A RADIOAMATEUR'S BLOG

LED Voltmeter (for portable QRP ops)

2012-01-28T16:43:00.004+02:00

As the summer is already here (HI), I plan to spend some time on YOFF and SOTA-YO so I prepare my portable backpack.
A portable and compact voltmeter is often nedeed but the usual multimeters are bulky, impractical and heavy (for portable use).
Therefore, I made a little voltmeter, which shows the SLA battery voltage via a blinking LED.
I made it around a PIC 16F876A microcontroller using the embedded ADC.

Here is the diagram (CLICK to enlarge):

The LED shows the following voltages;

Ind.	Volt	Collour
LED 1	< 11 V	Bright RED
LED 2	11 V - 12 V	RED
LED 3	12 V - 12,4 V	YELLOW
LED 4	12,4 V - 12,6 V	GREEN
LED 5	12,6 V - 13 V	GREEN
LED 6	13 V - 13,3 V	GREEN
LED 7	13,3 V - 13,8 V	YELLOW
LED 8	>13,8 V	Bright RED

Al the nedeed files are .rar archived and available for download HERE.

Here is a little movie with the voltmeter:

If you found this usefull, please drop a line!

73 de YO3HJV

Lustraphone mike, another piece of junk restored...

2012-01-21T13:58:00.007+02:00

A few months ago I visit a friend of mine.
In his backyard I found a big stock of junk.
Searhing for some interesting, I found a nice desktop microphone who look a little odd!
I took it for nothing.
Unfortunately, I didn't took any picture before I start to open it. The images here are after some cleaning...
At home, after a little thinking, I opened it and found that the microphone is made by LUSTRAPHONE in England.
A nice transformer was fitted under the transducer. The output is balanced at around 600 Ohm.

I search on the Internet but I found almost nothing about this type. Only this site is exhibit a identical one, only for hire!
I removed the old paint which was horrible and sprayed with a matt-black one.
On the chromed pieces I work witha Dremel brush and restored the shining for a nice contrast.
The front of the transducer was covered with a dense copper mesh which was unrecoverable so I removed it.
The switch is the original one (Labeled also with LUSTRAPHONE). It is a double-section two position but one section was unusable (in shortcircuit) so I had to use only one...

The final result is this (click on photo for larger view):

I used it on a FT-2000 and the audio reports were great!
Nice piece...

Why Lustraphone Ribbon Mike was never at BBC.

Some info about LUSTRAPHONE:

Lustraphone was a contemporary of Grampian and Reslo from the 1950s -- all British microphone manufacturers building ribbon and moving-coil mics mainly for the amateur, semi-pro and PA industries. (http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar02/articles/qa0302.asp).

It seems that hey invented the noise cancelling microphone!

Ten things about ICOM IC-R20

2012-01-19T10:00:00.004+02:00

I have this pretty communication reveiver for more than 2 yrs. I had a lot of fun with and found a lot of use especially on my experiment bench but also to listen to various stations while travelling.
One of the main benefits is the enourmous autonomy from the LiIon battery which keep the receiver "alive" for more than one week. Of course, with some moderation to the loudspeaker volume and around 2 hrs/day listening.
The full characteristics of the ICOM IC R-20 "A.K.A. "features"are to be found on various places on internet so I do not want to trick you to land on my page for this, HI.
Instead, I will emphasize some of the features and some of the missings of this radio.

1. The SSB is missing above 470 MHz. This lead to impossibility to trace faint signals with a waterfall software (like Spectran or SpectraVue);
2. The excessive sensitivity of the front end sometime make impossible to listen to some signals in a strong RF environment; fortunately, the RF level CAN be applied simultaneous with the RF ATTenuator.
3. The memory and scanning is a little weird for someone used with transceivers. Banks and lists are too complicated but I believe it is hard to organise more than 1k slots.
4. A big plus is the "onboard" recorder though the audio format ( .icw) used is obscure and not supported by the programming software. One have to upload the recordings into the scanner and listen with the IC R20 which is stupid! really stupid. But there is solutions! The squelch-activated recording is a nice feature!
5. The original antenna seems to be fragile but I did'nt manage to broke. Yet!
6. The LCD screen is "the best". Simple and effective, visible in the full sun and also at night. The backlight is also, the best I seen.
7. A high level of IMD above 1.5 GHz made this radio tricky to use on some SatCom. I didn't tried in remote places and Bucharest is not the best place for that kind of weak signal receiving.
8. The audio jack is shared with the CAT (CI-V) port. It is mandatory to have some kind of separation between when using headphones. Or to hack a headphone to use it. The built in speaker is not so loud so one will take benefit from a headset in noisy environments.
9. Excellent below 30 MHz and exceptional above 100 MHz; The BC receiving is very nice and the autotune is working well. The SSB is pretty like on a big transceiver.
10. Very quick on scanning memories. Also, the CTCSS/DCS scanning is working very nice.

OK for now...
What about the software? one will ask...

So, there is a programming softare. CS-20 is the "name". With this you will be able to programm the memories and banks. You will be able also to download the recorded communications.
To listen to that recordings is a different story but it is a solution.
You have to use a ICW2WAV utility (audio conversion software)
Also, a steady hand will be able to take the last IF (450 kHz) and send it to a SDR receiver to decode unusual modes while tuning above 1 GHz!
You can use Ham Radio Deluxe to controll the Icom IC R20. With DRM you will be able to decode most of the digital modes below 470 MHz and if you made the IF mod, you will be able to "unleash the beast"!

This are hard to find so, let's organise the files:

-Programming software;
-Service manual;
-Service supplement;
-ICW2WAV audio conversion software.

Please, be aware that the software is hosted on external server. Use a antivirus software to scan for problems before installing and make a backup copy because I do not how much that will be there!

73 de yo3hjv

Save WIKIPEDIA!

2012-01-18T12:13:00.002+02:00

Knowledge is power! When someone try to conquer this kind of power in the present, the history and the future are in danger! Please, read Orwell, save and preserve The Free Knowledge of Wikipedia! Let us have past, present and future! Without this, all we'll be soon nothing but slaves!
Say no to Internet Censorship!
www.wikipedia.org

International HF "Bucuresti" Contest 2012

2012-01-15T18:45:00.003+02:00

We are almost ready to propose you a new format for the traditional BUCURESTI Contest!

Here is a teaser. More information will be soon available on the official page at YO3KSR.

GL & GDX & Happy contesting!
73 de YO3HJV

Organizer:

Romanian Society of Radioamateurs–YO3KSR Club

Date:

March 19, 2012, 16.00-18.59 UTC

Bands/Mods:

80 m

CW – from 3510 to 3560 kHz;

SSB – from 3675 to 3775 kHz;

PSK31 – from 3580 to 3590 kHz

40 m

CW – from 7010 to 7035 kHz;

SSB –from 7090 to 7100 kHz, and from 7130 to7200 kHz;

PSK31 – from 7040 to 7045 kHz

Categories

Can be chosen one of these categories:

- A - QRP - (max.5 W PEP) single operator

- B - LPI - Low power - single operator (max.100 W PEP) –

Note: equipment used at this category must be limited to maximum 100W PEP. If transmitter is capable of more than 100W PEP operator must reduce the power at maximum100WPEP

- C - LPG - Low power group – two or more operator (maximum 100 W PEP)

Note: equipment used at this category must be limited to maximum 100W PEP. If transmitter is capable of more than 100W PEP operator must reduce the power to maximum 100WPEP

- D - SWL - receiver (only category « MIXT »)

And one of these working modes:

-E – Mixt – any of two or more transmission modes

-F – Phone – SSB

-G – CW – Morse code

-H – Digi – PSK31

Reports:

- YO stations: RS(T) + serial number starting with 001 + 2 letters code (Bucharest district (a.k.a “sector”) code XA-XF for YO3 stations, or county code for YO counties).

Operators with YO3 prefix will give the report as follow XA-XF only if the transmitter is located in Bucharest XA-XF districts (a.k.a “sector”), if not will give the report accordingly with the county/country where is located the transmitter.

- Foreign stations (other than YO’s): RS(T) + serial number starting with 001 + 2 letters code (code= internet domain. E.g.: Russia=RU, Hungary=HU, Bulgaria=BG, Moldova=MD etc.).

Score

A. YO stations:

- 1 QSO YO3 - YO3, YO – YO, YO – Foreign= 2 pct.

- 1 QSO YO3 - YO, YO - YO3, YO3 – Foreign = 4 pct.

B. Foreign stations:

- 1 QSO with a YO operator or Foreign = 2 pct.

- 1 QSO with a YO3 = 4 pct. (only for transmitters that are located in Bucharest’s districts)

SWL: must log both call signs and both controls transmitted, maxim 5 consecutive QSO’s with the same call sing.

Multipliers: number of counties (AB, AG,... etc.) + number of country codes. (see Appendix) + number of different Bucharest districts YO3 (XA, XB, XC, XD, XE, XF)

Note:

Operators are entitle to work with any station once in CW, once is SSB and once in PSK31 according to band plan described above and multiplier will count only once in such cases. Also QSO’s logged in different bands with same station are scored with the same number of points

Final Score

Final Score = (summ of points of the two bands 80m and 40m) * (summ of multipliers of the two bands 80m and 40m).

Vasile Ciobanita, YO3APG - SK

2012-01-05T01:45:00.007+02:00

Postez aici, cu intarziere, stirea care deja se cunoaste. Vasile Ciobanita, YO3APG nu mai este intre noi.
Astazi s-a dus sa se odihneasca.
Inainte insa de a se retrage definitiv, a facut ceea ce ii reusea de fiecare data: Ne-a strans din nou laolalta.
Am senzatia insa, ca azi a fost pentru ultima data!
In pofida celor care vedeau in el sursa tuturor relelor din radioamatorismul romanesc, m-am incapatanat sa vad un om care si-a pus o mare parte din energia sa (daca nu intreaga) in slujba radioamatorismului.
Am facut abstractie de sistemul in care evolua si am preferat sa il cunosc si sa il stimez ca om si mi-am permis sa il banuiesc de cele mai bune intentii.
Era peste tot, raspundea tuturor, stia o multime despre multe. Si nu numai despre radioamatori si radioamatorism.
Chiar si atunci cand avea o opinie diferita, discutia in contradictoriu era placuta si aveai la ce sa te gandesti.
Am fost criticat si eu si el pentru calitatea de "Membru de Onoare" al Societatii Romane a Radioamatorilor dar niciodata nu a vrut sa spuna cine anume il critica. Era discret si chiar si aceasta discretie i-a fost reprosata de multe ori.
Sunt multe de spus despre cum a influentat subtil drumul prin radioamatorism al multora si sunt destui care isi datoreaza o cariera lui Vasile. O vor face altii, sunt covins.
Viata e uneori aiurea si te lasa descoperit atunci cand te astepti mai putin.
Acum, Vasile ramane intre noi prin prin carti, inregistrari de QTC, cateva inregistrari video si multe, multe, tare multe amintiri raspandite in toate indicativele cu care s-a intersectat.

Cea mai puternica amintire a mea este cand, intr-unul din putinele momente de liniste, m-a tras deoparte si mi-a marturisit ca de abia asteapta sa se retraga pentru a mai face cateva legaturi caci ii lipsea tare mult asta!

73 de YO3HJV

PS.
Stiam de dragostea sa pentru munte si am descoperit ca nu numai radioamatorii l-au "avut" pe Vasile ci si montaniarzii! Clubul "Floarea de Colt" este marcat de aceasta disparitie.

Another CODAN 9369 experience...

2011-12-31T15:25:00.000+02:00

CODAN 9360

2011-12-27T00:22:00.003+02:00

Today I get my Codan 9360...
I dreamed a lot at this radio, for the last 3 years, seems to be impossible to get one!
So, this is my X-Mas gift from my wife :-) Nice!

This unit is full 2-30 MHz TX capable, with front keypad programming mode.
This is somehow complicated because there are only 12 controls (10 keys and two opto) and the menu is very, very complicated!
Not only this, but the engineering is weird for a ham!
I think I will need the programming software to put the frequencies into the Eprom and also make ALE to work with HF-ALE ham radio network.

This is a small video I made when I was in QSO with YO2LGX and YO2LEO.
73 d YO3HJV

My "HELLO WORLD"

2011-12-18T03:46:00.004+02:00

In these days seems that you cannot light a simple LED without a very complicated electronic hardware (microcontroller with some Quartz Crystal around it etc).

