THE DXer’s NOTEBOOK
We’ll concentrate this time on some antenna information, and college sports networks are back…
Richard E. Hillman <HillmanR@health.missouri.edu>: My land allows me to put up a much longer antenna if I center feed it rather than end feed it. How effective is a center fed antenna on MW.? Would I be better with a single feed or to set it up as a dipole (one end would then effectively be going to radio ground)??
Neil Kazaross <neilkaz@interaccess.com>: If you email me the configuration of your lot, I'll play around with the EZNEC program and see what I can come up with for you. A sloper is a good way to obtain about 10 dB front to back on BCB and you might find phasing a couple of them quite useful.
Mark Durenberger <Mark@durenberger.com>: Hey Kaz: Do you have some reference URLs for sloper-construction info, beyond what the NRC Pubs Center might have?
Neil Kazaross: Off the top of my head, I don't but you might want to try Mark Connelly's site. I know that Mark Connelly and Bruce Conti and also Ben Dangerfield (I think) use slopers. Mark and Bruce have used an east sloper and a west sloper and clearly hear a nice difference in directivity. I've played around on EZNEC some looking at slopers and as it seems people are interested I'll come up with some ideas soon. I'll likely break it down into many segments to take into account the sag of a sloper due to gravity (if that matters much) Anyhow a sloper does not have to have the far end extremely high to be decently directional.
David Hogg <NEMCO99@aol.com>: I am very interested in following the thread about the wire antenna -- and which works best for MW reception - END -or CENTER fed wires?? I will soon try to install a new CENTER fed wire antenna. It will be 40 feet - plus 40 feet. I had planned a simple coax down feed --- this is one of the two configurations I am considering...The #2 configuration would be to use the $60 balun from RF systems called the "MLB" Magnetic Longwire Balun which has only one connection to the long wire and provides coax output down to receiver. I visualize 2 windings inside with each having common connect to the coax ground shield. I bought this device last year and want to use it on this new antenna if it will allow a "CENTER " fed wire to out perform the 2 legged dipole wire. QUESTION TO ALL and ANYONE who might have an opinion even partially based on experience -- or whatever. --- Which configuration of the above 2 would be more effective on MW. QUESTION #2 - Phasing -- using the updated MFJ-1026 - and this new wire antenna 40 + 40 ft. This new antenna will be installed running perpendicular (90 degrees) with one of the Alpha Delta Sloper antennas. I am understanding that the 2 antennas should be perpendicular to each other in order to get the proper phase results while using the MFJ-1026??? Am I correct on the antenna orientation to each other?? How then do you use a loop antenna in conjunction with the MFJ-1026 for phase control?? Another question -- I think the AGC should be in FAST mode while using the phase system?? Correct?? I tried to work the PHASE system about a year ago and was not successful. Now I am going to install this new antenna and try again.... I would appreciate ANYONE who has any good PHASING experience suggestions to set me straight on some of these basic points. Thanks for any comments -or- observations-
Bruce Conti <BACONTI@aol.com>: I forgot to mention another outstanding source of long wire antenna info: "73 Dipole and Long-Wire Antennas" by Edward M. Noll, published by MFJ Enterprises.
Benjamin Dangerfield <ben-dangerfield@worldnet.att.net>: Slopers was one of yesterday's topics but I just got around to reading that mail so will add my views. I have four of them running from a mast on my chimney 30 some feet above the ground. There is one in each direction, NESW, but none is longer than 75 feet. They run at angles of less than 45 degrees to the lower part of four trees. The lead-in wires run almost vertically down to my R8A. The mast is grounded. Space limitations prevent anything else. I have power lines running behind and in front of my house. I use any combination of two of these wires with a DXP-3A phasing unit which works quite well. It can be connected to an outside ground wire when desired, mainly to reduce noise. Please remember that I am not a technician!
For more on slopers, see an upcoming Target DX column.
ANTENNA TUNERS
Richard E. Hillman: About a year or so ago there was a thread on antenna tuners which I don't remember well enough. Most of the ones advertised (Grove, Universal, Crane) seem to work more as cut off filters then impedence matching devices. Do they improve reception on MW and if so, which one is recommended??
Bruce Conti: I would recommend building your own antenna tuner for use on MW. Check out some of the front-end tuning LC-tank designs in Mark Connelly's phasing units. They will do a much better job than anything you can buy retail. An antenna tuner will help to prevent overload/intermod problems from strong locals. The tuned RF can then be safely amplified. However, if you don't have any problems with local stations, then an antenna tuner probably isn't necessary. A noise-reduced wire antenna using an RF matching transformer and coax lead-in, such as described in my sloper construction e-mail, will be far more beneficial.
