Remote CNTL MultiOP/SingleXmtr

KA9FOX at aol.com KA9FOX at aol.com
Wed May 11 18:54:46 EDT 1994


KP4UY writes:
  > At present the CQ WPX Contest rules say that 
  > a MultiOperator Single Transmitter Contest 
  > Station needs to be physically connected to 
  > the antenna...                                 

  > the implication here is that the receivers do 
  > not have to be physically connected to the 
  > antenna..                                     

Really?  I have no way of knowing, but I doubt that is what CQ was implying
when the rule was written.  I'm all for stretching technology to the limits
UP TO THE SPIRIT OF THE RULES.  But a Multi/Single with operators spread out
all over the world is NOT within the spirit, in MY opinion.  I would hate to
see a 'normal' multi-single operation that kicked butt in WPX, only to get
beat by such a world-wide contraption.

I hope the CQ contest directors 'tweak' the rules as Ward N0AX stated:
  > amend the physically-located rule to state 
  > "All operators and equipment must be 
  > contained within a 1000-meter radius circle 
  > or within the property limits."

On the flip side, what I think you are contemplating here stretches current
technology, which can only lead to good things.  I, by no means, wish to
discourage such an experiment, but I don't think it should qualify as a valid
entry.  Maybe we need ANOTHER category... Multi-operator, Multi-location,
Single-xmtr :-)

73 Scott KA9FOX
ka9fox at aol.com             



>From Hal Blegen" <halb at comtch.iea.com  Wed May 11 22:56:47 1994
From: Hal Blegen" <halb at comtch.iea.com (Hal Blegen)
Date: Wed, 11 May 1994 14:56:47 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Checking traps with dip meter.
Message-ID: <m0q1MGl-0001LUC at comtch.iea.com>

> 
> 
> Take the trap out of the element. Shove the dip meter coil up the pipe,
> against the fibre glass rod that carries the coil. If the rod is short
> .....

Testing the trap with a dipper doesn't seem to address the fact that
the debris caused by chitineous creatures doesn't break down until you
put smoke to the antenna and develop some voltage across compoenents inside
the trap.  I'd put the antenna together, clamp it off on the side of the
tower at 6 feet and see if it loaded.  Less than 2:1 on the appropriate
frequencies probably means you're okay.  

Unfortunately, this STILL doesn't address the problem --garbage inside
the trap which may break down on the first rainy day that you run your
amp.  Tape over the holes when you store the antenna is probably only
the practical solution that I have heard so far.

-Hal WA7EGA
-Halb at comtch.iea.com
> 


>From Dave Pascoe <pascoe at MathWorks.Com>  Wed May 11 23:31:09 1994
From: Dave Pascoe <pascoe at MathWorks.Com> (Dave Pascoe)
Date: Wed, 11 May 1994 18:31:09 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: K1TR/3 looking for VHF/UHF skeds
Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9405111812.S13036-0100000 at zippy>

I guess it's that time again...................so I'll throw my group 
into the hopper too.....

K1TR/3 (FN20) looking for skeds on 144-432 MHz from eastern 
Pennsylvania.  We'll run with you for either tropo or meteor scatter 
skeds.  

Tropo range is several hundred miles so if you think there's even a 
small chance of making it, then let's try.....nothing to lose especially 
in the wee hours of Sunday morning!

-----
Dave Pascoe KM3T
The MathWorks, Inc.          E-mail: pascoe at mathworks.com
24 Prime Park Way            WWW: http://www.mathworks.com
Natick, MA 01760 USA         Phone: (508) 653-1415 (508-65-pi)
For info on MATLAB, send e-mail to info at mathworks.com


>From Hal Blegen" <halb at comtch.iea.com  Wed May 11 23:36:47 1994
From: Hal Blegen" <halb at comtch.iea.com (Hal Blegen)
Date: Wed, 11 May 1994 15:36:47 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: CQ WPX Remote CNTL MultiOP/SingleXmtr Contest Station Idea-Interest?
Message-ID: <m0q1MtU-0001LMC at comtch.iea.com>

> 
> At present the CQ WPX Contest rules say that a MultiOperator Single Transmitter
> Contest Station needs to be physically connected to the antenna.. the
> implication here is that the receivers do not have to be physically connected to
> the antenna.. if this rule is not changed due to this post


Boy !!  I would have missed that interpretation completely.  Why bother
to make a rule that means only the final RF output stage needs to be
hooked to the antenna??  -- How else would you deliver the required
1500 watts?  I made the rash assumption that the rule was trying to
address remote site operation. 

