Post on 23-Mar-2020
FEBRUARY 2013
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Upcoming Meeting Speakers Feb 15 Steve AC6P and John AE6TL will provide a presentation on "The North American Power Grid". I hope we will learn just how smart it really is March 15 David KG6IRW will talk about his amazing experiences with the JT65 data communications protocol, he expects to give a live demo —Ron W6WO
NEXT CLUB MEETING FEBRUARY 15 - 7:30PM
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W8JK –One of the Truly Great Radio Amateurs Our hobby is enriched and enlivened by some very special individuals so let us spend some thought on the life and work of one; John Daniel Kraus, W8JK Big Ear radio astronomer, (1910-‐2004)
John was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1926. He received a Bachelor of Science in 1930, a Master of Science in 1931 and at age 24, a Ph.D was received in 1933 at the age of 23. At Michigan, he was involved in atomic particle accelerator research. An avid radio amateur, his call sign was W8JK and developed such innovative antennas as the "W8JK flat top beam" “helical antenna” and the "corner reflector." He became fascinated by the recent discoveries of radio noise from space and the potential to use radio waves rather than visible light to "see" the universe.
During WWII John was a civilian scientist with the U.S. Navy responsible for "degaussing," or neutralizing, the electromagnetic fields of steel ships to make them safe from magnetic mines. He also worked on radar countermeasures at Harvard University's Radio Research Laboratory. He later designed and directed construction of the "Big Ear" radio telescope which discovered some of the most distant known objects at the edge of the universe and conducted sky surveys mapping the radio stars. He was closely identified with activity related to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, or SETI. The now-‐famous "WOW" signal, of possible extraterrestrial origin, was detected by "Big Ear" in 1977.
Professor Kraus spent his entire career at Ohio State, where he was the McDougal professor of electrical engineering and radio astronomy. He received the Centennial Medal, the Edison Medal and the Heinrich Hertz Medal from IEEE. The Antenna and Propagation Society of IEEE twice awarded him its Distinguished Achievement Award, the last in 2003 "for a career of outstanding innovation and invention in the field of antennas, and for the many students he has taught and inspired to excel in electromagnetics."
Mentally active and vital to the very end, he was a last living link to many of the astonishing scientific discoveries of the 20th century. He was of a bygone era of empirical and observational research and hands-‐on invention.
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A committed environmentalist, in 1976, with his wife Alice, he donated the 80-‐acre Kraus Wilderness Preserve to Ohio Wesleyan University with scholarship endowment to enhance learning opportunities for Ohio Wesleyan students. Environmental scholarships also were established for Ohio State University students.
My familiarity with his work comes from studying his seminal book entitled “Antennas” published in 1950. His power and clarity as a teacher becomes evident on page 2 in his description of a dipole as simultaneously behaving as an antenna, transmission line and resonator. Some of his antennas are always included in ARRL antenna handbooks.
