[TowerTalk] TowerTalk Digest, Vol 69, Issue 38
Jon Casamajor
k6el at comcast.net
Fri Sep 19 21:16:18 EDT 2008
I dug my own 5'x5'x8' foundation hole 20 years ago in my nice, dry loamy
soil...BY HAND! I had to have a ladder to get up and down. The last two
feet down were tough to throw out the material. I have pictures some where
but, unfortunately, not digital. Took me two weekends to dig as I recall!
Regards,
Jon-K6EL
k6el at comcast.net
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of
towertalk-request at contesting.com
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 4:48 PM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: TowerTalk Digest, Vol 69, Issue 38
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Today's Topics:
1. Re: My Digging "the Hole" story (Kirb Nesbitt)
2. Tennadyne T-28 (Tearlach Sinclair)
3. Noise Folow up (w4lde)
4. Re: My Digging "the Hole" story (John Hudson)
5. Re: My Digging "the Hole" story (John Hudson)
6. Re: My Digging "the Hole" story (RICHARD SOLOMON)
7. Re: R7000 (jim Jarvis)
8. Re: My Digging "the Hole" story (Gene Smar)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:42:48 -0600
From: Kirb Nesbitt <k.nesbitt at shaw.ca>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] My Digging "the Hole" story
To: John Hudson <jd_hudson at comcast.net>
Cc: towertalk at contesting.com
Message-ID: <48CF0108.4070507 at shaw.ca>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
John,
at least your neighbors won't complain too much about the TVI, however
if they do, I definitely would NOT answer the door.
Good luck with the build.
Kirb - VE6IV
-- --
John Hudson wrote:
> On several occasions the question comes up about how or who to get to the
> dig the whole for tower base. Well I made the comment a few weeks ago that
I
> was digging a base for a TX-455 and I was going to use a gas powered post
> hole digger and "punch" holes in the ground then dig by hand. I don't mind
> doing things like that ..but.. someone said they got a grave digger to do
> his dirt work since they dig pretty straight and have experience in
keeping
> the walls from collapsing. I just happen to live across the street from a
> cemetery and just happen to see a guy digging a grave today and I got him
to
> dig my hole for $45. now I'll tell you up front, I ain't a smart man but I
> know when to pull out the green stamps.
>
>
>
> Just wanted to pass this along
>
>
>
>
>
> 73
>
>
>
> John
>
> KO4XJ
> www.w4nja.org/ko4xj.htm
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:39:39 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tearlach Sinclair <dragonsong at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Tennadyne T-28
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Message-ID: <695845.52032.qm at web83412.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I'm in the process of getting my first tower reconditioned and up. This,
like my brother across the the Lake, is a bout a six month process. I've
just found a rotor that will fit my tower and am looking at beam antennas. I
rather like the look and specs of one and would like to solicit opinions
from the list.
Does anyone have or know about the Tennadyne T-28 beam?
73,
Tearlach de w8sco
There's nae man sae deif as he tha' winna hear.
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:49:53 -0400
From: w4lde <w4lde at numail.org>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Noise Folow up
To: TowerTalk <towertalk at contesting.com>
Cc: rfi-request at contesting.com, "Digitalradio at yahoo"
<digitalradio at yahoogroups.com>
Message-ID: <48CF02B1.9050105 at numail.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Original post by Ron W4LDE
>>>If this question is inappropriate for the reflector I apologize but as
of last Friday 9-5-08 I started to experience significant noise (S-9) on all
bands from 160 through 15M with the lower frequencies much stronger. I
thought that it was due to power line noise but it appears to be
intermittent in that it completely disappeared last Friday evening but
once again showed up last Saturday and stayed this way. On the Ft1000mp
the noise blankers are completely ineffective. At the same time I
started having internet problems and the cable company indicated they
should have the speed issue fixed by Tuesday.<<<
>>>The cables are run on poles until they enter a subdivision which then
run underground. My question is can cable lines be the possible problem
to HF frequencies? The power and cable companies have been installing
new poles and running new lines in the area which initially led me to
believe it was a power issue however, while I was writing this email the
noise completely disappeared for a few seconds and then reappeared. As
I was looking out my window I noticed a cable company buck truck
through the woods towards the main road, I am off now to talk to them
and see what I can discover. Any suggestions?<<<
----------Follow up !!! -------------------- 9-15-08 ------------------
On 9-8 I contacted the local power company via email regarding the above,
unexpectedly
I received a call from the Maintenance Manager who stated don't worry we
will be out
maybe tomorrow and find the cause. They did show up, two buck trucks and
full crews plus a 332-335 MHz Yagi and noise receiver.