-Hal WA7EGA
-halb at comtch.iea.com

>From jholly at hposl42.cup.hp.com (Jim Hollenback)  Wed May 11 23:41:03 1994
From: jholly at hposl42.cup.hp.com (Jim Hollenback) (Jim Hollenback)
Date: Wed, 11 May 1994 15:41:03 -0700
Subject: Checking traps with dip meter.
References: <m0q1MGl-0001LUC at comtch.iea.com>
Message-ID: <9405111541.ZM24563 at hpwsmjh.cup.hp.com>

On May 11,  2:56pm, Hal Blegen wrote:
> Subject: Re: Checking traps with dip meter.
> I'd put the antenna together, clamp it off on the side of the
> tower at 6 feet and see if it loaded.  Less than 2:1 on the appropriate
> frequencies probably means you're okay.  

or stand it up, reflector down about 2 feet off the ground.

Jim, WA6SDM
jholly at cup.hp.com

>From Daniel R. Violette" <Daniel_R._Violette at smtpgty.anatcp.rockwell.com  Thu May 12 01:42:50 1994
From: Daniel R. Violette" <Daniel_R._Violette at smtpgty.anatcp.rockwell.com (Daniel R. Violette)
Date: Wed, 11 May 94 16:42:50 PST
Subject: More Checking Traps of Yagi
Message-ID: <9404117686.AA768699770 at smtpgty.anatcp.rockwell.com>


     I have fed each half of each element as a quarter wave vertical 
     mounted next to and counterpoised to my ground rod also.  I have done 
     this for a bad tap on the driven but can be done for the director and 
     reflector also, noting the resonant point as approx. 5% higher or 
     lower in freq.
     
     Dan KI6X
     
     Daniel_R._Violette at ccmail.anatcp.rockwell.com

>From Randy A Thompson <K5ZD at world.std.com>  Thu May 12 00:43:50 1994
From: Randy A Thompson <K5ZD at world.std.com> (Randy A Thompson)
Date: Wed, 11 May 1994 19:43:50 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: CQ WPX Remote CNTL MultiOP/SingleXmtr Contest Station Idea-Interest?
Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9405111901.A9125-0100000 at world.std.com>

My first reaction to this whole message was to tell the writer to go get 
a life!  But, technology breeds best far from the main stream.

CQ WPX Multi-single has a straight 10 minute rule for band changes.  I 
must assume that KP4UY intends to use all of this switching technology to 
completely cover one band at a time with multiple CQ frequencies.  As 
upset as people get with the idea of a single op CQing on two bands at 
the same time, I don't think this is going to be very popular.

Not to mention the incredible dupe rate this is sure to generate as 
people tune up the band calling KP4UY, and again KP4UY, and again KP4UY, 
and again...
-
If you really want to develop useful technology, get the computer to tune 
multiple receivers, do some interpretation on what is being heard, and 
alert the operator.

Randy, K5ZD


>From Eugene Walsh <0004504465 at mcimail.com>  Thu May 12 04:48:00 1994
From: Eugene Walsh <0004504465 at mcimail.com> (Eugene Walsh)
Date: Wed, 11 May 94 22:48 EST
Subject: Idea-Interest????
Message-ID: <22940512034822/0004504465PK4EM at mcimail.com>

Gentlemen:

I say again; The rules state that transmitters and receivers
must be physically connected to the antennas.

If this changes, kiss multi-op contesting goodbye.

73 N2AA

>From D. Leeson" <0005543629 at mcimail.com  Thu May 12 07:36:00 1994
From: D. Leeson" <0005543629 at mcimail.com (D. Leeson)
Date: Thu, 12 May 94 01:36 EST
Subject: Checking Tribander
Message-ID: <00940512063600/0005543629NA2EM at mcimail.com>

I had some problems with a very ancient TH6/7, and fixed them as follows:

1.  Ohm-meter or continuity tester (beep) across each trap and across
each element joint...found two bad joints that looked fine, and one open
trap.

