pphIp-0002iKa for XPFR23A at prodigy.com ; Sat, 9 Apr 94 10:58 PDT
Date: Sat, 9 Apr 94 10:58:33 PDT
From: jmaxwell at Arasmith.COM (Jim Maxwell)
Message-Id: <9404091758.AA14262 at Arasmith.COM>
To: cq-contest at tgv.com, dx at unbc.edu
Subject: KH6IJ - Silent Key
Precedence: bulk

 --------------   End of message   ---------------

>From barry at w2up.wells.com (Barry Kutner)  Sat Apr  9 19:33:38 1994
From: barry at w2up.wells.com (Barry Kutner) (Barry Kutner)
Date: Sat, 09 Apr 94 18:33:38 GMT
Subject: Single Unassisted
Message-ID: <RyZikc2w165w at w2up.wells.com>

>  >Now that we KNOW that packet is not that significant of an advantage, why
>  2.  Second, I don't agree that packet is not a significant advantage.  For
>  example, every year I wonder how I could have missed so many of the
>  expeditions to the Carib. on one or more bands, even though I'm getting
>  better at using two radios.  Such contacts would probably not have been
>  missed with packet and appropriate software to filter the spots.  I have
>  little doubt that I would increase my score by at least 5% with packet.
> 

Dave - I'm just curious - have you operated both SO and SOA under
similar station condx?
My "analysis" of the scores show that, as a rule, the true single ops
really out-QSO the SOAs, so catching every multiplier isn't as important.

For a limited operation (hours, station, etc.) I agree that packet is 
usually an advantage. But when operating full-tilt, I think packet is a 
major distraction (credit to K3WW for coining the catagory "single-op
distracted"). I find it really screws up the rhythm, and makes you think
twice risking losing a run to chase a mult., especially during the
first 24 hours.

Also, here in megacluster land, when a new/good mult appears on packet, 
it is usually counterproductive to jump right in because the N3RS,
N2RM, W3LPL type stations (not to mention the 50 or so other
KW/tribander/monobander @75+ ft stns) create so much noise and delay...

Of course, it would be real tough to truly quantify advantage vs.
disadvantage of packet from same station from year to year cuz of
band condx changes.

I am for combining the catagories. I think that would really give
all contenders incentive to figure out whether packet really helps or 
not.
73 de Barry

Barry N. Kutner, W2UP       Usenet/Internet: barry at w2up.wells.com
Newtown, PA                 Packet Radio: W2UP @ WB3JOE.#EPA.PA.USA.NA
                            Packet Cluster: W2UP >K2TW (FRC)
.......................................................................

>From ken.silverman at atlas.ccmail.AirTouch.COM (ken silverman)  Sun Apr 10 05:07:05 1994
From: ken.silverman at atlas.ccmail.AirTouch.COM (ken silverman) (ken silverman)
Date: Sat, 09 Apr 94 20:07:05 PST
Subject: IC736 lands in USA
Message-ID: <9403097659.AA765947225 at atlas.ccmail.airtouch.com>

Just got back from the local Ham Radio Outlet, and was playing with the new 
Icom 736.  I had no idea that it was due to arrive so soon, for there have not 
been any adds in the radio magazines.  If you recall, this radio was of great 
interest some months ago when I was looking for a new contest expedition radio.  

I almost walked past the radio, but the $1879 price tag didnt make sense.  The 
736 looks almost exactly like the 737, though a tad larger.   I had the bonus 
of having both the 736 and 737 next to each other, so I could see how the two 
functioned differently. 

The front panel looks the same, but on closer inspection, there were a few 
differnces.  In reviewing the notes from Sandy WA6BXH,  it seems that not all 
the advertised features in Japan apply to the USA version.  Most notably 
missing was the internally switchable 110/220v power supply (you can buy one 
voltage OR the other), and only one key jack.

