KA3DRR

Field Day 2008 | W6R | A Day In The 40-Meter Fast Lane

2008-07-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

I felt like a starry eyed teenager walking on the dirt track toward W6R Paso Robles Amateur Radio Club's field day site. Memories of Field Day past flowed through the circuitry of KA3DRR's brain and the Force12 aluminum shone bright in the June sun. I did not short out from excitement but at least one capacitor bubbled.

Heat, on the other hand, is a matter of fact in Templeton, California and I welcomed the 90-degree temperature. What would Field Day be like without extreme weather conditions? Dull? Boring? I never forget weather conditions in association with Field Day.

I noted the chow hall to my left with grill, picnic tables, and lawn chairs. Given, my only contact with W6R was a phone call from a few nights ago and I did not know anyone except for Ron, W6FM. We met several years ago at W6AB Satellite Amateur Radio Club on Vandenberg Air Force Base during a VHF/UHF contest. I was thrilled when Larry, W7CB introduced himself and a friendship was kindled. And seeing Ron, W6FM brought a smile and a sense of small circles we do travel in ham radio.

Forty and 80-Meters have a place in my Field Day heart going back too W3LIF, the Mercer County Amateur Radio Club. As a young KA3DRR in the earlier 80s, I learned both bands generate lots of traffic, and unfold like a good story through the day. And this year, both bands remained true to form, and delivered a thrill a minute.

We had computer networking issues for an hour and at 1900UTC W6R opened up for traffic handling on 40-Meter CW. I operated with Larry, W7CB's Kenwood TS-930S into a dipole at 30-feet plus or minus a few. The first few hours on 40M CW pumped and I believe our N1MM 10-Minute rate meter pegged at seventy. Then I QSY'd to 40M LSB and heard the thunder of Field Day! Our rate meter hit 155 per hour and short skip into the west was absolutely wild. I was reminded of the pile-up days as KA3DRR/DV2 in the Philippines.

Later in the evening, I coached Robin as he worked 40-Meter LSB, and what a hoot. I made a script and facilitated each QSO until he operated solo with confidence on this band. He successfully executed the exchange and Robin was into high frequency (HF) big time. I stepped out of the trailer while he searched and pounced into the night. Right on.

I was reaching my threshold of wakefulness at 0700UTC when 80M fired up for the night. Again like 40M this band delivered blistering rates of traffic. I laughed because a signal occupied nearly every hertz in the CW portion of the band. I finally hit the rack around 1100UTC in the back of my Explorer. It wasn't a bed but I was too exhausted for comfort.

Between Larry, W7CB and myself over 300 CW/LSB traffic QSOs on 80M added to our overall low-band Field Day tally. For me, 40-Meters is the fast traffic lane during Field Day, and this band impressed me just like back in the day operating W3LIF in Mercer County.

For more Field Day reads check out Keith, W4KAZ's Field Day 2008 as N4PY - The Story.

Solar Cycle 24 | 90 in 2012 or 140 in 2011?

2008-07-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

If I have a choice in this matter, please Mister Helios, Great Sol, G4 Classy Kinda of Star, how about 140 in 2011? No predicition revisions are planned according to the article.

Extra Class Examination Notes | Phase Noise

2008-07-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

What is phase noise? I must take into consideration the use of phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizers according to the Extra Class examination manual (Wolfgang, Reed, & Carman, 2007). This type of oscillator incorporates a feedback loop that samples output frequency then compares the output frequency with the desired frequency. Automatic corrections adjust the oscillator frequency.

I can understand and what about phase noise? The book tells me too think about averages as well as instance that is, on average the oscillator output frequency is near the desired value. Is that meant as desired frequency? However, if I take a sample at any moment, the actual frequency is most likely a little high or a little lower than actual, desired frequency.

Now the light bulb is on inside the mind of KA3DRR and the book follows up. I'm thinking cycles at the moment, "The phase of any cycle is likely to be slightly different from the phase of adjacent cycles" (Wolfgang, et al. 2007, p 4-25).

I'm digging this because when tuning toward a strong signal the receiver noise floor tends to increase according to the manual (Wolfgang, et al. 2007). For example, think outside the receiver passband when tuning a weak signal, and a kilowatt station begins transmitting nearby. There is an increase in receiver noise. Bingo. Its called phase noise.

