Keying two radios?

KE6BER1 at aol.com KE6BER1 at aol.com
Mon Feb 26 14:38:10 EST 1996


I am working on plans for a single op contest station, and need some input on
how you guys key two seperate rigs from one headset.  I will have one run
radio, and then I will have a multiplier radio.  Just curious as to how that
is done with maximum effiency.  Please reply direct and I will summarize
replies if there is interest.  Thanks in advance.

73 es gud luck in ARRL SSB de Al, KE6BER/1, KE6BER1 at aol.com

>From Jay Kesterson <jayk at bits.fc.hp.com>  Mon Feb 26 20:31:07 1996
From: Jay Kesterson <jayk at bits.fc.hp.com> (Jay Kesterson)
Date: Mon, 26 Feb 1996 13:31:07 -0700 (MST)
Subject: Keying two radios?
Message-ID: <9602262031.AA03691 at bits.fc.hp.com>

> I am working on plans for a single op contest station, and need some input on
> how you guys key two seperate rigs from one headset.  I will have one run
> radio, and then I will have a multiplier radio.
> 73 es gud luck in ARRL SSB de Al, KE6BER/1, KE6BER1 at aol.com

I asked the same question about a year ago. The summary of the data I
collected is available on KA9FOX's web site.

http://www.4w.com/ham/ka9fox/

73, Jay  K0GU                  jayk at fc.hp.com

>From Jimmy R. Floyd" <floydjr at Interpath.com  Mon Feb 26 19:13:13 1996
From: Jimmy R. Floyd" <floydjr at Interpath.com (Jimmy R. Floyd)
Date: Mon, 26 Feb 1996 15:13:13 -0400
Subject: CQ 160 Meter SSB Contest 96 Scores I
Message-ID: <199602262018.PAA10381 at mail-hub.interpath.net>

ARRL 160 METER SSB CONTEST 96
RAW SCORES

Compiled by
WA4ZXA
Email: floydjr at interpath.com

Date Posted:02/26/95


CALL/OP             HRS         SCORE     QS0'S     PTS   SECTS    DX
_____________________________________________________________________

Single/OP/QRP

N3ADL                11        31,108       320     707     40      4
KA1CZF                         21,460       263     580     37      0 


Single/OP/LP

W2CRS/0                        87,120       682             55      5
WA4ZXA               20        56,376       450     972     51      7
KE5FI                          56,358       402     909     52     10
W3USS                 4        15,015       178             37      2
N3BDA                           8,959       134     289     31      0
AC5CT                 4         7,420        90                 35


Single/OP/HP

ON4UN  (ON4AFZ)               396,245       724    4171     31     61
PY0FF                         140,760       210             39     29
9A/K4XU                       136,400       483    2480      2     53

W3GH                          201,608      1067    2552     54     25
KG8PE  (@K8AQM)               118,734       805                 66
K4JRB                         100,270       543    1355     54     20
AA7TF                          95,465       677    1565     53      8
N9ITX/7              13        82,816       580    1294     54      8
KR4DL                          56,666       436             49      9
KR4UJ                          48,621       395     853     49      8
AA8SM                 7        30,380       286     620     47      2
KA8D                  4        25,850       250             45      2
K7FR                           12,600       137     300     40      2
AL7PT/W8                       12,390       140     295     42      0


Multi/OP

AB4RU                         315,450      1483             56     34
WD9INF                        204,000      1106                 79
N8ATR                         186,850      1110    2525     56     18 
AC4NJ                         138,096       666             54     30
K3MD                           92,008       663             51     11
K3WW                           51,459       456             46      5
AA4V                  4        43,395       361     789     49      6
W6GO                           16,128       139     336     43      5


Operator List for Multi-Op

Call         Ops
AC4NJ        AC4NJ,K1KNQ
K3MD         K3MD,N3PUR
AB4RU        AB4RU,AA4GA,N9HZQ
N8ATR        N8ATR,WB8K,WA8BIN,N8DMM
WD9INF       WD9INF,KN8R,KG8CW,N8AAT,W8IQ,WB8JKR

*********************************************************************

If you do not put a class, you will be put in Single HP/Un. Let me know
of any corrections. When you see the number in between Sect and DX, that
means whoever submitted the score added together their multis.

Also do not submit scores to CQ Contest reflector! Submit to the 3830,
Topband Reflector, or to me direct. 

73's Jim 

  
           ********************************************************** 
           * Jimmy R. Floyd  (Jim)   Thomasville, NC                *
           *                                                        *
           * Amateur Call:              >> WA4ZXA <<                *
           * Packet Node:               >> N4ZC <<                  *
           * Internet Address: **NEW**  >> floydjr at interpath.com << *
           **********************************************************


>From David L. Thompson" <thompson at mindspring.com  Mon Feb 26 22:18:57 1996
From: David L. Thompson" <thompson at mindspring.com (David L. Thompson)
Date: Mon, 26 Feb 1996 17:18:57 -0500
Subject: More on MFJ 432 voice keyer
Message-ID: <199602262211.RAA19376 at borg.mindspring.com>

I got MFJ to FAX me a schematic and spent about 30 minutes on the phone with
them and we got nowhere.   I can hook my foot switch up to the PTT and PTT
ground but its just like keying my MOX switch on the Yaesu...still no mic
audio gets thru.