So, I started to become interested in these "chips" becuse I do not want to be so "obsolete"...
First, I started by searching a development board...
I soon received from a fellow ham a EasyPIC 2 Development Board fitted with everything you want.
After that, I stated to search for a suitable PIC to start with. A 16F877A seems to be the best for a beginner because has A/D converters and a lot of I/O ports.
The interest in PIC was determined by the need for some repeater automation, including battery management.
After a lot of struggling, I manage to read and write the PIC using the onboard USB programmer. This was by far the most time consuming phase (a few weekes of study). Don't laugh! I have no one to help me but some internet related posts!
To make the long short, after a successfull R/W operation, I manage to blink a LED but this don't count as a "Hellor World" project because was made with a downloaded .hex file!
I read (and trying to understand) various things about uC.
I soon found that I need a Programming tool and a compiler.
Everyone pointed me to MikroE solutions: MikroBasic and MikroC. Also I read Mr's Surducan book about microcontrollers and JAL (Just Another Language) as reccomended by some uC specialist.
After a lot of reading (and sometime "lot-of-no-understandings") I stayed on BASIC.
This is my first, true, "Hello World" project:

;Chip Settings
#chip 16F877A,10
#config OSC=HS

;Defines (Constants)
#define DISP_COUNT 4
#define DISP_SEG_A PORTB.0
#define DISP_SEG_B PORTB.1
#define DISP_SEG_C PORTB.2
#define DISP_SEG_D PORTB.3
#define DISP_SEG_E PORTB.4
#define DISP_SEG_F PORTB.5
#define DISP_SEG_G PORTB.6
#define DISP_SEG_DOT PORTB.7
#define DISP_SEL_1 PORTA.0
#define DISP_SEL_2 PORTA.1
#define DISP_SEL_3 PORTA.2
#define DISP_SEL_4 PORTA.3

afis:
DisplayValue 1, 0
Wait 1 s
DisplayValue 2, 1
Wait 1 s
DisplayValue 3, 2
Wait 1 s
DisplayValue 4, 3
Wait 1 s
DisplayValue 1, 4
Wait 1 s
DisplayValue 2, 5
Wait 1 s
DisplayValue 3, 6
Wait 1 s
DisplayValue 4, 7
Wait 1 s
DisplayValue 1, 8
Wait 1 s
DisplayValue 2, 9
Wait 1 s
Goto afis



This program is intended to be used with a 16F877A Microchip PIC,
a 10 MHz crystal and a 4 digit, 7 segment LED display.
It count from 0 to 9 but the number is displayd alternatively from left to right.
As I cannot attach the .hex file, use Copy/Paste and a txt editor to make your own hex file
to upload into the uC:

:020000040000FA
:020000000528D1
:100008000900B0209F200130A100A0015920013033
:10001800F40097200230A1000130A00059200130DF
:10002800F40097200330A1000230A00059200130CD
:10003800F40097200430A1000330A00059200130BB
:10004800F40097200130A1000430A00059200130AD
:10005800F40097200230A1000530A000592001309B
:10006800F40097200330A1000630A0005920013089
:10007800F40097200430A1000730A0005920013077
:10008800F40097200130A1000830A0005920013069
:10009800F40097200230A1000930A0005920013057
:1000A800F4009720072863005828200AA300C220DC
:1000B800A200061086100611861106128612061373
:1000C80086130510851005118511210303190514E0
:1000D8000230210203198514033021020319051582
:1000E800043021020319851522180614A218861453
:1000F80022190615A2198615221A0616A21A86169C
:10010800221B0617A21B86170800F30AC030F1004D
:100118000330F000F00B8E28F10B8C28F20B8A28A4
:10012800F30B8A280800E830F2000330F300892036
:10013800F40B97280800831603130610861006117F
:1001480086110612861206138613051085100511EE
:1001580085118312031308001F10831603139F13BE
:100168009F111F159F141F1007309C008312031343
:100178008501860187018801890108000B30230267
:10018800031800342308013E0310D03EA3000030BA
:100198000318013E8A00230882000A343F340634DB
:1001A8005B344F3466346D347D3407347F346F34B8
:02400E007A3FF7
:00000001FF

YR1X-11 video

2011-11-14T23:32:00.001+02:00

Here is the video from the YR1X-11 ARHAB flight! Enjoy!

October news

2011-11-11T07:54:00.002+02:00

RadioMagazinYO, the monthly YO hams magazine is available for download HERE. It's necessary to register as user in order to dl the magazine but you can wait to the end of the month do have it without registration!
The cover story, about the YR1X ARHAB will be available as article next month.
Meantime, you can watch YR1X-11 pictures HERE .

High Altitude Balloon Launch on October!!!

2011-10-08T02:10:00.001+03:00

For updated informations about High altitude balloon launch, please check THIS PAGE.

2E0BLF and South Yorkshire Repeater Group steal money just like a thief!

2011-09-23T13:57:00.008+03:00

Yes! Is a thief! He and South Yorkshire Repeater Group.
How can you name one who takes your money for a radio gear and sends nothing?
"Thief", "cheater", "con".
Well, this is Andrew "Andy" Spaxman, 2E0BLF, ex: M2UXC, who lives in 12 Stanhope Gardens, Barnsley S752QB, England (or UK ).

Shame on you Mr. Andy "Thief" Spaxman!

How it's "operates"?
Simple!
He is web-admin at this site: http://www.southyorkshirerepeatergroup.co.uk/shop/
He had a TH-79 for spares to sell. The price was nice, around 50 UK Pound. I wrote a e-mail asking him if he can send the radio to Romania. His answer was "OK" and he said that the shipping will be 25 UKP, so I sent the money via PayPal!
A long time I get no answer from him to my regards about the expedition of the radio...
When I threat him with a complain to local police, he reacted and told me that he will send the money back.
After that, a looong silence but no radio nor money, of course!
So, instead of making that complain, I decided to publish everywhere I can this story! It is now more than a year...

Mr. Andy "Thief" Spaxman has a gang! Yeah, he need a team to steal!
What team? This one:

South Yorkshire Repeater Group

Why I said that? Because the money was sent to that gang and nobody seems to care about! I was trying to contact someone from that "gang" to complain but all the email was censored, I believe!
Also, beware of the other side of Mr. "Thief" Spaxman!
He is the registrant and, of course, web-admin of the www.hostyorkshire.com:

Domain Name: HOSTYORKSHIRE.COM
Created Date: 06-Jun-2003
Expiry Date: 06-Jun-2012
Nameserver: ns2.speedydns.net
Nameserver: ns1.speedydns.net
Registrant Name: Andrew Spaxman
Registrant Company: Host Yorkshire
Registrant Address: 12 Stanhope Gardens
Registrant Address: Off Queens Drive
Registrant Address:
Registrant Address: Barnsley
Registrant Address: South Yorkshire
Registrant Address: S75 2QB
Registrant Address: United Kingdom
Technical Name: Andrew Spaxman
Technical Company: Host Yorkshire
Technical Address: 12 Stanhope Gardens
Technical Address: Off Queens Drive
Technical Address:
Technical Address: Barnsley
Technical Address: South Yorkshire
Technical Address: S75 2QB
Technical Address: United Kingdom
Technical Email: hostmaster@hostyorkshire.com

Maybe I will call him in the middle of the night! Who knows?!? :-)))

Path loss calculator

2011-09-21T17:44:00.002+03:00

Everyone knows how hard it is to read books and to apply formulas. No problem! Now you can put the known data (Tx power, Rx sensitivity, antenna height and distance) into a spreadsheet and read the results!
A quick method to check a LOS (Line Of Sight) condition for a radio communication between 1 Mhz and 3 Ghz.
Also, you can find some usefull transformations between Watt and dbm or uV to dbm etc.
The link points to our club's home page.
And, of course, the spreadsheet is in english, so there will be no problem with it!

Click on the picture and enjoy!

Any suggestions are welcome!

17m band mobile QSO with local stations

2011-08-22T11:56:00.003+03:00

Saturday, while I was waiting on the road near Sinaia, I was surprised to hear a YO station in QSO with another one.
The surprise was the fact that I was in a valley and the frequency was too high to have a "local" QSO (18.144 MHz).
Of course, the real life often "beats" the theory, so I give a try and made the call for YO2MHJ...
Surprise! He answer back and we made QSY to 18.150 MHz where we had a beautiful QSO from mobile to fixed radio!
The approximative distance between the two stations was a little over 200 km and the path was over a 2k m mountain chain!!! (Sinaia to Deva)
The signal on my mobile setup was 59+20 in the clear with a very little QSB!
My mobile setup is a ICOM IC-7000 radio, followed by a LDG Z11 PRO antenna tuner and a Sirio Titan 4000 mobile CB antenna.
The interesting fact is that this antenna is a base load one with no ground connection wich made this antenna suitable for broadband HF operation.
In fact, I was able to work from 80m to 6m while mobile!

Here is a small movie about my mobile QSO:

I believe that two factors was involved:
-A high F0F2 and
-A high angle of radiation at both stations!

To be further investigated...

73!

Homemade USB Digimodes Interface

2011-07-18T13:47:00.010+03:00

I am a big fan of Digimodes as you maybe know already!
Therefore, I am always in the search of the “perfect” Digi Interface which also has to allow me to control the radio via Ham Radio Deluxe, one of the best of it’s kind…
I already have a RiGExpert Standard interface but this is assigned to a Kenwood TS2000 radio at YO3KSR, our club station and this made a big “gap” in my shack.
My “ideal” interface has to be wired to a PC only with one cable.
I want to have a “hardline” PTT and a Carrier Detect (for Echolink use) and a CAT port.
Of course, a sounboard because want to be able to use the interface with some digital voice software which requires two sound boards (one in the laptop).
I made a lot of interfaces in the past; most of them was “the simple” type; only providing isolation between PC and transceiver with two little transformers and a optocoupler for PTT but these ones required a external USB2COM adapter and a lot of wires…
So, my “dream” was still in the “cloud”.

A few days ago, while I was inspecting the junk box, I found a lot of unused “components”…
A USB sound card from Behringer (UC202), some USB2COM adapters and a very little USB hub…
Hmmm… I wonder if I can use those to homebrew a nice versatile Digimodes interface!
I often see fellow hams that build things from scrap! I admire them because this need a lot of time and commitement! I have the last "thing" but I don't have the time so, I think I do not "cheat" by using demo boards or some finished "scrap" in my junk box.

Here is the plan (click to see the "big pictures"):

I choose a USB 2.0 HUB with four outputs as a simple math will show that we need 3 of them in our setup and we can use one for further "developments".
A short trip to a local DIY store provided all the necessary components; the case, the board and some LED’s because I didn’t have the green ones!

I agree with “one picture made a thousand words”, therefore I let you see what is the result.
So, I made a "motherboard" where I put the USB plug, the LED's, and the I/O volume potentiometers. There is some pads left for external DC input regulation with a 7805 circuit (not populated yet) and for isolation transformers (in the eventuality of 50 Hz hum).
I also provided some common ground because I choose not to use isolation. Hmmm, the "isolation" story seems to be a humbug of sime sort because, from what I seen in the market, the CAT port is not isolated so, despite the isolation of the audio and PTT, the PC IS connected to the transceiver! So, why try to complicate my life?
In the upper

The audio USB board UCA-202 from Behringer:
This board has a Stereo Line input and a Stereo Line Output. There is also a "monitor" headphones output, but this is not used. Maybe I will put a little speaker inside the box but is not yet necessary!
The USB2COM adapters:

The USB2COM adapters was tested before te see how they works!

If you can see them here it's a proof that they passed the test, HI!
Like I said, I used one for CAT control. This one was left "in one piece" to provide some mechanical fixing. The one for PTT and CD (Carrier Detect - Open Squelch) was removed from the DB9 connector. This was necessary because all the signals (including Audio I/O) will be sent to the transceiver via one cable).
The PTT was set on COM's RTS and the CD on the COM'S CD (to be clear, HI). Here I use two K817 optocouplers. The PTT port can whitstand about 50 mA at 70V.

The LEDs

I like to have some visual information about the working state of the interface, so I desoldered the original LED from every board and reroute them on the front panel.

From left to right:

-Blue: Power on USB HUB;

-Green: Power on CAT COM1;

-Green: Audio Board recognised by the OS;

-Red: PTT on COM2

-Yellow: CD on COM2.

-Blue: not connected.

The "look":

After closing the case, the HM Interface looked fantastic, especially in the dim light!
On the rear panel, I provided 3 RCA for Audio I/O and for PTT/ They are not wired yet.

Further development may include a second USB audio board for digital voice...

OK, it is not perfect, but the tests showed that this "box" performs well... I have only one complain: the Input level is often too small for the sound board. Despite this, the excellent S/N ratio of the Behringer board made me think twice before adding a small input preamplifier!
The two potentiometers are unused...
The cost is much under a commercial interface... Much!

And, for the final, what will be a CAT-Digimodes interface without a Tom-CAT?

73 de YO3HJV

LATER EDIT:

I added a small preamplifier (around 6 db) on the audio input of the interface. The signal goes into one of the two potentiometers (reserved on the motherboard) to fine tune the input volume. A small Switch on the front panel allow me to bypass the preamplifier because the signal from ICOM IC7000 is loud enough to drive irectly the soundboard.
I also put a 4 GB flash memory for various purposes (the HRD Logbook, audio recording of my QSO's and a small collection of digimodes software-around 300 Mb).

Asa nu!

2011-07-18T12:58:00.003+03:00

Acum cateva seri testam o interfata pentru moduri digitale si am ajuns in banda de 20m unde, am avut placuta surpriza sa intalnesc o statie YO, YO3FOP care chema in PSK31.
Imediat i-am raspuns, bucurandu-ma ca voi avea posibilitatea de a schimba cateva cuvinte cu un "vecin".
Iata cum a decurs "dialogul":

CQ CQ de YO3FOP YO3FOP
PSE K
02:54:04> Main
YO3FOP de YO3HJV YO3HJV pse kn

Your Call de YO3FOP

YO3FOP de YO3HJV
nu ati incarcat in program indicativul si statia chemata nu stie cui faceti apelul
Buna dimineata.
Numele Adrian, QTH Bucuresti.
Semnalul este f puternic, merge OK.
Eu tocmai am terminat si testez, o interfata pe USB pentru moduri digitale, care are placa de sunet, com pentru CAT samd..
TU YO3FOP de YO3HJV YO3HJV pse kn

YO3HJV de YO3FOP
Hi OM,
Report : 599 599
Name : ILIE ILIE qth BUCHAREST BUCHAREST loc KN34CK [90.0° 6.6km] KN34CK
Member EPC #2937 ROØ5
Info : QRZ.COM
How copy? BTU OM, YO3HJV de YO3FOP pse kn

YO3FOP de YO3HJV
Copiez f bine, dupa cum am spus, doar ca speram sa vb cu un om, nu cu un calculator...
Multam de legatura, succes si mny DX
YO3FOP de YO3HJV YO3HJV pse kn

YO3HJV de YO3FOP 73 OM and thanks for this BPSK-31 QSO on 2Øm, good DX in 2Ø11.
YO3HJV de YO3FOP sk

Trecem de faza I, in care dl. YO3FOP nu a introdus indicativul in MACRO-urile din HRD (cel putin asa suna predefinitele din DM780 si ajungem la adevarata problema:
Dezinteresul operatorului uman pentru realizarea unei legaturi!
Imi pare ca, folosind exclusiv mesajele predefinite devenim, cumva, sclavii calculatoarelor, negandu-ne tocmai placerea acestui hobby: comunicarea si puntile intre oameni!

Modurile digitale sunt un mijloc de realizare a legaturii si nu un scop in sine; se pare ca am uitat de asta! Este de inteles asa ceva intr-un concurs sau intr-un pile-up atunci cand timpul corespondentului este pretios. In rest, folositi comenzile "macro" cu parcimonie; nu este deloc greu sa adaugi cateva cuvinte, chiar daca tastatura QWERTY nu iti este cel mai bun prieten!
Am intalnit deseori corespondenti cu care am purtat conversatii in moduri digitale. Tocmai acestia au fost motivul pentru care acum sunt atat de atras de ele iar unii chiar mi-au spus ca evita sa intre in dialog cu statiile care shimba doar controalele de rigoare. Adica exact cum puteti observa in "dialogul" de mai sus!
Incercati sa evitati acest tip de legatura! Asa nu!