I thought the nuisances of phase noise ended in the last paragraph? The principle of phase noise applies to the transmitter as well. This type of interference is aptly dubbed splatter. It's like painting RF graffiti inside the receiver.

Understanding receiver specifications is important for me and a limitation to consider is image to image-rejection ratio. I'm breaking this one because I'm a visual learner.

2 signals = new signal @ the sum (+) of frequencies & a new signal @ the difference (-) in frequencies.

I'm creating an example based on the manual (Wolfgang, et al. 2007, p 4-26)

My rcvr uses a 20-MHz local oscillator (LO) for tuning at 30-MHz. The difference (-) is 10-MHz as the intermediate frequency (IF) for my rcvr.
Suppose a signal at 5-MHz gets into the mixer as well. The sum (+) of the new signal is 10-MHz as well. Houston this is a problem. Why?
As understood by the KA3DRR mind, the IF for both signals, is 10-MHz and both are amplified in the IF stage. Not good news for me because the 5-MHz signal is known as an image signal. [note: I answered my own question in a previous posting]

Hot Note: Radio frequency (RF) amplifier stage determines the receiver image rejection ratio and must include appropriate filtering for passing of desired signal according to the manual.

73 from the shack.

Reference: Wolfgang L, Reed D, and Carman J (2007). [8th ed.] Extra Class License Manual. ARRL-The national association for amateur radio. Newington, Ct. 06111. (pp 4-25, 26)

Poll Results | Ham Radio Operating Priveleges | Ham Radio License Continuum

2008-07-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

My straw poll concluded a few days ago and the results are interesting though unscientific. Let's throw out the following confounding variable(s) that is, everyone who voted, voted only once. Everyone who voted, neither inflated their operating privilege or number of licensed years. That, in fact most but not all who voted, are licensed ham radio operators. And those who were not did not vote beyond no license.

My poll is face valid however I cannot claim reliability.

What Are Your Operating Privileges? (n=197).

Only 4% of those who voted did not have a license.
55% (n=110) who voted are licensed as Extra followed by 33% (n=66) are Generals lastly 6% (n=12) are Technician.
Perhaps, given the focus of this blog on RadioSport and high frequency (HF) operations, Technician (n=12) are least likely to read KA3DRR.
I suggest, limited HF privileges for Technician, as an independent variable acting on audience traffic and years licensed. Additionally, one might consider the limited level of Technician activity on HF bands, perhaps expanding HF access may increase the likelihood of retention?

How Long Have You Been Licensed? (n=177).

Results suggest further support for the on-going discussion regarding the life cycle of ham radio operators. That is, entry-level activity waned as a prototypical operator takes on greater life responsibilities until the mid-life era when responsibilities begin to diminish.
I did not poll an age variable due to the sensitivity of the data in relationship to the focus of my blog.
However, one can postulate the median age of a ham radio operator and its correlation with number of years licensed e.g. 58% (n=103) of those polled were licensed 15 years or more.
Furthermore, ham radio is aging but one might consider the mid-life era as a recruitment platform.
Consider ham radio's social context as the mid-life era typically results in re-organization of social activities and networks.

I would advocate merging Technician and General into one license. Is there a positive relationship between HF operation and retention? Perhaps. Secondly, re-organize methodologies and focus recruitment resources on the mid-life era.

73 from the shack.

TR4W Contest Logger | Beta Version

2008-07-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

RadioSport software developers take a bold leap and make history at the same time. Dmitriy Gulyaev UA4WLI stated, "Approximately on 80 percents program is based on source code of the TR LOG program, kindly given by Larry Tyree N6TR, author of TR LOG and Andrew Melanyin UA3DPX." What does this mean? RadioSport software development is moving toward open source coding. And UA4WLI's TR4W Contest Logger is leading the way. This is an exciting moment for RadioSport. Perhaps new applications will follow based on open source coding of contest logging software in the near future. Right on N6TR, UA3DPX, and UA4LWI. Contest on.

Extra Class Examination Notes | Blocking | Dynamic Range | Intermodulation Distortion (IMD) Dynamic Range

2008-07-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

Sensitivity is a basic receiver specification and is understood as the smallest detectable input-signal level.

Selectivity, on the other hand, is defined as a receiver's ability to separate signals and/or reject unwanted signal energy from various locales within the receiver i.e. front end, IF section, audio circuit, or local-oscillator (LO) chain according to the Extra Class license manual (Wolfgang, Reed & Carman, 2007).

