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·-· -~~-
new Amateur's first contact was
lF-llS MONfHS under less-than-ideal circum-
stances. A bit of enjoyable fic-
circuit resonance, and more with
this handy gadget. See page 42.
2 m January 1980
NEW MFJ-41 O "Professor Morse" lets you ...
This new MFJ-624 Telepatch II hybrid phone Function switch: OFF tor normal operation. ON
s599s
inches. $49.95 plus $3.00 shipping and hand·
patch gives you a combination of performance. connects your rig to phone line for patching. ling.
leatures, and quality that you won't find in other NULL switches VU meter to let you ad1ust for One year unconditional guarantee.
phone patches. maximum null. Order from MFJ and try it - no obligation. If
PERFORMANCE: Gives you crisp clear, hum·free Simple 2 cable installation (plus phone li ne) not delighted, return it within 30 days for refund
audio which is what phone patching is all about. when rig has patch·in·patch·out jacks. Connects (less sh ipping).
Use automatic VOX or push·to-talk . RF pi·filters easily to any rig. Order today. Call toll free 800647-1800. Charge
and PC board construction eliminates RF leedback. Phono jacks for patch-in patch out. speaker. VISA. MC or mail check, money order for $59.95
Works with any rig. microphone. Screw terminals for phone lines. plus $3.00 shipping for MFJ-624 and $49.95
FEATURES: YU meter monitors telephone line Eggshell white, walnut sides. 8x2x6 inches. plus $3.00 shipping for MFJ.620.
level to prevent crosstalk between telephone QUALITY : Every single unit is tested for per
channels. Also lets you adjust null depth for formance and inspected !or quality. Solid Am eri CALL TOLL FREE • • • 800·647·1800
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milter. MFJ -620 TELEPATCH ...--..,...-.~iv.a Miss.. outside continental USA, call 60 1-323·5869 .
Separate transmitter and receiver gain controls HYBRID PHONE PATCH.
eliminate readjusting rig's controls after patching.
Null control for maximum isolation.
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II ·~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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SYSTEMS
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Compare t he size and strength of the boom Wilson Systems traps offer a larger diameter
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Radials are required for
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~
4 Lb1a.I January 1980 More details? Ad Check page 78.
MRADIO
January, 1980
....:;¥ VJ>lume 4, Number 1
.-~ -
RIZON
T.H. Tenne~~Jf•t'#{1NL~
Ptibllsher
James R. Fisk; W1 HA
CONrENrs
Edltor·i~Cl!lef
Eilltorial staff
Amateur Television at the Rose Parade 12
Thomas F. McMullen, Jr., W1SL
. Managi:ng F!litor Norman L. Chalfin, K6PGX
t-'ar~ln H111Jtt w£t?.Pt'!Q
Admlilisttativ.e ·Edltof
The ATV Story 16
Robert Schnelder, N6MR
Joseph J. Schro~er, W9JUV John J. Edwards, WB21BE
Alfred Wilson~W6NIF
AssJsfant.Edltors
James A.Wales
Survival Hike in the Winter 22
Art Director Jeffrey J . Duquette, K 1BE
Publishin~· staff
J. Craig Clark, Jr., N1ACH Kenwood Owners' Report 28
Assistant Publisher Thomas F. McMullen, W1SL
T.H. Tenney, J_r., W1NLB
Advertising Manager
James H. Gray, W1XU
The Anglo-American Connection, part 2 34
Assistant Advertising.Manager Devere E. Logan, W1 H EO
Harold P. Kent, WA1WPP David Lake, G3ZCA
Dorothy A. Sa~gent , :KA 1BEB
Advertising ~ales
Susan. S.h orrock RF Test Box 42
Circulation ~anager
William Vissers, K4KI
Cassette tapes of selectea articles
from Ham Radio Horizons are available to Woman to Woman, On Becoming a Ham 46
the blind and phy!>iCillly handicapped
from Recori;led PeModicals Bonnie L. Speer, WD5HAM
919 Walnut StreJ'( i3th Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
DX From Hong Kong 52
Microfilm copies
are available from
Alan R. Adler, WB6JPZ
University Microfilms, International
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103
January 1980 m 5
How would you like a high-quality solid-state wideband linear amplifier for your station at a
price comparable to a tube amplifier? Sound great? Well don't plan on it for the immediate
future because the FCC has said they won't approve such amplifiers fo r Rad io Amateurs!
The CBers can buy so-called "amateur" solid-state linears from clandestine sources all
over the United States, but most perform so poorly and splatter so badly they wouldn 't be
tolerated for a minute on the Amateur bands. Several of the large manufacturers are
interested in building good quality solid-state linears for Radio Amateurs, and at least one
has a unit almost ready for the marketplace, but developmental work ceased recen tly when
the FCC's Office of Chief Scientist terminated, without explanation, type acc eptance of
solid-state broadband amplifiers for the Amateur Service. Are we to be denied the use of
modern solid-state technology because of the autocratic decision of an obscure bureaucrat
in a supposedly democratic government? In my opinion, this decision is in direct violation of
paragraph 97.1(c) of the FCC's own regulations which state that one of the fundamental
purposes is to encourage and improve" ... the Amateur Radio service through rules which
provide for advancing skills in the ... technical phases of the art."
This is just the latest in a series of apparently arbitrary and capricious actions by FCC
staffers and seems to reinforce the notion that FCC bureaucrats are neither interested in the
needs of Radio Amateurs, nor in promulgating rules and regulations which are beneficial to
the Amateur Radio Service. Indeed, many recent FCC decisions are contrary to the needs
and desires of the Amateur Radio community - the 10-meter linear amplifier ban; an
unpopular and ridiculous callsign system that has made us the laughingstock of overseas
hams; equipment type acceptance; the ASCII band; and recommending that the United States
delegates to the World Administrative Radio Conference (WAAC) propose that CW be an
"option" for obtaining an Amateur Radio license, a highly unpopular proposal that was
soundly defeated by delegates from other nations.
Until the last couple of years there was a close, almost symbiot ic relationship between
Radio Amateurs and the FCC; many on the FCC technical staff were hams, as were most of
the Field Engineers. Though the Commission has always been much mo re conservative than
some technically progressive hams would have liked, when viewed over the long te rm, they
traditionally acted in the best interests of Amateur Radio. Unfortunately, that all changed
with the CB boom of the mid 1970s - undermanned and short on budget, the FCC
concentrated their efforts on Citizens Band problems while Amateur Radio was given short
shrift. As a direct result, regulations which should have been the subject of long and careful
deliberation were often acted upon too hastily, with little or no thought of the long-term
consequences to Amateur Radio. Amateurs, long accustomed to dealing with a generally
sympathetic FCC, had grown apathetic and were unable to res pond quickly to thei r new
adversary.
Being unprepared to operate from an adversary position is no longer an excuse. If every
Amateur in the United States - or even one-third of them - brought pressure to bear on
the Commission through their congressman, you can bet there would be some changes in
attitude. You may not get an immediate response because bu reaucratic wheels already in
motion have a great deal of inertia, but we deserve a rational answer to the question, "Why
are Radio Amateurs denied the use of commercial high-frequency wideband solid-state linear
amplifiers?" If we act together, through our respective congressmen, we can get an
immediate answer; I can think of no technical reason why such equipment should not be
commercially available.
Jim Fisk, W1HR
editor-in-chief
6 m January 1980
z
Please send me: D IC·255A specifications sheet; CJ full
color ICOM Product Line Catalog; D List of Authorized
ICOM Dealers.
FOCUS & COMMENT
Get your ball-point pens and some post cards ready, because I'm abou t to make an
offer you can't refuse.
Starting in one of the next two or three months, Ham Radio Horizons w ill answer your
questions! Yes , here's your chance to clear up some puzzle that has been bothering
you. We've found an expert who avows he knows it all, and, what's mo re, is w ill ing to
tell all . Now, how can you beat that kind of offer, or refuse it?
Of course, like most offers of this type, there is a catch or two, but relat ively painless
ones: your question must be related to Amateur Radio in some direct manner, and it
must be of general interest to a lot of Amateurs.
However, before I tell you how to get in on all this, let me spell out what this new
offer will not do for you. It is not going to be a person-to-person (one-on-one, as the
"in" crowd puts it) technical information service or engineering laboratory. Any
question that is answered will be answered in the magazine on ly.
Now, I'm sure you realize that, in order to prevent this project from driving our orac le
out of his cave (and the rest of us up our padded walls), there'll have to be some rul es;
I'll try to keep them simple and painless.
First , only questions received by mail will be answered. Tel ephone requests will be
sho rt-circuited to the nearest ground receptacle. You may put yo ur questions on a post
card or in a letter, and each will be acknowledged by a return post card so you know it
arrived.
The questions will be analyzed, and the ones that, in our judgment, w ill be the
most useful to the most Amateurs will be answered in our Q & A col umn.
How can you increase the chances of your question being among those chosen?
Easy - keep it simple, write so our oracle can read it in his dimly-lit cave, and make it
short. I will add - be realistic; if you ask for the tube-base connections on a 1908
Splitdorf Superwhistler, and your buddy across town wants to know how to tell the
difference between NPN and PNP transistors - which do you thi nk will see the printed
page? Keep our primary purpose in mind: we'll do our best to answer your question if
we feel that a lot of readers would benefit in the process.
Now, here's an angle that will sweeten the pot - both for yo u who have questions
and you who just read the answers. We'll have a prize for the most po pular questi on
and answer in each issue, as determined by the number of cards or letters from our
readers. We'll also have a grand prize for the most popular questio n of t he year.
How soon will you see your question answered? Well, rem ember that it takes more
time to put a magazine together than it does the Mimeographed c lub bullet in, what w ith
editing, typesetting, proofreading, page-layout , printing, and so on. You're reading this
in the January issue, so let's say you fired off a question right now, and it reached ou r
mailbox before January 10. The quest ion and answer could appear in the May issue, if
chosen, but that would be tight scheduling. If the question requires some researc h
before it can be clearly answered, the delay could push it into the June issue. What I'm
saying is, when you send a question, don't get bent out of shape when it is not in the
very next issue to arrive in your mailbox!
Oh, yes, one more thing - in case of duplicate questions, t he one with the earliest
date stamp (indicating when it was received here) will be used.
Just to fill in the gap between now and the time when you r quest io ns start to arrive,
some of our staff members have submitted a list of questions that they feel should be
asked. You'll see them, and the answers, in an early issue - perhaps as early as March
or April.
So, get out your post cards and put our oracle to work, before his ball-point goose
quill freezes up and he decides that it's time to go skiing! Just to be sure your
questions get to the right department, address them to: Quest io ns and Answers, c/o
Ham Radio Horizons, Greenville, NH 03048.
Thomas McMullen, W1SL
Managing Editor
8 m January 1980
~
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~ I·800·228-4097 .., .,
~- CALL TOLL FREE Communications Center -. . . . . . _ ·-->~
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The Mark rad ios offer : • 144-148 MHz range • 6 Channel operation
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OPTIONS
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January 1980 m 11
BY NORM CHALFIN, K6PGX
AMATEUR TV COVERS
THE ROSE PARADE
Nearly one hundred volunteer tal I structures in Pasadena and cials that, having once experi-
Amateur Radio operators from on nearby mountain tops. The enced their ability to keep
the Los Angeles area will take San Gabriel Valley Amateur things running smoothly, they
their places this New Year's Day Radio Club, the Pasadena Ama- invite the hams back each year.
along the line of march of the teur Radio Club, and the South Before the Amateur Radio en-
celebrated Annual Tourn ament Pasadena Amateur Radio Asso- try into the Rose Parade commu-
of Roses Parade in Pasadena, ciation, along with many individ- nications activity, temporary te l-
California. As they have over the ual members of clubs from the ephones, install ed on poles
last s ix or seven years, these area in and around Los Angeles, along the parade route, were
Amateurs will, as a public serv- design and in stall the complex used t o report crowd in cidents
ice, use their own mobile, hand- communications network whi ch or float breakdowns. To get to a
held, and otherwise portable aids the efficient operation of phone in any emergency situa-
gear to provide emergency and the parade. tion, an aide had to plow through
reporting communications for In 1979, Amate ur TV was used the crowd at the phone location,
the parade and city offic ials in- for the first time. The 1980 New with all the attendant opposition
volved in the planning, assem- Year's Day event will have ham and complaints to the point
bling, and scheduling of the five- TV again. The eyes and ears of where the call sometimes
mile-long annual celebrati on ham radio are providing a val- wasn't made. Th is slowed down
which precedes th e Rose Bowl uable public service. the parade; sometimes it even
football classic. The Amateur The volunteer Amateur Radi o added to the emergency.
Radio communications are sup- co mmunicators have been of The portable, hand-held, mo-
ported by repeaters installed in such value to the parade offi- bile gear, and th e repeaters pro-
12 m January 1980
as we watched , one float had to
make several passes at the turn
to negotiate it. The TV cameras
were able to view the parade
routes from these corners to see
both the oncoming floats and
those which had passed.
At the corner of Orange Grove
Avenue and Colorado Boulevard,
the TV cameras were located at
the top of the grandstand, with
Ernie Williams' ATV station,
WB6BAP. At the corner of Colo-
rado Boulevard and Sierra Madre
Boulevard , Ken Smith , WA6YJM,
set up his TV-equipped van with
Doug Brusche, KA6AGE, oper-
ating a color-TV camera from the
Part of the preparation for the parade in-
roof. Both locations permitted A utho r K6PGX snaps a photo of Ern ie,
cludes putting up antennas and check- viewing the parade over the WB6 BAP, in ac ti on during th eir prepara-
ing out t he system. Here Way ne May- heads of the parade watchers. t ions for th e bi g day. In addi t ion to th e
nard, WB6BFN , is instal ling a 2-meter The two TV locations were 1265-MHz antenna, t he tem porary grand·
antenna atop a tempo rary tower to pro- linked together by a 1253-MHz stand also holds an t ennas for fm com-
vide better recepti on of the hand-held municat ions on lower Amat eur bands.
units (photo by K6PGX).
link, a 420-MHz link for video,
and a 144-MHz link for sound .
The grandstand location picked
vided by the Amateurs for the up the Sierra Madre repeater fratz, WA6FXT, also operated a
parade have just about com- transmissions on a420-MHz video tape recorder in the trailer.
pletely solved the problem of groundplane antenna, and on a The result ing tape has since
reporting parade slowdowns, a 1253-MHz parabolic dish. Tran s- been used in the updated ver-
float breakdown , or crowd inci- missions to the command trailer s ion of the ARRL movie, "Moving
dent to the parade officials or were from the Orange Grove Up to Amateur Radio."
public-safety authorities. grandstand on a 420-MHz video The Command Trailer was lo-
Amateur Radio communica- link and a 144-MHz audio link. cated near the To urnament of
tions has eased the load on Orange Grove also rebroadcast Roses headquarters, call ed
public safety officials by acting the Sierra Madre signals to the " Tournament House." Thi s is
as the prime link between the command trailer. Mike Hasen- the elegentl y furnished home of
parade route and the parade t he late W il liam Wrig ley, Jr., (the
command center. For example, chew ing-gun magnate). It was
there are AAA tow trucks along given to the city of Pasadena,
th e parade route at specified and became the business offi ce
locations. Each truck location of the Tournament of Roses an-
also has an Amateur Radio com- nual events, the Parade, and the
municator who frequently can Football Game in the Rose Bow l
be reached more easily than the which follows the parade. Th e
tow-truck operator. mansion is open to visitors at
other times.
Locations In the Command Trailer there
During the 1979 Tournament were TV receivers for both t he
of Roses Parade, Amateur televi- Amateur operators and the off i-
sion antennas, transmitters, and cials on whi ch to vi ew the im-
cameras were set up at two loca- ages received from th e two TV
tions at which the parade made installations on the 420-MHz
right angle turns. Thro ugh the link. A command console de-
Amateur TV eyes, parade offi· signed and built by Wayne May-
cials were able to observe the nard, WB6BFN , was set up t o co-
progress of the parade and note ordin ate t he vari ous audio and
any probl ems that may have de- video input s received at the
veloped with fl oat s. A particular trail er, and give the Amateur
concern whi ch was monitored Ern i e Will iams, WB6BAP, chec ks out the operator on duty access to any
camera fo r focus and coverage at the
by the ham TV cameras was th e start o f the parade. Th e dis h anten na of the repeaters in use or any of
problem of longer floats making next to him is for a 1265-MHz link to an the sim plex frequenc ies which
the turn . During the 1979 parade, ATV repeater. were selected and used by the
January 1980 m 13
various units in the field. Wayne_,, by the San Gabriel Valley Ama- to provide better coverage than
was also the network control teur Radio Club. They were de- was possible in 1979. The 1979
operator. signed by Earl Pittman, W6VHU. operations were so successful
Repeaters were located on tall The 220-MHz repeater was in- t hat tourname nt and city offi-
structures in the vicinity of stalled by the South Pasadena cials want the hams, with their
Pasadena, or on some of the Amateur Association. TV, back again.
mountain tops nearby. There For the 1980 parade on New The TV systems worked so
were two 144-MHz installations, Year's Day, a TV link has been well, in fact, that there were
and one on 220 MHz. The 2- planned for one of the mountain- reports of reception (in color) by
meter repeaters were installed top locations. This is expected other Amateurs at distances up
to 15 airline miles from t he
parade site.