73 de yo3hjv

RadioMagazinYO Nr.9-10 iulie-august 2011

2011-07-12T21:27:00.002+03:00

A aparut RadioMagazinYO, numarul de vara, comun pentru lunile iulie si august 2011!
Din cuprins:
-Friedrichshafen Ham Fair 2011 de YO3HJV;
-O noua amenintare pentru comunicatiile HF de 4X1AD;
-Webinare pentru radioamatori de 4X1AD;
-Radiocomunicatii libere: CB & PMR 446 de YO3FTI;
-Transfer de date via HF de YO3FTI.

Revista verii 2011 vine cu un numar mai mare de pagini. In continuare ea este disponibila si in forma tiparita pentru abonati.
Premiul pentru acest numar este o statie radio mobila VHF, oferita de MATRA SYSTEMS.
Incepand cu acest numar, revenim la necesitatea autentificarii folosind contul deschis pe site-ul radioclubului pentru descarcarea revistei RadioMagazinYO.
Dupa logarea pe site, veti avea acces la link-ul pentru descarcarea revistei in format electronic.
Puteti descarca Revista RadioMagazinYO aici

9k6 APRS with Ui-View and TM-D710

2011-07-02T15:03:00.007+03:00

LATER EDIT: You can use the same settings for the Kenwood TH-72 because the TNC chipset is the same. Tested and work OK!

Last days I was confronted with a big problem!
How to establish a APRS local gateway from Internet to Radio with a TM-D710 and UI-View, the well known software from G4IDE!
First time, I started the Kenwood TM-D710 in Packet mode and I made the necessary settings for 9k6 but when it connects to UI-View, the baudrate reverted to 1k2!

The main issue is that this software have more than 7 years of no-upgrade due to the SK of the author and the INIT file for the Kenwood TM-D710 radio is not included within the CMD files.
Therefore I start to look around how the software sent the commands to the radio.
It seems that in the CMD folder within the installation directory is the key.
Inside this folder, there are some files that define the initialisation commands for every TNC listed in UI-View menu and that initialisation occured everytime I tried to setup the communications with the radio.
The solution is here:But how we find the TM-D710-9k6 TNC-type?
Very simple!
We search in the CMD folder for a file named "TM-D700.ORG".
Open it with Notepad. You should see something like this:

;This is a copy of the default version of TM-D700.CMD.
;This is a sample TNC initialisation file for use with
;the Kenwood TM-D700. [SETUP]
;DON'T alter anything in this section unless you are
;sure you know what you are doing!
COMMAND_PROMPT=cmd:
COMMAND_CHARACTER_CODE=3
ESCAPE_CHARACTER_CODE= CONV_COMMAND=CONV MYCALL_COMMAND="MYCALL " UNPROTO_COMMAND="UNPROTO "
NO_BEACON_COMMAND=
BEACON EVERY 0
[INIT_COMMANDS] ^C AI 1!AI 1
etc

Now, open a new file in the Notepad and paste the following code:
[SETUP]
;DON'T alter anything in this section unless you are
;sure you know what you are doing!
COMMAND_PROMPT=cmd:
COMMAND_CHARACTER_CODE=3
ESCAPE_CHARACTER_CODE=
CONV_COMMAND=CONV
MYCALL_COMMAND="MYCALL "
UNPROTO_COMMAND="UNPROTO "
NO_BEACON_COMMAND=BEACON EVERY 0

[INIT_COMMANDS]
^C^C^C
;Control mode on.
TC 1!TS 1
;Select TNC PKT mode on A band.
TN 2,0!TN 2,0
;Waiting for command prompt.
^M!cmd:!5
;Repeating the first two commands is not an error!
ECHO OFF
; Below we can set the beacon in 10*N seconds. 60 means 600 seconds
BEACON EVERY 60
; You can set the beacon text with BTEXT ...
ECHO OFF
; You can set the Digipeating function but have to add some other commands
DIGI OFF
;Below we setup the RF TNC baudrate
HBAUD 9600
GPSTEXT $GPRMC
LTMON 5
LTMHEAD ON
LOC E 0
MON ON
MCOM ON
MSTAMP OFF
CONOK OFF
PACLEN 250
UIDIGI OFF
UIFLOOD %
UITRACE %
XFLOW OFF
HEADER OFF
NEWMODE ON
NOMODE OFF

[EXIT_COMMANDS]
LTMON 0
MON OFF
TC 1
TN 0,0

After that, rename the .txt file into "TM-D710-9k6.CMD" and save it in the same CMD folder.

Open UI-View, go to SETUP menu, click on COMMS SETUP and, BINGO, you will have the new TNC option enabled!

Watch the first picture again, make the same settings and go for 9k6 APRS with the Kenwood TM-D710!
Beware: you have to keep the radio with no menu-enabled TNC! The TNC will "revive" once you hit the "OK" button (first image) and the LCD on the radio will show "PACKET96"!

73 de YO3HJV

Back in Bucharest

2011-06-30T18:05:00.004+03:00

Yeah, I am back in Bucharest after a very nice trip around Central Europe.
Maranza, Como, Interlaken and, finally, Friedrichshafen, the Ham Fair 2011!
Here are some pictures from this trip, mainly from Ham Fair!

Of course, after a rainy day, nothing compares with a nice Hooters beer!
More pictures here.

Europe trip, mobile HF calling...

2011-06-14T13:49:00.004+03:00

Tomorrow I will be on the road to Friedrichschaffen.
The plan is to reach the destination on Thursday, 23rd of June.
Till then, I intend to go through Austria (South Tirol), Italy (Como), Switzerland (Interlaken).
My little VW Golf has extended HF capability (HI) from a ICOM IC-7000, LDZ Z-11 Pro II and a Sirio Turbo 4000 2m heigh antenna.
This equipment give me the possibility to work on HF bands, from 80m to 6m, so, from time to time check the following frequencies:

-3705 kHz;
-7150 kHz;
-14300 kHz;
-18150 kHz;
-21380 kHz;
-24940 kHz;
-28428 and 28.480 kHz;
-50133 kHz.

In VHF and UHF, I will try QSO on various repeaters. In simplex, I will be QRV on 145,500 MHz.

The maximum output power I will use will be 50 W.

Also, a TH-D72 with external antenna will transmit APRS position (SSID=YO3HJV-7).

The callsigns:
-Hungary (just passing): HA/YO3HJV/m
-Slovenia (just passing): S5/YO3HJV/m
-Austria: OE/YO3HJV/m or/p
-Italy: IN3/YO3HJV/m in Bolzano area and I2/YO3HJV/m or/p in Como area.
-Switzerland: HB9/YO3HJV/m
-Deutschland: DL/YO3HJV/m

Hope to catch you on the band!

73 de YO3HJV/m.

Radioamatorismul si religia

2011-06-03T15:07:00.003+03:00

Am citit recent un articol scris de Bob, K0NR (http://www.k0nr.com/blog/2007/09/religion-and-ham-radio.html) care m-a pus pe ganduri si care trage un semnal de alarma in ceea ce priveste proliferarea “credintelor” in radioamatorism. Nu, nu este vorba despre IN CINE credem ci despre cum ne insusim diferite pareri ce nu ne apartin si pe care le luam “de bune” doar pentru ca sunt emise de diferiti “guru”.

Las traducerea exacta a articolului pe seama specialistilor si incerc aici doar sa atrag atentia asupra aceluiasi fenomen, periculos, de care nici radioamatorismul din YO nu a scapat in ultimii ani…

Daca mergem la dictionar, definitia este urmatoarea:

RELÍGIE, religii, s. f. 1. Sistem de credințe (dogme) și de practici (rituri) privind sentimentul divinității și care îi unește, în aceeași comunitate spirituală și morală, pe toți cei care aderă la acest sistem; totalitatea instituțiilor și organizațiilor corespunzătoare; confesiune, credință. ♦ Fig. Crez, cult. 2. Disciplină predată în școală, având ca scop educarea și instruirea elevilor în spiritul religiei (1) date. – Din fr. religion, lat. religio, -onis, germ. Religion.

Radioamatorismul, asa cum il stim cu totii, este o continuua preocupare in sensul perfectionarii noastre ca utilizatori de echipamente care permit radiocomunicatiile.

Asta inseamna ca “datoria” noastra este sa citim, sa intelegem si sa ne punem intrebari al caror raspuns trebuie verificat plecand de la principii teoretice verificate practic sau de la legitati indiscutabile.

Religios nu este doar cel ce crede in Dumnezeu ci si cel care crede orbeste in ceva ce i se spune, fara ca cele spuse sa le fi verificat inainte folosind propria ratiune.

Religios este cel care, intr-o dezbatere cu argumente lasa usor sa paleasca faptele si incepe sa contureze o pozitie de tipul “asa cred eu”, fara ca in afirmatie sa se regaseasca o explicatie ori o argumentatie cel putin logica.

Radioamatorismul, in mod special ar trebui sa excluda asimilarea informatiei pe baze “democratice”, adica plecand de la principiul ca, “daca ceilalti spun o prostie, asa trebuie ca e pentru ca sunt multi care cred in ea” iar radioamatorii, prin definitie, sunt inclinati spre cercetare si dubiu.

Este complet gresita si neproductiva atitudinea intepenita in “bun sau rau” in care radioamatorismul – nu numai cel din YO – a alunecat in ultimii ani; exista suficiente exemple care ilustreaza aceasta atitudine si din care Bob citeaza doua, semnificative: dezbaterea Windows vs. Linux si D-Star vs. APCO 25, Yaesu vs. Kenwood, tuburi vs. tranzistori…

La noi, semne ingrijoratoare vin din partea “credinciosilor” in dezbaterea “sport vs. hobby” si “etatizat vs. privat”. Din fericire, cea referitoare la “sarma vs. directiva” s-a cam incheiat, in favoarea celei din urma!

Avem la indemana instrumentele necesare pentru a intelege daca parerile sunt corecte in sine, avem experienta si trecutul care sunt un cadru suficient de cuprinzator pentru a le putea verifica si, in sfarsit, in jurul nostru exista suficiente experiente pozitive pentru a ne putea raporta la ele!

Dar, mai intai, este nevoie sa “resetam” parerile preconcepute si sa ne propunem sa privim dilemele in mod cate se poate de obiectiv, aducandu-le la un numitor comun si abia apoi evaluand beneficiile si dezavantajele.

Abia atunci vom putea spune ca am depasit stadiul de om “religios” si ca am devenit radioamatori cu adevarat! sau office@asrr.org.

Publicat in RadioMagazinYO, revista lunara a Societatii Romane a Radioamatorilor, disponibila in format electronic pe site-ul radioclubului YO3KSR si, in format tiparit, pe baza de abonament.

"Two on a Bicycle" - Friedrichschafen-Timisoara

2011-05-26T13:58:00.002+03:00

A team of two (Ham and XYL) plan to made an epic bicycle trip in June!
The intend to depart from Friedrichschafen, just after the Ham Fair (June, 27 th), to keep the road among the Eurovelo 6.
The trip will be around 1.000 miles and they want to "touch" the following cities:

Tuttlingen- Sigmaringen- Ulm- Ingolstadt- Regensburg- Passau- Linz- Viena- Bratislava- Komarno- Budapesta- Szeged- Timisoara

They will use VHF/UHF portable radio for QSO's and kindly ask for some support for camping!
If anyone can help them, please be aware on 2m/70cm for this callsign:

YO2LZP

My Vibroplex

2011-04-12T02:08:00.005+03:00

I finalize the restoration of a old Vibroplex key.
This is a Vibroplex 1923 Bug, serial# 136452.
According to John Elwood, WW7P, this key was produced in 1944!
All the parts where removed and sand-polished.
The Logo Plate was laquered after polishing, now figures a light green "ocean" colour.
All other parts where already chrome-plated.

RadioMagazinYO, nr.6, aprilie 2011

2011-04-01T00:46:00.004+03:00

A aparut revista RadioMagazinYO nr.6, aprilie 2011.
In continuare se ofera un premiu, la Tombola!
Se pot face si abonamente pentru editia tiparita.

Pe langa obisnuitele evaluari (In acest numar WR-G31DDC "EXCALIBUR") sau mici constructii la indemana incepatorilor, in acest numar se discuta despre Decizia Presedintelui ANCOM din martie, referitoare la activitatea de examinare in vederea obtinerii Certificatului de radioamator precum si la eliberarea acestui document de catre organizatiile private interesate si care indeplinesc conditiile de avizare.

Decizia Presedintelui ANCOM in 27 martie 2011, aici. Format PDF.

Lectura placuta!73!

RadioMagazinYO-martie 2011

2011-03-07T23:12:00.003+02:00

A aparut numarul 5 al revistei online (deocamdata) RadioMagazinYO.
Tematica acestui numar este legata de concursurile radioamatorilor.
Cu sau fara orgolii, cu bune si rele, fac si ele parte din activitatea ham-ilor.
Tot in acest numar gasiti cateva sfaturi despre utilizarea bateriilor pe baza de plumb.

Premiul lunii (tombola) este o antena dual band VHF/UHF pentru amplasament fix, produsa de FX-24 dupa modelul de mare succes Diamond 510.

Revista este accesibila in prima parte a lunii doar membrilor inregistrati cu cont pe site-ul radioclubului YO3KSR.

Lectura placuta si 73!

click pe imagine pentru revista

Pe site gasiti si numerele de arhiva la descarcare libera.

MuF and F0F2 for Europe

2011-03-04T00:00:00.008+02:00

A new page for HF propagation status in real time due to DIAS Ionosondes project!
You can find the latest results in a friendly graphical format on YO3KSR webpage .

You can find here F0F2 for the entire Europe . (If the picture seems to be empty of informations, must be between data update from DIAS servers so, please use REFRESH button on your browser!)
And the MuF (Maximum Usable Frequency) from European ionosondes .

Some new addition on the YO3KSR website:
-Space Weather;
-Magnetosphere status;
-TEC Ionisation.

Please use the Refresh Page button ( F5 ) on that pages!

RadioMagazinYO, nr.3, ianuarie 2011

2011-01-05T09:26:00.003+02:00

A aparut numarul 3 al revistei RadioMagazinYO, revista online pentru informarea radioamatorilor YO.
Premiul tombolei acestei luni este o statie dual-band Wouxun KG-UVD1.
Mai multe detalii si descarcare, aici.

Pentru descarcarea revistei este necesara realizarea unui cont pe site-ul radioclubului YO3KSR.

Revista este gratuita si poate fi descarcata si fara cont, dar incepand cu ultima saptamana a lunii.