—Ron W6WO
Bob Perlman <bob@cambriandesign.com> Jan 15 to me, kg6af Ron - I'm a member of the Silicon Valley VE Group. We've just held our first exam session of 2013, and plan to hold almost two dozen more. We'd like like to make sure that area hams know about our exam sessions; if you could include the following in the Santa Cruz County ARC newsletter, it would be a big help: "The Silicon Valley VE Group holds amateur radio exam sessions twice monthly in Saratoga. For more information, visit http://www.svve.org, or contact Morris Jones, AD6ZH, at (408) 507- 4698 or mojoteri@comcast.net." Thanks, and 73,
Radio Fest 2013 March 23 0800-1700
Moose Lodge Del Rey Oaks Featuring VE Sessions
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How Do You Choose an Antenna Analyzer? By Dan Romanchik, KB6NU A reader recently e-‐mailed me: "In the past you told me you started with the Autek RF-‐1, and later moved to the Palstar ZM-‐30. I am finally getting around to thinking about purchasing an antenna analyzer, but I am stumped by the choices. In order of increasing purchase price this is what I’ve turned up: * Autek RF-‐1 -‐ $139.95 * Autek RF-‐5 -‐ $229.95 * Rig Expert AA-‐54 – $340.00 * Palstar ZM-‐30 $399.99 * W4RT Electronics MiniVNA $399.99 * Rig Expert AA-‐230PRO $690.00 * Timewave Technology TZ-‐900S $899.99 "How does one decide? Where does one go to find out the differences? Other than asking a fellow ham, how does one find out which one is the best antenna analyzer without paying an arm and a leg (unless the feature(s) so purchased are deemed worth the cost)? "Thanks! 73" When I replied, I noted that he had actually missed several other good choices: * Autek VA1 – $199. * MFJ 259B -‐ $240. * YouKits FG-‐01 – $250. * Comet CAA500 – $450. The Autek VA1 is actually the antenna analyzer that I first purchased. The MFJ 259B is arguably the most popular antenna analyzer on the market. MFJ has several other models with different feature sets. The YouKits FG-‐01 is a very cute, little analyzer with a small graphical display. It is made in China and sold in the U.S. by TenTec. So, how do you choose just one from this list? Well, I think the first thing that you have to ask yourself is how you’re going to use the analyzer. If all you’re going to do is to check the SWR of your HF dipoles, then buy the Autek RF-‐1. It’s the least expensive unit, is reasonably accurate, and is small and
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lightweight, making it easy to use outside where your antennas are located. If you want to do some more serious frequency analysis, then you should be looking at the W4RT miniVNA or, if you have more cash, the Timewave TZ-‐900s. These instruments can help you do a lot more in-‐depth analysis of your antenna system. The software for the miniVNA, for example, will easily plot the SWR of a multi-‐band vertical antenna from 3 – 33 MHz. Some antenna analyzers do more than just SWR. For example, what sold me first on the Autek VA1 and then on the Palstar was that they also measured reactance. So, you can use the antenna analyzer as an LC meter as well. Palstar also says that you can use the ZM-‐3 as a low-‐level signal source. While I have used my Palstar to measure inductance and capacitance, I have yet to use it as a signal source. Next, you need to consider what bands you’ll be using it on. Many antenna analyzers only cover the HF bands. That’s a bummer if you like operating 6m, or like to experiment with VHF/UHF antennas. A friend of mine bought the Palstar antenna analyzer after talking to the company at Dayton. At the time, they said that they were planning to come out with a model that covered 6m, as well as the HF bands. Unfortunately, they never did come out with a 6m version, and he was sorely disappointed. He ended up buying a miniVNA instead. The miniVNA can be used up to 170 MHz right out of the box, and up to 1.5 GHz with an optional extender. Asking your fellow hams about the antenna analyzers they have is actually a good way to figure out what’s best for you. If you ask nicely, they might even let you borrow their analyzers or come over and show you how it works on your antennas. Reading the reviews on eHam is also a good way to gather information before making a purchase like this. You certainly have to take the reviews there with a grain of salt, but if several reviewers mention a particularly good or particularly bad feature of a product, then it’s certainly something worth taking a hard look at.
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If you’re new to the hobby, starting out small and working your way up might be a good strategy. You could buy one of the less expensive models and get used to how they work, then sell it and make the leap to a more sophisticated unit. The way things are going, you should be able to sell your first antenna analyzer for at least 80% of what you paid for it. The March 2012 QST contains an in-‐depth review of four analyzers (available online to ARRL members), including the Comet CAA-‐500, MFJ-‐266, RigExpert AA-‐54, and the Youkits FG-‐01. Each analyzer reviewed had various plusses and minuses. Even if the unit you are considering was not reviewed, the article provides a guide to the kinds of questions you should be asking as you go through the selection process. guides, and just has fun with amateur radio. You can reach him by e-‐mail at cwgeek@kb6nu.com, @kb6nu on Twitter, or on 40m CW many evenings.
Tethercell Bluetooth Remote Control Looking for a new way to remotely control things? Tethercell may be the answer to your needs.
Tethercell is a plastic case the size of an AA battery, embedded with Bluetooth 4.0 transponder, which is powered by an AAA battery that fits inside. The Bluetooth-‐enabled battery is then synced with an app on your smart phone that allows you to turn the device on and off, set a timer and even monitor the amount of power remaining.