What is Blocking and IMD Dynamic Range?

Dynamic Range.

Dynamic range is receiver capacity and its ability to tolerate strong signals outside the normal passband.
It is a ratio between minimum discernible signal (MDS) [note: noise figure and sensitivity p 4-18] and the loudest tolerable signal w/out manifestation of audible distortion products.

First Order Response.

Perfect linear stages produce outputs that change according to the input. For example according to the Extra Class license manual, if an input signal changes by 1dB, the output signal changes by 1 dB hence first order response (Wolfgang, et al. 2007, p 4-20).
Note: no stage is perfect thus if two or more signals combine new signals are produced at the sum and difference in frequencies of the input signals. My receiver produced intermodulation distortion (IMD) products. [sub-note: intermodulation distortion is not in the manual definition section].
IMD product frequency and amplitude relies on the order of IMD response therefore first, second, and third-order responses.

Second Order Response.

My receiver IMD products will change 2dB for every 1dB of input-signal change. {Fascinating}

Third Order Response.

3dB for every 1dB of input-signal change. [note: this is an assumption that input-signals are equally level]

Order Responses.

If input-signal changes by 1dB then output signal changes by 1dB, First order response.
Second order response is 2dB change for every 1dB of input-signal.
3dB for every 1dB of input-signal change, Third order response.

IMD Dynamic Range.

Measurement of the impact of spurious signal production on the receiver when two or more signals are combined.
When IMD dynamic range threshold is exceeded then ghost signals appear in the receiver passband along with desired signal.

Blocking Dynamic Range.

Difference in signal power between noise floor and 1dB signal that causes gain compression in the receiver. [note: when range is exceeded my receiver lost its ability to amplify a weak signal]
Refer to Figure 4-19 page 4.23 for further explanation.
Refer to Figure 4.20 page 4.24 regarding dynamic-range performance.

I'm reading my Yaesu FT100 receiver specifications such as sensitivity, image rejection, intermediate frequencies (IF) rejection, and selectivity. Am I looking at image rejection better than 70db {1.8 - 30 MHz} and IF rejection better than 70dB {1.8 - 30 MHz} because any signal greater than 70dB will suppress weak signals in my receiver?

The Extra Class license manual suggested a receiver with poor dynamic range produced IMD and blocking from strong adjacent signals (Wolfgang, et al. 2007).

73 from the shack.

Reference: Wolfgang L, Reed D, and Carman J (2007). [8th ed.] Extra Class License Manual. ARRL-The national association for amateur radio. Newington, Ct. 06111. (pp 4-18, 20)

QST | National Contest Journal | Subscribed

2008-07-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

No hesitation. My membership in the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) was renewed and I purchased a National Contest Journal (NCJ) subscription as well. The NCJ is RadioSport knowledge and I'm in a lifelong learning mode. And I wanted to plug into the NCJ USB port so to speak. Likewise, my QST renewal moreso my membership dues, is paid. The ARRL is our best advocate. Numbers speak in Washington and elsewhere. We have spectrum to defend and goals to achieve in the coming decades. I'm looking forward to my first-ever NCJ copy in the near future! Contest on.

VK9X Christmas Island DXpedition | July 8th Thru July 20th

2008-07-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

VK9X is in the DXpedition box and I'm ready with 50-watts into copper wire at 30-feet. The VK9X Christmas Island team is, CT1BWW, EA3GHZ, EA5EOR and EC5BME. Their activity plans include 160- thru 10-Meters on the following modes, CW, SSB, SSTV, RTTY, and PSK31 according to ARRL DX News. Additionally, QSL via EA4URE or via home calls for that DXpedition QSL card collection.

For more information about VK9X click here.

73 from the shack.

David, K2DBK said, "As a VE [Volunteer Examiner], one of the things that I suggest..."

2008-07-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

Read comment here.

Excellent points and well received.

Consistently pass practice examinations.
Score significantly higher than actual passing score.
Take time and absorb the material.
Confidence with the study material, consistently passing practice examinations in the high 90s, and reading for practical knowledge breeds success.

I'm looking forward to immersing myself in the material this weekend and taking at least one practice examination.

Thanks for the comment!

73 from the shack.