Showroom la YO3KSR

2010-11-24T11:03:00.002+02:00

Radioclubul YO3KSR incepe seria evenimentelor destinate publicului radioamator si nu numai!
Pentru inceput, radioclubul YO3KSR invita curiosii la o prezentare a statiei portabile Wouxun KG-UVD1.
Aveti ocazia sa o testati live la club!

RadioMagazinYO

2010-11-12T13:40:00.003+02:00

O noua revista dedicata radioamatorilor se pregateste de lansare. O revista gratuita online, usor digerabila, articole, review-uri, ultimele scule din domeniu, antene, statii… si, odata pe luna poti castiga un cadou din partea redactiei! Luna asta te poti alege cu o super antena VHF de mobil, talpa magnetica inclusa! Ah, inca ceva… nu este o ruginatura, este nou nouta! Daca n-ai masina o poti pune si in balcon, daca n-ai balcon hmmm…

Luna viitoare daca ai bafta te vei alege cu o portabila UHF!

Vrei sa simti “celuloza” intre degete? Exista si versiunea tiparita doar ca aceasta este contra cost.

Pana una alta, fugi repede pe www.yo3ksr.ro si fa-ti un cont! Este GRATUIT!

A new repeater for the South of Romania

2010-10-14T12:37:00.004+03:00

Well, we did it!

We manage to put a repeater on Furnica Peak (KN25RI) near Sinaia at 2000 m asl.
The repeater is a mixed one: it has voice capabilities in UHF (438.825 MHz with 7,6 MHz negative shift) and a Digipeater for Packet Radio and APRS on 144.800 MHz.
The repeater is performing well and is remote controlled.
A novelty for Romanian hams, the repeater has GSM Phone Patch! The phone patch is fully Break In as the repeater is working in duplex mode.

The voice repeater is based on two Motorola CM340 and a Zetron Model 30.
We used a Procomm duplexer and a Sommerkamp X41 antenna.
The coaxial cable is a Andrew Cellflex. The strike protection is made with Polyphaser units.
The digipeater is made with a TNC II clone and a Motorola M100 radio and has around 10W input.
We used a Diamond diplexer to use a single antenna because the conditions there are very rough.
The repeater has a Lead Acid battery (deep discharge) for backup (55Ah).

The repeater was sponsored by:

and made by:

(The Club Station of Romanian Society of Radioamateurs)

and some other enthusiastic hams like
YO3GDI, YO3FKJ, YO3AAS, YO3IHG and, of course, myself).

The coverage is very good; we heard stations from Brasov (over the Bucegi mountains), from Braila, from Pitesti and a very weak signal was put on the repeater from Constanta by Claudiu, YO4FYQ).
In Bucharest we can use a portable radio on the street, with aprox. 2,5W output which is very good!
As the tail can be reduced, the repeater is suitable to connect a crossband on remote places in order to have coverage for the remote areas with weak signal. Right now, experimental, a cross band is working in Bucharest, with 144.550MHz, CTCSS 203,5, simplex.

Here are some pictures (TNX YO3IHG) with the surroundings there:

... and, a final view before departing to our homes...

O precizare

2010-09-04T06:32:00.008+03:00

Pe site-ul d-lui Francisc Grunberg a aparut un "Drept la replica" ce continua un conflict aparut acum aproape un an, care conflict a fost generat de o serie de replici si contra-replici pe marginea unui articol publicat pe un site dedicat radioamatorismului, de catre unii radioamatori, membri de entitati afiliate la FRR.
In articolul sau, dl. Francisc Grunberg citeaza un mesaj privat din care rezulta ca as fi participat la o sedinta a CA al FRR in care s-au luat unele masuri privitoare la conflictul in speta.
Intrucat, dl. Francisc Grunberg, pe pagina sa nu permite postarea de comentarii, ma vad nevoit sa postez aici urmatoarele, pentru clarificare:
-In anul 2009, in sedinta AGA de la data de 01.04.2006 am fost "cooptat" ca membru al CA al FRR, fara drept de vot, pana la "noile alegeri".
-Mandatul meu de "membru cooptat" al CA a incetat in anul 2007, 31 martie. 1 aprilie 2008 fiind data urmatoarei AGA iar "cooptarea" a fost valabila pana la aceste alegeri.
-Nu imi amintesc sa fi participat la vreo "intâlnire a Consiliului Director pentru astăzi marţi la Radioclubul Municipal".
De altfel, ca urmare a neachitarii cotizatiei pe muuuulti ani la acest "club" (ultima a fost prin 2004)- calitatea de membru a expirat de facto si de jure.
-Imi amintesc insa ca, am avut o scurta discutie cu dl. Ciobanita referitoare la posibilitatea de retragere a unor autorizatii de radioamator de catre FRR. A facut o expunere foarte succinta a situatiei si, trecand destul timp de atunci, nu imi amintesc daca a fost prezentata "la litera" solicitarea d-lui Francisc Grunberg. Sfatul meu a fost de a instrui persoana afectata sa se adreseze justitiei intrucat:
-conflictul verbal s-a desfasurat exclusiv intre persoane, pe un site ce nu apartine Federatiei si nici nu este gestionat de aceasta. In plus, site-ul se supune altei legislatii decat cea romana (hosting in USA);
-implicarea FRR se poate limita la solicitari si comunicate de presa intrucat nu are atributii de reglementare in astfel de cazuri.

Poate nu acestea au fost cuvintele, dar cu certitudine aceasta a fost esenta.

Cat priveste calitatea de avocat... Avocatura este o profesie liberala intrucat se "vinde" un produs imaterial, exclusiv intelectual, anume "sfatul juridic". Este greu de spus unde incepe particularul si unde avocatul atunci cand cineva te intreaba "e bine sa fac asa sau asa". In toate cazurile insa, sfatul depinde de acuratetea input-ului: un input nesincer sau incomplet duce la solutii neadecvate.
Totodata, practicarea avocaturii presupune stabilirea unei relatii avocat-client, care se naste exclusiv prin incheierea unui contract de asistenta juridica. Abia atunci se poate vorbi cu certitudine de "sfat de avocat". Pana la contract, este un sfat de om care are cunostinte juridice dar care nu este tinut de examinarea in amanunt a spetei.
La momentul respectiv eram "in trecere" pe la club cu alt subiect pe lista si nicidecum "consiliere juridica".
Asa ca nu am intrat in detalii si solutia oferita a avut o componenta juridica minimalista.

Incepand cu octombrie 2008, nu am mai fost in niciun fel preocupat de problemele organizatorice ale FRR si insist in a nu fi asociat cu ceea ce se intampla acolo, cu atat mai mult cu sedinta de CA la care face referire dl. Grunberg si cu privire la care a fost informat prin email.
Totusi, chiar si din respectivul email, se poate observa ca membrii CA sunt enumerati distinct iar prezenta mea acolo nu este aratata ca fiind o participare efectiva la ce s-o fi hotarat.

Iata si mesajul citat de dl. Francisc Grunberg:

«Bună seara,

Regret că dl.Vicepreşedinte nu a lecturat şi mesajul meu imediat dupa ce am primit e-mail d-sale.

Am rugat o intâlnire a Consiliului Director pentru astăzi marţi la Radioclubul Municipal.

Au fost prezenţi şi câţiva membrii ai CA (YO7FT,YO3APG,YO3JW,YO3FU) şi dl.avocat YO3HJV.

Dl.vicepreşedinte din diverse motive nu a fost prezent. Am aşteptat până la ora 17.30.

Am discutat în principiu cele apărute pe site, C.D. (Comitetul Director) neluând nici o hotărâre în acest sens rămânând o reprogramare.

Există o propunere de a sesiza ANCOM pentru a solicita suspendarea autorizaţiei celor în conflict până la rezolvarea conflictului pe cale civilă.»

LATER EDIT:
Asadar, orice asociere intre persoana mea si o eventuala "hotarare" adoptata de CA al FRR cu acel prilej este complet deplasata si neconforma cu realitatea. Si nici nu am chef sa mai dezvolt subiectul si sa alerg dupa potcoave de cai morti (expresie uzuala)!

Ca o parere personala, mi se pare aiurea ca radioamatorismul sa devina scena unor astfel de intamplari, dar, nu-i asa, traim in Romania...

YO3IBZ/MM

2010-07-14T09:53:00.001+03:00

Our coleague, Aurel, The chief of YO3KSR Radioclub, left Bucharest for Juneau/Alaska. Here is the message:

Hello all!

From 15.07.2010 to 14.02.2011 i will be YO3IBZ/MM on Celebrity Mercury cruise ship, so when i will have free time i will work from the ship or i will go to shore to work from the land, you can check my Ship Itinerary and se where i will be maybe you will work me!

My equipment will be: Yaesu FT-817ND, 5w, one 11,9v 4,5A battery pack, and original battery pack from Yaesu (FNB-85)
Antenna 1: Fishing pole vertical multiband antenna.
Antenna 2: Longueur multiband antenna.
Antenna 3: Multiband Delta Loop antenna.

I will not have all antennas mounted, type of antenna will depend of location.

I wish you all the best 73&88 to you and your family!

YO3IBZ - Aurel.

More info HERE.

Calculator pentru radioamatori

2010-06-27T21:21:00.003+03:00

Am reusit sa transpun in WEB tabelul calculator in xls pe care il foloseam de destul de multa vreme pentru totr felul de calcule.

Va recomand sa apelati la el ori de cate ori aveti dubii cu privire la posibilitatea de stabilire a unui canal radio intre doua statii sau atunci cand nu mai stici cati dBm reprezinta 1W.

Sper sa il gasiti util si sa il folositi cu placere!

Pentru a-l utiliza, click pe imagine!

The biggest YOFF Expedition /MM is about to start!

2010-06-11T02:54:00.003+03:00

ExpeditionA few fellow hams will start what it will be "The biggest YOFF Event in Romania", a /MM trip on the Danube Delta!

They will be active mostly in HF bands and will have a QRO (500 W) in order to be heard by a grossly mass of DX hunters.

So be prepared or YOFF-021 !

Condenser mic for TS-2000

2010-06-10T14:59:00.003+03:00

A found a very nice schematics for connecting a condenser microphone with the Kenwood TS-2000. It is especially usefull for users that want to use combo mic-headset with their beloved transceiver!

Original drawing from UU2JJ

Field Programming for Kenwood TK-370

2010-05-17T22:01:00.002+03:00

The Kenwood TK-370 is a versatile 32 channel portable radio, capable to deliver up to 5W in UHF from 380 MHz up to 500 MHz. Of course, with some tuning in the front end receiving section...
You can use KPG-27D software (DOS based) or you can choose the easy way for programming from the keyboard.

Here is the algorithm for keyboard programming:

To enter in the programming sequence, press and hold (light) & (dial) while turning on radio.

Hold until (SEL) appears on the display.

You can choose three sets of menu items, depending on what key is pressed after entering into programming mode.
To advance in the menu items, press PTT. At the end of the menu commands set, will be shown on the LCD.

Pressing (SCN) allows you to program the following

1. Monitor Key
Off = off
1 = Monitor momentary
2 = Monitor Lock
3 = Squelch off momentary

2. Scan Key
Off = off
Co = carrier operate
To = Time operate

3. Dial Key
Off = off
On = enable

4. TA key
TA = talkaround
RV = Reverse
Off

5. Lo Key
On
Off

6. Priority
None
1 = fixed
2 = selected

7. Fixed Priority Channel
Turn selector to channel

8. Look back time A
Turn selector to time in seconds

9. Look back time B
Turn selector to time in seconds

10. Revert Channel
1 = Selected
2 = Last Call
3 = Last used
4 = Selected + Talkback
5 = Priority
6 = Priority + Talkback

11. Tx Dwell time
Turn selector to time in seconds

12. Drop out delay
Turn selector to time in seconds

13. Time out timer
Turn selector to time in seconds

14. Tot Pre-alert
Turn selector to time in seconds

15. Tot Rekey time
Turn selector to time in seconds

16. Tot reset time
Turn selector to time in seconds

17. Squelch Level
Turn selector to Squelch

18. Beep tone
On
Off

19. Signalling
And
Or

20. Battery Save
On
Off

21. Selectable QT
On
Off

22. Clr to transpond
On
Off

23. Del/ Add
On
Off

Pressing (Dial) allows programming of:

DTMF

24. digit time
Turn selector to time in milliseconds

25. inter digit time
Turn selector to time in milliseconds

26. First digit time
Turn selector to time in milliseconds

27. Rise time
Turn selector to time in milliseconds

28. Rise time with QT
Turn selector to time in milliseconds

29. PTT ID
Off
1 = connect
2 = disconnect
3 = Both

30. Dial ID
On
Off

31. Connect ID

32. Disconnect ID

33. # of DTMF keys on Keypad
12
16

34. DTMF hold time
On
Off

35. Store & send
On
Off

36. D key assignment
Turn selector to D or time in seconds for pause

37. Dtmf Signaling
Off
1 = code squelch
2 = Selective Call

38. Intermediate Code
OFF
A
B
C
D
E
F

39. Group Code
OFF
A
B
C
D
E
F

40. Auto Reset time
Turn selector for time in Seconds
41. Call Alert/ Transpond
Off
1 =
2 =
3
4
5

42. Transpond
On
Off

Pressing (TA) will allow you to program Frequencies

Use selector to choose channel
Press PTT

Enter Rx frequency using:
- the Selector Knob to change kHz;
- the Selector Knob + (light) to change MHz.

If no channel is Shown press the (LO) button.
Press PTT

Enter Rx CTCSS code
Press PTT

Enter Tx Frequency as above
Press PTT

Enter Tx CTCSS code
Press PTT

1. Option Signal
Off
1 = DTMF
2 = 2-Tone

2. PTT ID
On
Off

3. Add/ Del

4. Busy Tx

5. Clock frequency shift

6. Power
Hi
Low

Portable holiday setup

2010-04-19T00:11:00.002+03:00

Acum aproape o luna am primit de la Corrado o antena Sirio Megawatt DX4000.

De la "mama ei", antena este destinata utilizarii pe masina in canalele CB.