According to its inventors Trey Madhyastha and Kellan O'Connor, this first version of Tethercell as a test bed for future applications. Its also an opportunity to get the technology in the hands of the public.
—Amateur Radio Newsline
FEBRUARY 2013 3
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I was early for our club meeting on January 18th but in time to catch the last portion of the ARES Meeting led by Jerry Inman, KE6I. An excellent computer presentation made by ARRL Headquarters was in progress. I sat next to Jack Scanlon, KQ6CH, and we agreed that the material was what ham radio is all about: fun, learning, meeting people throughout the world and advancing the art of amateur communications. If you didn’t get to see the program, perhaps Jerry can give you the web site or simply contact ARRL and they will be happy to help. While I have not been active in ARES for a while, Jerry has continued to serve our club in this very important role. I should verify with him, but I know it has been many years. Jerry has also been a volunteer at Dominican Hospital. When I first met him a few years back, he was assisting patients to their cars via their wheelchairs, a vital function to ensure the safety of freshly released patients. I was happy to have someone guide my wheelchair to my son’s car when I was released. No, it wasn’t Jerry, but I was happy to get an assist. After lying in bed for eight days, I was a bit wobbly and not at my all-‐time best. It was good to see Suellene, K6CPA and husband Steve Peterson, AC6P. They both have been conducting Extra Class level training classes for those wishing to increase their knowledge or upgrade. “They all passed with high grades, “ said Suellene. They have also been co-‐teaching Technician license classes and administering end-‐of-‐course VE exams. Steve and Suellene are a busy couple. Kerry Veenstra, K3RRY, was our featured speaker for the January meeting. His in-‐depth presentation about Mesh Networking was of high interest. From his experience, there was a lot to learn. I often receive emails from Patrick
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Henry, WA6PKM, living in Gold Beach, Oregon. In addition to material describing the bombing of the Oregon coast by an aircraft from a Japanese submarine in WWII, he sent me a video of the first steam driven aircraft engine – in flight in 1933. The engine could even be put into reverse. I guess it never caught on, but a steam driven aircraft engine is indeed rare. In the Sept 4th 2012 issue of the Santa Cruz Sentinel was an article on harnessing Oregon’s wave energy by means of a series of ocean-‐planted wave-‐action buoys. An on-‐board computer adapts to each incoming wave, adjusting the way an internal shaft rides up and down with the swell. Sounds like a great way to generate electrical power as ocean waves rarely cease.
I'm a member of the Silicon Valley VE Group. We've just held our first exam session of 2013, and plan to hold almost two dozen more. We'd like like to make sure that area hams know about our exam sessions; if you could include the following in the Santa Cruz CountyARC newsletter, it would be a big help: "The Silicon Valley VE Group holds amateur radio exam sessions twice monthly inSaratoga. For more information, visit http://www.svve.org, or contact Morris Jones, AD6ZH, at (408) 507-‐ 4698 or mojoteri@comcast.net." —Bob, KG6AF
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CAKE Crumbs Feb 9th 2013 This session was split into 2 halves, the first was for our normal “anything goes” multiplexed discussions the second was the start of a conversation on our regional networking. I will do the best I can to disseminate accurately most of what transpired but please allow some editorial comments which you will find in italics! First half Gary K6PDL asked about Morse keys and whether it was better to begin with a paddle or not. I sense there was general agreement he would end up with a paddle and keyer and best to start off that way. The Bencher paddle seems a favourite in the moderate price range. Tom KW6S reported that he worked a station in Fresno on 70cm SSB That’s incredible given the distance and intermediate mountains. We speculated this involved atmospheric ray bending and diffraction. Tom also mentioned there was a growing interest in 1.25m and 23cm SSB Frank K6BDK mentioned some strange drifting spurious signals that he observed and was unable to decode. Need to hear
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more on this Frank. Don K6GHA reported his activity in the current RTTY contest, we were glad to see you could take a break Don. Don showed some real-‐time propagation software from K6TU put out by the NCCC. Oliver KJ6LDD mentioned the multi $k involved in having items of test gear professionally calibrated and certified. Other techy topics included breath analyzers and embedded AC power strips. Not bad for 1 hour ! Second half The aim was to bring forward ideas and this certainly was the case, it illustrated the complex nature of the task as it involves internal and external relationships and a frame of mind that extends from data protocols to service possibilities. We did not strive for consensus or actionable items, nevertheless certain topics came up prominently, what follows are some of those. Understanding the needs that users (ourselves and the served agencies) know of and explaining what new capabilities are insight. Possible teleconferencing as an ARES capability ? Oliver KJ6LDD mentioned that there are several unmet needs at this time. Could be raised at the next Board meeting Informing served agencies what they can do to make our capabilities more valuable, an example being roof-‐top access for antennas Rapidly deployed networks, Michael AG6MK mentioned this subject is being
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Monthly Meeting The SCCARC meets at 7:30PM, on the THIRD FRIDAY of the each month (except December). Meetings are at Dominican Hospital, Education Center, 1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz.
