[RTTY] [Gmc] Fwd: RE: ARRL W1AW Bulletin Operations

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> Why in this day and age they don't use fiber optics like TOSlink to
> distribute their audio is beyond me. A handful of chips and a
> soldering iron, and lots of their problems go away, even when you
> take into account that they are using AFSK (most of us know how to
> put out a clean AFSK signal).

They don't even need fiber.  A good transformer and attenuator right
at the modulator input of those Icom rigs with balanced high level
audio distribution would do the job.

 > If they convert to using simple inexpensive SDR as exciters instead
 > of those Icom boatanchors, they can also distribute clean IQ data
 > using Ethernet.

Ah but Flex will not donate a dozen transmitters like Icom <G>.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 2014-06-05 1:48 PM, Kok Chen wrote:
>
> On Jun 5, 2014, at 8:53 AM, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote:
>
>> The ARRL being the largest CLUB in the world can't find operators
>> to man their station.  Seems odd to me.
>
> They do ask for assistance from their members, Mike.
>
>> From time to time, I have been asked by the (paid) W1AW operator to
>> help monitor his signals for purity (probably after someone else
>> complains) since I have the right equipment to do it.
>
> They have a nightmare setup, trying to distribute audio over multiple
> transceivers.  Look behind the flashy vernier of their audio control
> panel that they show the tourists and you find all sorts of ground
> noise potential.  Why in this day and age they don't use fiber optics
> like TOSlink to distribute their audio is beyond me.  A handful of
> chips and a soldering iron, and lots of their problems go away, even
> when you take into account that they are using AFSK (most of us know
> how to put out a clean AFSK signal).
>
> On any given day, you will find some dirty W1AW signals on one band
> or the other.
>
> If they convert to using simple inexpensive SDR as exciters instead
> of those Icom boatanchors, they can also distribute clean IQ data
> using Ethernet.
>
> When asked, I usually try to help, but I do not go watch their daily
> transmissions otherwise (certainly not after they dropped SITOR/Amtor
> FEC -- W1AW used to be good for testing demodulators and decoders for
> that mode; it was also the most reliable transmission from W1AW).
>
> 73 Chen, W7AY
>
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