An interesting sidelight was
the discovery of a battery-oper-
ated portable TV set in the pa-
rade-watching crowd near the
TV van. It was picki ng up trans-
mission from the van on TV
channel 70 (a harmonic of the
transmitt ing frequency). Since
the van camera was a color
camera, the images on the TV
set were also in color!
That the TV transmissions
were in color must be cons id·
ered inc idental, because they
were the result of using a color
camera on the TV van, feeding a
,,:_-----=' ~ four-hour color-TV recorder. The
\ output of the recorder was fed to
the Amateur transmitter modula-
\ to r, and so the transm ission in-
\
I I
cluded all of the color sync,
burst , and phasing signals.
Care and feeding
Amateur Radio preparation for
the Rose Parade goes on over a
period of nearly a year prior to
the event. Amateur coordinators
work out the logistics of dep loy-
ing Amateurs, and what equip-
ment will be required at the com-
mand center and along the
parade route. Individual assign-
ments are made at an open
house sponsored by the Rose
Bowl Committee for the Ama-
teur Radio partic ipants.
Du ring the parade period, the
participants must be fed, since
some of them work throughout
the night before the parade.
Some are assigned to the vari-
ous f loat-construction loca-
tions, from which they report
Before the parade, dawn's early light catches the Amateur communications van set up when the floats leave, or are ad-
and ready. A two-meter yagi and a collinear array for 420-MHz adorn the mast, and a vised to direct the floats to
pair of ATV cameras are ready for their crowd· and float-watching duties. The 1978 leave, so that the floats will
Tournament of Roses Parade saw over 70 Amateurs,-either on foot or mobile along the
parade route, ready to advise parade headquarters of problems, and speed help on its
assemble in the appropriate
way if needed. The 1979 parade had even more hams helping out, and they plan to do it order and on time during the
again in 1980 (photo by K6PGX). wee small hou rs of the morning.
14 m January 1980
Others are assigned to the pa-
rade-formation area to direct the
various participating bands,
equestrian groups, and floats
into the line of march according
to schedule.
These volunteer communica-
tors must also be transported
from the specially designated
parking areas to their assigned
locations along the five-mile line
of march, the float-construction,
or parade-assembly area. The
transportation buses also re-
quire communicators aboard,
and they, too, are ham volun-
teers. If you have ever tried to
drive into or out of Pasadena
during the Rose Parade period,
you are aware of the general
problem of getting from place to
place. The problem of getting to
a specific location on the parade
route is monumental. The only
lucky ones in this regard are WB6BAP runs the frequency-netting be nch before the parade s tarts, as K6PGX (left)
those who are assigned to mo- gets his 2-meter fm rig ready for its chec kout (photo by W6NAA).
bile locations, since they get pa-
rade-access passes. Even this WA6GMN; Jack Swank, lances when either marche rs or
has its limits, since they don't WB6NQD; watchers needed them. In the
allow mobile rigs into the pa- 1978 parade, a float broke down
rade-assembly area. Without Roving monitors: Mike Hasen- and had to be moved off the pa-
fratz, WA6FXT; Doc Norland,
radio communications, a rade route. The Amateur com-
WB6MOQ (Mike and Doc also
"stranded" volunteer may never municators were heard calling
get to where he was assigned. It were involved in the TV activity);
for police assistance to control
is in these areas (commissary Technical support and equip· the crowd - w ho were t aking
and transport) where the flow of ment design: Wayne Maynard, "souvenirs" from the float !
people connected with parade WB6BFN; When you watch the Rose Pa-
activities need the ham volun- ATV: Ernie Williams, WB6BAP; rade on New-Year's Day, you
teer communicator. And make Dan Dresselhaus, WB6NUT; Ken might think of the Amateur
no mistake about it, he or she is Smith, WA6YJM; Doug Brusche, Rad io partic ipation. If it looks as
there! KA6AGE; Mike Collis, WA6SVT; though it went smoothly, re-
I was transported to my TV· Bob Fee, WA6LGF; member, in a large measure, the
van location in an AAA tow vehi- hams helped!
Amateur transport bus com mu·
cle, which was part of a caravan nicators: Jim Albright, WB6ZAQ; In 1979, for the first time since
that had to travel almost the en- Steve Tivy, WD6AND; Bob Van- the parade off icials can remem-
tire line of march. The AAA vehi- ber, no float was late at its ap-
derwall, WB6YJJ;
cles dropped out one by one as pointed parade-assembly loca-
they reached their assigned Tournament transportation com- tion. There was one hitch, when
positions. municators: Smith Russel, one float had a problem on the
WB61 PY; Bob Zeiter, W6NAA; way to the assembly area. But,
Who did it Orio Brown, K6SVJ; John Ger- thanks to ham radio , a mechanic
Some of the participants in many, W6TQG. was dispatched to the ai ling
the 1979 Amateur Radio volun- There were fifty-five Amateur float, a fix was made, and it was
teer Rose Parade communica- Radio operators at various street in place j ust moments before
tions operations were: corners and other spots along deadline!
the parade route. Their duties in- Most of the people who partic-
Coordinators: Bud Boulton,
cluded reporting delays in the ipated in the 1979 parade w il l be
WA6AAD; Fred Edmunds,
WB60JK; parade, breakdowns off Ioats , there for the 1980 parade, along
and, as has happened, serious with some new hams. All of
Net Controls (supervised by crowd incidents. They once them love a parade; but that's
Bud): Dave Buhler, WA6ZGF; called for police help to break up only part of why they are there!
Ken Robbins, WA6PYJ; Al Miller, a fight. They called for ambu- HRH
January 1980 m 15
TH .: : : ~:_~::::::
:::::. ::::::
STOA
BY JOHN EDWARDS, WB21BE shack. He then tops it off by it's just that they have such a
playing some tapes of his last great time they rarely get
antenna-raising party and an around to telling other hams
imaginative video montage of much about their obsession.
Imagine this: As you're watch- his DX QSL collection. As you After all, how are you going to
ing the increasingly grim fare flop back in your chair you keep them down on 2 meters
on TV one evening, you rise quietly exclaim , "Wow, ham TV after they've seen ATV?
from your chair in disgust and sure beats regular TV any All joking aside, ATV activity
switch the set's channel selec- night!" is picking up almost daily.
tor to your local Amateur Radio Another description of " Ham What was once the realm of a
repeater frequency. There, your Radio of the Future," or the few technically proficient hams
buddy Jack is showing the sche- system of a very select group is now coming within reach of
matic diagram of a new filter of hams? No, not if you live many beg inners. Today, it's
he just built. The repeater near any metropolitan area - possible to assemble a com-
visually identifies, and the face this kind of activity is going on plete ATV station without
of a newcomer flashes on the all around you, and you prob- touch ing a single piece of sur-
screen. As a get-acquainted ably don' t even know it! plus gear, or homebrewing a
demonstration, he runs a video- It's not that Amateur televi- single thing . What is even more
cassette tour of his home and sion buffs are a secretive lot, remarkable is that the cost for
16 m January 1980
an entire station - including a tuner of a TV set to Amateur an antenna specifically tuned
transmitter, receiver, camera, frequencies, but unless you for ATV frequencies. In any
and antenna system - can be have a junk set you're willing to event, you 'll have to get a
considerably less than that of sacrifice you'll probably want regular antenna once you start
some synthesized two-meter to buy one of the relatively transmitting. The bright side is
rigs. If you're content to just inexpensive ATV converters that at ATV frequencies even a
watch, for under 50 dollars you currently on the market. multi-element beam isn't very
can adapt a home TV set to What these units do is to large and can easily be stacked
pick up ATV, and do it with the make use of a vacant spot on your present antenna
same ease as hooking up a (usually channel 3 or 4), and system, with few weight or
video game. But, we're getting use that space to inject con- wind-loading problems.
ahead of ourselves. verted 420 to 450 MHz signals. Once you're fully equipped
You use a small tuning dial for reception and have become
What is ATV?
mounted on the front of the acquainted with local activity,
Well, it's not the slow-scan converter to check across the your next step will be to get
television you may have heard band. If you're old enough, transmitting capability. This
or read about. While SSTV is you may remember the uhf con- involves obtaining two addition-
fun and has a large following verters that hooked up to old al components for your station
on the high-frequency bands, vhf-only TVs. Except for the fre- - a transmitter and a camera.
you can hardly consider eight quency difference, those con- As with receiving converters,
separate frames, or "pictures," verters were the same type ATV transmitters have come a
a minute to be television in the used by present-day hams for long way from the days of sur-
conventional sense. ATV, ATV. plus and homebrew gear. Like
however, is broadcast-quality Two of the more popular con- virtually every other phase of
TV with the same standards as verters are the Science Work- Amateur Radio, the current
any commercial station - even shop (P.O. Box 393, Bethpage, trend is toward pre-built,
down to "living color," in many New York 11714) ATVC-10, factory-manufactured units.
cases. which sells for $49.95, and the Typical of this type of transmit-
With all the advantages of Xtronix (2206 Renfrew Court, ter is the Klitzing ATV
normal motion, better resolu- San Jose, California 95131), Transmitter (Halted Specialties,
tion, simple receivers and the which goes for $89.95. 729B E. Evelyn, Sunnyvale, Cali-
like, you may wonder why ATV Your next step, after hooking fornia 94086) which lists for
isn't used on 20 meters. The up the converter, is to instal I an $199, or the $159 Xtronix
answer is simple and devas- ATV antenna system. You may TVX-10. Both units are solid-
tating: Television is a frequen- be able to use a regular uhf-TV state, 10-watt transmitters that
cy hog. So much so that it antenna if you live close to a use a plug-in crystal to deter-
consumes a minimum of six group of active Amateurs or an mine the output frequency. The
megahertz! Needless to say, ATV repeater, but nothing beats crystals can be changed so
such a signal would cause
incredible damage anywhere
except on uhf. For this reason,
the FCC has limited ATV signals
to 420 MHz and above. But, this
rule does have an advantage for
many of us. Unlike SSTV, for
which you need at least an
Advanced-class Iicense to work
the highly popular 20-meter
6AZA ATV REPEATER
San Jose,Ca
band, ATV requires only a
Technician-class ticket to take
part in this wonderful sub-
hobby. The range of the signal
may be limited, but at least you
don ' t have to study so hard to
get on the air.
First steps
The first step in setting up
your ATV station requires no
license at all; even a non-ham
can get in on the fun of watch-
ing. A number of sources have This card from WR6AZA shows part of the magnificent view from their mountaintop
information on converting the repeater site near San Jose, California. The dishes are part of their control-link system.
January 1980 m 17
Adding sound
This is a facet of ATV that
many beginners don't think
about at first. Yet, it's quite
obvious that television isn't
very effective without sound
(unless you're a silent-movie
fan). However, most converted
surplus gear, and even some
ready-built ATV transmitters,
has no sound capabilities.
In the past, various systems
were designed to provide
audio. Among the ideas used
were separate phone transmis-
sions on a higher frequency, 2-
meter voice links (still used in
some parts of the country), and
various methods of adding an
audio subcarrier. The system
that seems to have won out
across most of the nation is
use of an fm subcarrier added
to the video signal. This allows
any standard TV set (with a
converter, of course) to pick
the sound right out of the i-f
system and play it over the
set's normal speaker. That sure
beats fooling around with 2-
meter rigs or separate 450-MHz
transceivers.
The last element of your ATV
system will be the camera.
Thanks to the recent boom in
home video cassette recorders,
low-cost, high-quality TV
cameras are available just
about everywhere. The price of
a new camera should be some-
where in the $150-$200 range. If
that's a little steep for you, you
might try scouting around at
the next local ham fleamarket.
You can usually find a few
sellers hawking used CCTV
Bill Melody, WA6YBD, takes a moment from antenna work to enjoy the view from the
(closed circuit television)
WR6AZA ATV repeater site. cameras for about $35 and up,
depending on the condition. If
you think you might be ready
that you can use the transmit- ter and receiving converter bui It for color (not recommended for
ter on a number of ATV frequen- into one cabinet; a sort of beginners), you might want to
cies. You can use any one of a transceiver, if you will. buy one of the new portable
number of conventional 420- Actually, there's more to it than color cameras - like RCA's -
MHz power amplifiers to boost that. The transmitter/converter for about $900.
power. also acts as a central control So, you now have a complete
Before leaving the subject of point for the entire ATV station. ATV system. At this point your
transmitters and converters, Most contain an ac power sup- wife, children, neighbors, and
let's take a look at a form of ply, jacks for video and camera fellow hams are all in the shack
hybrid ATV unit - the transmit- inputs, and most importantly, demanding to see your fancy
ter/converter. As the name components for transmitting TV equipment in action. How
implies, this is an ATV transmit· audio. do you show them that al I the
18 m January 1980
money you spent was worth it? rag would be more accurate. In ATVers who have just returned
Well , that's a loaded question any event, the added dimension from vacations. You may end
- sort of like asking a DXer to of sight gives ragchewing more up being a captive audience for
prove his country-hunting meaning than just mere gab- hours of family-travel films.
talents on the spot. Anyway, bing . For instance, many Unfortunately, baby-birthday-
let's look at a few things ATVers have patched videotape party films are a hazard at any
ATVers are doing to justify their players and film chains time.
empty bank accounts. (devices that convert motion One way to avoid long, bor-
picture images to video) into ing QSOs is to QSY to a local
Programming their systems. As long as you ATV repeater (transmission-
Like every other Amateur keep music off the air, you can le ngth timers do have their
mode, the most popular ATV swap all sorts of - ah - infor- benef its). The 1978-79 ARAL
activity is ragchewing; perhaps mational programs. One word Repeater Directory lists eight
watching each other chew the of warning: keep away from ATV repeaters. However, by the
time you read this article, that
number may have doubled.
The history of ATV repeaters
is closely linked to that of fm
mach ines. Like fmers, ATVers
needed to expand their cover-
age. They also wanted the side
benefits of having a common
frequency to experiment on ,
and , by paying dues, to he lp
the development of a local ATV
clu b. Also , li ke fm repeaters,
ATV machines have played an
important public service role
fo r their community. A good
example is the WR2ADD ATV
repeater in Che rryville, New
Jersey.
Trustee, Charles Kosman ,
WB2NQV, explains how his
machine helped officials keep
watch on a local marathon last
year: " With a mobile unit ahead
of the runners, we televised
pictures of the leaders back to
the starting poi nt. Also, with
the he lp of a " minicam " back-
pack un it , we assisted officials
and pol ice in coordinating
crowd contro l."
Of course, WR2ADD isn't
unique in the ATV fie ld.
WR6AZA in San Jose, Califor-
nia, provides annual television
coverage for the Bay Area
March of Dimes Walk-a-thon.
By placi ng cameras at strategic
points throughout t he walk, the
repeater is able to beam pic-
tures of lost children back to
nervous parents at the finish
line.
However, repeater user
Werner Vavken, WB6RAW,
notes that San Francisco's full-
color repeater isn' t used for
public service alone. He calls
Ed Piller, W2KPQ , checks out the Long Island Mobile Amateur Radio Club ATV repeat- attention to the fact that " local
er at Syosset, New York. activities include playing Pong ,
January rnao m 19
eliability or home-computer games over what is Amateur Radio' s most
-
the air, and even monitoring fascinating and reward ing
(for security) the repeater site mode. For this reason, if you
of WR6AZA. want to obtain more informa-
Back in Cherryville, even tion about ATV and local ATV
xperience more interesting technical fea- repeater activity in your area,
tures are being used. Besides the follow ing sources are
visually flashing its call sign on hig hly recommended:
viewers' screens for identifica-
KENWOOD 700SP tion, WR2ADD keeps club A5 Magazine, P.O. Box 1347,
members informed of the latest Bloomington, Indiana 47401 .
Amateur news by running it $5 yearly (six issues).
A TV In A Nutshell, by Hen ry
Ruh, WB9WWM, P.O. Box
1347, Bloomington , Indiana
$599.95 47401. $5.
Specialized Communications
- •, .
Techniques for th e Radio
Amateur, American Radio
SJJ9.95 '" ~ \~.. --~ ~-~~=~ ~; This tunable converter allows you to pick
Relay League, 225 Main
Street, Newington,
,,..,
-
.,_ . . -
\:...)