The following features I did notice:

-   160 thru 10 (100w); and 100w on 6 meters 
-   When operating split, you now have both VFOs displayed
-   Clearable RIT (just hold the RIT button in and wait for beep)
-   Multi function meter; SWR, ALC, PWR out (strange, but when selecting the    
    various functions, they are displayed in place of the main VFO readout,     
    thus blanking out the freq display.  I hope this doesnt affect your signal  
    if you just happened to be transmitting)
-   Internal power supply; either a 110v OR 220v model (no 12v feed option)
-   Built in antenna tuner.  Unit will remember antenna choice and SWR settings 
    per band
-   2.1 kHz SSB filters, up to 2 optional CW filters (no optional SSB filter)
-   double band stacking regesters per VFO
-   XFC - monitors your transmit freq when operating split
-   built in keyer
-   1 key jack (from what I remember)
-   No independant RF input jack (ex: external beverage RX antenna)
-   A/B antenna switch up front 
-   Built in VOX (unlike earlier 737s)
-   21 lbs

There were a number of programable configuration options, but I didnt play with 
those.  The tuning speed was a bit fast for me, but that may be one of those 
programable options.   Though the radio fell short with some expectations, the 
736 is certainly was a huge improvement from the operating effeciency and 
features of 737, and definately seems to fit my expeditioning needs better than 
most other radios on the market today.  Now it's time to negotiate on price.

Best Regards, Ken WM2C

>From ken.silverman at atlas.ccmail.AirTouch.COM (ken silverman)  Sun Apr 10 05:07:09 1994
From: ken.silverman at atlas.ccmail.AirTouch.COM (ken silverman) (ken silverman)
Date: Sat, 09 Apr 94 20:07:09 PST
Subject: WM2C addr change and stuff
Message-ID: <9403097659.AA765947229 at atlas.ccmail.airtouch.com>

Please note that my Internet address has changed to:

ken.silverman at atlas.ccmail.airtouch.com

The company I work for has changed names from Pactel International to Airtouch 
International.  While Airtouch may like a mattress company, we are a wireless 
communications company who provides cellular, paging, and wirefree services 
both here, and overseas.

Other happenings:  There is now a 50-50 chance that I will be at Dayton this 
year.  I had previously discounted the idea, but I will be traveling back and 
forth to Amsterdam over the next 2 months, and should be able to time my next 
return with the Dayton weekend.  I hope to see you all there.

Best Regards, Ken WM2C

>From patd at isumataq.eskimo.com (Patrick Dayshaw)  Sun Apr 10 16:39:29 1994
From: patd at isumataq.eskimo.com (Patrick Dayshaw) (Patrick Dayshaw)
Date: Sun, 10 Apr 1994 08:39:29 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Single Op? Assisted
Message-ID: <199404101539.AA21743 at isumataq.eskimo.com>

Well here goes ....

Given my bona fide status as a "Joe Tribander" (thanks to NG0X for that
one) with my A3S tribander at 26 ft. (Yes, 26 ft.) I hesitate to
comment on this topic but just can't help myself.

Randy's K5ZD's comments have been repeated so many times I'll skip them
at this point but Kevin, WA8ZDT wrote....

  >Is SOA 2nd class?  Is there some kinda stigma against 
  >accepting help from a packet network?  Are you perceived
  >as a whimp for not "going alone"?

Personnaly, I feel that packet assisted operating should be allowed
and even encouraged, but should be considered for what it is, part of
the Multi Op class.  After all, the assistance is real-time and comes
from other licensed operators not from a bunch of SWL's or other
interested third parties.

BTW, I have packet, we have a good network here in the Northwest but I
don't use it for contesting.  I choose to compete as a Single-Op and
don't need (or want) real-time help from other operators - thank you. 
If I wanted to compete that way I'd enter Multi-Op.

Just a moment while I adjust my aluminumized suit.... 

OK let'em fly.

Patrick  WA7VNI  patd at eskimo.com

>From Peter G. Smith" <n4zr at netcom.com  Sun Apr 10 17:34:42 1994
From: Peter G. Smith" <n4zr at netcom.com (Peter G. Smith)
Date: Sun, 10 Apr 1994 09:34:42 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: KH6IJ - Silent Key
Message-ID: <Pine.3.85.9404100942.A12909-0100000 at netcom6>

For many of us who cut our teeth on DXing and contesting in the late 
1950s, there were two ultimate role models -- W4KFC and KH6IJ.  Now they 
are both gone, and we are all poorer for it.  I don't have my old logs, 
but I am almost certain that KH6IJ was my first Oceania contact.  Just a 
year or two ago, and though he was in bad health, he confirmed KH6 on 
80m. for me.  His unique mix of ability, patience and good sportsmanship 
was just that ... unique.  

I didn't know him personally, but I hope someone will pass 
on my condolences to his wife, even though it will be just one more such 
message out of the thousands they will probably receive.

73, Pete
n4zr at netcom.com
NOTE: New Address