Unfortunately they said that they couldn't find anything and suggested it
might be from a neighbors home.
They scanned my home but couldn't find a thing.
I was one unhappy ham and expressed that they needed to keep looking.
I believe I have ruled out a radio problem since the noise was about the
same on a FT-1000mp and a FT-847 and neither
noise blanker would dent the noise. A MFJ-Noise phasing unit helped some
but only improved the noise by about 1-2 S-units.
I spent some time connecting and disconnecting home devices plus
disconnecting one house breaker at a time.
Friday the 12th I decided that maybe I could help find the problem and using
a
Yaesu VX-5R and rubber ducky at 134MHz and also at 329MHz AM started my
search.
I found significant noise at three different power poles, all new ones, with
two west of my antenna about 1/8 mile and the other
to the east at also about 1/8 mile. So I thought I had found the problem
and would be reporting this condition today.
When I came into the shack this AM to compose the email I happen to turn on
the rig and to my amazement the noise was gone.
eleven days I had a Ham Radio Black out on the low bands. Was I one happy
guy. I thought I better go check out the poles.
Off I went and yes the noise was gone at the poles, very quite.
Went out later this afternoon and took the VX-5R, things were still quite up
and down the main road.
After being gone for three hours as I was approaching the sub-division I
turned the
VX-5R back on and WAM there was the same power poles and noise. My heart
sunk, O-Sh_t I shouted and my XYL
who understood the situation gave me her famous look and said keep on
looking, write the reflector they can help.
Well after arriving home and one hour later in the shack I turned on the
radio and found NO significant noise.
S-0 on 20-meters, S-2-3 on 30 meters and maybe as high as S-4 on 40M, at 4PM
thats not bad.
I was amazed once again and kinda dumb founded as to were to look next if I
have to.
Here's some of my thoughts,
1. Today for the first time in the past few weeks we finally had a cool
day, high around 80 (occurred around 5PM)
and a low tonight of 60
a) Lower temps caused all connections to tighten and when it finally
warmed up around 4-5pm it started again at the poles.
2. Since there is still home building going on near us as the crews were
leaving the construction site a week ago
maybe they left chargers on for there power equipment and after doing there
thing finally turned them off this AM and left the site.
3. I did find out that the telephone company was having lots of noise
problems
from there own installation. Not at my home but close.
a) Can't believe thats the fix since the noise stopped early on
Monday
which didn't give them much time to complete the task, they started last
Wednesday.
4. Cool days, less power consumed by the A/C units, less amps, less noise
(is it s stretch?)
Ok I thought, maybe I should invest in a 144/440 hand held yagi plus the
cables and adapters to help in a wider search
area but wanted recommendations as to what I should be looking at if the
noise returns I would be using the VX-5r on 138 am MHz and 332 am MHz.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
I believe I have ruled out a radio problem since the noise was about the
same on a FT-1000mp and a FT-847 and neither
noise blanker would dent the noise. A MFJ-Noise phasing unit helped some
but only improved the noise by about 1-2 S-units.
Any ideas where I should look next time and heres a pray that there isn't
one, is it worth the cost to invest now or wait?
get a 114/440 Yagi or just stay with a 144 hand held Yagi.
Thanks for the bandwidth and thoughts, wish I could take credit for the
current fix but I'm happy right now!
73 de
Ron W4LDE
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:48:42 -0500
From: "John Hudson" <jd_hudson at comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] My Digging "the Hole" story
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <003e01c9179e$59e39b10$0daad130$@net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Mike
The hole is 5x5x6 and it took only took him 1 hour (50 minutes actually) to
dig it. He had a small backhoe that had a stamp on the boom..8'6" reach to
the bottom. I've seen him over there all the time, so now I have a
connection to doing any digging now!!
73
John
KO4XJ
www.w4nja.org/ko4xj.htm
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike [mailto:noddy1211 at sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 7:18 PM
To: 'John Hudson'
Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] My Digging "the Hole" story
What was the size of the hole John? And how long did it take him?