2.  Then set up antenna at, say, 6 feet...connect MFJ SWR meter or SWR
bridge with low-power drive to feed point (balun)...then run your hands
along each element, starting in the center, and look for expected response
from SWR meter (goes up as you reach higher-impedance part of each element...
you will see effect of traps on 10 and 15 (no rf beyond trap if good)...this
procedure found trap with open (corroded) ground where trap can is screwed
to element, fixed with WD-40 and retightened.

This is a good procedure with questionable antenna of any type, although
SWR reading is not accurate picture of what will happen at full height, it
sure finds problems quickly.  Traps can be blown out with air (watch your
eyes!) or even water (let them dry a while before proceeding).  Typical
problems in addition to spiders are broken wire on coils from flexing, and
open ground to trap can.  I use cloth over the drain holes to keep down the
whistling in light winds, and it seems to keep out bugs as well.

Hope this helps...73 de Dave, W6QHS

>From Eugene Walsh <0004504465 at mcimail.com>  Thu May 12 08:18:00 1994
From: Eugene Walsh <0004504465 at mcimail.com> (Eugene Walsh)
Date: Thu, 12 May 94 02:18 EST
Subject: Multi op Multi QTH
Message-ID: <80940512071808/0004504465PK3EM at mcimail.com>

Hello;

I particularly like Dave's (NG0X) suggestion about
rule changes requiring use of the same bathroom by
operators of a multi effort.  The boys at N2RM are
indeed in agreement.  In fact, we would propose 
that the use of the bathroom should be within a 
specified radius of, say, 500 meters; and should 
include use of the same shovel.

73 Gene N2AA

>From Field, Don" <field at btq2ec.igw.bt.co.uk  Thu May 12 16:47:00 1994
From: Field, Don" <field at btq2ec.igw.bt.co.uk (Field, Don)
Date: Thu, 12 May 94 08:47:00 PDT
Subject: What is multi-op, & more on traps
Message-ID: <2DD24F50 at smtpgate.agw.bt.co.uk>

The debate on KP4UY's suggestion seems to be losing sight of a few issues. 
Why would one one remote sites for a multi-single?

1. For the "run" station. But only one transmitted signal is allowed, and the 
10-minute rule applies. In any case there is no benefit in having remote 
operators calling CQ via a landline to P40V (for argument's sake). These days 
it is rare that an operator is even required to call CQ - the DVP or memory 
keyer does the job. So the remote op. is presumably there to hear, work and 
log the weaker replies? These, surely, must be a very small percentage of the 
total callers. A good op at P40V will hear and work them anyway.

2. For the "multiplier" station. Well, folks, we already have remote spotting 
for multipliers. Over here we have them in maybe 15 countries across Europe, 
all diligently sending us spots over a packet link. Yes, you've got it, it's 
called PacketCluster. Should it be outlawed? Well, this discussions has 
already been the rounds, so I won't enter it again. But it does mean that we 
can, legitimately, brief any number of friends to spend the weekend spotting 
for us. Presumably we could also send out messages from time to time telling 
them which multipliers we are still looking for, as the rules only outlaw 
"non-radio means" for helping things along during the contest. Or maybe 
putting out rf on 2m packet is simultaneous transmission on another band and 
against the rules?

The above comments apply to CQWW. In CQ WPX there is no separate "multiplier 
station" in any case - multi-single is literally multi-op one tx (and almost 
every QSO is a new multiplier these days in any case, so multiplier hunting 
is no big deal).


Just a comment on the debate about testing traps. We have successfully tested 
traps by putting a high-impedance voltmeter across them while they are in 
use. If the trap is working OK there will be plenty of volts at the "inboard" 
end and very little at the other end.

Finally, received May/June issue of NCJ yesterday. Hope all of you in the US 
have yours .....

73 Don, G3XTT 
(field at btq2ec.igw.bt.co.uk)

>From Willy Umanets <uw9ar at chal.chel.su>  Thu May 12 19:01:44 1994
From: Willy Umanets <uw9ar at chal.chel.su> (Willy Umanets)
Date: Thu, 12 May 94 14:01:44 -0400
Subject: WELCOME TO CQ-M'94
Message-ID: <AA8ycqj0K2 at chal.chel.su>

Hi all,
here's a ruff extract fm CQ-M '94 rules.