Field Day 2008 | Taking My Extra Class Examination

2008-07-02T17:26:00.001-07:00

Sometimes a challenge presents in an interesting way and Yoda said something along this line in The Empire Strikes Back, "Either you do or do not."

Field Day began in earnest and Larry, W7CB presented the Extra Class examination challenge. The words of Yoda drifted through my thoughts. Either I do or I do not. No one would really care except for me and I confronted the question, "What if I do not succeed?"

Remember the scene in Empire Strikes Back when Yoda challenged Luke to lift his X-wing fighter from the swamp? And how Luke responded?

Later in the film, Yoda demanded young Luke be prepared for the next step, his confrontation with Darth Vader. In the meantime, I knew in my ham radio bones that preparedness is essential when confronting the Extra Class examination. And prepared I was not.

Too many gaps in my knowledge. Too little time in the book. What if I took the examination anyways? Certainly, a remote possibility existed somewhere in the thousands but if I did not, I would never know. Times have really changed since sitting down in the Federal Communication Commission's examination room in Buffalo, New York. That was almost 30-years ago.

I took the examination in the great outdoors while a nice northwesterly breeze made Field Day bearable in Templeton, California. I filled out the necessary paperwork and opened the exam. My testing anxiety faded giving way to, "I know that question" or "I understand that problem."

Yet the gaps in my knowledge and too little time in the book presented to big an obstacle. I felt frustrated like one is close but not close enough. And that is not good enough. I scored in the low 50-percent just like the practice examinations. Interesting but not unremarkable.

What I took away besides meeting extraordinary people who are ham radio operators during Field Day weekend? I can pass the Extra Class examination in the very near future. And I want that lower 25 kHz really bad.

73 from the shack.

Don, AC7FA said "[We]...may have worked you as W7DK."

2008-07-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

Read comment here.

I bet we worked each other on 80-Meter CW underneath that blazing starry sky. Every hertz on the band enjoyed a signal. It was as congested as the 405 in Los Angeles. I tuned up around 11 o'clock in the evening and what a hoot! The N1MM rate meter pegged at 60-plus. However, keeping in mind accuracy counted as if one is handling emergency traffic and getting the exchange correct, was utmost on my mind.

I finally ran out of voltage around 2 o'clock in the morning and bunked out in the back of my Explorer. I left the light on for Larry, W7CB who picked up on 80-Meter LSB, a little later. He scored a phenomenal two-hours of continuous traffic.

Don, many thanks goes out to W7DK and yourself, for adding a traffic QSO to the W6R Field Day log.

73 from the shack.

Field Day 2008 | W6R | Shaka Rigs

2008-06-30T18:41:00.001-07:00

I enjoyed a lot of ham radio fun this weekend as Field Day 2008 roared across the ionosphere. There is much to talk about and this week will cover my W6R operating experience. Many thanks to Paso Robles Amateur Radio Club (PRARC) for their hard work and stellar attitude. A big thanks goes out to Larry, W7CB who welcomed me with the spirit of ham radio. I had a 4-star good time operating 40- and 80-Meter CW/LSB with Larry's Kenwood TS930S into a dipole at 35-feet. I briefly operated 20-Meter CW in the evening with Ron, W6FM's IC-756 Pro III as well. And too those who worked diligently in the background providing logistical support? A hardy right on! How does one start? Always from the beginning...

Field Day 2008 | W6R | Paso Robles Amateur Radio Club

2008-06-27T18:01:00.001-07:00

My first field day in almost a decade and this weekend is special. Tents. Barbecues. Conversations. Antennas. Generators. Transceivers. The air around a field day site is electric. Let's not forget the picnic tables and plates of good food as well. My favorite time during field day is shortly after sunset when little light illuminates the scene. Each station is a mini-drama of operator pitted against propagation. One will share single-sideband chatter or the music of Morse code. Whatever your flavor this weekend most likely field day will have a serving. I'm looking forward to meeting members of our local ham radio community. Let's say community shares the spotlight with emergency communications this weekend. Let's Field Day.