SCCARC Calendar of Events ARES Meeting (prior to club meeting) Friday Feb 18 SCCARC Meeting Friday Feb 18 Cake Meetings Sat Feb 9, 23C SCCARC Board Meeting Thurs Feb 28 Short Skip articles due Monday Mar 4 SCCARC Meeting Friday Mar 15
Net Control Schedule: 2/11 Becky KI6TKB 2/18 Phil KE6UWH 2/25 Keith W6WKK 3/4 Lou KJ6CAI 3/11 Chris KG6DOZ 3/18 Tom K6TG
Short Skip is published 12 times a year. Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio Club Inc.
P.O. Box 238, Santa Cruz, CA 95061 Editor: Ron Baldwin K6EXT.santacruz@gmail.com
Columnist: Art Lee WF6P Writer: Ron Skelton W6WO
SCCARC Board 2013 President: Robert Ritchey KJ6FFP Vice-President: Ron Skelton W6WO Secretary: David Copp WS2I 708-2206 Treasurer: Kathleen McQuilling KI6AIE 476-6303 Directors: Cap Pennell KE6AFE, 429-1290
Suellene Petersen K6CPA Oliver Pitterling KJ6LDD Becky Steinbruner KI6TKB
(Immediate Past Pres.) Bruce Hawkins AC6DN K6BJ Trustee: Allen Fugelseth WB6RDU 425-8846
Local Repeater Frequencies
Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio Club Post Office Box 238 Santa Cruz, CA 95061
NASA Transmits Mona Lisa Image to Orbiter at the Moon As part of the first demonstration of laser communication with a satellite orbiting the moon, scientists with NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter program have successfully transmitted an image of the Mona Lisa to the spacecraft from Earth using only a high powered laser.
The digitized image traveled some 240,000 miles form from the Next Generation Satellite Laser Ranging station at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland to the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter instrument on the spacecraft. By transmitting the image piggyback on laser pulses that are routinely sent to track the devices position, the team achieved simultaneous laser communication and satellite location. The success of the laser transmission was verified by returning the image to Earth using the spacecraft's radio telemetry system.
Typically, satellites that go beyond Earth orbit use radio for tracking and communication. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is the only satellite in orbit around a celestial body other than Earth to be tracked by laser as well. One of many stories on this latest accomplishment can be read on-‐ line at tinyurl.com/mona-‐lisa-‐moon (NASA, others)
The picture shows our CAKE group meeting at NextSpace for the first time.
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studied by the UN and no doubt many others. Amateurs are well suited to rapid deployment for in area and out of area communications We discussed several ideas on how to better understand area coverage Daniel KE6PQV suggested a form of Fox Hunt. Direction finding at 2 GHz sounds fun Reliability was emphasized. We could become independent of local copper or fiber plant, and cellular services and also provided back-‐up for over-‐the-‐hill communications We should thoroughly understand our legal constraints I felt very encouraged by the discussion but I might have a tiger by its tail but that’s just to be expected. Stay tuned —RonW6WO
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Cake continued