Este cea mai lunga antena de mobil pe care am intalnit-o in Romania. Poate mai sunt pe alte meleaguri...
Potrivit specificatiilor, antena suporta 600W continuu; este terminata in mufa UHF (nu sunt un fan al acestei mufe dar este relativ OK in HF) si are, atentie, 2 m inaltime!
Am avut ocazia sa trag cu ochiul la un prospect Sirio unde este prezentata in sectiune zona bobinei. Astfel am vazut ca bobina este doar in prelungirea spicului nefiind conectata si la masa. Acest aspect a fost confirmat si cu aparatul de masura. Destul de fireasca solutia, intrucat, la aceasta lungime, cateva spire fac antena sa simuleze un GP sfert de unda (aproximativ 2,6m fizic).

Ideea este ca antena a fost "tintita" pentru utilizare in benzile HF, nu numai in banda de 28 MHz ( in care merge ireprosabil scoasa din tipla!).

Antena este insotita de montura de fixare pe tabla capotei, la o stfel de lungime nefiind recomandabila utilizarea suporturilor magnetice; montura este insotita si de un cablu RG58U terminat cu mufa DV la capatul dinspre antena si cu mufa UHF tata la capatul dinspre statie.

Fixarea pentru teste am facut-o pe marginea balconului, pe o piesa L din otel, la randul ei fixata cu suruburi de o platbanda de Al pentru imobilizarea pe balustrada balconului.
A fost necesara inclinarea antenei pentru a o scoate de sub plafonul balconului.
Ca de obicei la astfel de teste, am fixat si o contragreutate realizata dintr-un banal fir electric multifilar, din Cu izolat cu PVC in lungime de aproximativ 3m, lasat sa atarne sub antena.

Pentru teste am utilizat:
A. FT817N+LDG Z817
B. FT857D+LDG Z100.
Antena se acordeaza absolut superb in benzile de 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m si 6m. Din pacate, propagarea nu a fost deschisa in benzile de la 12 m in sus, astfel ca probele s-au concretizat in legaturi in benzile inferioare valorii de 12m.

In varianta A am realizat legaturi in D, UR si GB in gama 20m-17m.
In varianta B, am avut placuta surpriza sa lucrez si W precum si o statie din PY!.

Folosind un dispozitiv de adaptare a antenei (un UnUn cu comutator 4:1 sau 9:1 si cu o bobina cu prize comutabile), am adaptat antena si pentru lucrul in benzile de 40m si 80m, conectand unitatea AM (antenna matcher) cu un cablu scurt cu un mic crocodil direct la mufa DV.
In banda de 40m am facut legaturi in Europa fara nici un fel de probleme, cu ambele variante de test.
In banda de 80m, am auzit statiile YO "traditionale" (YO2LGX, YO5PDW s.a.m.d) dar nu am fost auzit. Poate si pentru ca antena era cam prea sus pentru exploatarea efectului NVIS.
Una peste alta, antena se preteaza la operarea in regim portabil. Singura problema reala pe care o pune aceasta antena este transportul; in cazul in care deplasarea se face cu un autoturism, poate servi bine-mersi pentru echiparea statiei CB.
Totusi, retineti: este prea lunga pentru suportul magnetic!
Antena urmeaza sa echipeze Unitatea Mobila de Comunicatii a Societatii Romane a Radioamatorilor, in trusa de echipamente portabile HF.

WOW!

2010-03-31T08:07:00.001+03:00

Skinput, o modalitate de a folosi corpul ca interfata pentru echipamentele electronice portabile.

Earth Hour

2010-03-23T17:42:00.007+02:00

"Ora Pamantului" reprezinta o miscare globala un demers conjugat al sustinatorilor "cauzei verzi" si isi propune sa sensibilizeze comunitatile si sa lupte impotriva incalzirii globale. Este stiut faptul ca, la nivel mondial, aproximativ 35% din energia electrica este produsa de termocentrale.
Demarata in anul 2007 in Sydney/Australia, actiunea a fost deosebit de bine primita; in anul 2009, la actiune au participat peste 1000 de orase din 88 de tari.

Participarea la "Ora Pamantului" presupune reducerea consumului de curent electric prin stingerea luminilor pe durata unei ore si/sau deconectarea consumatorilor electrici aflati in stand-by.

Societatea Romana a Radioamatorilor isi propune sa sutina aceasta initiativa prin efectuarea de legaturi radio in intervalul 20:00 - 22:00 la data de 27 martie 2010, in benzile HF 80m-23cm, fonie si CW folosind exclusiv echipamente alimentate din baterii reincarcabile.

Indicativele sub care statia S.R.R. va realiza legaturi sunt: YO3KSR si YR1X. Puterea maxima cu care se va lucra va fi de 50W

Cu acest prilej vom pune in circulatie un QSL card special si o Diploma de sustinator.
Statiile care lucreaza cele doua indicative, in intervalul de timp indicat, in cel putin 3 benzi diferite, pot solicita Diploma pusa in circulatie pentru acest eveniment.
Diploma se transmite in format electronic.
Pentru expedierea diplomei in format printat, va rugam sa ne contactati.

MORE INFO HERE / MAI MULTE INFORMATII AICI.

In 2009 hundreds of millions of people around the world showed their support by turning off their lights for one hour.

Earth Hour 2010 will continue to be a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand up, to show leadership and be responsible for our future.

Romanian Society of Radioamateurs is sustaining this initative by issuing a special QSL card for QSO's with YO3KSR and YR1X stations.

The stations will be active in HF+VHF+SHF bands, from 80m band to 23 cm band, on 27 th of March 2010, between 18:00-20:00 UTC.

The maximum power will be 50W and the stations will be entirely battery operated!

For more than 3 QSO with this stations in 3 different frequency bands, a special Diploma will be sent in electronic format.

For paper Diploma, please contact us via e-mail: yo3 k s r @ gmail. com {remove extra spaces}

Sky Command II, reloaded

2010-03-19T12:35:00.006+02:00

So... Maybe you are familiar with the Sky Command concept.
As I don't have anymore the TS2000x in my shack, I was wondering if I can make something to use the TS-480 and the TM-D710 (I have two of them) for SkyCommand!

I already have a TM-D710 on my ARO and I also have a TH-D7 to use them as Commander.
The user manual, both on TS-2000 and TS-480 say that the SkyCommand will work with a TM-D700 as Transporter radio.
The challenge was to use as Transporter a TM-D710.
The TM-D700 use a DB9 connector for COM and the TM-D710 use a 8 pin Mini Din female connector.
I was searching everywhere for a connector between the D710 and TS-480 but I couldn't find a diagram.
So I started to experiment.
I will not bother your head with my various tests but I will give you the result:

The schematic diagram for this special cable!

WARNING: THE CONNECTOR IS VIEWED FROM THE SOLDER SIDE!

Prerequisites:
-1 DB9 Female (cable version);
-1 8pin Mini D, Male (cable version);
-about 30 cm of 5x0.3mm cable
-Steady hand and good eyes!

Icom IC-02AT

2010-03-19T10:21:00.004+02:00

A fost prima statie radio cu frecventa setabila din taste, in banda de 2m, pe care am avut ocazia sa o ascult si sa ma joc cu ea. Se intampla candva, prin iarna lui 1995.

Am fost impresionat de calitatea semnalului audio pe care il reda acea cutiuta precum si de senzatia de statie compacta si buna de batut cuie! Iti lasa impresia ca poti ace orice cu ea si ca va continua sa mearga indiferent de incercarile prin care va trece. Si se pare ca nu sunt singurul!
Una peste alta, este o statie din perioada cand producatorii faceau statii care sa reziste o generatie; cu unele mici modificari este capabila sa scoata 7W. Nu ca intre 7 si 4 ar fi o mare diferenta, dar asta spune ceva despre rezerva de putere a etajului final.
Privind retrospectiv, imi dau seama ca avea o receptie foarte sensibila dar imi este greu sa imi imaginez cum s-ar comporta in conditiile de poluare radioelectrica din zilele noastre. Presupun insa ca ar face fata onorabil pentru ca acea generatie avea filtre serioase in front end.
Bateria tinea cam o saptamana in conditiile in care nu prea emiteam.

Este una din primele statii care aveau encoder CTCSS incorporat si nu ca modul optional.
Statia are 10 locatii de memorie dar, in primele 5 locatii nu se pot programa tonuri CTCSS diferite!

Documentatia statiei o puteti gasi aici.

Weekend-DX's

2010-02-28T18:24:00.002+02:00

Propagarea care s-a anuntat inca de acum doua saptamani s-a mentinut, astfel incat au fost deschideri extraordinare in benzile de 17 si 15 m, cu propagare constanta pe durata intregii zile. Statii din nord-vest veneau constant pentru ore intregi la 59-59+, spre seara auzindu-se statii din USA la semnale de peste 9!

Am reusit sa lucrez cateva indicative exotice pentru mine.

USA W8ERN 15m SSB
USA K3IPK 15m SSB
Groenlanda OX3KQ 15m SSB
Franta TL0A 15m SSB
Rep. Burundi 9U1KI 15m SSB
Brazilia PY2GH 15m SSB
Puerto Rico KP4BD 15m SSB
Rep.Dominicana HI3TEJ 15m SSB
Canada VX3CX 15m SSB
Kuwait 9K2OK/NLD 17m SSB
Kuwait 9K2OK/NLD 15m SSB
Arabia Saudita HZ1BL 40m SSB

Cel mai greu a fost de lucrat statia din Groenlanda, caci avea in antena semnale foarte puternice din UK si IR. Din fericire, a solicitat putina liniste pentru statii DX din Europa si atunci am putut sa il lucrez!
Am folosit FT857D+ HM vertical (undita)+LDG Z100.
Una peste alta, a fost fain acest weekend!
73 de yo3hjv

Sky Command II, How to.

2010-02-26T11:44:00.013+02:00

A lot of people told me that the instructions for Sky Command found on the user manuals are somehow too complicated and not so easy to follow. Some of them complaint about not succeeding to setup the link.

So, I prepared a step-by-step procedure for the Sky Command II.
I used a TS2000 and a TM-D710. Both are "K-Type" versions. Of course, they were "E" type before the mod was applied...

First of all:

The TS2000x is the TRANSPORTER and the TM-D710 is the COMMANDER.
We assume that both Transporter and Commander radios are Sky Command II capable. Mine was modified to do Sky Comm as they was European version. I applied the “K type mod”.
Before anything, go on MAIN receiver and select a convenient HF frequency. TUNE THE HF ANTENNA!

Very important step (from Marco, a italian HAM): RESET FIRST THE TNC ON BOTH RADIOS!!!

Setup the TRANSPORTER (TS2000):

Select on main channel VHF 144.750. This will be the Transporter to Commander channel.
Select on aux channel UHF 438.500. Select CTCSS on aux channel on 100,0 Hz.
Return to the MAIN section of the radio.
Press MENU and scroll to the Menu #62. Press SUB. After pressing the SUB key, the LCD will show something like “MENU 62A-COMMANDER CALLSIGN”.
Here you input the callsign which will be used by the TS2000, in my case, “YO3HJV-1”. {Yes, the callsign is followed by a number! (Explanation: The COMMANDER and the TRANSPORTER use Packet radio to communicate and they need different SSID’s.)}
The input is made as follows: Scroll the letters with MULTI/CH and advance the position of the letter with MAIN(Back) or SUB (Forward).
Store the callsign with M.IN key.
Scroll to “MENU 62B-TRANSPORTER CALLSIGN” and enter your TRANSPORTER CALLSIGN, in my case, “YO3HJV-2”. Follow the previous #8 and #9 step above.
Select MENU 62C. Here you will select the CTCSS code used for UHF data and voice comm with MULTI/CH. In my case, 100 Hz.
Select MENU 62D and choose with MULTI/CH 1200bd. This is the data speed for Packet comm.
Select MENU 62E and choose “T-PORTER”. This tells the TS2000 that is acting as a Transporter.
Press MENU. The panel control in TS2000 will not work because it is set to work remote only (Sky Command II).

Setup the COMMANDER (TM-D710):

Check if you have MENU 7xx enabled. If not, apply the “K Type” mod.
On the “A” receiver (left) dial 144.500 MHz. On the “B” receiver (right), dial 438.500 MHz.
On the “B” receiver set the CTCSS to 100 Hz.
Go to Menu nr. 700 (COMMANDER callsign) and set the callsign as per step #8 (In my case, YO3HJV-1). Press the DIAL button to store the callsign.
Go to Menu nr.701 (TRANSPORTER callsign) and set the callsign as per step #11 (in my case, YO3HJV-2). Press the DIAL button to store the callsign.
Go to Menu nr.702 and set the same CTCSS as per step #12 (100 Hz).
Go to Menu nr.703 and choose the “role” of the TM-D710. In our case, choose “COMMANDER”. Press Dial.

Now, you should be in COMMANDER MODE.

Press “0” to start the link between Transporter and Commander.

To activate the TRANSPORTER, press “1”. The TRANSPORTER should transmit the callsign (in my case, YO3HJV) on the 2m band, and after that, should retransmit the audio feed from HF frequency set as per step #3.

For the rest of the “game”, read the Sky Command section in the user manual of the TM-D710. Is very explicit.

I also tried (and succedeed) to use the Sky Commander with a TH-D7, but this is another story...

73!

PS
Bob Bruniga has the following ideeas:

IDEAS For SKY-COMMAND III for CLUB ops 22 Feb 07
----------------------------------------------------------------------

SkyCommand II was designed for an individual to have remote control of
his own rig on a one-for-one basis. But there are many applicaitons
for clubs that may want to have a group with access to the SkyCommand
HF transceiver and for all to be able to participate in the group
monitoring while one is transmitting. Here is my WEB page that tries
to optimize this type of operations.

http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/USNAremoteHF.html

Although we can do Group operations with SkyCommand II, there are some
ideas that could make this better, for new users while being fully
backwards compatible with SkyCommand II systems. An overview of the
required changes for group operations for what I call SkyCommand III
are as follows:

1) Use default Generic COMMANDER and TRASNSPORTER calls so that
everyone can set their radio once, and then be able to use any Sky
Command system that is made public with these same generic calls.

2) Use two PL's on the UHF audio link, so that only one PL keys the
remote SkyCommand transmitter, but the other PL (or none) lets all
members of the group chat on the UHF channel for coordination.
Enable a front panel button for selection of CHAT or PTT choice of
PL while operating Sky Command.

3) Have provisions for the multiple COMMANDER radios to BEACON an
APRS status packet periodically that contains their FCC call so that
they can be identified and so that other SKY-III transceivers can
also see who else is sharing the UHF command channel and operations.

4) Have the TRANSPORTER auto-QSY periodically to the APRS channel
and put out a Sky Command status packet to put the HF asset on the
APRS system map showing the current operating frequency.