Short of sending it back or setting it up so the keyer and the mic are on
two lines to the Yaesu has anyone made this work with a Yaesu?  Mine is a
FT-980, but FT1000, FT990, FT767 are all the same.    I am using the Heil
BM-10 with Heil wired 8 pin connector (only the mic is wired).  I can attach
a foot switch for PTT.  The MFJ help line personnel said something about
providing a voltage to key the IC...I though only ICOM had that requirement.
I can record into the memory and then that keys the Yaesu...sure wish I had
a clear diagram and theory of operation.

73, Dave K4JRB 


>From Dave Lawley <101332.232 at compuserve.com>  Mon Feb 26 22:17:06 1996
From: Dave Lawley <101332.232 at compuserve.com> (Dave Lawley)
Date: 26 Feb 96 17:17:06 EST
Subject: IOTA Contest 1996 Rules
Message-ID: <960226221705_101332.232_GHW84-1 at CompuServe.COM>

IOTA Contest Director G3TMA has sent me the rules for the 1996 IOTA
Contest, please publicise as widely as possible.

73, Dave G4BUO
101332.232 at compuserve.com

Islands on the Air Contest Rules 1996 

1.  General.  The aim of the contest is to promote contacts between 
stations in qualifying IOTA island groups and the rest of the world 
and to encourage expeditions to IOTA islands. Please note the changes 
to rules 4(a) to 4(c). 

2.  When.  1200 UTC Saturday 27th July to 1200 UTC Sunday 28th July 
1996. 

3.  Bands and Modes.  3.5, 7, 14, 21 and 28MHz, CW and SSB. IARU 
bandplans should be observed, with CW contacts being made only in the 
recognised CW ends of the bands. Contest preferred segments should 
also be observed, i.e. no operation taking place on 3.56-3.6MHz, 
3.65-3.7MHz, 14.06-14.125 and 14.3-14.35MHz. 

4.  Categories. (a) Single operator. Only one transmitted signal. Use 
of packet cluster or other assistance during the contest places the 
entrant in the multi operator category. CW only, SSB only or 
mixed-mode. (b) Single operator limited. CW only, SSB only or 
mixed-mode. Operation is limited to 12 hours. Off periods must be 
clearly marked and must be a minimum of 60 minutes in length. (c) 
Multi operator single transmitter, mixed mode. The use of  one "run" 
transceiver and one "multiplier" transceiver is permitted. NB This 
category is open to Island Stations only. 

5.  Sections. (a) IOTA Island Stations Stations on an island with an 
IOTA reference, for example AS-007, EU-005. This section includes the 
British Isles. Note: mainland G/GM/GW = EU-005, mainland GI/EI = 
EU-115. Entrants intending to operate from a location whose IOTA 
status is not clear are advised to confirm validity by reference to 
the IOTA directory available from RSGB headquarters. Please indicate 
on the entry whether the station is permanent or a contest DXpedition, 
i.e. antennas and equipment installed specifically for the contest. 
(b) World (listed by continent) Any station in a location which does 
not have an IOTA reference. (c) Short Wave Listener See rule 10. The 
format of the listings will depend on the number of entries received. 

6.  Exchange.  Send RS(T) and serial number starting from 001, plus 
IOTA reference number if applicable. Do not use separate numbering 
systems for CW and SSB. Stations may be contacted on both CW and SSB 
on each band. Entrants in section (a) MUST send their IOTA reference 
as part of each contact. 

7.  Scoring. (a) QSO Points Each contact with an IOTA island counts 15 
points. Other contacts count 5 points, except contacts with the 
entrant's own country or own IOTA reference, which count 2 points. (b) 
Multiplier The multiplier is the total of different IOTA references 
contacted on each band on CW, plus the total of different IOTA 
references contacted on each band on SSB. (c) Total Score The score is 
the total of QSO points on all bands added together, multiplied by the 
total of multipliers. 

8.  Logs.  Entries are preferred on disk using recognised contest 
software i.e. SD, CT, NA but must be accompanied by a summary and 
signed declaration that the rules and licence conditions have been 
complied with. Separate log sheets must be used for each band (but not 
each mode).  Paper logs are also acceptable. Single mode entrants who 
make contacts on the other mode should submit these separately as 
checklogs. 

Logs must show: Time, Callsign, RST/serial number/IOTA reference sent, 
RST/serial number/IOTA reference received, multiplier claimed, and QSO 
points. Entrants are encouraged to submit cross-check ("dupe") sheets 
and a multiplier list. Entries must be postmarked 31st August at the 
latest, and mailed to the following address: RSGB IOTA Contest, c/o S. 
Knowles G3UFY, 77 Bensham Manor Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey, CR7 7AF, 
England. IOTA stations must state their location, i.e. island from 
where they operated, as well as their IOTA reference number. Checklogs 
from non-entrants are welcome. 