Global Amateur Radio Statistics

2008-06-26T20:22:00.001-07:00

Between RadioSport seasons, adding new devices to my station, studying for my Extra Class examination, and life. I'm researching amateur radio statistics for Project Future of Ham Radio and discovered NationMaster. The website is a massive central data source. Think of it as one stop analysis and I'm curious about the future of ham radio, its pockets of growth, and potentials. One variable to first consider is the number of licensed ham radio operators per country. And I was surprised, but not too surprised, to note Japan at the top of the list. But who is hearing about ham radio in Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, and India? What did surprise me was the number of amateur radio operators in China (n=800) and India (n=10679). I note an eight year lapse since the last sample and what are those numbers today? The data provided at NationMaster is based on The International Amateur Radio Union's STATUS SUMMARY OF RADIO AMATEURS & AMATEUR STATIONS OF THE WORLD 2000.

HamSphere News

2008-06-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

This latest news from Kelly, SM7NHC regarding his innovative idea called HamSphere.

2882 users on HamSphere as of June 25th.
A net is underway at HamSphere.
HamSphere contest and Kelly is looking for a volunteer contest manager.
HamSphere is free.
If you have any questions please contact Kelly, SM7NHC.

There is a lot of positive favoring Kelly's innovation using VOiP technology for many ham radio operators. For example, if someone doesn't have access to an HF transceiver or any type of ham radio related device and owns a computer instead? What about an elderly ham radio operator living in a residential care facility or skilled nursing facility? Or in an extended family situation? HamSphere builds on the meaning of ham radio fun in the 21st Century.

I believe HamSphere is one of the many developing 21st Century gateways and/or trends in ham radio.

73 from the shack.

Strange Radio Team | World Wide DXpedition Trophy

2008-06-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

Ninety seven days before the world selects their favorite World Wide DXpedition Trophy winner. Ducie Island, VP6DX, has taken a commanding lead but there is lots of time remaining. Vote for your favorite DXpedition here.

Keith, W4KAZ said "Their sale [Ten-Tec Omni VI] starts "soon", running through the end of July or until all the cookies have been eaten."

2008-06-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

Read comment here.

That is great news for the budget minded ham radio operator like myself or an entry-level operator looking for affordability with punch.

Thanks for passing on the information from Ten-Tec.

All the best Keith and good DXing OM.

73 from the shack.

Packet Cluster | Packet Radio | Forward Error Correction | DX

2008-06-23T05:59:00.000-07:00

A few terms to think about through the day. One can locate these Extra Class examination terms and others in Section 2 of the American Radio Relay League's license manual.

Packet cluster is a radio system dedicated to serving a niche group such as DXers or contest operators. (Wolfgang, Reed, & Carman 2007)
Packet radio is one form of digital communication that includes error checking and correction resulting in near error-free information exchange. (Wolfgang et al. 2007)
Forward error correction (FEC) is a form of AMTOR operating and each character is sent twice while the receiving station checks the mark/space character ratio for errors during reception. (Wolfgang et al. 2007)
DX is distance and often used on high frequency (HF) denoting a station outside one's own country.

Reference: Wolfgang L, Reed D, and Carman J (2007). [8th ed.] Extra Class License Manual. ARRL-The national association for amateur radio. Newington, Ct. 06111.

Latest Edition To KA3DRR | Google Chatback

2008-06-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

My on-going goal is to increase interaction between myself and those who read KA3DRR Low-Power, Low-Profile RadioSport Contesting at 50-watts. Currently, I'm delivering content in two formats, one is micro-blogging and my blog in general.

I would like to introduce Google Chatback and this application will allow me to talk with you. If you have questions, wish to say hello, have ideas for content related to my blog, feel free to use Google Chatback. Here are a few tips regarding the application--

Google Chatback.

A Google Talk chatback badge allows others to chat with me even if you haven't signed up for Google Talk or if you don't have a Google Account.
I can talk to more than one person at a time, and each chat will be one to one.
You will be directed to a white board chat area within Google.

I'm learning this application and its functionality. This maybe a hit and miss situation for awhile until I get better acquainted. However, my goal is to increase interaction, and Google Chatback is an excellent application for this purpose.

73 from the shack.

Extra Class Examination Notes | Selectivity

2008-06-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's up front that counts in one's receiver and distinguishing between a "desired" and "undesired" signal on a different frequency is selectivity. And sensitivity is the minimum input-signal level that produces audio output in a receiver. I'm thinking minimum discernible signal (MDS), noise floor, sensitivity, and selectivity.

Selectivity.

Is the ability of a receiver to separate signals.
Paste terms like "broadband filter" or "narrowband filter" with receiver selectivity.
Everything is in degrees and the same is true for receiver selectivity that is, filter-network bandwidth determines the degree of receiver selectivity.