. -- .._ up Amateur TV signals on the 420-MHz
Connecticut 06111 . $4.
band and watch them on a standard TV
set. It's made by Science Workshop, Box ARRL Repeater Directory,
KENWOOD TR-7625 393, Bethpage, New York 11714. American Radio Relay
League, 225 Main Street,
across the bottom of the New ington, Connecti cut
screen in true news-bulletin 06111. Free.
fashion. Another source not to be
All of these video pyro- neglected is your local radio
$299.95 technics bring out the point club (or some friends with ATV
that ATVers are experimenters experience). In the words of
KENWOOD TR-7600 in the true ham radio sense of Henry Wener, WB2ALW, an
the word. While only a Tech- officer of the Long Island
nician-class license is required, Mobile Amateur Radio Club
ALLIANCE Advanced- and Extra-class hold- (LIMARC), which runs ATV re-
H0-73 ers are far more common on peater WR2ALD, "Newcomers
S1Q9.95 ATV. Most of this, of course, is should find someone to help
them." This feeling is echoed
tfu.=
~
D due to the fact that, originally,
you had to be pretty smart to
get on ATV in the f irst place.
by John Ruckert, WB6ZPN ,
president of the Southern Cali-
100' rotorcable$14.95 That's all changing now, to the fornia ATV cl ub and repeater
PREPAID SHIPPING regret of some. But, if anything, WA6EVQ/RPT, " My advice to
CONTINENTAL 48 ONLY most ATVers are now glad that newcomers is to join the near·
the availability of components est ATV club and attend their
~~~t511~~s0 ~1~.11:~ies ~~~~1~a,n, 5 ~e 1s~: is bringing more activity to the meetings for a minimum of one
elude your atu code and telep hon e mode. year."
number • •lh any correspo ndence
As one West Coast ham sum-
ATV Clubs
med up the situation, "It seems
&RSE that we old-timers have just
about solved al I the problems
BRATS, P.O. Box 5915, Balti-
more, Maryland 21208.
vHAM for the newcomer. About the
only thing we haven't been able
Metrovision, P.O. Box 408, Falls
Church, Virginia 22046.
to fix is the problem of looking
SHACK presentable on television
during a 3 AM QSO."
LIMARC, 80 Birc hwood,
Syossett, New York 11 791.
Knowing ATVers, I'd guess Southern California ATV Club,
1207 W. 14 MILE, CLAWSON , Ml 48017
( 313 I 435-5660 they're probably working on it! 953 S. Beacon Street, Los
Angeles, California 90015.
31155 PLYMOUTH , LIVONIA, Ml 48150
(3131522-4232 Information Indianapolis ATV Club, P.O.
MAIL ORDER TELEPHONE Any article about ATV can Box 95, Waldron , Indiana 46182.
(313) 435-5660 only scratch the surface of HRH
20 m January 1980
ANTECK, Inc.
Phone(208)423-4100
BOX 415 - ROUTE 1
HANSEN, IDAHO 83334
I Address
I City
I State _ _ _ __ _ _ _ Zip _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Merry Christmas I Total _ _ __
and I Parcel Post or UPS Shipping ---=-_$_
7--,-.
00.,..,.....,...-
continental Limits
Happy New Year I ldaho Residents Add 3% Sa les Tax _ _ __
I Total Enclosed - - - -
I Master Charge or VISA - - -- - - - - - - - -
1 Ba nk No. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Expira tion Date._ _ __
I
22 ~ January 1980
hard work carrying a backpack
in 10-degree weather!"
Jeff watched the soot-
colored clouds scud across the
sky. "They sa id light snow
tonight - I hope we can get
some good pictures in the
morning." Greg said all he
wanted was to get to the cabin
so he could take the bac k-
pac k off.
" You've got the lightest
one," commented Carl, "And
where'd you get that stupid
orange hat?" Greg hit Carl with
a snowball, and then began
trudging up the trail.
The cab in was another hour's
walk, and so covered by drifts
that the hikers almost walked
by it.
" Pat ience, patience, I've got
to dig the key out f rom unde r
ten layers of clothes." Jeff
rummaged through his jacket
while impatient hi kers bunched
They didn't realize what a harrowing adventure this weekend would be. up beside him. The door
c reaked open, and they fell into
the cabin as a group.
As the students finished the snow on the ground now, and " It's beautiful," said Greg,
traditional Japanese bow that it's a good thing snowmobiles " I've got the top bunk!"
begins and ends all judo have packed down this trail. It's Everyone hurried ly staked
classes, they didn't realize
what an adventure this
weekend would bring.
The snow crunched under
their snowshoes as the six
hikers chugged along the trail.
Morgan, the older brother of
Glenn and Greg, was in the
lead. Brian, Carl, and Jeff were
spread out behind Morgan and
his brothers. Carl stumbled,
tripped, and fell into a snow
drift, and a break was called.
"That's the second time your
snowshoe came off. Do you
want some help tying it on?"
asked Greg.
"I'm a big boy," Carl said,
"And you'd probably only push
me deeper into the snow,
anyway!"
The woods were lovely and
very quiet. Mount Mooselauke
loomed over them, with the
wind swirling snow all over the
top. "Do you think we'll make
the summit, coach?" Morgan
wanted to know.
'Well , we have four feet of Carl stumbled, tri pped, and fell .
January 1980 m 23
It was an enjoyable walk in the woods.
out his claim , but Jeff was the way up the next day. Mount cou rse everyone took a sp ill,
final arbitrator. "Greg, Glenn, Mooselauke is 4,500 feet above and they laughed as they
and Brian, up in the loft, we'll sea level , and the McKinny brushed the snow off. They
take the bunk beds. That Cabin is on the so utheast side returned to the cabin, with
is all." at 2,000 feet. They hoped to Glenn and Greg arguing over
As they were sorting out the take the easiest trail up as high who saw the rabbit first. Carl
tangle of equipment, Brian as they could go before noon, and Brian settled it by pushing
asked where the bathroom was. then return before darkness them both into a drift and
Jeff pointed and said, "Do sett led in. It was a good plan, running, as best they could
you see the small building over but they didn't know about the with snowshoes on, for the
by the trees? That's cal led an three storm ce ll s that had cabin door.
outhouse. " combined and were quickly " When I catch you I'm going
" Are you su re it isn ' t for moving up the East Coast. to put snow down your neck!"
mailing letters?" asked Brian. It was an enjoyable walk in yelled Greg.
As soon as the gear was the woods, made even better Morg and Jeff were doubled
sorted , the group assembled in because the packs were left over with laughter and tried to
front of McKinny Cabin for behind. At the first small cheer the boys up with
pictures. Without the heavy downhill slope, they all had to promises of hot cocoa before
packs, they would explore the try sitting on their snowshoes supper.
nearby area and plan the best and sliding down on them. Of The cabin was snug and
24 m January 1980
warm once Morgan got the definite. He wouldn 't try it. of snow into their area.
wood burning in the old- " Okay, but tomorrow on that " They should have named it
fashioned cook stove. He'd mountain you've got no Carl if it's that big!" piped
neglected to open the flue, choice. " Jeff tapped out a up Greg.
however, and everyone's eyes general cal I on the key: Jeff laughed and said, " All
stung from the smoke. All was right, we might be stuck here
forgiven when Morg served up ca ca ca DE K1BE K1BE K1BE K for the next twenty-four hours.
the cocoa; to keep the peace, No answer. He tried it again, Try to be nice to each other. I
Carl and Brian got served last. and after the third try, there know you' ll all hate to miss
Brian started to prepare supper, it was: school Monday! "
digging the freeze-dried food When the cheering died
out of various packs. K1BE K1BE DE WD2XXX
WD2XXX K
down, they intently resumed
" We've got enough to last a the card game. Conversation
week, " said Brian. After a nice signal report and centered around two main
" Not with Carl's appetite," a short chat with New York at topics, the storm howling
Greg quipped, sticking his 20 words per minute in Morse outside and the Judo National
tongue out at Carl. Amidst code, Jeff was satisfied all was Tournament. All of the students
chuckles, he began melting in working order. Glenn still were on the club 's competitive
snow for water. wouldn't take the key, so Jeff team, which stood a good
" At least when I cook dinner signed off and clear. chance of winning.
we can get it out of the pan "Glenn, you were my best " We have a lot of hard work
without a jackhammer, Greg! " student in code, so I know ahead of us, but everybody
Greg reddened at the memory you'll do well. I'll just have to knows where he has to
of what had happened last keep after you till you get rid of improve."
summer when he was the your jitters. Hey, what's all the The coach knew what they
group's cook. smoke from? " asked Jeff. The were all thinking, which was
"For once, some quiet," cooks and the rest of the crew what an honor it would be to
commented Brian as he put on had been watching the radio win in the Nationals. He then
the supper. contact and they were sur- said, " Let's have a cup of soup
Jeff and Glenn were patiently prised to see supper smoking and get ready for bed . I'll send
uncoiling wires, hooking in on the stove. Jeff kicked the a message in the morning to
batteries, and performing other door open while Morgan ou r families to let everyone
mysteries. Morgan wanted to quickly threw Carl 's gourmet know we're okay."
know what was going on, so delicacy into the snow, where it " How about a story?" Greg
Jeff explained : noisily sizzled. asked , and everybody
"Well, I'd hate to carry this " There goes supper," enthusiastically agreed.
all the way up the mountain commented Greg. " At least we " All right, have I told the one
tomorrow only to find out it got to eat some of mine!" about the skydiving wedding in
doesn 't work. So, we' ll test it Morgan pointed out what Orange, Massachusetts?" Jeff
t onight." was obvious to everyone when asked as he picked up the soup
Putting the antenna wire he said, "It's starting to snow kettle with a pot holder. No one
through a crack under the really hard." The large flakes was really sure how it
window , he tied the antenna to floated to earth , limiting the happened, but the soup kettle
a tree limb outside. Jeff was visibility. fell from Jeff's hands, struck
talking to Glenn. They went back into the the table, and splashed the hot
" All set, we've tuned it up, cabin, and by lantern light, liquid all over his chest and
plugged in the key, double began supper again . This time arms. Jeff screamed and
checked all connections. Now Greg took charge, and a dumped the pot of cold water
let's see what happens." delicious meal of tuna, and melting snow on top of
They were using the Heathkit noodles, and carrots was soon himself. He quickly began
HW-7 transceiver, which con- ready. stripping off his shirts.
tains both the transmitter and "There's a big pot of French " It hurts, it hurts, help me
receiver in one unit. The onion soup if anyone's still bandage it up. "
speaker began to pour out a hungry," Greg said. "We'll The group was stricken, and
rush of Morse code. Jeff leave it on the stove and you could only watch as blisters
tapped the key until he heard can help yourself. " formed on Jeff's red , burned
his own signal and determined Cards were brought out, and chest. Carl jumped up and
that the rig was working . Brian turned his transistor radio pul led his dazed friend over to
" Would you like to try it, on . They almost wished he the bed.
Glenn?" asked Jeff. hadn't when they heard that a "Quick, Morgan, help me
Glenn 's reddening face and storm called "Larry" was wrap him up!" They all began
quiet "no" seemed very expected to drop twelve inches pulling cotton longjohns and
January 1980 m 25
towels out of their packs and quickly replied, being careful to got to put some warmth next to
passing them to Carl, who send as slowly as the other Jeff," Carl said, reading the
quickl y wrapped them into a operator had. message.
make-shift bandage. As Jeff " What can we use?" Morgan
K1BE DE W1BVR W1BVR WHAT'S
was being bandaged, he wanted to know.
THE NATURE OF YOUR
whispered to Carl : "Treat for EMERGENCY? K
"Greg , Brian, gently lie down
shock, I'm going into shock next to Jeff and keep him warm
... " Carl laid his friend down "Someone heard us," with your body heat. Try not to
and piled blankets on him. exclaimed Glenn, as he once touch the burns," Carl com-
Jeff's face was pale, so with again concentrated on his manded. " Morgan, pile the
Morgan 's help Carl put a sending: wood into that stove and put
sleeping bag under his feet. some heat into this cabin! "
W1BVR DE K1BE BADLY BURNED
"Is he going to die?" asked HIKER X WE ARE AT MCKINNY
Carl pulled out the last of the
Greg in a quiet voice. CABIN , MOUNT MOOSELAUKE, down sleeping bags and cov-
" He might if we can't get MOOSELAUKE, IN N H X REQUIRE ered Jeff with them . He also
him to a hospital," Carl DOCTOR AND EVACUATION K raised Jeff's legs a little mo re
answered. by placing extra clothes under
Brian wanted to know how Percy yelled to his wife to them.
that was possible, with the call Doc Barnett and the state "Glenn , ask them what else
police. He then transmitted to we have to do," Carl said. The
blizzard howling outside.
"We can use the radio to get the unknown operator: message went out:
help," Morgan yelped, "Glenn RR RWE ARE GETTING HELP X RR RWE ARE DOING
knows how!" WHERE ARE THE BURNS? X EVERYTHING WE CAN TO KEEP
All eyes turned on Glenn, WHAT FIRST AID TREATMENT HIM WARM X WHEN WILL HELP
who looked at the floor and HAVE YOU USED? X HOW DOES ARRIVE? WHEN WILL HELP
stammered, " But, but, I've THE INJURED LOOK? XIS HE ARRIVE? K
never used it, I just know the CONSCIOUS? K
code. I can't, I don't know Percy had been busy on the
Interference from another phone line. The New Hamp-
how. " Morgan replied, "You station calling blocked out the
know what the coach always shi re state police and the
answer. Percy quickly called National Park Service were
said, 'Beli eve and you ca n do!"' t he blocking station and
Marg led his brother to the organ izing to help. Other ham
informed him that an emer- operat ors guarded either side
operator's seat. gency was in progress. The
Glenn looked at the faces of of the emergency frequency so
other station moved away, and that no interference could blot
his friends. The snowstorm began to warn other Amateurs out the weak signal. As Percy
howled and whistl ed outside. to free the frequency. The weak sent out the message, he
Th e shallow breathing of his signals were still there. Percy wond ered how they would take
friend and coach came from asked for a repeat and rece ived the news:
the bed. All of hi s doubts fell this message:
away and with a new resolve he K 1BE DE W1BVR RR RESCUE IS
turned the rig on and tapped RR BURNS ON ARMS AND BEING ORGANIZED BUT ROADS
CH EST X BANDAGED AS BEST MUST BE PLOWED TO GET NEAR
out on the key: WE COULD X FACE IS PALE, YOU X SNOWMOBILES WITH
SOS SOS SOS DE K1 BE K1BE BREATHING SHALLOW, FACE DOCTOR SHOULD ARRIVE AB OUT
K1BE K FEELS CLAMMY X NOT TEN TOMORROW X WHAT IS THE
CON SCIOUS, WHAT SHOULD WE COND ITION OF INJURED? X I
There was no faltering of his DO? K REPEAT .. . K
hand, no hesitati on in the
characters. Thi s message had Percy spoke to the doctor on Glenn asked Carl to check on
to get through. the phone and quickly appri sed Jeff's cond ition. As Morgan
Percy Noble, W1 BVR, had him of the situation. The busily chopped wood for the
been standing by on the doctor's instructions were stove, Brian wh ispered to Carl ,
frequency of the Western then sent: " His heartbeat is stronger. I
Massachusetts Net for seve ral K1 BE DE W1 BVR R RAI SE FEET X can hear it. His breathing has
hours, in anticipation of its YOU MUST IMMEDIAT ELY APPLY become more regular, too. "
activation to help the Civil WARMTH TO THE BODY AREA, Carl also not iced that Jeff's
Defense Agencies. He was BUT NOT JUST THE ARMS AND color looked better. Glenn sent
co ncentrating on read ing the LEGS X DO NOT APPLY HOT out the information, and then
newspaper w hen he thought he THINGS, JUST WARMTH , ABOUT began the all-night vigil.
THE TEMPERATURE OF YOUR
heard it, a weak sos for sure. OWN BODY X I REPEAT
Everyone thought the morning
Now he's signing, Percy would never come. The wood
thought. Why, it's Jeff! That's Glenn's fingers were stove blazed, heating the cabin
not him at the key, though; it's c ramped as he copied the slow as never before. Drowsy with
someone inexperienced. Percy morse code. "He says we've fatigue, heads drooped, try ing
26 m January 1980
to stay awake. The odors of then the code crackled again in congratulated him for doing
smoke from the stove, onion Glenn's ear: such a good job under trying
soup, burned skin, and fear conditions.
permeated the confined area. BK GOOD NEWS X STATE POLICE "The snowmobiles should be
CAN NOW SEND HELICOPTER X here to pick us up within two
Would morning ever arrive?
MARK THE LANDING SPOT WITH
Glenn jerked awake, startled hours. But your parents won't
AN ARROW STAMPED IN THE
by a crackle in the earphones. SNOW X WILL ARRIVE WITHIN
be able to drive up to get you
He had stayed at his station all THE HOUR XI REPEAT ... K for another day. You'll have to
night, in case there were any be the guests of the National
more messages. Glenn acknowledged the Park Service until then," said
"Listen!" he cried. news and told his friends. the officer.