5) Some provision for additioanl commands for antenna selections.

6) Allow the D700 to operate UHF COMMANDER link on band A UHF so
that band B can be used for 220, 902 or 1296 reception of Sky
Command Audio.

DETAILS FOLLOW: Each of these concepts is further expanded below.

GENERIC CALLS:

Let the default COMMANDER call be CMDR and the default TRANSPORTER
call be TRPTR, and default TRANSPORTER skycommand PL be 123. while
the default USER or CMDR PL is 88. This makes any user able to
monitor a SkyCommand system out of the box, or to go from one public
skycommand station to another. And he can chat with other skycommand
users on the UHF channel without bringing up the HF TX, unless he
selects the special 123 TX PL.

Another advantage of generic callsign operation is that multiple
COMMANDERS can all be in SkyCommand mode and can see the same front
panel HF radio status at the same time.

ALTERNATIVE (a): Another option may be to have the OPTION for public
systems to allow the TRANSPORTER to be GENERIC on receipt and accept
Sky Commands from ANY callsign in this mode. This way, every
existing COMMANDER can control the radio without having to use a
generci call. This keeps the COMMANDER operator legal, since his
call will be in every packet.

ALTERNATIVE (b): Another option for COMANDERS is to allow for
GENERIC receipt and display of Sky Command data independent of the
TRANSPORTER call. This way, each COMMANDER does not have to change
his transporter callsign for each different GENERIC system that
he wants to control.

UHF PL CONSIDERATIONS:

1) While in Sky-Command mode, the COMMANDERS need a front panel
button to turn on and off sky command PL. This way, all the
group COMMANDERS can turn off special PL and talk/coordinate
back and forth on the UHF simplex channel without keying up the
sky-command radio. This allows very powerful use of HF radio in
local groups, and very simple to implement. I suggest naming
this soft button toggle between "PTT" and "CHAT" as it toggles
between the SkyCommand PL and the non-skycommand PL or off.

SKYCOMMAND COMMANDER OBJECT BEACON PACKETS:

While a COMMANDER is in SkyCommand III mode, it should include some
periodic OBJECT packets to tell others on the UHF frequency who it
is and where it is. This should beacon once every 10 minutes or
each time after the skycommand RX is activated.

FORMAT: THe format for the status packet (in APRS OBJECT format)
would include the MYCALL as the object name and TIME/position, etc.
This is because the actual packet will be originated by the generic
"CMDR" callsign and so without the OBEJCT packet, we cannot tell
who is doing what. Here is a suggeted format:

CMDR>APKxxx:;MYCALL-SS*HHMMSSzDDMM.__N/DDDMM.__W$SkyCommand TX myname

Which will show up nicely on the D700 as:

MYCALL-SS:
SkyCommand
TX Bob

THe TX is transmitted if the SkyCommand PL is set, and an "RX" will
show if the SkyCommand PL is not set.

LIST: On receipt, these objects can go to the normal APRS list or
to the DX list? While in SkyCommand III mode, there should be a
"LIST" hot key on the D7 or D700 radio that will call up this list,
and display only other SkyCommand stations.

PACKET MUTE:??? New COMMANDER radios need to have a 20 dB mute when
monitoring the UHF channel so that VOICE can be heard but packets
are muted. Or is CTCSS Set in Skycommand mode? If so, then it needs
to recognize BOTH the PL's for PTT and for CHAT mode only.

CROSSBAND???? While Sky Commander with TX PL is transmitting on HF,
does the VHF audio link remain up and provide a copy of the transmitted
voice so that all monitoring stations can hear it? This can help in
CHAT mode with PL's and muting packets? More thought here...

SKYCOMAND III TRANSPORTER APRS ANNOUNCEMENT PACKETS:

SkyCommand III needs an APRS Station packet from the Transponder
radio periodically that goes out on the APRS (144.39 in the USA)
channel to beacon the HF radio (IF) status for all surrounding
APRS mobiles (on 144.39). This beacon packet will put the public
SkyComand III station on the MAP, and alert all drivers of its
presence and operating frequency. In most cases, this packet
will go only DIRECT.

TRPTR>APKxxx:;TRPTRCALL*HHMMSSzDDMM.__N/DDDMM.__W$145.550Sky441.550
MHz MM.KKK MHz

Which will show up nicely on the D700 as:

TRPTRCALL:
145.550Sky
441.025MHz
14.123

Notice the Frequency is inlcuded. But the inclusion of the
UHF is optional and if not used, then the HF channel can show.

The Transporter needs to auto-qsy for one-second periodically to
put this out on the APRS frequency and not the SkyCommand channel.
My guess would be once every 10 minutes if no-change in frequency
and within one minute of each frequency CHANGE. THis results in
no transmissions while fine-tuning, but an update within a minute
after a change is made.

Also, the SkyCommand Transporter needs to INITIATE a radio status
packet (in IF... format) once every minute on the UHF command
frequency to update all monitoring COMMANDERS that may begin
monitoring.

Note: Backwards compatibility. For SkyCOmmand II, a BT and BEACON
can be set in packet mode and it will continue to work in SKyComand
mode, but it is not on the APRS channel, only the SkyCOmmand
channel.

ANTENNA SELECTION:

SkyCommand III needs to be able to select ANTENNA on the TS-2000.
ALthough MEMORY channel on TS-2000 can remember ANTENNA 1/2, an
external antenna selection is needed for selecting fixed beams or
othere options on the same band. More later on this subject?

SEMI-PUBLIC OPERATION:

Provision needs to be made in Sky Command III for the uplink command
channel to be on 900 or 1296 MHz and private, while the VHF or
User Listening channel can be on VHF or UHF. In otherewords, the
Sky Command III should be able to operate in RECEIVE-ONLY mode and
give the user the full status of the SkyCommand Radio display, even
if he is not commanding and even if he cannnot press [0] to start
the link.

CONVERSLY, provision needs to be made for Sky Command to use 220, 900
or 1296 bands in place of the VHF audio link. This reduces the demand
on the 2m band for these links. The Remote controlled site may have
to add one of these 220, 902, or 1296 band transmitters just for the
audio, but the D700 should be able to receive this audio in place of
2 meter audio link and still operate in Sky Command COMMANDER mode.

It is very easy to BUILD a skycommand III system TRANSPORTER with a
D700 radio's internal TNC and some external software. So this investment
in SkyCommand III can multiply more than just the new radios sold.
SkyCommand III also willbe fully backwards compatible to II's.

SOFTWARE TRANSPORTER: My next document will describe tha backwards
compatible SkyCommand II+ system that can run on a PC between a D700
TNC and a TS-2000. This PC software can implement many of the advantages
of SkyCOmmand III and be compatible with existing D700's.

More thinking needed.

Bob Bruninga, WB4APR

http://wa8lmf.net/bruninga/aprs/skycommandIII.txt

Un nou mod digital - ROS

2010-02-22T14:57:00.001+02:00

Pe 18 februarie 2010, 20:56 UTC a fost transmis pentru prima data un mesaj in noul mod digital ROS.
Acest mesaj a fost trimis de EA2LE din Vitoria (Spania) si receptionat la Universitatea Twente (Olanda), binecunoscuta pentru preocuparile in domeniul receptiei HF (webSDR).
Frecventa pe care a fost receptionat mesajul a fost 7.065 MHz iar distanta parcursa a fost de 1265 km.
Noul mod digital opereaza asemanator cu modul Domino, desi asemanarile se opresc la faptul ca este un mod MPSK.
Cu toate acestea, producatorul il anunta ca fiind un mod Spread Spectrum (FHSS), oarecum impropriu.
Din acest motiv, in USA nu va putea fi folosit deoarece FCC interzice FHSS in benzile HF.
Totusi, pe noi, radioamatorii europeni, nimic nu ne impiedica sa il experimentam, cu atat mai mult cu cat, YO4CVV din Galati deja a trecut la experimentari.
Mi se pare extraordinar faptul ca, in program, a fost implementata o rutina de confirmare a receptiei prin email. In acest sens, programul transmite un email la receptia corecta a mesajului.
Programul permite transmisia cu 16bd sau cu 1bd, acest din urma mod fiidn adecvat pentru raport semnal zgomot foarte mic (-35dbs S/N)!
Programul se poate descarca aici: http://www.box.net/shared/voqoxl976z
In atasament este documentatia aferenta dar si programul in arhiva zip.

Ca la orice mod digital, atentie mare la incarcarea etajului final! Adica, aveti grija ca indicatia power-metrului sa arate aproximativ 75% incarcare din puterea maxima dar indicatia ALC sa nu depaseasca 5%. Cel mai bine este ca ALC sa nu indice nimic.

Frecventele propuse sunt:

* 1.840
* 3.60360 (exclusiv 1 baud)
* 3.60605 (exclusiv 16 bauds)
* 7.053
* 14.101
* 28.300

Lista de discutii despre acest nou mod digital o gasiti aici.

Pagina oficiala.

HF Gateway Voice Operated Squelch

2010-02-14T18:10:00.004+02:00

De multa vreme ma "bantuie" ideea de a interconecta undele scurte cu o retea locala in FM. Din nefericire, traficul in HF este, in principal, SSB iar declansarea retransmiterii semnalului SSB receptionat catre FM este destul de dificil de facut cu mijloacele traditionale.

Spre deosebire de circuitele standard de squelch utilizate in majoritatea statiilor radio si care sunt proiectate sa functioneze in relatie cu nivelul de semnal la borna de antena sau de componentele de audiofrecventa din afara spectrului audibil, aceasta schema are in vedere un raspuns la caracteristicile vocii umane. In esenta, este un discriminator FM care nu raspunde la zgomotele intalnite in benzile de unde scurte in modul de lucru SSB (heterodine, zgomot industrial etc).

Pentru prima data, circuitul a fost prezentat de Frank Reid (W9MKV) si David Link (W9YAN) in revista 73 Magazine din august 1982.
Schema este o adaptare a schemei folosite de Motorola in transceiver-ele MICOMM (HF-SSB). Jan Tarsala (WB6VRN ) si Randy Hammock (KC6HUR) au adus unele modificari pentru a putea sa foloseasca circuitul la retransmiterea canalului audio de la NASA pe un repetor local.

Schema prezentata mai jos reprezinta versiunea "originala", adaptata pentru traficul SSB si nu versiunea modificata.

TH-D7 PG-4W programming cable diagram

2010-01-31T10:10:00.005+02:00

Well, I just received a very nice Kenwood TH-D7G(II) portable VHF/UHF radio.

The main problem was the programming of my favourites frequencies. I started to grab informations from the internet regarding the software I need and, most important, what cable to use.
The internet is very poor in informations about PG-4W, the programming cable, but there are a lot of vendors (from 12 to 25 EUR/cable) which is quite inacceptable for me... I do know how to make a PC to Radio cable!
So, I prepared myself with a RS232<>TTL adapter (with MAX232), one 2,5mm stereo jack and some lenght of cable, a female DB9 COM port and some patience...
First step was to read carefully the User manual where it states that the radio conect directly to the PC.

To be sure I was measuring the voltage on the PC conector at the radio.
It was -6V (RS232 zero logic level) which means the radio has a RS232<>TTL level adapter inside. So, indeed, tha radio connect directly to the PC Com port...
I made the connections, but the software returns (over and over...) a communication error (Timeout).
So, I started to search for a reason. Maybe the software expect some signaling on the other ports of the COM...
I realise that, when I push the "Read Radio" command on PC, on the COM port RTS appeared a voltage swing. Hmmmm..... so, the Radio <> PC cable is not so simple...
So I connected the RTS with CTS and DCD with DTR and, BINGO!!!!, all was OK!
So, here is the diagram of the PG-4W programming cable for the Kenwood TH-D7 portable radio...

!!!!!!!!!!!!!WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is NO ERROR!!! The 2,5 mm plug diagram is not reverted!!!
The manual states that the tip is TxD and the ring is RxD. The TxD and the RxD on the plug ARE FROM THE RADIO VIEW
The radio transmit data to the PC by the tip of the plug and the signal goes to the RxD on COM port at the PC!

For programming the radio I use a IBM X61T with a USB<>COM adapter and the MCP-D7G, ver.1.01.

OEM GPS inside TM-D710 Front Panel

2010-01-30T16:43:00.012+02:00

Acum aproape un an, scriam aici un post despre cum am adaptat un GPS Holux pentru utilizarea pe TM D-710 cu un minim de conectica.
Am cautat un modul convenabil din punct de vedere al dimensiunilor dar si al pretului. Un alt criteriu a fost acela al sensibilitatii de receptie, intrucat antena urma sa fie obturata de capacul de plastic al panoului frontal.

Am achizitionat de la Farnell un GPS Leadtek LR9552, cu antena incorporata. Dimensiunile sunt de 25x25 mm cu o grosime de aproximativ 7 mm!
Am fost impresionat de cat de mic este modulul; practic, antena acestuia este mai mare decat montajul propriu-zis...

Asadar, aveam in cutia cu "maimute" un modul GPS. (De fapt, mai am unul, HI).
Multa vreme am incercat sa gasesc si conectorul mama, corespondent conectorului existent pe modulul GPS. Nu am reusit sa il gasesc iar astazi, am avut ideea salvatoare, asa ca am trecut la fapte!
Am taiat partea de sus a conectorului si am capatat astfel acces la pini, urmand sa lipesc direct pe ei alimentarea si iesirea de semnal NMEA.
Conectorul este foarte mic, astfel incat operatiunea se recomanda celor cu vedere buna si mana sigura.

Pentru lipirea firelor am folosit un letcon de 25W caruia i-am subtiat varful astfel incat sa nu lipesc mai multi pini deodata.
Conform fisei tehnice, modulul GPS are doua iesiri! TxDA si TxDB.

Intrucat nu stiam care dintre ele este cea care furnizeaza semnalul necesar, am lipit pe toti pinii cate un fir. De fapt, nu imi trebuiau si intrarile la modul, dar, pentru ca mi-a iesit prima lipitura, am continuat, asa, din inertie...
Ulterior, dupa identificarea pinului corect, am dezlipit celelalte fire, ca nefiind necesare.
Proba de functionare am facut-o folosind conectorul lateral al panoului de control si o sursa de alimentare exterioara (o baterie 6F22 de 9V si un stabilizator LDO de 5V). Pinul 2 de la GPS este cel care furnizeaza semnalul necesar (TxDA).