Russ Edmunds <wb2bjh@nrcdxas.org>: I would beg to differ on this last point. For many years in my pre-loop DX'ing I used a pair of tuned circuits in series, each consisting of a ferrite cored BCB loopstick of the kind used in transistor radios of the period, in parallel with a 365 pf. variable capacitor of the type typically used in tube-type radios of the period. ( The reason for this was that the larger physical size made for a more spread out tuning range ). These were mounted inside of an aluminum minibox, and used with all sorts of random wires with great effect in terms of peaking up the signals on the wires, although they also helped out with pesty locals. This was effective on both outdoor and indoor wires, and even in a college dormitory for tuning an aluminum window screen which was somehow not grounded to anything on the building!
QUANTUM QX PRO
Rick Shaftan <shaftan@ptd.net>: Just ordered the Quantum Loop QX Pro with the 15 inch ferrite stick. Kiwas aren't available for 14 weeks, so the factory tells me. This one, actually looks more impressive...and the LW option is very appealing.
Lee Reynolds <lreynolds@cyberportal.net>: Hm, the LW comment piques my curiosity - anywhere on the 'net where I can read more about this device?
Phil Bytheway <phil-bytheway@teknologic.net>: Yes, the QX Pro works very nice... especially the regen. I've been playing around with mine for about a week now. Will try to document my tests soon.
KIWA POCKET LOOP
David Hochfelder <hochfeld@rci.rutgers.edu>: A note on the Kiwa Pocket Loop and Regeneration Module: So far, I've been pleased with the loop. I've been able to pull in many new stations, especially on the X-band. However, I'm still getting the hang of the Regen Module. If set too high, it has a tendency to pick up strong locals elsewhere on the dial. For instance, my local on 1450 appears from about 1350 to 1550 with the Regen Module set too high. Adjusted just right, the Regen Module does help to bring some signals out of the mud. The only difficulty I've had is getting the antenna shipped. It took about six weeks after placing the order, and it arrived without the cable or coupler to the internal antenna. It took about another week to get the cable and I'm still waiting for the coupler.
MORE ANTENNA QUESTIONS
Bruce Winkelman <bdwink@home.com>: Good evening to all. I have the good fortune of spending this coming weekend "playing radio" at a friends second home (cabin) approximately 60 miles east of Tulsa in a relatively isolated part of the hills of eastern Oklahoma. This cabin is in a resort-style community with houses and other cabins spaced about 1/4 to 1/2 mile apart. Plenty of room for longwire antennas and hopefully a quiet RF environment away from 50 kW KVOO-1170. I have 2 500-foot spools of wire that I plan on stretching out on Saturday AM when I arrive. I've never DX'ed with an antenna of this size before but from what I've read, 500 feet is too short for beverage-style reception on the BCB. Hope for some interesting listening anyway. Question 1: Can I use an insulator on the far end of the wires or do I need to use some sort of ground rod/system and terminating resistor? If a resistor is needed, any ideas or suggestions on value of the resistor? Question 2: Will antennas of this length show any directional characteristics with either an insulator or ground system at the far end? This will be the first of what I hope to be quite a few mini-dxpeditions to the site in the future so this is really a preliminary "fact-finding" trip, getting familiar with the terrain and reception conditions and doing some day and night band scans. I'll be using my R8 and a Quantum Loop as well as the Quantum Phaser with the long-wires. I'd appreciate any comments and suggestions on how I can maximize my weekend experience from folks that have done mini dxpeditions. I know I need to order the NRC book on the subject for reference but would like to hear from the assembled DX experience represented on this list. Many thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions.
Doug Smith, W9WI <w9wi@w9wi.com>: I'm not so sure this (length of beverage – dB) is true. My 400-footer has significant directivity. (wish I could put up another one to grab TA's...). In response to Question 1, In my installation, I terminate the far end with a 470-ohm resistor. (drive a ground rod at the far end, and connect the resistor between the ground rod and the end of the antenna) At the near end, I use a 9:1 balun, then bring 50-ohm coax to the receiver. For Question 2, In my experience, yes if it's terminated. It favors the direction of the termination. I tried it unterminated and it was definitely much less directional - whether it had any directional characteristics at all was hard to tell.
Patrick Martin <mwdxer@webtv.net>: One of my antennas I am currently using is a 400 foot NNW wire. It runs about 3-4 feet off the ground and it is quite directional day & night. I have it terminated directly to a series of ground rods in wet soil at the far end and I run a homebrew matching transformer on this end.