DATE:       - 14.05.94 2100Z till 15.05.94 2100Z.
MODES:      - CW, SSB, CW/SSB, SATTELITE COMMUNICATION.
BANDS:      - 10m thru 160m, WARC bands excluded.
CATEGORIES: - SOSB,SOAB,MOAB one TX, SWL, VETERANS (WW II).
EXCHANGE:   - RS/RST + serial N of Q.
QSO POINTS: - Q's within own CTY (only R-150-S listing is aplicable)
              are worth 1 point,
            - Q's outsude own CTY within OWN continent are 2 points,
            - Q's outside own continent are 3 points.
MULTIPLIER: - sum of R-150-S CTY's on each band + sattelite mults irrespective
              of the ones used count as one sepp. band.
DUPLICATES: - dupes are only on different bands I.E. one can't work
              same stn on one band on both CW & SSB.
BAND QSY:   - irrespective of category stn can change bands once in 10 minutes.
LOGS:       - logs must be sent to P.O.BOX 88 MOSCOW, RUSSIA.
DEADLINE:   - 15.07.94.

       WELCOME TO CQ-M!
BTY my new C/S is UA9BA CU in CQ-M

--- 
73, Willy, UW9AR
----------------------------------------------------------
JV "Challenger Ltd"                 phone : 351-260-0190
Internet : uw9ar at chal.chel.su       fax   : 351-237-1756

>From David Robbins (KY1H) 413-494-6955(w) 413-655-2714(h) <robbins at guid2.dnet.ge.com>  Thu May 12 12:05:07 1994
From: David Robbins (KY1H) 413-494-6955(w) 413-655-2714(h) <robbins at guid2.dnet.ge.com> (David Robbins 413-494-6955 413-655-2714 (KY1H w h))
Date: Thu, 12 May 94 07:05:07 EDT
Subject: multi qth contest
Message-ID: <9405121057.AA02799 at thomas.ge.com>

if they change the rules to require all operators to use the same bathroom
they better put in a multi-bathroom class for stations like mine that have
2 bathrooms.  then we have to be sure they can both be in use at the same
time.  of course we could also have remote bathrooms and just wire in remote
controls to make sure only one of them flushed at a time.  but how do we 
get users on the cluster to spot bathroom multipliers?
73, dave


>From Ronald D. Rossi" <rrossi at VNET.IBM.COM  Thu May 12 14:31:31 1994
From: Ronald D. Rossi" <rrossi at VNET.IBM.COM (Ronald D. Rossi)
Date: Thu, 12 May 94 09:31:31 EDT
Subject: bathrooms...

What would be the classification if remote operators were all wearing
urethral catheters and disposed of the urine in the same toilet at a
later time?

73 de N1PBT...ron

Ron Rossi

/====================================================================/
/ IBM Microelectronics             Internet:   rrossi at vnet.ibm.com   /
/ H/P ASIC SRAM Design                 VNET:   RROSSI at BTVLABVM    /
/ Dept N93  Bldg 861-2                Voice:   802/769-7477          /
/ 1000 River Road                        RF:   N1PBT/AE              /
/ Essex Junction, VT  05452-4299                                     /
/                                                                    /
/ "I work for IBM, I don't represent its views!"                     /
/                                                                    /
/====================================================================/

>From n4hy at ccr-p.ida.org (Bob McGwier)  Thu May 12 16:26:24 1994
From: n4hy at ccr-p.ida.org (Bob McGwier) (Bob McGwier)
Date: Thu, 12 May 94 11:26:24 EDT
Subject: Multi op Multi QTH
Message-ID: <9405121526.AA01532 at ccr-p.ida.org>


Oh come Gene.  Bob has provided us with a chemical toilet every year at
N2RM.  Now we will say nothing about the fact that the chemicals have not
been changed in three years ;-).