Mike, K6BR
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of John Hudson
On several occasions the question comes up about how or who to get to the
dig the whole for tower base. Well I made the comment a few weeks ago that I
was digging a base for a TX-455 and I was going to use a gas powered post
hole digger and "punch" holes in the ground then dig by hand. I don't mind
doing things like that ..but.. someone said they got a grave digger to do
his dirt work since they dig pretty straight and have experience in keeping
the walls from collapsing. I just happen to live across the street from a
cemetery and just happen to see a guy digging a grave today and I got him to
dig my hole for $45. now I'll tell you up front, I ain't a smart man but I
know when to pull out the green stamps.
Just wanted to pass this along
73
John
KO4XJ
www.w4nja.org/ko4xj.htm
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:02:30 -0500
From: "John Hudson" <jd_hudson at comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] My Digging "the Hole" story
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <004501c917a0$47f4c6c0$d7de5440$@net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Kirb
When in qso and when the talk moves to antenna restrictions I always tell
people that I live across from a secluded neighborhood with 400-500
residents that never complain...and if they do, I'M MOVING!!!!!!!
Wish I had cemeteries on all 4 sides, best neighbors.
73
John
KO4XJ
www.w4nja.org/ko4xj.htm
-----Original Message-----
From: Kirb Nesbitt [mailto:k.nesbitt at shaw.ca]
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 7:43 PM
To: John Hudson
Cc: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] My Digging "the Hole" story
John,
at least your neighbors won't complain too much about the TVI, however
if they do, I definitely would NOT answer the door.
Good luck with the build.
Kirb - VE6IV
-- --
John Hudson wrote:
> On several occasions the question comes up about how or who to get to the
> dig the whole for tower base. Well I made the comment a few weeks ago that
I
> was digging a base for a TX-455 and I was going to use a gas powered post
> hole digger and "punch" holes in the ground then dig by hand. I don't mind
> doing things like that ..but.. someone said they got a grave digger to do
> his dirt work since they dig pretty straight and have experience in
keeping
> the walls from collapsing. I just happen to live across the street from a
> cemetery and just happen to see a guy digging a grave today and I got him
to
> dig my hole for $45. now I'll tell you up front, I ain't a smart man but I
> know when to pull out the green stamps.
>
>
>
> Just wanted to pass this along
>
>
>
>
>
> 73
>
>
>
> John
>
> KO4XJ
> www.w4nja.org/ko4xj.htm
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2008 02:04:40 +0000
From: RICHARD SOLOMON <w1ksz at q.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] My Digging "the Hole" story
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <BAY130-W50E6159149E3213002AC2DE04D0 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
But what about all those bats flying around the place ....
73, Dick, W1KSZ
> From: jd_hudson at comcast.net> To: towertalk at contesting.com> Date: Mon, 15
Sep 2008 21:02:30 -0500> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] My Digging "the Hole"
story> > Kirb> When in qso and when the talk moves to antenna restrictions I
always tell> people that I live across from a secluded neighborhood with
400-500> residents that never complain...and if they do, I'M MOVING!!!!!!!>
> Wish I had cemeteries on all 4 sides, best neighbors.> > > 73> > John>
KO4XJ> www.w4nja.org/ko4xj.htm> > > > > -----Original Message-----> From:
Kirb Nesbitt [mailto:k.nesbitt at shaw.ca] > Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008
7:43 PM> To: John Hudson> Cc: towertalk at contesting.com> Subject: Re:
[TowerTalk] My Digging "the Hole" story> > John,> at least your neighbors
won't complain too much about the TVI, however> if they do, I definitely
would NOT answer the door.> Good luck with the build.> > Kirb - VE6IV> --
--> > John Hudson wrote:> > On several occasions the question comes up about
how or who to get to the> >
dig the whole for tower base. Well I made the comment a few weeks ago that>
I> > was digging a base for a TX-455 and I was going to use a gas powered
post> > hole digger and "punch" holes in the ground then dig by hand. I
don't mind> > doing things like that ..but.. someone said they got a grave
digger to do> > his dirt work since they dig pretty straight and have
experience in> keeping> > the walls from collapsing. I just happen to live
across the street from a> > cemetery and just happen to see a guy digging a
grave today and I got him> to> > dig my hole for $45. now I'll tell you up
front, I ain't a smart man but I> > know when to pull out the green stamps.>
> > > > > > > Just wanted to pass this along> > > > > > > > > > > > 73> > >
> > > > > John> > > > KO4XJ> > www.w4nja.org/ko4xj.htm> > > > > > > >
_______________________________________________> > > > > > > >
_______________________________________________> > TowerTalk mailing list> >
TowerTalk at contesting.com> > http:
//lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk> > > >
_______________________________________________> > > >
_______________________________________________> TowerTalk mailing list>
TowerTalk at contesting.com>
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:09:50 -0400
From: jim Jarvis <jimjarvis at optonline.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] R7000
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Message-ID: <E1D2F85A-7B02-431A-B341-848A1BC418DE at optonline.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
The R7000 is electrically 3/8 wavelength, with feedline decoupled by
a choke/capacitor
system. The 'radial' whips are there for capacitance.