Filters.

Think high-Q filters, tuned circuits and/or resonator in association with IF selectivity.
Frame the 'Q' as the quality factor of inductors and capacitors in a circuit.
When a tuned circuit acts as a filter, then the greater its loaded 'Q' or quality factor, the greater selectivity or the ability of a receiver to reject undesired signals near the desired frequency.
A filter with a 'wide' bandwidth located in the IF stage results in undesired signals reaching the audio stage.

Hot Tip.

Achieve the narrowest bandwidth as possible with caution because one does not want too narrow of a filter.
Generally, according to the Extra Class License manual, the IF filter bandwidth is "...Slightly greater greater than the bandwidth of the signal one is receiving." (p 4-19)
A filter that is too narrow will ring and if there is too much ringing it is difficult to copy Morse code.

When Examining Receiver Specifications?

Find a selective front end for rejection of "out-of-band signals", "prevent overloading", and "spurious responses." (p 4-20)
According to the manual, associate selective IF circuit with two or more IF filters and different bandwidths for example, 2.4 kHz [SSB], 300 Hz [CW, RTTY], and 15 kHz [FM]. (p 4.20)
RC active or passive audio filters facilitate wide-band noise and provide audio selectivity. Please refer to manual for selectivity frequency ranges.
Research selective circuits and/or filters in local oscillator chain for rejection purposes beyond the desired frequency.

Front End.

What is a pre-selector? It is resonant networks before & after the radio frequency (RF) amplifier stage.
Hot--greater network Q or quality factor, the sharper frequency response, and the better adjacent-frequency rejection.
A typical pre-selector circuit is a parallel-tuned LC circuit.

My next task is reading over the Yaesu FT100 receiver specifications and put my notes to practical use. I'm beginning to understand this stuff! Next stop is blocking and intermodulation (IMD) dynamic range, very cool.

Reference: Wolfgang L, Reed D, and Carman J (2007). [8th ed.] Extra Class License Manual. ARRL-The national association for amateur radio. Newington, Ct. 06111. (pp 4-19, 20)

Paul McCord Jr. said, "This is refreshing to see."

2008-06-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

Read comment here.

I was surprised and it is refreshing to see an active interest in Morse code. Social bookmarking is productive in terms of meta-bookmarking and researching one's resources. I'm nearly finished migrating over to del.icio.us

Watch their hot list.

Thanks for the comment Paul and all the best as well.

73 from the shack.

Learn Morse Code Makes del.icio.us Hot List

2008-06-21T18:54:00.001-07:00

I have never seen anything related to ham radio on the social bookmarking website until tonight. Eight hundred and twenty eight now share Learn Morse Code. It is a good night for ham radio and Morse code.

DXpedition QSL Card Collection Begins...

2008-06-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

My new QSL card holders arrived earlier in the week and first in the sleeve is VK9DNX, Norfolk Island. I'm still waiting on VP6DX and TX5C. In the meantime, the price tag on the QSL card holders? Nearly five dollars a piece. When will VP6DX and TX5C arrive?

Contest on.

Pat, K8LEN asked "What is the secret or steps to properly download the hamsphere."

2008-06-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

Read comment here.

I can say there is no secret to downloading HamSphere. My own experience with the software might suggest placing the mouse over the PTT then right click and hold. Additionally, one may keep in mind that HamSphere is virtual radio using Voice IP (VoIP), and latency might be a problem. However, the program is supposed to simulate ionospheric conditions, according to the developer.

Likewise, HamSphere requires 128kbit/s Internet up/down; microphone and speakers; NAT firewall compatible TCP/UDP; Runs in Windows, Mac or Linux.

73 from the shack.

Keith, W4KAZ said "...Another rig that is converging down to your price level is the TenTec Omni VI."

2008-06-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

Read comment here. A very good point and well taken. There are perhaps hundreds of superb transceivers with lots of life left in their finals. Ten-Tec reconditions their own equipment in the factory for resale as used gear. Additionally, a reconditioned Ten-Tec transceiver is sold with a "...10 day risk-free money back guarantee (customer pays shipping both ways) and a 30 day parts and labor warranty." I need to contact Ten-Tec and request their current demo/used gear listing. Thanks Keith for pointing me in this direction. 73 OM.