LOOP ANTENNA
Michael P Battaglino: I recently purchased an R8B and have been using a CCrane Super Select-a-tenna with it that I had been using with my Sony 2010. While I readily admit that I am still getting familiar with all the R8B has to offer, I'm concerned that I've got it hooked up to a less-than-optimal antenna for a table top receiver of the level of the R8B. Does anyone have a similar experience or a comment? I'd appreciate the input. As an aside, I gave up on the Kiwa loop (probably the ultimate solution) after waiting nearly 8 months and still only being #10 on Universal radio's back order list!
Phil Bytheway: Mike (et al): I use a KIWA with my R-8... have just received the new Quantum Pro but haven't fired it up yet. I haven't tried a Super Select-A-Tenna... but I can tell you that I am not impressed with the "normal" Select-A-Tenna. But I should point out that for that price, the Select-A-Tenna is not a BAD starter loop. There are other inductively coupled loops for sale as well... RadioPlus+ Q-stick and Ralph Sanserino's Shotgun have the same effect as the Select-A-Tenna, but are Ferrite based, so much smaller... AND you can Velcro 'em to the radio too! Should have ordered your KIWA loop direct from KIWA... I know they're almost ALWAYS backlogged. You also might try the new Quantum Loop from RadioPlus+. I have a copy of their new catalog if anyone is interested.
Marc DeLorenzo <Marc.Delorenzo@rcp.dph.state.ma.us>: Hi Mike, Assuming that you do not have the space for longwires, I recommend the Quantum Loop from Radio Plus in Pensacola, FL. Many DX'ers, myself included, have been quite pleased with this antenna. A catalog of various radio toys is available from them.
Patrick Griffith <AM-DXer@webtv.net>: I use an older version of the Drake, the R-8. I bought a new townhome just over a year ago and I am not allowed to have any outside antennas. So I have been using a Palomar loop for AM. It works fairly well and I have logged and verified 27 expanded band stations with it. I have wanted to upgrade to a Kiwa loop for a long time but the price and availability have held me back. I have been checking e-Bay for a Kiwa for many months and last week I was surprised to find two of them for sale. I managed to get the winning bid on one that was still new in the box for the bargain price of $265. I should be receiving it within the next couple of weeks and I can't wait to try it out. I think that one of the best antennas I ever had for AM was a 175 foot heavy copper wire strung north-south at a height of about 30 feet. It wasn't a Beverage antenna but it certainly performed well for me. It was connected directly with no tuner to a Hallicrafters S-120 receiver (I still have it!) that my father bought for me at the local Sears Roebuck store. That was my first listening post back in the mid '60s. Of course receive conditions were far different back then as well. I really enjoy the nulling capability of a loop in today's world. Best wishes and good luck!
Rick Shaftan <shaftan@ptd.net>: So which is "better"? The Quantum Loop or the Kiwa?
Marc DeLorenzo: Rick, From the 2 or 3 "Head to Head" comparisons that I have read, the answer would seem to be the KIWA. But, if the question was "Which is the better value for your Dollar,?" I believe the most DX'ers would say the Quantum.
Rick Shaftan: From Rob Kramer's page...
QUANTUM LOOP 2
The Quantum Loop 2 is one in a series of medium wave and longwave products designed by Gerry Thomas of Pensacola, FL. There are actually several different loops currently available, and more are in the development stages. The Quantum Loop 2 is identical to the Quantum Loop, except that the Quantum Loop 2 tunes both medium wave and longwave, while the Quantum Loop only operates in the medium wave spectrum. Earlier versions of the Quantum Loop 2 tuned the tropical bands, but this range has been eliminated from the current model due to poor performance. The loop is extremely simple to set up and use. It is very compact and will easily fit into a small suitcase for those DXpeditions. The loop consists of two parts, the loop head and the control box. The loop head plugs into the control box directly through use of a 1/4" phone plug. Unlike other multi-band loops, the Quantum Loop 2 does not require changing coils when changing bands. This change is facilitated through 3 switches, making band changes quick and simple. The Quantum Loop 2 is fully tiltable and rotatable. From a performance standpoint, the Quantum Loop 2 is the best antenna I have ever used. In side by side comparisons with both the Radio West and Kiwa Loops it came out superior in all measurements. When compared to the Radio West Loop I found the nulls to be far better and the gain at least 20db greater. Against the Kiwa Loop, the Quantum 2 had slightly better nulls and a gain improvement of 7-10db. The only drawback to the Quantum Loop 2 is in the area of body inductance (this is generally a problem with most loops). Because the controls are right next to the antenna head, and because you must hold the antenna head in order to tilt and rotate it, sometimes nulls will be changed when you move your hand away from the antenna. This will only occur when you are attempting to null extremely strong locals stations. The stronger the local the more this effect will be noted. Body inductance should not be a problem on a vast majority of nulling attempts, and has no effect on skywave signals. This is the one area in which the design of the Kiwa Loop out performs the Quantum 2 (there is little if any body inductance with the Kiwa). For those of you using portable radios, Gerry has made a product that allows you to use the Quantum series of loops with your radio. It is a coupler that works through induction. Just stand it at the back of the radio next to the ferrite rod. It will greatly improve the signal strengths and nulling capabilities of these radios. The cost for the coupler is $15. The Quantum Loop 2 is $185 plus shipping. For those who want to purchase the medium wave only Quantum Loop, the price is $165 plus shipping. Gerry also gives a discount on orders for people who belong to radio clubs. For more information on the Quantum Loop 2, or other products, you can contact Gerry Thomas at: 3635 Chastain Way, Pensacola, FL 32504 or call him at: 904-434-3635.