,,
I
)/~'\
I
.\-. -
\...--,.
"j , /,,~ ''
· -- - -- - - -- - - -- ------ ··----·------------'f).
~d-;==--_-......J
They had only just finished when they heard the whup, whup, whup of an approaching 'copter.
Morgan, dozing in hi s posi- Smiles brightened their faces. "In that case, we'd better all
tion at the stove, replied , "I Carl an d Morgan pushed the get ready, and clean up the
don 't hear anything." door open as the first rays of cabin, " Carl repli ed. As the
"That's right, the blizzard' s sunlight came down from a boys followed him back into
gone," said Glenn. very blue sky. The large arrow the cab in, eve ry eye glistened
He put the earphones on and they tramped in the snow in a with tears. It mu st have been
began calling: nearby field was only ju st the bright sunlight and the fact
finished when they heard the that they were all suddenly
W1 BVR DE K1 BE BLIZZARD HAS whup, whup, whup of an very, very tired.
STOPPED HERE X CA N RE SC UE approaching 'copter.
EFFORTS BE HURRI ED NOW? K The tall state policeman Postscript: On July 4th , Glenn
Percy, who had also spent a commented, as they watched received the trophy for placing
long vigil during the night, the ascending helicopter: "Your secon d in the United States at
quickly answered: friend will be in the hospital in the Judo Nationals. In the
les s than 15 minutes. You all cheering crowd, none yelled
RR K1BE DEW1BVR WE WILL did a great job. Which one of and clapped so loudly as did
SE E WHAT IS POSSIBLE X
you was the radio man?" Jeff, his judo coach and good
STAND BY
Glenn reddened as the friend.
A few minutes passed and officer shook his hand and HRH
Here's the second of the series TS-820; "Completeness. It pro· especially to pull through the
of user's reports, triggered by vides all the features I desire!" weak ones." From WB4GKI:
the announcement and ques- W8MHG likes the rig too; "(It's) "Everything considered, the
tionnaire in our July, 1979, a very good value for your TS-820 is the best transceiver I
issue. This one covers the Ken- money. A trouble-free, popular have ever used on CW."
wood TS-820, and its brother, rig, that sounds good on the K5VNJ says that there are
the TS-820S. For those of you air. If you are changing rigs, "so many good features, but
who have not followed these this model is very marketable." the 1-F Shift often makes the
rigs from the beginning, the From W30SE: "Best feature? difference on the weak ones in
820 had an optional digital- Difficult to say, because the heavy QRM." And WD6AQJ
readout accessory which you engineering design, rugged- says: " Haven't found any
could purchase and install ness, and quality are outstand- (worst features) - I was
later. The popularity of this ing. The audio quality on SSB is equally pleased with the
item led the manufacturers to frequently reported as TS-520, and upgraded to the
decide that it would save a lot excellent." 820 when the price dropped.
of time and paperwork if it was Writing from the homeland of These are wel I constructed and
installed in the first place, and the TS-820, JA 1BA Ii kes "the rugged rigs. With a good
the model with the factory- 1-F Shift control. It eliminates antenna system, they hold their
instal led digital readout was unwanted signals by moving own in pileups with anything
named the TS-820S. Otherwise, them out of the passband of on the market."
they're both the same radio, the receiver." VE7EM D agrees: Up in Minnesota, W0RIL likes
covering 1.8 to 29.7 MHz ham "Passband tuning helps consid· "Stability, ease of operation,
bands, with 200 watts input erably when some clod running and appearance. I have never
(PEP), 160 watts on CW, and 2 kW parks 1 kHz away from owned a unit which has been
100 watts for frequency-shift your QSO." WB1FAE says: l·F as satisfactory as my TS-820,
keying (as in RTTY) use. Shift . .. allows receiver to and I am proud to show it to
Being a transceiver, the remain on same frequency but anyone." From G3NCC/W9 we
820 is an everything-in-one-box enables (you) to drop ORM off hear; "A combination of fea-
type of rig (except for some the side of the filter slope." tures - l·F Shift, stability,
accessories which you'll read K3MMV tells us: "I am on clean signal, dependability -
user comments on), making it the air every day, and am an make it an above average per·
compact, portable (well, avid DXer and contester, so former." W2GJK says: "I like
somewhat portable - it weighs this rig gets a lot of use. It the digital readout ... I can
35 pounds or 16 kg), and is extremely dependable, which easily come back to a given
functional. On to the is of utmost importance in spot."
com ment s, taken from 253 contests. I've never had a For a listing of the most·
returns. failure!" And, from Vermont, often-mentioned features, both
AEH says: "The radio has good and bad, see Table 1.
The good features . .. depth! It's really a pleasure to Sometimes it was hard for the
WA6GGG sums up in a few operate, to go up and down the respondents to make up their
words what he likes about the bands, c hange modes, and mind; one person named 18
28 m January 1980
items as the " Best Feature, " pleasant during uncrowded From K9AD, " CW filter can-
along with 11 as " Worst Fea- conditions without a filter." not be switched in and out
ture!" Further, several people WA2SAM says: " There is very when operating on CW. If you
had words to the effect that the little I can find wrong with the have a filter installed, you are
TS-820 is " The greatest - radio, except possibly the need committed to using it. " How-
everything is a Best Feature!" to incorporate a more effective ever, WB3JEX has a different
Some items named, but less noise blanker." thought about a worst feature.
than 3 per cent, include: port- The instruction manual " DC power supply should be
able and compact, digital hold, scores again, from a user who standard , with no additional
flexibility, speech processor, asked to remain nameless, cost . Otherwise, I feel that
PLL design, vhf-converter "Easily the worst feature is its
connections, rf attenuator, Japanese-English instruction
good receiver, and solid-state manual. It reads like the dialog
construction. in a Charlie Chan movie. It
should be totally revised,
And the bad ones written more lucidly, and have
According to WD8JPE the more information on how to get
rig's worst feature is its the most out of the rig."
instruction book, " poor dia- From WA6HEG, "Can 't think
grams, uses very poor English." of any (bad features) except
And W0KC says, "very little pilot light hits right in the eye. I
human engineering in layout of solved this by using a small
the front panel. Controls are piece of tape above the dial
too close together. When using calibrations." He comments
right hand to adjust the 1-F further, "I have never heard a This smili ng Kenwood owner i s By,
Shift knob, my thumb hits the bad Kenwood on the air, and W30S E. A neat st ation w it h some
photos of neat old cars, too.
main tuning dial and knocks it have had others say the same."
off frequency. " WB1 HJI states, Even the much-favored digi-
" (Worst Feature) is getting the tal display comes in for a few there are no bad features."
rig fixed. I realize that intermit- barbs, "(Worst feature) is According to WB9LUK, " The
tent problems are hard to erratic operation and poor Digital Hold button has limited
troubleshoot, but I don 't like soldering on pc boards of use, as once this button is
getting it back with the same digital display. Repair parts for re leased to check the frequen-
problem plus new ones." this cost 250 per cent above cy you are operating on, the
And, from W9DCB, " There is average, and delivery in excess frequency is lost. You would
no way to switch the CW filter of four weeks from California" have to write it down anyway. "
in or out. CW reception is more - K1TFX. Among the items listed as
worst features, but in numbers
Table 1. Best and worst features named by respon- too smal l to list in Table 1, can
dents. Some returns listed more than one feature . be found: low output power
(mobile, and at low line-
Best Features Per Cent
voltages), readout numeral size,
1-F shift 31 .2 no MARS coverage, no built-in
Digital readout 20.1 de supply, too large, too heavy,
Ease of operation 11 .0 internal speaker is inadequate,
Transmit signal quality 8.6 digi tal hold is useless, crystal
Stability 7.5 positions useless, poor access
Incremental tuning {RIT) 5.1 to the final tubes, and warranty
Sensitivity 3.9 po licy.
" Everything " 3.9
Select ivity 3.2 Problems: question 12
Dependable, rugged 3.2 A tally of the answers to
Worst Features
question 12, " Have you had any
problems" comes out with
CW filter {one position only) 11.4 these figures:
Speech processor {ineffective) 7.9
Controls {crowded, position) 7.1 Yes = 49.4 per cent
Noise blanker {ineffective) 6.7 No = 50.5 per cent
Tune-up procedure 5.1 Table 2 provides a closer
Digital-readout construction 4.3 look at the troubles reported ,
Owner's manual 3.9 and again, as in the last
None 22.9 month's report, I've used the
January 1980 m 29
Table 2. Types of troubles reoorted by those who months old and the dealer did a
answered yes to Question 12. fine business job of repair . .. "
Item Times Reported - W0KC. "Drifts excessively
for 10 minutes after power on.
Digital readout 52 Have to change bands to stop
Poor so ldering 10 drifting , then it is very stable. "
Speech processor 7 - ACSH . " Main tuning capaci-
Intermittent VOX and audio 7
tor became erratic. (Found)
Receiver output amplifier 6 loose solder connection at PC
Blows out pi lot lamps 6 board where tuning capacitor is
RF feedback 4 mounted." - (unnamed sta-
Blown resistor 4 tion) . " Blew a resistor in the
TVI 3 keying circuit with too much rt
from my end-fed antenna. Th is
wasn 't the rig's fault, though."
actual number of instances the contacts, and reinstall . No - (unnamed station). "220-ohm
reported, instead of percent- big problem for me, but I know keying resistor went. " -
ages. Several users named of some (hams) who sent their WB21QV. " RIT control has
more than one problem. set back to the factory for become noisy, (causing) occa-
As popular as the digital service." - W4ABI. "The digi- sional frequency instability." -
readout is, it also seemed to be tal readout gave erroneous (unnamed station). " Tuning
the source of a lot of com- readings. I opened the box, knob and gears occasionally
plaints as well. Many instances removed the plug and cleaned get out of alignment and
of instability of the reading it with contact cleaner ... require adjustment. Instruction
were reported , and some were problem solved." - WA71EJ. book doesn't discuss this prob-
cured, others were not. (Some " (I found) bad soldering in the lem." - K5ZT. " Receiver out-
of them , from the description, display, at three points! " - put amplifier, TA7201 P, has
appear to me to be caused by DL10V. blown twice. " - WA5TXN.
rf getting into the timing and Now for a look at comments "Driver tube shorted, it took
display logic, but that's only a on some other types of prob- out both transmitting mixer
guess.) lems. " Main tuning dial action FETs. Speech processor does
Let's take a look at what is not uniform. While tuning not hold alignment, needs con-
some people had to say about across any band, the tuning stant readjustment and it's
the troubles they've seen. action varies from too loose to inconvenient to adjust -
" Faulty digital (readout), tight." - K1JKJ . " Am unhappy there's no simple access to
starting with newly purchased with the noise blanker, espe- TC4 control. " - AE2J. " Origi-
set, and after 1 year I'm still cially since I have no way or nal CW filter opened up. I
trying , and paying , to get it to procedure to verify its replaced it with Sherwood Engi-
work properly." - WD9UIK. operating performance." - neering unit. Digital readout
" The digits go out every once WB2FOP. " (I had a problem) went out of control because of
in a while. " - WDSJPF. " Digi- with main VFO drift and an IC temperature problem. I
tal display blinks intermittently, instability. Rig was not three cooled the ICs, and replaced a
especially in high-humidity
weather." - AESD. " The digital
display malfunctioned intermit-
tently. Repaired It myself." -
KSRD. (Many of our readers
would like to know what you
did to it, Ed.) " Digital readout
quits occasionally, reads a con-
stant value, regardless of (VFO)
setting." - (from a Pacific
station). " Digital readout very
unstable at times ." -
WB4HWM. "Digital readout had
to be repaired on two different
occasions." - WB1EPK.
Some of the respondents
offered some information about
fixing the digital readout, too.
" (It was) necessary to remove JA 1BA uses his TS·B20 as the main transceiver, with an earlier TS·510 as a backup.
the digital readout cards, clean Other part s of his stati on in clude so me 20 receivers, most of them military surplu s!
30 Im January 1980
defective one." - WB1 FAE. and the remaining 87.8 per cent tal) readout that I have not
"TVI - I found the case, both had a list that was long and been able to locate." - N9GK.
top and bottom, was not varied. The list included several "The de converter has low
grounded very well. I scraped items not made by Kenwood, efficiency and costs too much
the paint from around the but the majority of them bore for a case, two transistors, and
screw holes, used star washers Kenwood designations, as one power resistor." - DL2QB.
under each screw, and my TVI shown in Table 3. "The auxiliary speaker isn't
disappeared." - K3MWV. "No The list of accessories in really large enough to provide
real trouble with the rig, but very small quantity, not shown improvement over the built-in
lightning did get the audio
output IC. It ran in on the
phone patch when al I other Table 3. Accessories purchased by owners of the
TS-820.
wires were disconnected or
grounded!" - WA4UPO. Item Per Cent
Troubles reported only one VFO 40.7
or two times are: harmonics of Speaker 38.3
15 meters, driver tube blew, CW filter 34.7
finals blew, excessive plate MG-50 (or other microphone) 25.2
current, loose phone jack, low AT-200 (or other) tuner 13.4
grid drive, drifts, blew fuses, DS-1A de supply 11.4
poor ALC on 10 meters, S-meter SM-220 (or other) monitor scope 11 .4
adjustment tricky, bad antenna Digital readout 10.2
coil, lightning strikes, blown TL-922A (or other) linear amplifier 2.3
diode, marker signal out of None 12.2
adjustment, and one bad
antenna change-over relay.
Then comes question 13, in Table 3, includes such speaker. I use my old H RO
"Have you had the rig things as fans to cool the speaker instead." - W4JM.
serviced?" which brought forth finals, phone-patch, spinner- "The MC-50 microphone was
the following answers: type knob, service manual, practically worthless. I
TRS-80 interface, electronic swtiched to a Shure 444 for
Yes = 29 per cent
keyer, wattmeter, TVI filter, and good results." - AF7G. "Only
No = 67 per cent others. (a) minor dissatisfaction; the
which leaves 4 per cent who The remote (or external) VFO center frequency of the Band-
did not answer the question. took top honors as an acces- scope drifts on warm up. " -
Where was the service per- sory, followed by the external N2ALQ. "The CW filter (is only)
formed? speaker, and the CW filter mod- 4-pole, (has) no skirt selectiv-
ification. A sizeable number ity." - K8CV. "The AT-200
Manufacturer = 36.9 per cent purchased the digital readout tuner is pretty expensive for
Dealer = 47.9 per cent for their earlier TS-820, to bring what you get, but it has been
Other (myself) = 30.1 per cent it more in line with the later entirely satisfactory." -
Yes, I wondered about that 820-S. (unnamed).
total of 114.9 per cent, and, In answer to question 17, On the other hand: "Ken-
upon checking back through "Have you been satisfied with wood has done an excel lent job
several of the replies, I found these accessories?" the count in the production of acces-
that some had the rig serviced shows: sories." - WB4HWM . "The TV-
by the Manufacturer/Dealer and 506 is super." - WL7ACY.
then did some additional ser-
Yes = 55.7 per cent "Had trouble with AT-200 tuner,
vicing on it themselves (usually
No = 6.3 per cent but the factory service was
for a different problem, but not The remaining 38 per cent excellent." - N6AOH. "I am
always). didn't answer the question. very pleased with my TS-820S.