I had one up in Vermont, as a utility antenna, and had an opportunity
to compare it against
an elevated ground plane with 4 radials, on 40m. The antennas were
300' apart, and at approximately
the same elevation. The r7000 was fed through 300' of 9913, and
was mounted 10' above grade,
which was 100' above my house, on the back hill.
The ground plane was fed through 150' of rg213, and was hoisted up by
haliard from a 140' pine.
The differences between the two antennas, on 40, were so small that
qsb more than swamped them out,
as I did the a/b switching.
The same r7000, down here in suburbia, is virtually useless, due to
power line noise pickup.
I would suspect that a buried ground plane beneath such an antenna
would have no impact, unless
the radial system extended out to the point of first-reflection, and
improved ground conductivity.
N2EA
-----Original Message-----
> From: Rudy Severns <n6lf at arrl.net>
> Sent: Sep 15, 2008 9:16 AM
> To: towertalk <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Subject: [TowerTalk] R7000
>
> Some multiband commercial verticals will work without a ground system.
> During my experiments earlier this year I tried an R7000 first with
> a large
> ground system and then removed the ground system. I could barely
> tell the
> difference. This check was done on 40m. Didn't see if this held
> for the
> higher bands but I suspect it would.
>
> The signal from the R7000 was a couple of dB lower than a full 1/4-
> wave with
> the same ground system. I suspect that was mostly due to loading
> inefficiency which is to be expected in short loaded antennas.
>
>
What was the height of the base of the R7000 above ground?
i.e. was it basically acting as an elevated (shortened) vertical dipole?
(with the feedline and/or radials at the bottom acting as the "other
half" of the dipole)
-0-
Jim Jarvis, MBA
President - Executive Coach
The Morse Group, LLC
732 548 5573 office 908 410 9130 cell
People-Process-Strategy: Achieving Results in a Changing World
www.themorsegroup.biz
coach at themorsegroup.biz
Read our latest newsletter. Go to: http://www.themorsegroup.net/
Newsletters.shtml
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:47:38 -0500 (CDT)
From: Gene Smar <ersmar at verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] My Digging "the Hole" story
To: John Hudson <jd_hudson at comcast.net>, towertalk at contesting.com
Message-ID:
<15607792.1773921221533258138.JavaMail.root at vms227.mailsrvcs.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
John:
I did exactly the same things you did - started my tower hole with a
rented gasoline powered post hole digger and ended hiring a guy who happened
to be a grave digger. I gave up digging after three days - to much work for
me and my shovel and I was running out of space in my small back yard to
hide the spoils from the hole. (Ten cuyd of dirt actually expands to 20
above ground.)
73 de
Gene Smar AD3F
From: John Hudson <jd_hudson at comcast.net>
Date: 2008/09/15 Mon PM 08:06:25 EDT
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] My Digging "the Hole" story
On several occasions the question comes up about how or who to get to the
dig the whole for tower base. Well I made the comment a few weeks ago that I
was digging a base for a TX-455 and I was going to use a gas powered post
hole digger and "punch" holes in the ground then dig by hand. I don't mind
doing things like that ..but.. someone said they got a grave digger to do
his dirt work since they dig pretty straight and have experience in keeping
the walls from collapsing. I just happen to live across the street from a
cemetery and just happen to see a guy digging a grave today and I got him to
dig my hole for $45. now I'll tell you up front, I ain't a smart man but I
know when to pull out the green stamps.
Just wanted to pass this along
73
John
KO4XJ
www.w4nja.org/ko4xj.htm
_______________________________________________
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TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk at contesting.com
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------------------------------
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End of TowerTalk Digest, Vol 69, Issue 38
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