9.  Penalties.  Points may be deducted, or entrants disqualified, for 
violation of the rules or the spirit of the contest. This includes 
refusal by IOTA island stations to make contacts with their own 
country when requested. Use of a third party to make contacts on a 
list or net is also against the spirit and may lead to 
disqualification. Duplicate contacts must be marked as such with no 
points claimed. Unmarked duplicates will be penalised at ten times the 
claimed points, and excessive duplicates may cause disqualification. 

10.  SWL Contest.  Scoring is as for the transmitting contest. Logs 
must be separate for each band, and show Time, Callsign of station 
heard, RST/serial number/IOTA reference sent, callsign of station 
being worked, multiplier claimed, and QSO points. Under "callsign of 
station being worked", there must be at least two other QSOs before a 
callsign is repeated, or else ten minutes must have elapsed. If both 
sides of a QSO can be heard, they can be logged separately for points 
if appropriate. 

11.  Awards (a) Certificates will be awarded to leading stations in 
each category and section, and in each continent, according to entry. 
(b) The CDXC Geoff Watts Memorial Trophy (Non returnable) will be 
presented to the entrant whether single operator or a multi operator 
group in the IOTA Islands stations section (Non DXpedition subsection) 
with the overall highest score regardless of mode. (c) The IOTA Trophy 
(non-returnable) will be presented by the IOTA Committee to the 
entrant, whether single-operator or a multi-operator group in the IOTA 
Island Stations Section (DXpedition subsection), with the overall 
highest score, regardless of mode. A trophy will also be awarded to 
the leading non-DXpedition IOTA entrant. (d) The DX News Sheet Trophy 
(retained for one year) will be presented to the British entrant 
operating from a location in the UK (including GD, GJ and GU) with the 
highest checked score in the single operator SSB category, (Category 
A). The winner of the IOTA Trophy will not be eligible for this award.
(e) The David King G3PFS Trophy, In Memory of Geoff Watts, (retained 
for one year) will be presented to the British entrant operating from 
a location in the UK (including GD, GJ and GU) with the highest 
checked score in the single operator SSB category, (Category B). The 
winner of the IOTA Trophy will not be eligible for this award. 

12.  Note from the IOTA Director. Amateurs planning to activate an 
all-time new one for IOTA over the IOTA Contest weekend should, if 
possible, arrange to commence their operation in the preceding 24 
hours to enable the new reference number to be issued before the start 
of the contest. Once the contest is under way, it will not be possible 
to issue a new number and, without this, contacts made will not count 
as island contacts.


>From k6sti at n2.net (Brian Beezley)  Mon Feb 26 23:09:56 1996
From: k6sti at n2.net (Brian Beezley) (Brian Beezley)
Date: Mon, 26 Feb 1996 15:09:56 -0800
Subject: FFT on PC
Message-ID: <199602262309.PAA04073 at ravel.n2.net>


>Hi Brian, it was nice to work you again in WPX RTTY and I hope you are
>making decent profits with your ham software offerings.  I am interested in
>"native signal processing" routines for fast Fourier transform as I intend
>to continue my DSP CW work previously based on TMS320C25.  I wonder if you
>can offer me any help?
>
>73 & CU WRTC-96 in SF de Mario, S56A, N1YU.


Hello Mario.  I believe I read something about your CW decoder in the NCJ
some time ago.  Last year I wrote one myself for the PC.  It was to be a TSR
you loaded before running CT.  You pipe receive audio to it via your sound
card.  The program would listen to a CW pileup, pull out multiple callsigns,
and display them in a little pop-up window on the CT screen.  The idea was
to recover weak callers (multipliers!) that were aurally masked by louder
signals.

I got part of the system running (the FFT that generated parallel CW streams
and the correlator that decoded them).  Technically it was great fun,
especially the correlator (I didn't bother to decode dots and dashes--I went
after whole characters).  But after I got the basic algorithm working and
printing pileup callsigns on my screen, I realized that I would not want to
use this device in a contest myself!  I love CW and I love digging calls out
of pileups.  To me, that's a big part of the fun of operating.  My decoder
wasn't perfect but it certainly would increase your score.  Therefore, a
serious competitor would feel compelled to use one whether he wanted to or
not, whether it made the contest more fun for him or not.  I thought this
was an awful position to put someone in.

Logging programs make contesting more fun by eliminating the tedious work.
They free you for the enjoyable parts--like digging callsigns out of
pileups! For me, automatic CW detection steps across the line and takes some
of the essential fun away.  It's like hiring someone to have sex for
you--sure, it saves time and gets the job done, but is that what you really
want?

I think it might be fun some day to have a contest pitting program against
program (like computer chess matches).  In fact, I'm sure this is coming.
It might also be fun to have a variant of SOA that involves what amounts to
artificial intelligence.  But for me, there's definitely a point where I
want the machinery to stop.

My product was going to be called PileUp Buster 1.0.  Maybe some day I'll
resurrect it.  After some soul searching, I decided to take the technology
and apply it to RTTY where human decoding wasn't involved and it wouldn't
take away any fun.


                      73--Brian, K6STI
                          k6sti at n2.net




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