Further, of the 29 per cent Some comments about the Kenwood quality is fine." -
who had the rig serviced, 67 .1 accessories: "If I had it to do W2BHK.
per cent said the service was again, I would not buy the digi-
Accessories and
satisfactory, 21.9 per cent were tal readout. I rarely calibrate
features wanted
dissatisfied, and 11 per cent the dial, and even with band
didn't say one way or the other. switching, the dial is rarely off The list of features and
more than 300 cps." - accessories wanted is long, but
Accessories WB91PH. "The VF0-820 seems 28.4 per cent of the users indi·
Only 12.2 per cent of the to warble a bit when tuning." cated that they didn't need or
users said they did not buy any - WA5QVK. "There is an inter- want any additional goodies:
accessories for their TS-820, mittent somewhere in the (digi- "Already have all I need. Leave
._ 70 70 70 70
60
"'u"'
60 60 60
50 50 50 50
ai 40 40
"- 30 30 30 30
20 20 20 20
10 10 10 10
0 0
I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 I 2 3 5 6 7
• • 10 I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 I 2 7 8 9 10
~
60 60 60 60
u 50 50 50 50
ai 40 40 0
"- 30 30 30
20 20 20
10
0
;'~'\\',\.{,. - '
I 2 3 4
I~~5 6 I 7 B 9 10 I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
10
0
I 2 ' 3 4 8 9 10
10
0
I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
"'"'u 60
50
60
50
60
50
6 0
50
Cl: 40 40 40
Cu
"- 3 0 '°
,0 30 30
20 20 20 20
•0 10 IO 10
0 0 0
I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 I 2 J 4 5 6 7 B
• 10 I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 I 2 3 4 5 6
RATING
7 8 9 10
RATING RATING RATING
Fig. 1. Th e answers to question 21 , the ratings, provi de this group of "skyline" profiles for the various categories. They show per·
centages of the number of respo ndents who answered each category. The features receiving a predominately good rating have more
weight at the upper end of the scale.
it like it is." - KW6HF. " The filter is no good when copying proved noise blanker, frequen-
820-S has everything." - wide-band ATTY." - W6AUX. cy memories, MARS coverage,
(unnamed). "They are doing "I mounted an outboard mini- internal keyer, Oscar adapter,
okay." - AL7B. "Has all the toggle switch on bottom front clock, all solid-state, scanner
features I use ... in fact, I of 820. It puts the CW filter in companion, full break in (QSK),
don't use al I of its many fea- or out of the circuit as easier access for maintenance,
tures ." (unnamed). "Have those desired." - WB7TNH. full service manual, better
(accessories) I want, need no "(How about) a matching finals, QAP capability, separate
(features) - it fills the bill. " - ' little linear,' an outboard antenna jack for receiver, built-
W0ACH . speech processor, a variable · in de supply, PTT jack, FM
Here's a sample of some bandwidth control, and a built- capability, less tuning and
comments about features in keyer." - (unnamed). " Built- simple bandswitching, more
wanted: "1 bought the rig to in audio selectivity." - power out, and - of course -
take with me when 1 travel .. . W3NWA. "Believe it or not, a-m lower cost!
the front cast ing looks as capability." - WB1 FAE. "Easy
though it's meant to accept a WAAC band adaptability." - The Ratings
matching protective cover, but WL7ACY. "Phone patch . .. (it's The world is full of opinion
nothing is available from the) only lack in the Kenwood polls, consumer index ratings,
Kenwood. I think I've found a line." - WD6AQJ . " A built-in performance ratings, and the
'scope cover which will fit." - second VFO, and additional fil- like. Just as in last month's
N7BDV. "Something similar to ters which could be switched issue, we have a rating chart
the new solid-state rigs, pos- in if wanted." - KB2CA. "Why for the Kenwood features,
sibly as an add-on ... and a not a nice carrying case for shown as Fig. 1. The ratings
better filter system ... (this vacations?" - WB91PH. are on a scale of 1 to 10, and
one is) not sharp enough for A look at some of the fea- only those users who answered
code work." - KA4BAF. "A tures wanted includes: tunable the question were counted - if
switch on the front panel to put i·f notch filter (or variable-width someone had never had his rig
CW filter in or out. (The) CW selectivity, many times), im- serviced, or had never bought
32 m January 1980
and attached any accessories,
and left those sections of the R-X Noise Bridge
rating question blank, that
answer was not counted for
that particular item. In this way, All Palomar Englneen products are
made In U .S.A. Since 1965, manut9ciuren
a group of "no-answers" ot Amateur Radio equipment only.
doesn't adversely unbalance
the chart. Again, the answers
are shown in percentages.
Here's that important
question, number 25, "Would
you buy the same rig again?"
Yes = 66 per cent
No = 9 per cent
Undecided = 25 per cent
That looks like a pretty fair
endorsement of the TS-820 line,
in spite of the digital readout
problems and the newer breed
of rigs on the market.
Where did you buy it?
A look at the answers to this
earlier question reveals:
Dealer = 66.2 per cent • Learn the truth about your antenna.
Mai I Order = 12.2 per cent
800 number = 15.0 per cent • Find its resonant frequency .
Individual = 4.7 per cent
Flea Market = 1.9 per cent • Adjust it to your operating frequency quickly
Other= O and easily.
Would you buy from the same
source again? If there is one place in your station where you cannot risk uncerta in resul ts
it is in your antenna.
Yes = 69 per cent
No = 6 per cent The Palomar Engineers R-X Noise Bridge tells you if your antenna is
resonant or not and, if it is not , whether it is too long or too short. All this
(Undecided or in one measurement reading. And it works just as well with
no answer) = 25 per cent ham-band-only receivers as w ith general coverage equipment because it
gives perfect null readings even when the antenna is not resonant. It gives
Final final resistance and reactance readings on d ipoles, inverted Vees, quads,
beams multiband trap dipoles and vert icals. No station is com plete
That's the word on the without this up-to-date instrument.
Why wcirk in the dark? Your SWR meter or your resistance noise bridge
Kenwood TS-820/820$, just the tells you only half the story. Get the instrument t hat reall y works, the
way you readers tell it. I'll say Palomar Engineers R-X Noise Br idg e. Use it to check your antennas from 1
thanks to each of you who took to 100 MHz. And use it in your shack to adjust resonant frequencies of
the time to fill out the survey both series and parallel tuned circuits. W orks better t han a di p meter and
form (and especially those who costs a lot less. Send for our free brochu re.
made suggestions on improv-
ing the form), and on rigs to be
evaluated in the future. All are The price is $55.00 in the U.S. and Canada. Add $3.00
s hipping/handling. California resident s add sales tax.
duly noted, so keep watching
these pages for the results.
Thanks also for the encour- Fully guaranteed by the originator of the R-X Noise Bridge. ORDER
aging words about the users ' YOURS NOW!
survey itself. I'm glad you like
the idea so much.
Now, I'll get busy on the pile
of comments from Atlas
210/215X users. You'll read
about it next month (if my
calculator batteries hold out!).
HRH
January 1980 m 33
BY DEE LOGAN, W1HEO, The key factors in this story by accident. Soon after I got
and are: my job at the college, I was
DAVE LAKE, G3ZCA asked by the local ham radio
A. I teach electronics at a
club to teach an evening class
Without the assistance of ham college of further education in for the Radio Amateur's Exami-
radi o it is highly unl ikely that a small town called Kings Lynn, nation theory test. This is the
yours truly, Dave (G3ZCA) my England, one hundred miles only theory test required for
wife,_ Anne (G8MAY), and the north of London. A British F.E. any U.K. license and is at a
college is about equivalent to
two Junior members of the reasonably high standard. The
family, Tim (now 15) and an American community candidate must answer eight
Vanessa (now 13), would have co llege.
?Ut of ten essay-type questions
~p~nt two of the last six years B. In 1968 I became a ham. in three hours, with a failure
living, working , and playing in rate maintained at approximate-
C. In 1970 I responded to a
the U.S.A. ly 40 per cent of the appli-
We have operated mobile to CQ call from W1HEO on 21 .33
cants! After teaching the
the four corners of the U.S., MHz from whi ch developed a course for thirty-si x evenings, I
and to Four Corners itself long-last ing and deep friend- took the test with the students
where we happened to m~et ~hip ~e.tween the Logan family
an_d happi ly, most of us passed.
KH6BF. We have been to the 1n Fa1rf1eld, Connecticut, and With the theory test under the
the Lake family in Kings Lynn,
Grand Canyon twice and Dis- belt, a Cl~ss B (vhf and higher
neyland four times. The list England. As I write these notes frequen cies, phone) license can
cou ld go on and on. Maybe you I am awaiting our 226th sked be obtained for 6.40 pounds
think we are members of the on 21.33 MHz. st er Ii ng per year from the
rich set - not so! I had become a ham almost British Home Office (note that
January 1980 m 35
genuine CBers, but let's wel-
come them to the ham bands.
Having arrived in Grand
Rapids , there were so many
great non-hams to meet that
ham radio did take something
of a back seat. I maintained a
regular schedule with W1HEO
on 40 meters or 80 meters, and
it was great fun having eyeball-
to-eyeball QSOs with a number
of the stations I had talked to
from England. Two meters was
becoming established and
repeaters were starting. I
discovered that U.S. practice is
to channelize - something we
were not doing in England. Six
years later the position is
reversed. In G-land we are now
very much channelized. There
are only nine frequencies
allocated by the Home Office
for repeater operation . Output
frequencies start at 145.6
Visiting the shack of W1HEO, Dave and Anne lake check the station log before sam- (called R0) and increase by 25
pling the radio conditions and listening for stations from home. kHz for each subsequent chan-
nel. Input frequencies are
ham radio (helped by the mag- repeater often carries the kind always 600 kHz below, and a
nificent American hospitality) of language I heard on Ameri- 1750-Hz tone access is stan-
extended through to our meet- can CB, and it seems to me dard. There are now about
ing and we were always totally that CB is an excellent reposi- fifteen repeaters, and most of
at ease. tory for these people. Of the country is covered, but we
We knew we had arrived in course, one is sorry for the do need many more fill-ins.
the U.S. Our senses told us:
A. Sounds; everybody had
American accents!
B. Sights; things really were
bigger and brighter - cars,
street s, motel and hamburger
signs, hou se lots, and space.
We thought America was verti-
cally polarized , but really, it's
horizontal with very few people.
The population density is many
times less than in the U.K.
C. Taste; charbroiled and dill
pickle, and ice cream.
All countries have a
characteristic aroma, and
(meant in the best possible
way) America smel Is American.
I don't know why.
In the few days before we
moved on to Grand Rapids, we
inspected a number of radio
shops and discovered CB. We
still do not have CB in Britain. I
believe we should, to deflect
the nuts from abusing our 2- Autopatch is not allowed in England, but Anne Lake, GSMAY, tried it on the Bridgeport,
meter repeaters. The London Connect icut, repeater while visiting the shack of Dee, W1 HEO.
36 m January 1980
There are thirteen frequen- using a portable inverted V A fact of technical education
cies recommended for simplex antenna for 20 and 40 meters, is that any community needs a
operation, starting at 145.25 and hence earned our proud good supply of craftsmen and
(called S10) and again in· claim to have operated from all technicians, but by no means
creasing by 25 kHz per channel. ten cal I areas. must they all be university
A typical operation might Eventually, we made our way graduates. Consequently, both
involve a repeater contact on back to the East Coast, by this in the U.K. and the U.S., there
R8 followed by a QSY to S22! time looking more like Ameri- had been a rapid growth of
CW and SSB are used from 144 cans than Europeans, under- vocational technical training
schools. We set out to observe
the scene, and teach at the
community college in Greeley,
Colorado, which also functions
as the local area vocational
school for high school seniors.
Again, W1HEO and family
welcomed us to the U.S., and
after a re-introduction to cold
beer and Big Macs, we were
pointed in the direction of the
West!
Arriving in Greeley, we at
first experienced difficulty in
making contact with the local
people. It had something to do
with the wide-open-spaces and
the loner attitude of cowboys, I
think. However, there was a
solution; a telephone call to
KOOJ put us in contact with the
greatest bunch of hams with
During t he visit to W1 HEO's Connecticut QTH, G3ZCA, left, found that an English· call signs we too rarely work
man 's call on the Bridgeport repeater brought instant results . from England.
Our social life in Greeley was
very much Amateur-Radio
to 145 MHz, and the whole standing the language fairly oriented. I joined the local club
2-meter band is from 144 to well, and being able to give and repeater group, and,
146 MHz. sensible responses in restau- although I had a high-frequency
Back at the junior college, I rants. Sadly, the great adven- rig with me, I soon had to go
was teaching electronics to ture was over and we bade fare- on 2-meters to work those
freshmen and sophomores well to Dee and Liz and our wonderful repeater sites high in
(This kind of terminology home country for the past the Rocky Mountains.
eventually became familiar) and twelve months. In Kings Lynn we struggle to
we met a number of hams The years from 1973 were not get aerials 100 feet above sea
around the college and almost too good for high frequency level ; in Colorado up to 10,000
qi.~naged to revive the college communication. We were at a feet is fairly normal. Friday
station. low in the eleven-year sunspot nights were allocated to trans-
At the end of the school cycle, so vhf activity in Britain mitter hunts. Despite K00J
year, we embarked on an boomed - perhaps encour- "riding shotgun," I always lost
eleven-week camper trip and aged by the lack of a code test - but I did have excuses. I
discovered just how big the for vhf operation. I have never was, of course, on the wrong
U.S. is. It really should be been a CW fan, and I believe a side of the road, and embar-
compared to Europe rather than more appropriate "filter test" rassing problems were caused
to England. The different call could be devised, particularly by stop signs (we don't have
areas could rightly be consid- for vhf. Maybe the often-criti- them in England). People in
ered separate countries for cized Home Office has a point. Fort Collins were astounded to
ham radio purposes. We oper- By a stroke of good luck, in see an Englishman (complete
ated portable on the high August, 1976, G3ZCA and fam- with necktie) apparently butter-
frequency bands. Operation ily had the opportunity for fly-catching from a fast-moving
was not too easy using valved another year's teaching ex- Chevrolet. We did make a few
equipment, but we maintained change in the U.S., which was small contributions. I estab-
a weekly sked with W1HEO gladly accepted. 1ished a station at the school (I
January 1980 m 37
hope it is still there), and gave which is currently giving good or via the repeaters; I was
a few talks about ham radio in service copying GB3PI (our happy to have a synthesized
England. The hams introduced local repeater). rig. We were directed to many
us to lots of other things too: We also met Harl, K6JQD, of the off-the-beaten-track
rattlesnake hunting, ice skat- and his family for picnic lunch. highl ights which we would
otherwise have missed.
From Washington , it was
nice to talk to our "cousins"
across in Victoria, British
Columbia. We spent an unex-
pected night there, however.
Apparentl y a Colorado driver's
license is not sufficient proof
of identity for an Englishman
who wants to get back into the
U.S. We warmed up the ether
with our observations on
bureaucracy!
Our stay in the U.S. was
rapidly coming to an end , and
again we had to make our way
back to the East Coast, ham-
ming all the way . Du ring a vis it
to Fran k, WA2YVK, who with
his fam ily had just ret urned
from England after a one-year
teaching exchange, we were
able to draw comparisons
between the two countries.
Needless to say, we found our
Talking from the shack of W1 HEO, left, Dave Lake, G3ZCA, chats with friends in east-
ern England as well as the U.S. eastcoast gang on 75 meters. Operating above 3.8 MHz
way back to our anchorman,
is a luxury not available in G-land. W1 HEO, at Fairfield , Connecti-
cut, and spent a few days re-
meeting the locals on those
ing, cowboying and branding, He was from Paradise. I never late-night 75-meter skeds that
backpacking, muzzle loading, established whether that was W1 HEO enjoys. We made a pil·
and violin making, to mention a his city or whether he just grimage to Cape Cod to see
few. They persuaded us to en- meant California. the Marcon i station, now un-
joy July 4th whilst we really I'll just mention Lee, happil y almost in the Atlantic
should have sat in the base- WB7EZI. She talked us into an due to coastal erosion.
ment sulking! eyeball QSO for a clam give- It takes just seven hours to
The punch line is, if you are away. The river at Coos Bay, get back to London and
ever lost for friends "phone Orgeon , was being dredged another readjustment.
a ham." out, and in the process large In 1977/78, high frequency
In the summer of 1977 we quantities of the biggest clams propagation was improving, and
took a long trip to the West I had ever seen were being t he Norfolk col lege station,
Coast. If you've driven 1-80 brought ashore. The word had G3XYZ, was often on the air
from Cheyenne to Reno you gotten around , and WB7EZI, again, particularly Thursday
will have discovered that 2- G3ZCA, and many others lined evenings when the local club
meter repeaters are as up to collect a few gallons of meets there (or at the pub). We
welcome as are oases in the free clams. It was quite an are always del ighted to talk to
desert. We talked to many experience cleaning them, but old and new American friends.
hams along the way. A high- a gastronomic delight topped The Lakes wi ll, of course,
light here was the coffee-stop off the whole event. We really return to the U.S., but in the
and eyeball QSO we set up - enjoyed the Pacific Coast. It meantime we shall maintain
through a repeater in Rock was nice to see the ocean our contacts via Amateur
Springs - with Smokey, again after a year in Colorado Radio . Remember, should you
W0MGW, who was driving one - remember that in Britain find yourself in England
of those enormous lorries nowhere are you more than 100 clutching your " On Her
equipped for all-band operation. miles from the sea. We saw the Majesty's Servi ce" G5 call ,
As a parting gift, Smokey gave big trees and the loggers. I also "phone a ham " - G3ZCA.
me an "Ugly Stick" antenna, logged many call signs direct HRH
38 m January 1980
fact:
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belongs in
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42 m January 1980
desired. Binding posts allow
easy connection for measure-
ment purposes . In addition, a
pair of coax connectors mount- AMP£R£S
January 1980 m 43
my own rough measurements In addition to routine rf volt- ANTfNNA
showed that the circuit has an age and current measurements SYSTEM
44 m January 1980
,.
MFJ SUPER
neutralizing a power amplifier.