Am desfacut panoul capacul panoului frontal si am desfacut saibele de fixare de la potentiometrii de volum/squelch si de la optical encoder.

Cele doua blocuri potentiometrice sunt conectate pe doua bucatele de cablaj si, desi sunt codificate diferit, in realitate sunt identice ca valori si schema electronica, deci nici o grija ca le-ati putea incurca intre ele la montaj.
Pe placa cu componente exista o folie profilata destinata protejarii cablajulu iin zona decupata a capacului din spate. O puteti ridica fara grija, nu este prinsa nici de cablaj si nici de capac. Sub aceasta folie exista un conector flexibil si este bina sa aveti mare grija cu el!

Desfacem cele doua suruburi care fixeaza cablajul de masca si ridicam montajul.
Conectorul de 2,5mm se gaseste in stanga afisajului LCD si se observa ca este vorba de o mufa care are si circuit de autodeconectare.
In figura de mai jos se vede clar pe care dintre pini conectam firul de semnal de la GPS.

Dupa ce lipim firul de semnal de la GPS, asezam cablajul la loc in panou si folosim o degajare in PCB pentru a trece firul in spatele carcasei.
In stanga conectorului RJ45 ce foloseste la conectarea panoului frontal la unitatea centrala observam un regulator LDO. Acesta este regulatorul care furnizeaza 5V montajului.
Intre regulator si conector, pe cablaj este marcat traseul de 10V. Acest marcaj este facut exact pe traseul de GND, unde ne vom conecta cu pinul 1 de la GPS.
Pinul 7, de +5V de la GPS se va lipi direct pe pinul regulatorului LDO.

Dupa lipirea firelor de la GPS, putem face o proba:
Conectam panoul de comanda si pornim statia. In meniul APRS selectam la INPUT: GPS.
Pornim TNC-ul in regim APRS12 si apasam butonul PMON pentru a observa informatiile furnizate de modulul GPS. Dupa aproximativ 2 minute, la mine a inceput sa dea informatiile de pozitie.
Cu ESC ne intoarcem in regimul de afisare a frecventei si apasam POS. Pe afisaj ar trebui sa observam deja coordonatele locului in care ne aflam, inclusiv cu afisarea careului (KN34BK in cazul meu).
In partea din stanga sus a afisajului, va clipi "GPS"; semnificatia este aceea de semnal NMEA coerent.

Oprim statia si deconectam panoul de comanda pentru etapa urmatoare.
Dupa ce am verificat functionarea corecta, eliminam de pe capacul din spate ghidajul destinat unui beeper (nu stiu care era rostul HI). Aplicam o bucata de folie dublu adeziva pe care vom lipi modulul GPS, chiar pe partea cu antena de receptie. Am observat ca nu influenteaza cu nimic performanta receptorului GPS.

Fixam modulul dupa cum se observa din imagine si inchidem capacul de la panoul de comanda.

Din acest moment, avem un TM D-710 cu GPS incorporat in panoul frontal!

Imi cer scuze pentru calitatea imaginilor dar am folosit ce aveam la indemana, adica un telefon mobil.

Mai jos sunt cateva informatii despre modulul GPS folosit:

{Some time ago I made a GPS unit for TM D-710. Now, with a little help from Leadtek, I manage to embedd a GPS OEM unit inside the TM D-710 Control panel! Yes, I just put a GPS inside the "box". }

20-channel, miniaturized single chipset module GPS with integrated ceramic antenna

The Leadtek GPS 9952 module (LR9552) is a high sensitivity and very compact smart antenna module, with built in GPS receiver circuit. This 20-channel global positioning system (GPS) receiver is designed for a wide range of OEM applications and is based on the fast and deep GPS signal search capabilities of SiRFStarIII architecture.

Features:

Based on the high performance features of the SiRFstarIII single chip set
20 channels with All-In-View tracking
Compact module size for easy integration: 25x25x8.4 mm
Fully automatic assembly: reflow solder assembly ready
Hardware compatible with SiRF GSW3 v 3. 2.2 software
Multiple I/O pins reserved for customizing special user applications
Low power consumption: up to 70 mA, and extra high sensitivity: -158dBm
RoHS compliance
Cold/Warm/Hot Start Time: 4 2 /38/ 1 sec . at open sky and stationary environments.
Reacquisition Time: 0.1 second
RF Metal Shield for best performance in noisy environments
Multi-path Mitigation Hardware
RS232 level for GPS communications interface
Operating temperature: -20 ℃ to +60
Protocol: NMEA-0183/SiRF Binary (default NMEA)
Baud Rate: 4800, 19200, or 57600 baud (default 4800)
Ideal for high volume mass production (Taping reel package)
Cost saving through elimination of RF and board to board digital connectors

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Chipset SiRFstarIII single chipset (GSC 3f )
General Frequency L1, 1575.42 MHz (C/A code 1.023 MHz chip rate)
Channels 20
Sensitivity -159 dBm

Accuracy

Position 10 meters, 2D RMS
5 meters 2D RMS, WAAS corrected
<5meters(50%)>Velocity 0.1 meters/second
Time 1 microsecond synchronized to GPS time
Datum Default WGS-84
Other selectable for other Datum

Time to First Fix (TTFF)
(Open Sky & Stationary Requirements) Reacquisition 0.1 sec., average
Snap start 1 sec., average
Hot start 1 sec., average typical TTFF
Warm start 38 sec., average typical TTFF
Cold start 42 sec., average typical TTFF

Dynamic Conditions

Altitude 18,000 meters (60,000 feet) max.
Velocity 515 meters/second (1000 knots) max.
Acceleration 4g , max.
Jerk 20 meters/second 3, max.

Power

Main power input 5 +- 10% VDC input
Power consumption ≈350 mW (continuous mode)
Supply Current ≈70 mA
Backup Power 1.5 +- 10% VDC input.

Serial Port

Electrical interface Two full duplex serial TTL interface.
Protocol messages NMEA-0183/4800 bps (Default)

Time-1PPS Pulse

Level RS232 or TTL
Pulse duration The 1PPS pulse width is 1 μs, this 1PPS is NOT suited to steer various oscillators (timing receivers, telecommunications system, etc).
Time reference At the pulse positive edge.
Measurement Aligned to GPS second, ? 1 microsecond

Environmental Characteristics

Operating temperature range -20 deg. C to +60 deg. C
Storage temperature range -20 deg. C to +65 deg. C

Physical Characteristics

Length 25 mm
Width 25 mm
Height 8.9 mm (with 4mm antenna)

6.9 mm (with 4mm antenna)
Weight 13.0/8.0g

WARNING!

The Leadtek 9552 OEM GPS comes in two "flavours": RS232 and TTL I/O.
Be sure to choose and order the RS-232 version! They both share the same user manual/leaflet!
Only the RS-232 works with the TM-D710!!!

Chaos on 6712 kHz (HFDL basic freq)

2010-01-24T14:26:00.002+02:00

A couple of days ago I was monitoring 6712 kHz.
The frequency is listed for Reykjavik Ground station, but on the air was Krasnodarsk Ground station.
As was not enough strange, on the same frequency a lady was dictating numbers... No, it was not a "Numbers station" in the classic mean. It sounds more like a network controller...
At the top, was a Jamming signal...

After a few minutes, the lady ceased transmission and Reykjavik GS was back on the air!!!

Very strange!

Here is a record.

Air traffic on 5655kHz

2010-01-15T22:04:00.004+02:00

This evening, as usually, I was monitoring 5655kHz for some air traffic.
And there it was!
I was able to receive and decode HFDL from HAT-Yai Airport from Thailanda.
What was very unusual was that, on the same frequency, I was able to hear some USB Phone operations.
Anyway, It was impressive that the signal was very clear and noiseless!

Romanian Numbers Station

2010-01-14T16:35:00.002+02:00

Putini sunt cei care isi arata preocuparea pentru asa numitele "Numbers Stations" la noi in tara.
Sub aceasta titulatura se ascund anumite emisiuni destinate agentilor care opereaza in tari straine, sub acoperire.
Tehnic vorbind, este vorba de un emitator, de regula in gama undelor scurte, ce transmite siruri de cifre, prearanjate dupa un anume algoritm, intr-una din gamele de frecventa folosite de emitatoarele de radiodifuziune comerciale sau nationale, de regula in modulatie de amplitudine sau in modulatie cu o banda laterala suprimata.
Sirurile de cifre reprezinta un mesaj criptat printr-o metoda de unica folosinta (tabla de criptare).
Mesajul este adresat unui agent care detine tabela unica de decriptare si care, prin folosirea acestiea, recupereaza mesajul.
Principalele avantaje ale acestei metode de comunicare (unidirectionala) sunt:
-posibilitatea ca agentul sa preia mesajul indiferent unde se gaseste pe teritoriul strain;
-absenta riscului generat de posesia unor mijloace specifice de comunicatie cu centrala de operatiuni;
-rezistenta la penetrare a codului folosit.

Ce se stie mai putin este ca si Romania a folosit astfel de metode de transmitere a mesajelor catre agentii sai din strainatate!
Aici puteti descarca un astfel de mesaj in format .mp3.

Some interesting frequencies to listen

2010-01-12T12:18:00.003+02:00

As the local traffic is going boring and boring, I often listen "other" frequencies.
Here are some interesting HF frequencies related to maritime radio traffic:

Informal net frequencies change, but may be:

Atlantic: 8104/8107kHz at 0800UT

Pacific: 8143kHz at 1600UT

Formal Nets:

Med Net 8122kHz at 0630UT

Maritime Mobile Net 14300/14313 24hrs (HAM net)

Herbs Atlantic Net 12359kHz 2000UT (check in from 1940UT)

Caribbean Net 8104kHz 1215UT

Pacific Maritime Net 21412kHz 2200UT

Pacific Seafarers Net 14300kHz 0230UT (HAM net)

Coconut Net (Fr Poly) 8188kHz 1730UT

Coconut Net (SW Pac) 12353kHz 1830UT

Rag of the Air (SW Pac) 8173kHz 1900UT

RACAL Panther 2000-V - Tactical radio

2010-01-10T03:30:00.005+02:00

This is how it sounds!

The Panther V Enhanced Data Radio (EDR) is a core element of the latest generation Panther EDR frequency hopping military radio family. It represents the smallest and lightest tactical 20 watt manpack and vehicle radio available today, offering un-paralleled Electronic Protection Measures (EPM), data and user capabilities in the 30 to 108 MHz military radio band.

Panther V, although available as a 20 watt manpack, has co-site filtering built in to the basic transceiver. By connecting the radio directly to the 24-volt vehicle supply, Panther V will operate as an extremely compact 20-watt vehicle station in multi-radio installations. For higher power, Panther V connects to a vehicle interface unit providing a power output of 50 watts. Even in this high powered role, the volume of Panther offers considerable savings over similar radios from its nearest competitors.

PANTHER V-EDR - GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Operating in the 30 -108 MHz frequency range, Panther V-EDR offers unsurpassed communications performance for a radio a fraction of the size and weight of the current generation of equipment.

The Panther V-EDR which is now in service in many countries around the word, has been described as the easiest to use tactical VHF EPM radio available today. Fully automatic initial and late entry synchronisation in all EPM modes, coupled with the user friendly controls, ensures that communicating is easy and reliable even for inexperienced operators.
Essential to multi-media radio networks is an on-air management system able to provide voice priority and maximum throughput of data at the same time. Panther EDR has been designed with built in multiple radio access protocols, allowing integrated voice and data throughput on a radio net. Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) automatically controls data flow across a radio network and is essential for managed mixed voice and data networks.
The advanced facilities provided in the new Panther V-EDR further simplify end enhance the radio s operation, including the introduction of a full dot matrix alphanumeric display for mode indication, easy to use menu structure, and programmable radio net names.
The Panther V-EDR radio incorporates the very latest in Digital Signal Processing technology providing a truly software configurable digital architecture radio design. This means that the flexible design and processing power available will ensure that future upgrades, to meet specific operational requirements, can be achieved throughout the in service life of the radio. Software upgrades are achieved without the need to open the radio, thus ensuring that future requirements can be met in the field.
To achieve the compact design and high reliability of the radio, comprehensive use of surface mount technology has been made with over 95% of the components being SMDs.
The Panther V-EDR radio provides the option for seamless transfer of GPS position information from the externally connected GPS receiver (Internal option available for PANTHER V-EDR GPS). Position information is available on request (polled) or sent with each transmission. By embedding the position coordinates within the encrypted on air link protocol, the information is completely protected from enemy intercept, and additionally is transparent to the radio's voice and data transmissions.

PANTHER V-EDR - GENERAL FEATURES

Frequency range 30 to 108 MHz
Multi role: integrated transceiver
- Manpack
- Vehicle clip - in
- 20watt vehicle fit
Smallest 20Watt EPM manpack/vehicle transceiver available
Compact 50 Watt amplifier
Integral vehicle harness interface
Internal GPS option
Dedicated GPS interface
and 3 way re-broadcast facility
Alphanumeric display
Technology: >95% SMD

COMMUNICATION

Fully automatic synchronisation
Combat proven optimised frequency hopping algorithms
Free channel search with frequency hopping interoperation
Integral high level 16kb/s digital encryption
Custom crypto solutions
Interoperable with fixed frequency transceivers
Interoperable in all Jaguar V EPM modes
Hailing facility
Two frequency simplex operation
Channel Scanning capability
Intercom facility

ADVANCED DATA SERVICES

Tactical Inter-net data service support
Dual 115kb/s RS232 interface
9.6 kb/s data throughput with comprehensive FEC
Integral CSMA for Packet data applications
Multiple Simultaneous data calls (MSA)
TDMA support for Weapon / Sensor system (option)
Automatic voice / data recognition

APPLICATION SUPPORT

Windows^TM based Messaging / Email / file transfer application
Packet data overlay support
Situation awareness (GPS)
Command Information Systems support
Slow scan video transmission

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Windows^TM based Radio Programmer Software (option)
Windows^TM based Extended Control Software Development Tool Kit (option)
Comprehensive Over The Air Re-programming with secure / hopping protection
Key generation software (option)
Comprehensive multi-level BIT
Integral Electronic Log Record (ELR)
Software upgrade package (option)

ADVANCED USER SERVICES

Simultaneous multiple selective voice calls (MSA)
Programmable Net Names
Operator authentication and identification
Alarm and alert functions (option)
Commander break - in facility (option)
Software radio architecture upgradeable for customer specific functionality

INTEGRATED COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

The Panther V - EDR is a core element of the latest generation Panther Enhanced Digital Radio (EDR) family. It represents the smallest and lightest tactical 20 watt manpack and vehicle radio available today, offering un-paralleled EPM, data and user capabilities in the 30 to 108 MHz military radio band.