Bob

Robert W. McGwier                  | n4hy at ccr-p.ida.org Interests: ham radio,
Center for Communications Research | scouts, astronomy, golf (o yea, & math!)
Princeton, N.J. 08520              | ASM Troop 5700, ACM Pack 53 Hightstown
(609)-279-6240(v) (609)-924-3061(f)| I used to be a Buffalo . . . NE III-120

>From D. Leeson" <0005543629 at mcimail.com  Thu May 12 17:35:00 1994
From: D. Leeson" <0005543629 at mcimail.com (D. Leeson)
Date: Thu, 12 May 94 11:35 EST
Subject: Multi-QTH
Message-ID: <35940512163553/0005543629NA1EM at mcimail.com>

Not to beat a dead horse, but I rely on the single property rule to get my
antennas fit around the hilltop without ruining the view here.

I have been offering the related idea of a multi-multi, on contiguous
property under single ownership, of "The AMTRACK Radio Club" which would
locate in appropriate train stations around the US.  Obviously, there are
some minor technical problems with the octopus, but you get the idea.

This idea has, for some reason, not been amusing to contest committee
members.  Our lawyers are now working on the questin of whether leased
rather than owned contiguous property qualifies under the rules, which 
will open this category to communications common carriers and pipeline
company radio clubs as well.

On the other hand, the winners always seem to be the guys who just pitch
in under the spirit of the rules and run rate for 48 hours...but it's 
always fun to daydream...73 de Dave, W6QHS

>From tree at cmicro.com (Larry Tyree)  Thu May 12 17:21:45 1994
From: tree at cmicro.com (Larry Tyree) (Larry Tyree)
Date: Thu, 12 May 94 09:21:45 PDT
Subject: Multi-single bathrooms
Message-ID: <9405121621.AA19597 at cmicro.com>


There better be a ten minute rule when using a single bathroom with
multi-operators...  unless you have a good exhaust fan that is.

Tree N6TR
tree at cmicro.com

PS: What started this again?  Oh yeah, 28,800 QSOs in 48 hours.  There
aren't enough good ops out there to work to make this dream happen, even
if you could create a system to make it possible in a laboratory environment.

When they start sending the last two letters of their call on CW, I will 
quit this sport and take up bridge.

>From jholly at hposl42.cup.hp.com (Jim Hollenback)  Thu May 12 20:09:34 1994
From: jholly at hposl42.cup.hp.com (Jim Hollenback) (Jim Hollenback)
Date: Thu, 12 May 1994 12:09:34 -0700
Subject: Multi-single bathrooms
References: <9405121621.AA19597 at cmicro.com>
Message-ID: <9405121209.ZM24917 at hpwsmjh.cup.hp.com>

On May 12,  9:21am, Larry Tyree wrote:
> Subject: Multi-single bathrooms
> 
> 
> When they start sending the last two letters of their call on CW, I will 
> quit this sport and take up bridge.

for a non-cw op, that is about enough to get me to enter the next sprINT.
Hope you like bridge :-)

Jim, ..DM


>From H. Ward Silver" <hwardsil at seattleu.edu  Thu May 12 20:43:17 1994
From: H. Ward Silver" <hwardsil at seattleu.edu (H. Ward Silver)
Date: Thu, 12 May 1994 12:43:17 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: multi qth contest
Message-ID: <Pine.3.07.9405121213.C13247-9100000 at bach>

> "...but how do we get cluster users to spot bathroom openings?"

If a coke machine at MIT can be put on Internet, then surely bathroom
status can be put on packet:

SH/BATH K1AR

BATH-1 K1AR IN-USE, 5:14, KA1NCN, SEAT-DOWN, ETD 00:50
BATH-2 K1AR AVAIL., 0:00, ------, SEAT-UP, AIR QUAL DANGEROUS

Should be simple for AK1A to add, eh wot?

73, N0AX



>From Susan M. King (8-695-3688)" <ku2q at VNET.IBM.COM  Thu May 12 21:11:15 1994
From: Susan M. King (8-695-3688)" <ku2q at VNET.IBM.COM (Susan M. King (8-695-3688))
Date: Thu, 12 May 94 16:11:15 EDT
Subject: bathroom humor

OK, guys, stop pulling my chain.

Susan - ku2q



More information about the CQ-Contest mailing list