A couple of turns of wire con-
nected to terminals C and D
When it comes to
AMATEUR CW/SSB
provided a pick-up circuit with
such a high degree of sensitiv-
ity that very good neutralization
coul d be readily obtained. The
RADIO QSL's ...
FILTERS
meter was also used as a
simple field -strength meter by
connecting a short piece of
js59gs
wire to terminal D and connect-
ing GND to a convenient
ground. MFJ-721 SUPER SELECTOR CW/SSB FILTER
gives 80 Hz BW. steep SSB skirts, noise limiting.
The last, and perhaps most
CW Filter gives 80 Hz BW. No ringing. 8
interesting, use of the meter poles give super s1eep skirts (60 dB down one
was as a relative-noise-level octave from center freq. of 750 Hz). No tunable
meter. When I connected the tilter can match performance. BW: 80. 11 o.
microammeter terminals C and 150. 180 Hz. Reduces noise up to 15 dB.
SSB Filter improves readability. Reduces
it's the splatter, hiss. static, noise, hum. IC active filter
has 375 Hz highpass cutoff; 2.5, 2.0, 1.5 KHz
S I GNAi.
ONLY BOOK! (36 dB/octave) lowpass cutoffs.
Works with any rig. AM, SSB, CW. Plugs into
G£H£RATOR
US or DX Listings phone jack. 2 watts lor speaker. Inputs for 2
rigs. Speaker and phone jacks. Phones disable
~~llbaaks
speaker. OFF bypasses filter. 9-18 VOC, 300
ma. 10x2x6 in. Optional AC adapter. $7.95.
Switchable noise limiter for impulse noise;
B
trough clipper removes background noise.
Simulated stereo for CW lets ears. brai n re
NOW READY! ject ORM. Yet, hear off frequency ca!ls.
ij
-j
a quarter of full scale. This Order both oookSat !he same time lor $34.65. includes
reading varied over a period of Shipping .
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puohsher. All oirec1 orders add $1.75 for shippmg. lllinms
thunderstorm was in the vicin- residents add 5°1. Sales Tax
ity, a flash of lightning in the THE CWF-2BX SUPER CW FILTER ANO SBF-
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2BX SSB FILTER are same as in the MFJ-721.
was like discovering Benjamin Amateur Radio less speaker amplifier. noise limiter. Plus in rig
Emblem Patch to drive phones or connect between audio stage
Franklin 's famous kite experi- ~,,mu•~ only $2.50 postpaid for speaker operation. 9 V battery. 2x3x4 in.
ment all over again . I discon-
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" I've been meaning to ask if do-dads. Supposedly, they husband 's ham radio hobby.
you would talk to my wife . .. " cannot absorb the basic ideas My own entry into Amateur
The young man gazed at me about electricity needed to Radio grew out of that desire.
hopefully. obtain an Amateur Radio As a freelance writer, I was
He knew that I held a license. fortunate that my husband,
General-class ticket, thus But more and more women Jess, WSSQJ, a retired English
sharing my husband's interest are proving these are unreal- and journalism teacher, knew
in Amateur Radio. Like several istic ideas. Women are as enough about writing to
other hams who had recently capable of mastering the understand my work, and to
approached me with the same equations and theories of converse with me about the
request, WSISO was wondering point-to-point communications problems involved.
if I would encourage his wife as men are. Often, it is only Yet, it seemed to me, what
in getting into the hobby their own self-doubts that they with my spending long hours in
with him. have to overcome. Those who the study and Jess doing the
Most women seem reluctant do so are finding an interesting same in the ham shack build-
to become involved in the and different hobby that takes ing his various projects , that
world of resistors, diodes, and them far beyond the walls of our two worlds were widely
mathematical formulas : those their homes. In addition, it is separated. Therefore, I became
things have always been looked helping them gain a fuller determined that , if he could
upon as a man 's domain. understanding of their hus- share my major interest, the
Women are supposed to be band's interest in Amateur least I could do was share his,
more concerned with knitting, Radio, rather than, as so often thus bringing our two worlds
crocheting, and creating little happens, simply tolerating their closer together.
46 m January 1980
Then, too, if I had a license, I
could choose my own conver-
sational partners on the air,
instead of just listening to him
keep his various schedules.
Study begins
At about the time I came to
this conclusion, our local
chapter of the South Canadian
Amateur Radio Society spon-
sored a Novice class. Jess was
on a trip to California. Imagine
his surprise - and delight -
when he returned to find that I
had enrolled in the class.
Our class met one night a
week, at our local library, for
six weeks, studying beginning
theory and code. I was pleased
to see that in the class of My husband and I both take part in club and social activities. Here we are at a meeting
of the South Canadian Amateur Radio Society at the local Red Cross facilities. The
twenty-three, nine were women. club maintains an emergency station at the Red Cross building.
Unfortunately, fully half the
class, including all but two of
the women, dropped out before
the end of the course. One of this, my desire to learn factory assembly lines. This
the remaining women said she provided the motivation often may be true.
and her truck-driving husband missing during my high-school My technique of working on
were already involved with CB math classes. the code was a combination of
radio. They were interested How pleased I was, at the using home-recorded tapes,
enough that each wanted to end of the Novice class when purchased tapes, and copying
learn more about Amateur K5KDR gave me my test, that a W1AW each evening. My ability
Radio. She hoped to learn few weeks later I received my to memorize came into play
enough in the class that she Novice license in the mail. Jess again, for you learn code, not
would be able to pass her was as proud as if I had sold a by recognizing a system of
knowledge on to her husband, novel. dots and dashes on paper, but
so that both could obtain I might have known that rather by sound, which co mes
licenses. Novice license was a trap. This through as a series of "di-dit-
Of course, I was the other gave me the privilege of getting da-da-dahs."
woman who completed the onto the air right enough, but I found it easier to distin-
course. I am one of those who only with CW - Morse code, guish between the basic
never start something without that is. I felt limited, because sounds of the alphabet, in the
the intention of finishing it. I most CW contacts usually con- beginning, by recording them
consider my time too valuable sist of an exchange of names, on tape at my own speed. This
to waste in half-hearted locations, signal reports, and also gave me practice in
attempts. the weather. I wanted to be sending. One of the favored
I did not find the class a able to hold some real conver- methods of learning these
snap. It had been fully 30 years sations with people in far-away sounds is to take them by code
since I had any kind of high- states and far-away countries. groups, the simpler units first,
school math course. Even then, such as E, T, M, A, N, I (dit ,
I always rated near the bottom. Branching out dah, dah-dah, di-dah, dah-d it, di-
But I psyched myself up: a lot So, I soon set to work on dit), then progressing to the
of the mastery of mathematical obtaining my General-class longer combinations. Once the
formulas is simply a matter of license. This wasn't easy basic distinction between the
memorizing, then applying. either. First, I concentrated on two sounds, " dit" and "dah," is
Anyone, I reasoned, can mem- getting my code speed up. I understood, the letters are easy
orize. And I- was a lot more have always heard that women to pick up. After I had mem-
mature than I had been in high are more dexterous with their orized each code group (in sets
school. My powers of concen- hands than men. Supposedly, of six), I began forming simple
tration and reasoning had this is why they are good at words using those letters on
grown considerably since then, handcrafts and why manufac- tape. I added each code group
through experience. Added to turers favor using them in in turn until I had them all.
48 m January 1980
General license. I never knew if
the CB lady obtained her li-
cense, for I left the testing
center before she did, eager to
call Jess and share the good
·Larsen
news with him.
Sometimes I feel guilty in
calling myself a ham, knowing
K\ilrod:
that my understanding of the
theory of radio is superficial.
But, I do have a general knowl-
edge about Amateur Radio.
When my husband now speaks
about the various components
of a receiver, or of an antenna, the
or discusses the problems he
is having with his power supply
or linear, I have some idea of
:_
,.:, antenna
. I
January 1980 m 49
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52 m January 1980
above the island was an our last leg of the trip to Hong we were confronted by prob-
excellent location for our Kong, landing there on Tues- lems unknown in the States.
antennas. day, September 12. The shift in First, we learned that everyone
Upon being assured of a time zones, and the Internation- drives on the left side of the
definite operating site (this al Date Line, lost us a whole road. To compound the prob-
time we had written permission day which we would not regain lem, there are few street signs,
from the hospital superinten-
dent), we began the second
phase of our plan. Excitement
was growing on both sides of ........ 1·" " '"'"' ,. , ...
the ocean as al I of us realized
that the expedition would be a
reality. Obtaining equipment
was the next step, and the ·.,
Hong Kong hams generously
loaned us a Yaesu FT201
transceiver. We converted my
lcom 22 for use as a base rig,
and used a Motorola HT 220 as
our roving two-meter rig. There
was no antenna available in
;,"': ,-
Hong Kong, so we shipped
over a Cushcraft A TB 34
triband, four-element beam and ~·-=
a Ham 111 rotor. '! .:. .-...~
January 1980 m 53
and begin our VS6HK opera- bands. Upon calling a tentative primarily European and African.
tion. Up and up we went, until CQ on 20 meters, we were Later, we were able to find 10-
we were driving to the very top immediately beset by hundreds meter open ings to North
of Hong Kong. Our operating of eager Amateurs. Both Stu America, and we enjoyed many
site was located on the top of a and I were a bit rusty in huge Stateside pile-ups.
Obviously, not many European
or Stateside hams hear Hong
Kong on 10 meters, and we
were never able to satisfy the
overwhelming demand for our
attention.
Fifteen meters also proved to
be a popular band. Usually, we
could predict the band open-
ings on 15 qu ite accurately,
and we were always greeted
with a pile-up . The pile-ups
were not as large or intense as
those on 10 meters, bu t still
sufficient to fill several log
pages in a very short t ime. We
were constantly bese iged by
Japanese stations on all bands,
but more so on 15 meters. They
wou ld call and call, sometimes
making it impossible to hear
A hospital on the highest part of the island proved to be an excellent location for our
DX effo rt s. A triband beam and a vertical antenna gave us all·band coverage. the European or Stateside
stations. During the Japanese
pile-ups, it was not unusual to
hospital building on one of the handling such large pile-ups, as work 300 to 400 stations in a
highest peaks in Hong Kong. it had been a year since our very short time. The density of
Our view from the station last expedition , but, little by JA stations must be the high-
encompassed half the island little, the pile-up skills learned est of all nations, since there
and its surrounding bays. on our Montserrat trip came seemed to be an inexhaustible
To reach the equipment back , and we were moving the number of them following us
shack, we had to climb a set of QSOs smoothly and quickly. from band to band at all times
iron rungs attached to the side We worked a great number of of the day and night. On the
of a wall ; after a few days, we U.S. stations, especially those
got accustomed to climbing up on the East Coast. We knew
walls. Immediately upon that most of the East Coast
arriving at the shack, Stu and I hams needed Hong Kong , so
began setting up and testing we made a special effort to
the various pieces of equip- stand by for them. Many
ment and attaching the European stations were also
numerous cords and cables. contacted during our first few
We had to rework the beam hours of operation. We made
somewhat in order to bring the about 360 contacts during our
SWR down to an acceptable first 20-meter opening; that
level. Unfortunately, we were turned out to be the most con-
never able to lower the SWR sistent band for good propa-
below 2.5 to 1, and we were gation; but the most exciting
lucky that the Yaesu has such band turned out to be 10
a wide tolerance. Later, we meters. It didn 't have the con-
found that the beam had a sistency of 20, or the predicta-
defect in one of the traps, and bility of 15, but when 10 meters
that other beams of this make opened up, it exploded!
were similarly defective. Our first time on 10 meters
With high SWR and high created a pile-up so enormous Our roof-top shack had the privacy need-
hopes, radio station VS6HK that Stu and I worked stations ed to allow us to concentrate o n working
until the band completely DX, but the access was rather limited .
began operating on September Here W6MJE tries the ladd er leading up
13, 1978, and the strongest closed. We never ran out of to it. We bot h became sk illed at c limbing
signal to leave Hong Kong in stations calling us .. The ladders while laden wit h equipment or
many years was heard on the stations we heard first were food for snacks.
54 ~ January 1980
FIRST OF A SERIES
FTC Revolt
You've heard of the tax revolt. It's
about time for an FTC revolt. Here's
my story and why we've got to stop
federal bureaucratic regulation.
I'm pretty lucky. When I started my business called and told us that they wanted us to pay a publicity and the more stature these two
in my basement eight years ago. I had little $100.000 penalty for not shipping our products attorneys will have at the FTC.
more than an idea and a product. within their 30-day rule. (The FTC rule states If this all sounds like blackmail - that's just
The product was the pocket calculator. The that anyone paying by check is entitled to what it appeared to be to us.
idea was to sell it through advertisements in receive their purchase within 30 days or they We did ship our products late - something
national magazines and newspapers. must be no tified and given the option to we've admitted to them and which we publicly
Those first years in the basement weren't cancel. ) admit here, but we refuse to be blackmailed
easy. But. we worked hard and through NOT BY CONGRESS into paying a huge fine at the expense of our
imaginative advertising and a dedicated staff, The FTC rule is not a law nor a statute company's reputation - something we've
JS&A grew rapidly to become well recognized passed by Congress, but rather a rule created worked hard eight years to build.
as an innovator in electronics and marketing. by the FTC to strengthen their enforcement We're not a big company and we realize it
THREE BLIZZARDS powers . I always felt that the rule was intended would be easier to settle now at any cost. But
to be used against companies that purposely we're not. If this advertisement can attract the
In January o f 1979, three major blizzards
took advantage of the consumer. Instead, it attention of Congressmen and Senators who
struck the Chicago area . The heaviest snow-
appears that the real violators, who often are have the power to stop the harassment of
fall hit Northbrook. our village - just 20 miles
too difficu It to prosecute, get away while JS&A, Americans by the FTC, then our efforts will be
north o f Chicago.
a visible and highly respected company that well spent.
M any of our employees were stranded -
unable to get to our office where huge drifts pays taxes and has contributed to our free ALL AMERICANS AFFECTED
made travel impossible. Not only were we enterprise system, is singled out. I don"t think Federal regulation and the whims of a few
unable to reach our office. but our computer that was the intent of the rule. career-building bureaucrats is costing tax-
totally broke down leaving us in even deeper And when the FTC goes to court, they have payers millions. destroying our free enterprise
trouble. the full resources of the US Government. system, affecting our productivity as a nation
But we fought back. Our staff worked around Small, legitimate businesses haven't got a and as a result is lowe ring everybody's stan-
the clock and on weekends. Fi rst. we pro- chance. dard of living.
cessed orders manually. We also hired a We're not perfect. We do make mistakes. I urge Congressmen, Senators. business-
group of computer specialists. rented outside But if we do make a mistake. we admit it. men and above all, the consumer to support
computer time , employed a computer service accept the responsibility. and then take legislation to take the powers of the FTC from
bureau, and hired temporary help to feed this whatever measures necessary to correct it. the hands of a few unelected officials and bring
new computer network. We never gave up. That's how we've built our reputation . them back to Congress and the people.
Our totally dedicated staff and the patience of BLOW YOUR KNEE CAPS OFF I will be running this advertisement in hun-
many of our customers helped us through the Our attorneys advised us to settle. As one dreds of magazines and newspapers during
worst few months in our history. Although attorney said. "It's like a bully pulling out a gun the coming months. rm not asking for contri-
there w ere many customers who had to wait and saying. 'If you don"t give me a nickle. I'll butio ns to support my effort as this is my battle.
over 30 days for their parcels. every package blow your knee caps off .... They advised us but I do urge you to send this advertisement to
was eventu ally shipped. that the government will subpoena thousands your Cong ressmen and Senators. That 's how
WE OPENED OUR DOORS of documents to harass us and cause us great you can help.
During this period . some of our customers inconvenience. They warned us that even if America was built on the free enterprise
called the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) to we went to court and won, we would end up system. Today, the FTC is undermining this
complain. We couldn't blame them. Despite spending more in legal fees than if we settled. system. Freedom is not something that can be
ou r efforts to manually notify our customers of To settle would mean to negotiate a fine and taken for granted and you often must fight for
our delays. our computer was not functioning sign a consent decree. The FTC would then what you believe. I'm prepared to lead that
making the task extremely difficult. issue a press release publicizing their victory. fight. Please help me.