THE ULTIMATE MANPACK SOLUTION

The Panther V - EDR manpack transceiver provides 5 and 20 watts of RF power with un-matched co-site capability enabling operation in multi-radio locations where the majority of similar manpack radios would fail. The transceiver's superior co-site performance also enables the manpack to be operated in a vehicle clip-in configuration, with colocated 50 watt VHF radios, delivering up to 20 watts through the vehicle antenna.

THE COMPACT VEHICLE SOLUTION

The Panther V- EDR transceiver can be installed as a dedicated compact 20 watt vehicle radio in land based tracked and wheeled vehicles as well as airborne and naval platforms. Vehicle harness interfacing and power conditioning have integrated within the transceiver, thus providing a single unit solution.
For high RF power vehicle and base station operation, the Panther V - EDR transceiver interfaces to the BCC 767 amplifier unit providing 50 watts in a compact size that similar systems have been unable to achieve.

PANTHER V-EDR - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

FREQUENCY RANGE

30 to 108 MHz fixed frequency
30 to 88 MHz and frequency hopping
3120 frequencies at 25 kHz spacing

PRESET CHANNELS

8 programmable nets storing all operational information and synchronisation status (battery backed)

OPERATEING MODES

Fixed clear (FC) and fixed secure (FS) multimedia voice, data, video, messaging, situation awareness)
Frequency hopping secure (FHS) multimedia - optimised at 1000hps
Mixed Free Channel Search (FCS) frequency hopping automatic net operation

ON AIR INTEROPERABILITY

Fixed clear voice
Frequency hopping hailing
Jaguar V EPM modes
Channel Scanning Mode (8 channels-FC)
Two Frequency Simplex (FS)

FREQUENCY HOPPING

All frequency hopping
4/16/256 user specified frequency
256 channels orthogonal hopping (8 guaranteed orthogonal sets)
32 barred bands per programmed channel

SYNCHRONISATION

Fully automatic for both initial set up and late entry procedures
Passive and active late entry
Independent of external time of day information
All synchronisation can be achieved without a Master station in the radio net Radio silence - indefinite

ENCRYPTION

High level digital stream cypher encryption covering all media transmissions
Number of keys greater than 10²²

BASEBAND INTERFACES

Dual audio input
Dual RS232 data ports with flow control
Connection to Combat Net radio Interface / Radio
Gateway capability to Allied Forces EPM CNR radios (option)

DATA

Baseband data connections up to 115 kb/s
Asynchronous / synchronous data throughput up to 16 kb/s
Asynchronous / synchronous data throughput up to 9.6 kb/s with FEC
Reed Solomon Forward Error Correction (FEC), binary block coding and interleaving
Multiple Simultaneous Access (MSA) - up to 100 selective FHS data calls per net
Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) with dynamic net management
Automatic voice / data recognition

USER SERVICES

Selective call and radio banning
Multiple Simultaneous Access (MSA) - up to 100 selective FHS voice calls per net
Integral Over the Air Re-keying (Frequency, key and net information)
Authentication with operator and transceiver identification

INTEGRATED LOGISTIC SUPPORT

Comprehensive multi-level Built In Test (BIT)
Integral Electronic Log Record includes: serial number, user defined record, automatic fault log, radio duty cycle
In field software upgrade capability

REMOTE CONTROL

In -built 2 wire remote control/retransmission (up to 4Km)
2 and 3 way re-broadcast capability
Intercom facility over D10 field wire
Extended control and programming from a PC based Windows application

CO-SITE

5W/20W Manpack radio: 5MHz frequency separation; 1,5 metres
20W /50W Vehicle radio: 5MHz frequency separation; 1,5 metres

TRANSMIT

Output Power: (nominal)

Manpack configuration:	100mW, 5W at 12V DC,
	100mW, 5W, 20W at 24V DC,
Vehicle/base station configuration:	100mW, 5W, 20W, 50W (with amplifier) at 24V DC

Harmonic Suppression: Better than 50dB below carrier

Spurious Emissions: Better than 60dB below carrier for greater than 25kHz offset

AF Response: Voice 300Hz-3.0kHz

RECIVE

Sensitivity:	Better than -115dBm at 10dB SINAD
Spurious Response:	Better than 85dB
AF Response:	Voice 300Hz-3.0kHz
AF Output Power:	20mW nominal for each socket in to 300 ohms
Squelch:	Carrier, 150 Hz tone and 16 kb/s

POWER SUPPLIES

Supply Voltage:	12V or 24V DC nominal Primary or rechargeable batteries or vehicle supply
Protection Against:	Supply polarity reversal Open /Short circuit RF connection RF input 65V (EMF ) applied Spike/Surge DEF STANDARD 61-05 (Q STAG 307) 24V DC at Remoter Line Terminals

ENVIRONMENTAL

Temperature range:	-40'C to +70 C
Environmental Specification:	MIL STD 810E
Nuclear Hardened:	EMP protected
EMI/EMC:	MIL STD 461C

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

	Height:	Width:	Depth:	Weight:	Volume:
Transciever:	90 mm	230 mm	205 mm	4.4 kg	4.24 litres
50W Amplifier:	70 mm	230 mm	230 mm	4.2 kg	3.70 litres

ICOM IC-706MKIIG no longer in production

2009-12-08T22:47:00.002+02:00

Finally, the rumours has been dismantled... The well known IC-706MKIIG is no longer in production!

ICOM Australia (cited by Amateur Radio Victoria) said it has checked with Japan and been reassured that the earlier advice received that the popular transceiver has been discontinued is correct.

The reason is that some components used in the IC-706MKIIG are no longer available and the model had to cease production.

ICOM Australia’s authorised agents were told in writing last month that only back orders received before 30 November would be supplied before production stopped. Also now out of production are the IC-T90A, IC-2720H, IC-910H and a few receivers.

The last production day at the ICOM plant in Wakayama Japan for the IC-706MKIIG will be 9th of December 2009. Seems that Santa loose a valuable radio for good fell'as Hams!

Hamsphere users: Get a REAL life!

2009-12-08T19:31:00.004+02:00

First tought was that I found a great tool to make QSO's when the band is down!
After reading carefully the disclaimer, I found that:
-I have to pay activation fee;
-I have to pay annual fee;
-I have to share the "band" with non amateurs;
-I have to listen "number stations" on 7015 kHz (wow! cold war again?!???)
And, above all, the IP ham is the most dangerous thing to REAL HAM!
I remember the times when ham was about FREE speach over the air!
So, I strongly advise you TO NOT USE HAMSPHERE!
Instead, buy yourself a DIY kit for a simple receiver and a simple transmitter! There are plenty of them on internet pages!
Buy a book and study!
Or, buy a prepaid mobile phone and start QSl with it!
What the heck is this: to install a VOIP and to pay for some pseudo QSO's?!?
And, to speak about good practices in ham radio!
This is, probably, the biggest humbug in the ham radio (after Miracle Whip, of course!)
C'mon folks! Stay out of this surrogate ham traffic! Get a real radio! Get a real life!

Radio Europa Libera

2009-12-08T00:40:00.000+02:00

,,Europa libera” are nevoie de memoria a 100.000 de romani. Doneaza si tu 2 euro!

Galerie: foto [0] video [0]

La 20 de ani de la Revolutie, recuperarea istoriei recente devine o miza fundamentala atat pentru cei batrani cat si pentru cei tineri. Saptamana aceasta a fost demarat proiectul ,,Europa Libera, Aici”, proiect care isi propune sa aduca in tara arhiva inregistrarilor radioului cu cea mai mare semnificatie pentru romani.

Despre Europa Libera
,,Radio Europa Libera - „oxigenul care a permis romanilor sa respire sub comunism” - a fost cel mai important fenomen mediatic al Romaniei de pana in 1989 si a jucat un rol determinant in istoria tarii, premisele pentru inlaturarea totalitarismului datorandu-i-se in mare masura. Europa Libera, un post de radio finantat de Congresul SUA, a fost considerat cel mai eficient post de radio politic din istorie.

Europa Libera a salvat vieti si a influentat destine. Timp de zeci de ani, a fost singura sursa de adevar a romanilor, singurul contact cu lumea reala si, totodata, marea obsesie a lui Ceausescu si a Securitatii.

Timp de zeci de ani de cenzura, milioane de romani si-au luat, totusi, ratia de muzica adevarata, stiri adevarate si chiar viata adevarata. Toate pe furis, cu urechea lipita de difuzor. Toate de la Europa Libera.

Iar pentru ca acest post sa existe, multi oameni si-au pus viata in pericol si – cel mai trist – unii chiar si-au pierdut-o. Sunt adevaruri incredibile pe care dorim sa le aducem acasa si sa le facem cunoscute tuturor romanilor, de orice varsta.”

Despre proiect
,,Campania „Europa libera, AICI” se adreseaza romanilor care au ascultat si au crezut in Europa Libera, dar si tinerilor care vor sa afle ce a insemnat acest post de radio pentru parintii lor si pentru Romania, tara al carei destin a fost marcat in mod tragic de comunism.

Suntem convinsi ca suntem milioane dar, acum, avem nevoie de cel putin 100.000 de romani, care sa ne ajute sa aducem acasa 500.000 de pagini de documente si, mai ales, mii de ore de emisiuni aflate pe benzi magnetice. Toate acestea urmeaza sa fie arhivate, copiate, transpuse in format digital si aduse pentru totdeauna in Romania, pentru a fi puse – permanent si gratuit - la dispozitia istoricilor, jurnalistilor, studentilor, tuturor celor interesati de istoria noastra recenta: tu, eu, copiii nostri...

O parte din tine e in alta parte. Fii alaturi de noi si impreuna vom aduce istoria acasa! Trimite un SMS, in valoare de 2 euro, la 8820 si fii unul dintre cei 100.000!

Arhiva de emisiuni ale Europei Libere se afla in prezent la Hoover Institution din Stanford, California. Aducerea ei in tara si infiintarea unui „Centru de Cercetare si Documentare Radio Europa Libera”, care sa gazduiasca si sa puna la dispozitia tuturor romanilor o copie a arhivei, presupune costuri de cateva sute de mii de euro.”

Maria Dicu, 05-12-2009

Pisicile radio...active

2009-11-25T23:28:00.002+02:00

Gata! Dilema a fost transata! In favoarea "sibistilor", care, se stie, folosesc preponderent spectrul cuprins intre 26-28 MHz si, cel putin in Bucuresti, 145.350MHz.
Folosirea acestor benzi de frecvente ar putea avea drept rezultat vindecarea ranilor (care? La cap, cumva?) si intarirea oaselor. Astfel, vom putea vedea in curand, pe strazi, un nou "produs" uman, cu capul mare si oase tari, capabil, de exemplu, sa sfarame lejer un parbriz cu nasul, sau sa sparga usa cu fontanela.

"Oamenii de ştiinţa au descoperit ca torsul pisicii are o frecventa cuprinsa in 25 si 150 MHz, frecventa care stimulează vindecarea si creşterea oaselor."
Sursa, aici.

Radioamatorism la TV

2009-11-25T10:06:00.002+02:00

Joi 26.11.2009 intre ora 7:00 si 7:30 dimineata, TVR3 va transmite un material de aproximativ 4 minute despre radioamatorism si radioamatorii din YO.

Sursa informatiei si realizatorul reportajului, YO3IVA

DRM Again

2009-11-14T20:49:00.001+02:00

After more than a year I remembered that I use to receive DRM broadcasts so, I checked again if I have the "skills"...

Well, they were where it supposed to be...
In the HF bands are a lot of DRM transmissions, but they do not belong to public broadcast area.
So, I needed a live schedule of DRM transmissions.

Here i found it!

Repetor UHF in probe finale

2009-11-06T23:58:00.003+02:00

In Bucuresti este activ un repetor in UHF.
Frecventa de intrare este 431.2125 MHz, CTCSS 203,5.
Frecventa de iesire este 438.8125 MHz (Shift de 7.6 MHz).

Codificarea canalului in tabelul de alocare a frecventelor de repetor este RU705.

Pe repetor este conectat si nodul Echolink YO3KSR-R: 484439

Radioamatorii sunt invitati sa il testeze si, in masura posibilului, sa transmita rapoarte de receptie si eventuale observatii la: yo3ksr@gmail.com

Repetor in probe

2009-10-12T23:29:00.002+03:00

OPRIT
In Bucuresti este un repetor in probe.
Frecventa de iesire este 145.6875. Shift de 600 kHz.
Activarea se face cu CTCSS 203.5Hz.
Rapoartele de receptie sunt binevenite.

RTP-4FM

2009-10-01T18:08:00.003+03:00

Cunoscut in popor sub denumirea "caramida", acest transceiver a fost fabricat in Romania sub licenta SRA (Suedia).
S-a aflat in dotareaa fortelor armate, a Militiei si a unei parti din sectiile operative ale Securitatii, pana la inlocuirea cu echipamente mai moderne, Pye sau Motorola ori Storno.

http://gnome.eu.org/evo/index.php/RTP4MF_-_Portable_Radio_Telephone

YP4FUN live at Valea Calugareasca - test

2009-09-25T21:13:00.003+03:00

Romanian Society of Radioamateurs will ry to stream a live view from a trip to Valea Calugareasca (around 75 km NE from Bucharest).
SRR will be there with the Mobile Communication Center.
We;ll make some demo for kids and have the pre-official presentation of our MSC.
Watch this event with us!

The broadcast will cover the departure, the hamvention and the return and will start at 6:30 LT (3:30 UTC) if anythink works OK.

Live feed YP4FUN from Valea Calugareasca.

YR550BU-Special callsign

2009-09-18T11:41:00.005+03:00

Romanian Society of Radioamateurs will activate a special call, YR550BU, between 18th of September and 5th of October.

The callsign celebrates 550 years from the first written mention about Bucharest, capital city of Romania. Bucharest was mentioned by Vlad Tepes (a.k.a "Vlad - Dracul") in a donation receipe issued at 20th of September, 1459. Vlad Tepes is the character that inspired Bram Stoker's "Dracula".
Romanian Society of Radioamateurs will issue a special QSL card for this occasion.
The callsign will be active in HF bands from 80m to 10m.
QSL Manager is YO3JW