Bruce Conti: Just be careful when using a loop next to the R8B. The front panel display radiates noise. The loop should be located behind the receiver or at least an arm's length away to prevent noise pick up.
Mark Durenberger: Bruce's point is well taken. Good balanced loops can be very noise-immune but even they require care and feeding. Noise can come from the darndest places. You can even sometimes trace noise to the "wall-wart" plug-in transformers used to power those loops or receivers.
K9AY
Rick Shaftan: I see Wellbrook K9AY units are no longer available. Anyone got a good source for all the necessary parts? I got the 25 foot tree.
Neil Kazaross: I sincerely hope Wellbrook hasn’t stopped making K9AY stuff...?
Rick Shaftan: They are "not available at this time."
FYI - From: Andy Ikin [mailto:andy@wellbrook.uk.com]
Over the past two years I have tried with considerable difficulty to keep up with the demand for the K9AY. Due to an increase in the demand for other products and other commitments this coming year, I can no longer spare the time to manufacture the K9AY at the current production level. Therefore, the K9AY and the RF amplifier will be only made to special order and subject to available production capacity. Warrantee and support for existing K9AYs will continue for the foreseeable future.
Patrick Martin: After several tries and without much luck in getting my remote termination to work, I need to look at a schematic using a VTL5C4 Vactrol for the K9AY antenna. Does anyone have a diagram?
COLLEGE SPORTS NETWORKS
The following college hockey nets were forwarded by Barry Finkel from Dale Park – thanks guys.
College Hockey via Dale Park, Honolulu, HI (per various newspapers and school websites)
Arizona Icecats (John Dadante, Brian Baltosiewich)
1490 KKFN-AZ
Bowling Green State University Falcons
96.7 WBVI-OH (partial sked)
88.1 WBGU-OH (partial sked)
Ohio State U. Buckeyes (Herb Howenstine, Gord Rivington
820 WOSU-OH
New Hampshire Wildcats
1230 WNHV-NH
1270 WTSN-NH (flagship)
1370 WFEA-NH
1400 WLTN-NH
1450 WKXL-NH
And the following college basketball nets are from two conference websites:
Colonial Athletic Association (www.caasports.com/local/radio)
Conference USA (www.c-usa.org/gen/gen/radiotvaffil).
American U. (Chuck Timanus)
www.auhoops.com – no radio
Army (John Minko, Dean Darling)
770 WABC-NY
Cincinnati (Dan Hoard, Jim Kelly)
East Carolina (Jeff Charles (men’s), Bob Smith (women’s))
900 WIAM-NC
1130 WCLW-NC
1160 WKRE-NC
1280 WSAT-NC
91.3 WZMB-NC
94.3 WGPM-NC
103.7 WLTT-NC
George Mason (Byron Kerr)
Houston (Russ Small, Andre Ware)
James Madison (Jim Britt)
1310 WDCT-VA
Louisville (Paul Rogers, Doug James)
Memphis (Dave?, Bob Rush)
North Carolina-Wilmington (Sam Gore, Wayne Jackson)
Old Dominion (John Castlebar (men’s), Tony Mercurio (women’s)
U. of Richmond (Bob Black)
Southern Mississippi (John Cox, Vic Purvis)
"Mississippi Radio Network"
Tulane (Ken Berthelot, Steve Barrios)
Virginia Commonwealth (Terry Sisisky)
William & Mary (Jay Colley)