The FT C advised JS&A of these comp laints. At first we tried to settle . We met with two Note: To find out the complete story and for a
To assure the FTC that we were a responsible young FTC attorneys and agreed in principle guide on what action you can take, write me
company, we invited them to visit us. During to pay consumers for any damages caused personally for my free booklet, "Blow your
their visit we showed them our computerized them. But there were practically no damages. knee caps off."
microfilm system _which we use to back up just a temporary computer problem, some late
every transaction. We showed them our new shipments. and some bad weather. The FTC
dual computer system (our main system and a then issued a massive subpoena requesting
backup system in case our main system ever documents that will take us months to gather ODUCTS
failed again). And, we demonstrated how we
were able to locate and trace every order. We
and which we feel was designed to harass or
force us to accept their original $100,000
HAT
were very cooperative, allowing them to look settlement request. THIN ~
at eve ry document they requested. Remember, the FTC publicizes th eir One JS&A Plaza, Northbrook, Ill. 60062
The FTC left. About one week later. they actions. And the higher the fine, the more the © JS&A Group, Inc.,1979
January 1980 m 57
BENCHMARKS
Keyer Paddle B, and D. Move the paddle to the had to be designed so that the
right slowly (so there is no vibra- rig could be taken out easily. I
tion) and hold it against A. solved this problem by means of
Adjust A until the end of the the antenna connector located
spindle solidly contacts damp- on the rear of the transceiver
ener C. Now adjust B and D to (see Fig. 3).
give the best feel and keyer re- First, I screwed a right-angle
sponse. Adjust DASHES to suit connector (Amphenol UG-646)
--
dm
®)~;:.:::::::::~
your fist. onto the chassis connector. I
bent a right-angle bracket,
drilled a 5/8-inch hole in it, and
mounted the bracket so the
right-angle connector fitted
REMOVE THIS
STRAP
through the hole. The connector
from the antenna was then
Fig. 1. The modification of a semi-auto- screwed down, thus making a
matic "bug" is started by removing the rigid mount.
connecting strap between the dash post
and the dot post. Cable from the elec-
tronic keyer is connected as shown. REGULAR
/MOUNTING
/ BRACKET
58 m January 1980
FROM
HASSLE
latest addresses and OSL information. You' ll !ind• Bold· the t980 Foreign Callbook on your operating table.
face calls, names and addresses for every licensed Arna· Stations are listed by country, call. name and address 1n
teur in the U.S. - 11's a list that's more accurate than the bold, easy-to·read 1ype. You also get: Greal Circle Beam
FCC's • Slow Scan TV directory • The latest ARAL coun· headings lrom major U.S. cilies. International Postal
tries hst • International Postal info • OSL Managers from information. OXCC Countries List. Worldwide OSL bureaus.
around the world • Standard lime chans • A complete Standard tome charts and more. Get lhe DX lntormat1on you
census of international Amateur populalion • PLUS MUCH . want. when you want it. Order today so you have a copy
MAIL D CB·US
Bookstore projects.
D Order AR·HB80 Softbound $10.00
forecast ing. To assist your torecas1ing etlorts. the book
contains a complete listing of-the 12 month smoothed sun·
spot numbers since 1749. Join those who know how to
Greenvill e, NH 03048 D Order AR-8880 Hardbound $15.75 predict when the bands will open 10 specific areas ot the
world. © 1979.
D CQ-PH $7.50
Please allow 2·3 weeks 101 deltveiy
ANTENNA BOOKS
SIMPLE LOW-COST WIRE ANTENNAS 73 VERTICAL, BEAM , AND PRACTICAL ANTENNAS
Leain how to build simple. economical wiie antennas. Even
ii you don ·1 know a l eedline from a leed·through, W6SAI
TRIANGLE ANTENNAS PRACTICAL ANTENNAS is not quite like any of the other
ham antenna books. Written by a knowledgeable DX 'er.
will get you on the air with an ellectlve low-cost wiie A collection of 73 different vertical . beam. and triangle this new book os chock-lull ol helpl ul hints and sugges·
antenna. And. apartment dwellers take note' Fool your antenna designs. It contains constructkm details tor single t1ons on the how-to's of putting up a super antenna
landlord and your neighbors with some ol the " invisible· and mu1tl·elemen1 ver1icals. mul1i· element horizontal system. Chapters include infor mation on design and con·
antennas found here. For the old-timer as well as the arrays. yagis . quads. and triangles . ·Here's an antenna struct1on of practic_
al Yagis. quads and wire type antennas
beginner. it's a clearly written. well diagramed. and even cookbook sure to spark your imagination . t60 pages. ·inside you'II also l1nd a complete bibliography of antenna
humorous antenna book. 192 pages. © t97 2. © 1977. articles from the popular amateur publications. Charts and
D RP·WA Softbound $5.95 D 24021 Soltbound $5.50 tables are designed 10 eliminate all those tricky calcula·
t1ons. And. SCELSI has included a list of computer gener-
ated beam headings from ma1or population centers 10 all
BEVERAGE ANTENNA HANDBOOK the countries of the world. A new format. large easy-to·
BEAM ANTENNA HANDBOOK by Victor Misek, W1WCR read text and durable vinyl cover make PRACTICAL
by William I. Orr, W6SAI ANTENNAS a " must " lor every amateur library. © 1979.
The Beverage or Travelling Wave anlenna is becoming pop· D SC-PA $9.95
Here 's recommended reading for anyone thinking about ular as a separate receiving an1enna which greatly reduces
putting up a yagi beam this year. It answeis a lot of in1erterence from loreign broadcast and other s1a11ons on
commonly asked questions like: What 1s the best element the lower Ama1eur bands. Because it cons1s1s of a single
spacing? Can dillerenl yagi antennas be stacked without longwire and a terminaling unit. the Beverage is easy and ALL ABOUT CUBICAL QUAD
losing performance? Do monoband beams outperform tri·
banders? Lots of construction projects. diagrams. and
economical to construct. The aulhor gives you theory and
describes a number ol ditlerent Travelling Wave and Steer·
ANTENNAS
photos make reading .a pleasurable and informative able·Wave antennas. all designed lo greatly reduce ORM The cubical quad an1enna is considered by many to be the
experience. 198 pages. © 1977. on the 40. 80. and 160 merer bands. 39 pages. © 1977. best DX antenna because of its simple, lightweight design
D VM·BAH Softbound $5.00 and high performance. In Bill Orr's 1a1es1 edition ol this
D RP·BA Softbound $4.95 well known book, you'll find quad designs tor everylhing
from the Single element to the multi·element monster quad.
THE ARAL ANTENNA BOOK plus a new. higher gain expanded quad (X·O) design.
THE RADIO AMATEUR ANTENNA There's a wealth of supplementary data on construction.
For years 1his has been the s1andard manual on Amateur
HANDBOOK by Wiiiiam I. Orr, W&SAI and an1ennas. The popular vertical. wire. beam. VHF/UHF.
feeding. tuning, and mounting quad antennas. ti's the
most comprehensive single edition on the cubical quad
Stuart Cowan , W2LX and Oscar antennas are given lull theoretical and practical avail.able. 112 pages. © 1977.
If you're pondering what new antennas to put up, we rec· treatment as well as mobile and restricted space antennas. D RP-CQ Softbound $4. 75
ommend you read l his very popular book . It contains lols Wave propagation and an1enna measuremenl are also dis·
of well ·illustrated construction projects for vertical . long cussed. Makes a great companion to the AARL's new
wire. and HF/VHF beam antennas. But, you'll also get " Antenna Anthology." 336 pages. © 1974. Prices subiect 10 change wllhout no/Ice
information not usually lound in antenna books. There is D AR-AM Softbound $5 .00
an honest Judgment of antenna gain llgures. information on
the best and worst antenna locations and heights. a long Pl ease add $1 fo r shipping
look at the quad vs. the yagi antenna. Information on THE ARRL ANTENNA ANTHOLOGY
baluns and how to use them. and some new inlormation on
by the ARRL stall
the increasingly popular Sloper and Delta Loop antennas.
The text is based on proven data plus practical . on·the·air This brand new book pulls 1oge1her a wide selec1ion of
CAN'T WAIT?
experience. We don'! expect you 'II agree with everything
Orr and Cowan have to say, but we are convinced that The
antenna articles from OST. Wrttten lor Amateurs of all
levels and interests. Included are phased arrays, verticals.
CALL TOLL FREE
Radio Amlltur Ant111n1 H1ndllook will make a valuable and
ohen consulted addition to any Ham' s tibmy. 190 pages.
© 1978.
Yagi's . .. even the VHF Ouagi! Detailed instructions and
l ull illuslralions make this a really useful book for any
Amateur. 152 pages. ©1 979. 1-800-258-5353
D RP·AH Softbound $6.95 D AR-AA Softbound $4.00
60 m January 1980
MADISON Hl-BBALUN
DOUBLE YOUR WARRANTY POLICY
Any large piece of gear we sell you (average $300 • For dipo les, yagis, inverted
2
vees & doublets
or up) we will double your warranty period !
FOR EXAMPLE: A 3 month warranty= 6 months • Replaces center insulator
from date of purchase. 1 year= 2 years from date of • Puts power in antenna
purchase. • Broadbanded 3·40 MHz
• Small, lightweight and Hl- Q
(OUR RELIABLE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPAIRS Balun
weatherproof
NON-WARRANTY GEAR, TOO!)
Simply send your rig in a good shipping carton,
postage prepaid, with a copy of your receipt show-
• 1: 1 impedance ratio
• For full legal power and more ., .
• Helps eliminate TVI
ing date of purchase. We will repair promptl y and
• With S0·239 connector
return by best way.
NOTE: Manura c1urers do not co,..er f111a 1 1n most cases. but we wlll try' $10.95
Try Our Competitive Prices, Too!
Hl-G ANTENNA
You , the customer, can only benef it from the
Madison Double Your Warranty Policy. CENTER INSULATOR
Cal l Don - KSAAD or Mike - WSWM for specific
Oy· Jf)
.r Small. rugged, lightweight,
warranty claim questions. ~/ weathe rproof
Hl-G ANTENNA
END INSULATORS
Rugged. ilghtweighl. injection molded
1508 McKinney, Houst o n , TX 77002. 7131658-0268 of top quality ma1enal, with high dielec·
Irie qualilies. and excel/en/ wealher·
abilily. End insulators are constructed
in a spiral unending fashion 10 permit
WA2ZOT
" INTER FILTER"
-
AT YOUR DEALER
• BALUNS·TRAPS· INSULATORS
type. i.J C B- F Softbound $15.95
Please include $1.75 addi1iona: ' hipping for
each Callhook o rdered.
INYS Co llect 315. 4 37.3953· 614) KINNE SlRHT EA ST SYRA C tJ SI: NEW ru10:: \ JO<, !
Alkan Products
B ox 3494, Scottsdale. AZ 85257
new chart is available from They handle a full 25 watts, and HGM GUARANTEE. Jyst $3.73 per reglstnlloo ~a "sell" or a "buy"), and your
Radio Publication Co., P.O. Box are flexible enough to bend 180 Re9istra1ion remains active for 17 un lQoe matchings or 17 months. No fiGM com·
missions! We cannot warrant nor QUarantee any eQulpment found lhrough HGM since
28, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin degrees in all directions. everythin~ Is between OW11ers and Buyers. But we 00 guararll ee unlQue matchings
and 17 matchings or monlhs. A fabulous service !or lhe amateur sewice!
53147. The price is $4.50 post- For more information write
paid in a special mailing tube. Larsen Electronics , Inc., P.O . REG ISTER NOW. Use this lorm Of lacsimlle and e11dose the $3.73 fee IN each
Reglstrallon. OWNERS: Describe unit by Type, Brand, and Model. Indicate exact
Box 1686, Vancouver, Washing- Sell Price .and purchase data. BUYERS have lwo choices_Choic~ ff l : Tvtte ol
More Kulduckie ton 98663. Gear. Indicate Type and one Price Range. Example: Tran steiver, S700-899.
Choice #2: SpecHlc Unit. reganlless or price. !ndlcale specific BraM and Model
you want Exampte: Transceiver, Ten·Tec, Cen1 ury 21.
Antennas by Larsen Just Wrap Kit YES, hamgearmart, I need your help! I understand your Guarantee, and l"m
OK Machine and Tool Corpor- eaclosing $3.73 with lhls Registration. Enler my Retistralioo immediately.
Please reglSler me as a .
ation has announced its new
" Just Wrap Kit." The "Just
OWNERD D BUYER
SELL PRICE TYPEOF GEAR PRICE RANGES
Wrap" tool wraps No. 30 AWG 40 · 99
wire onto standard 0.025 square XCVR. SCOPf. ETC. 100· 199
200· 299
GEAR YEAR BRAND NAME
posts without stripping or slit- 300· 399
400· 524
ting the insulation. The tool can 525 699
100. 899
"daisy chain" continuousl y PURCHASED MODEL NUMBER
H 900 . 1099
I 1100- 1399
through several points, or can be NEW/ USED J 1400ANDUP
used " point-to-point" . The JWK· NAM E CALL CLASS
Ultilllate • ___
tension and contact spacing.
Self-adjusting nylon and steel
needle bearings.
fornia. Two models, the 500HH
that has a frequency range of 50
·MRI~ :~~:::hs~l~~~~i~:~a;~:~ts.
Hz to 500 MHz, and the 50 Hz to
100MHz100HH are offered.
I ~ ~ • Precision-machined, chrome
plated brass frames.
Their large, eight-digit LED
display features automatic deci-
~OLE
• Standard model has black, mal -poi nt shifting and zero
textured finish base; deluxe blanking. Total case dimensions
model is chrome plated. (exc luding antenna) are only 8.9
• Heavy steel base; non-skid feet. x 3.1 x 14.6 cm (3.5 x 1.25 x
WRITE FOR LITERATURE Available at selected dealers or 5.75 inches) - about the same
send $39.95 ($49.95 for chrome as a typical pocket-size calcu-
model) plus $2.00 shipping and lator.
handling. Overseas amateurs The counters are accurate to
333 W. Lake Street. Dept. A invited to request quotation for air
Chicago, Illinois 60606 • (312) 263-1808 parcel post shipment.
within 1 PPM over a wide temper-
ature range. The Model 500HH
has a high sensitivity that is
typically 30 mV at 100 Hz to 250
MHz, and 50 mV at 250 MHz to
... at last .. . 450 MHz. The typical sensitivity
your shack organized! of the 100HH is 30rnV at 100 Hz
A beautiful piece of furniture - your XYL will love it! to 50 MHz. What's more, they
have prescale input resolutions
$16450 S-F RADIO DESK of only 10 Hz in just 0.1 second
Deluxe - Ready to Assemble (or 1.0 Hz in 1.0 second).
They have BNC connectors on
sq
Designed with angled rear shell for your
viewing comfort and ease of operation. direct inputs of 1.0 megohm (50
FINISHES: Walnut or Teak Stain. ohms prescaled). Using low-
Floor Space: 39" Wide by 30" Deep
Additional Information on Request. - drain LSI circuitry, they operate
Checks, Money Orders, BankAmerica rd from a built-in rechargeable 8.2
and Master Charge Accepted.
Also Ava ilable .. F.0.B. Culver Ci ty. (In Calif. Add 6% Sales Tax.)
to 14.5 Vdc batte ry pack, or 115
Floor Space: 5 1 "" Wide by 30" Deep __ DEALER INQUI RIES INVITED_ . Vac, using an external AC adapt-
$192.50
S-f Amateut R~cho l'ernC~I er that also trickle-charges the
4384 KEYSTONE AVENUE • CULVER CITY, CALIF. 90230 - PHONE (213) 837-4870 battery pack.
Their single-quantity prices
start at a low $119.95 for the
Model 100HH, and $169.95 for
the 500-MHz Model 500HH. De·
~frml.->--· --< ~ : i))..-· ~~~ ~, ....~1-4U1Jlr
PRETU NE D ·COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED·
ONLY O NE N EAT S M ALL AN TENNA FOR
U? TO 6 BANOS! EXCELLENT FOR CON·
G E STED H OUSING AREAS · APAR T M E NTS
w FOR ALL MAKES &. M ODELS OF AMATEUR
TRANSCEIVERS • TRANSMITTERS •
GUARA N TEED FOR 2000 WATTS SSB
1000 WATTS CW. INPUT FOR N OVI CE AND
liveries can be made immediate-
ly from local or factory inven-
tories. Al I the units are factory
LIGHT· STRONG • ALMOST INVISIB LE ! ALL CLASS AM ATEURS! pre-tested before shipment, and
COMPLETE A S SHOWN w ith 90 ft. RGSSU-52 ohm feedline, a n d PL259 connector, insulators, 30 f t. they carry a one-year lim ited
300 lb. test dacr on end supports, c enter con n ector with bullt In ll ghnln g arrester and static d ischarge -
molded, s e aled, weatherproof , re son ant traps 1"X 6"- yo u just switch to band desired for excellent worldwldf'! warranty.
operat ion - tran sm itting a n d re cle ving! WT. LES S T HAN 5 LBS .
16U· 80-4 0·20·15·10 bonds 2 trap--209 l t.wl\h 90 ft. RG 58U . connector. M odel 7778U ... $6 4 .95
For complete technical data,
80-4 0 -2 0- 15-10 bands 2 trap--· 102 ft. with 90 ft. RG 58U · co nnec tor. M odel 998BU .. . $59.95
4 0 - 20 -1 5-10 bands 2 tr ap ---541t. w ith 90 ft. RG 58U coax - co nne ctor - M ode l 1001BU . . . $58.95
quantity pricing, and local -outlet
20-15-10 ba nds 2 trap ... 26 f t. with 90 ft. RG58U coOI ·connect or : M odel 1007BU . .. . $57.95 information, contact OSI Instru-
SE ND FULL PRI CE FOR P OS T PAID IN SURED D EL. IN U S A. (Canada Is $5.00 extra
cle rical - c u s t oms - etc.) or ord er using VI S A Bank Amerlca rd - MAS TER C HARGE -
f or postage •
AMER . EX-
ments, In c ., at 7914 Ronson
PRESS. Give number and ex. dat e. Ph 1-308 - 236- 5333 9 AM • 6PM week days. We ship in 2-3 days. Road , San Diego, California
ALL PRICES W ILL INC R EASE MAR 1- SAVE ·ORDER NO W I All antenn as guaranteed for 1 year. 10 day
Money ba ck trlal l M •~e In USA. FREE IN FO. A VAILABIE O NLY f"RO M . 92111.
W ESTER N ELECT R O NICS Dept. AH- 1 K ..rney, N ebraska, 688 4 7
s29es
Crank-ups to 100 It.
EXCELLENT FOR
HAM COMMUNKATIONS
SPECIAL
Four Section SO Fl.
Van Mounted Crank-Up The MFJ-101 is a new all solid state 24 hour 2201240 VAC with optional AC adapter. 6x2x3 in.
Aluma Tower digital clock. Just set it to GMT and forget about Order lrom MFJ and try it - no obligation. If
converting to GMT. not delighted, return it within 30 days for refund
Pleasant blue .6 inch digits (like TS·820S) are (less shipping). One year limited warranty by MFJ.
easy-on-eyes and bright enough to see clear Order today. Call toll free 800-647-1800. Charge
across your room. VISA, MC or mail check , money order for $29 .95
ID timer alerts you every 9 minutes after you plus $3 .00 shipping/handli ng for MFJ 101.
tap ID/doze button. Don't wait any longer to enjoy the convenience
Set alarm to remind you of SKED or simply to of reading GMT time directly.
wake you up in morning. Has alarm on indicator.
Fast/slow set buttons make setting time and CALL TOLL FREE . . • 800·647-1800
alarm simple. Call 601-323-5869 for technical information, or·
Lock function prevents missetting time/alarm. der/repair status. Also call 601-323·5869 outside
Digits flash if power js interrupted. Rugged black continental USA and in Mississippi.
plastic case. Brush aluminum front/top panel.
UL approved. 11O VAC. 50/60 HZ switch for
USA, Europe, Japan and other countries. Use
MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.
BOX 494, MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS 39762
--,_,--,
I
I
I
A nytime you I
I
have a question
about your Ham I A FF IX I
Radio HORI -
ZONS subscrip-
I LABEL
I
t i on. p l ease in- I I July 26 thru August 8, 1980
clude a ma i l ing HERE
label to insure I I Our 2 lst year of successful reaching
prompt service
on your inq uiry. I I Boost your Ham Skills
I on the Blue Ridge
CHANGE
OF ADDRESS J I "A Vacation with a Purpose"
Moving? Pl ease I
let us know 4-6
I T wo weeks saturation l earn ing program
weeks before· I
hand. Or, if any- L _
1 - \-~I in Amateur Radio:
thing is wrong with your cu rrent mail-
ing label, please carefully pr int the
r • :\ o,·ice to Cenernl
updated information below and aff ix I • Ceneral or Technician to Alh-anced
I your present label above.
I
PLEAS E HELP US TO SERVE YOU BETTER • Advanced to Amatct1r Extra
I I
I 1.J!M RADIO
llORIZONS .
Greenville, NH 03048 I
Expert Instruction sta rting at ~·our level.
Code and Theory in dl'pth along with
I Cal l _ __ _ _
I Fri emlh' Amateurs, \Vl10 Car(' Abot1t
I
I Name _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _~
I
You.
II
I
t C. L. PETERS, K4DNJ, Director
Address I : Oak Hill Academy Amateur Radio Session
1 Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 24363
I I
I City I : Na me _ __ __ _ __ Call _ _ _ _
I
I I
' Address 1
I State Zip
I
: City/State/Zip_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
I
:
L---- -------- L---------------- ------ ------------- '
like it
you get every super issue
delivered right to your
This is the second install- door. And at a 53.00 savings
ment of what is going to be over newsstand prices. Sub-
a regular feature in Ham
Radio HORIZONS. Each
report will critically examine
scribe today and we'll send
you the February issue
absolutely FREE! 13 super,
is.
one of the popular Amateur information packed issues
rigs available today. This is for the price of 12. Make ORDER TOLL FREE
the kind of review that's sure you 're one of the first 800-258-5353
unavailable from a maga- to receive all these exciting
zine editor or industry- new HORIZONS features. No
supported lab. Chances are need to send any money.
we'll be reviewing your own We'd be happy to bill you.
TS·820
1 Year
{ D Yes - sign me up!
$12
Please send me my free copy of Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Call,_ _ _
February HORIZONS and enter a Address
one-year subscription. City _ _ _ _ _ _ State_ _ Zip._ __
~~
9888 50 , 2 s9
1()() 18 59
46¢/ft 200 26 85
300
400
33
38
10 B
12 5
UPGRADE
iilEP- 8214
26¢/ft
50
100
200
300
400
12
18
26
33
38
39
59
85
10 8
12 5
Yourself!
$19.95 each
add $ 1.00 shipping
~
8237 100 20 66
200 30 98 and handling
23¢/ft 400 47 15 4
900 78 25 6
General Combo is a complete, carefully organized,
•th~
8267 100 20 66 program with the upgrading amateur in mind. The
200 30 98
30¢/ft 400 4 7 15 4 General-Class Study Guide, SAMS #21617,
900 78 25 6
explains radio circuits in an easy to understand style. It
4
e xplains the test. amateur regulations, radio-wave
8448 N o ol Cond - 8 propagation, practical radio circuits, modulation
AWG (1n mm) - 6·22. 17'301. I 76J. characteristics, and transmission lines. The Ge neral
20¢/ft 2· 18. 116x30). 11 19]
Cassettes discuss rules, regulations , and radio theory
in an interview format. The QSO Tape sim ulates exam·
~
like "on-the-air" code transmissions. It progresses from
~ 7Y2 to 15 wpm. Text key and practice exams are in-
~
9405 No . of Cond - 8
AWG 1m mm) - 2· 16. 126x301. j152]. cluded. Books or tapes may be ordered separately-book
32¢/ft 6-18. (16x30). [ 1 17]
$6.50, tapes each $4.95. Order together at 19.95 and
save $1.40. Catalog/dealer list available upon request.
MADISON &!KANTRONICS
ELECTRONICS SUPPLY, INC. 1202 East 23rd Street The Training Company
1508 McKINNEY • HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002 Lawrence. Kansas 66044 Phone: 913·842·7745
7131658-0268 We accept Visa. Master Charge. check and money Ofders
MASTERCHARGE •VISA
THIS IS IT
~ Dii\il
Easily_
CATONG
S JJ9 95 •
lncludo~~i~;~~ga~
Full ln 5uran ce
Oeater Inquiries lnvitl'd
IYkbsferl
Mad e 1n Eng la nd • 90 011y Wa rranty
Visa ·Maaste,charge Accepted associates
A.
IExclusive Importers of DA TONG FL· l 's)
11 5 BE LLARM INE
Technica l oe<11c.i•d ROCH EST ER , Ml 48063
Products ~·...".""'
Corp. CALL TOLL FREE
Box 62 800 - 521-2333
Bir m ingham , Michigan 48010
Tel ephone 313/644 -569 8 I N MI CHI GAN 3 13 - 3 75-0420
I
~
-
~
micks, just listen & learn. Using the
word method, based on modern psy·
chological techniques. you can zoom
past 13 w.p.m. in less than half the ~
time! Available in cassettes@ $10.95 ~
and LP records at $9.95 - you get ~
- "~;:s;LQ~'R'
-
~
E~O'Ros - ~
•
P.O. Box 626
San Jacinto, CA 92383 I
'11111~ .,.., 6# ~~
Your Ad should be
RATES Regu lar classified is available
at 50¢ per word. Display c lassi fied (1 inch
MICHIGAN: Oak Park A.R.C. Annual Swap ' n'
Shop, Sunday, January 13th, 8 A. M. until ??? at
the Oak Park High School on Oak Park Boule-
here- Call
deep x 2V• inches wide) is $65, or at the 12x
ra te is $50. A ll Ad Scan payable in advance.
vard. For information. reservations, table space,
etc .• write Ray Previ, Oak Park A.R.C., 14300 Oak
Park Boulevard, Oak Park, Michigan 48237. Talk·
800-258-5353
No cash discou nt s or agency commis· in on 146.52 simplex; information 146.04/.64.
sions allowed.
HAMFESTS Sponsored by non·profit
HAM RADIO REPAIR , al ignment. Hassle-free
from anywhere via UPS. Expert, prompt, reason-
HAM RADIO REPAIR
organizati ons receive one free regula r able. Modern lab. "G rid" Gridley, W4GJO. Route Modern Lab Reasonable Rates
c lassified ad (subject t o o ur edi t ing) . 2, Box 138B, Rising Fawn. GA 30738
Huge Parts Inventory
Repeat insertions of hamfest ads pay the NOVICES: Improve your skill with eight impor·
standard rat e. 503 Avon Street
tant operat ing aids on one 11" x 17" sheet; CW
abb reviat io ns. Q-signals, punc t uation. U.T.C.
IEC, inc. Mocksville, N. C. 27028
COPY No spec ial layout or arrange· conversio n and more. $2. post paid . WD5KFN, (704) 634-5661
men ts ava il ab le. Material sho uld be Box 1296, Albany, TX 76430.
typewritten or clearly pri n ted (no t all
QSL s - 24-HOUR SERVICE. Why wait? New,
capitals) and mu st include full name and strong designs. Get more action for your money.
address. We reserve the right t o reject Send 25¢ for catalog , samples. DX Majic, 2448
unsuitable copy. HORIZONS cannot check Channing, Dept. A, Berkeley. Cal iforn ia 94618.
each advertiser and thus cannot be held
QSL s & RUBBER STAMPS - Top Quali ty !
responsible for claims made. Liability for QS Ls: Glossy Inks and Cardstoc k. Ru bber
correctness o f material li mi t ed to co r- Stamps: Report forms, Call Letter, Address,
rected ad In next available issue. State outlines - More! Stamp Catalog and Card
Samp les 50¢ . Ebbert Graphics 5H, Box 70,
DEADLINE 15t h of t hird preceding Westerville, Ohio 43081.
month.
MOBILE IGNITION SHIELDING provides more
SEND MATERIAL TO : Ad Scan range with no noise. Bond ing strap sale less
Ham Radio Horizons . Greenvi lle, N. H'. than 50¢ each. Literature. Estes Eng ineering,
03048. 930 Marine Drive, Po rt Angeles, Wash. 98362. Except for some sleep •• •
OSLs wit h c lass! Unbeatable quali ty, reason·
WE HAVE WHAT YOU NEED !
ONLY MY FRIEND' S recent physical disability
makes th is top·g rade equipment available; pur-
able price. Samples: 50¢ refundable. QSLs Un·
limited, 1472 SW 13th Street, Boca Raton, F L
33432.
CUSTOM Printed and p ho to QSL's, very eco·
1,,.,.-t•f
at lA.J.*5 lsa.43:8-12
A Self duplicating
chased new. s til l in as-new cond ition. complet e nomi cal; free sampl es, s tamp appreciated. Stu. {carbon) Log System for CONTESTORS!
with manuals/cables. Bill had literally a store fu ll K2RPZ, Box 412, Roc ky Point, N. Y. 11778. (51 6)
of items. $10 to $1 00 range; too cost ly to adver· 744-6260. PLUS Summary Sheets. QSO/WAS Map,
tlse the list . so tell me what you need . I want to
move them now. Anyone having a di fficu lt time DX - YOU BET! The DX Bulletin - Best weekly 1!.and · Chart. Che ck-list. Q ·Signals, etc .
DX in fo in the world - send for FREE sample
learni ng code and operating CW? These like-
new visual decoders and electronic typewriter copy. The DX Bu ll etin, 306 Vernon Avenu e.
Available in 42 page $
keyboard: Picker ing 230-D Morse Decod er,
$1500; Picke ring KB· 1 Electronic Keyboard
Vernon . Connecticut 06066. B00KS or PADS 2. 35 ppd
keyer, $140; Atronics CR-101 Code Reader, $65; STOP LOOKING for a 9ood deal on amateur
manuals/instructions. Col li ns : 51S1 F. $2050; radio eq uipment - you ve found it here - at REG. LOG SHEETS $
55G 1, $325; 30L 1, $995; 32S3A/516 F2, $1775;
312B4, $425; all Round Emblem, immaculate
your amateur radio headquarters in the heart o f
the Midwest. Now more than ever where you buy Plain or 3 Ring
50 Sheets per pak
2. 45 ppd
w/ manuals. Two Hy·Galn HT-18, 10-80 meter ver- is as important as what you buy ! We are factory·
tical antennas, $195 each (phasing harn ess authorized dealers for Kenwood, Drake, Yaesu,
available); two Murch Ultimate Transmatch UT- Colli ns, Wilson, Ten-Tee. Atlas, ICOM , DenTron, Send SASE for catalog. samples. or rules.
2000A , $125 each; DenTron 3000A antenna MFJ, Tempo, Regency, Hy-Gain, Mosley, Alpha, We ship same day UPS/USPS .
tuner, $230; KLM Multi·2700 144 MHz transceiv- Cushc ra ft , Swan and many more. Wri te or call us
er, $575; KLM PA 10·140 BL linear ampli fier, today for our low quote and t ry our personal and GL es 73 . State intended contest for
$175; Vista 120 v.a.c.11·3.8 v.d.c. power supply for friendly Hoosier service. HOOSIER ELECTRON- misc. info. Send check or VISA no. to :
above, $136; excellent condition wlmanuals. ICS, P.O. Box 2001, Terre Haute, Indiana 47802.
(812) 238-1456.
Ralph E. Thomas, W2UK, 9 Emmons Avenue,
Farmi n gda le, NJ 07727; t e l ep hone (20 1) t17\f\ t10f)I)ll
938-5623. MAKE CODE EASY! Supplement your code pro·
QSLs SECOND TO NONE. Same day service.
gram wit h a self-improvement hypnos is cas-
sette . Tape #3, Learning the Code; Tape #4 ,
PUf)LI SME RS
Samp les 50 cents. Inc lude yo ur call for f ree Breaking the Speed Barrier. Send $10.95 each to P 0 Box 757
dec al. Ray. K7 HL R, Box 33 1, Clearfield, UT The J ohn Wolf Self Hypnosis Center, P.O. Box
840 15. 497, Hayden Lake, Idaho 83835.
Socor ro. New Mexico 87801
72 m January 1980
I:~: ]LOCATOR Continued
N NE E SE s SW w NW N NE E SE s SW w NW N NE E SE s SW w NW
GMT PST MST CST EST
- t ,___ t ,_ >---
t
0000 4:00 10- 20 15 15 10 10 10 5:00 15 - 20 15 - 15 15 15 6:00 , _ 7:00 - 80* 20 20 - - 20 15
-- - --
-- /-" ' /-'
0100 8:00 - 8:00
/-" ' /-' /-" ' /-'
, 5:00
_ 10 - 20 15 15 15 15 15 15 20 20 20 15 15 15 7:00 ._____ - 80* - 20 20 - 20 20
-- - -
0200 6:00 15 - 20 20 20 15 15 15 7:00 15 - - 20 20 15 20 15 8:00 9:00 - 80* - 40 20 - 20 20
-- - - >---
0300 7:00 8:00 10:00
-
- 15 40 20 20 20 20 20 20
-
20 - - 20 20 20 20 20 9:00 ._____
- - 80* - 40 20 - 20 -
D400 8:00 11:00 10:00
-
- 20 40 - 20 20 20 20 20
-
- - - 20 20 20 20 -
>-----
11:00
._____ - 80* 20 40 20 - - -
0500 - 20 20 20 20 - 10:00 - 20 20 - 20 - 11:00 12:00 - 80* 20 40 -
-11:00 - 40 - 40 - - -
-- - >-------
0800 10:00 - 40 - 20 20 - 20 - 11 :00 - 80* 40 40 20 - - - 12:00 1:00 - 80* -
40* 40 - - -
-- - ._____ --
0700 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00
--
- - 40 - 40 20 - - - - 80* 40 40 20 40 - - ,_____ ._____ -
- - - - -
- 40 -
0800 12:00 - 1:00 2:00 3:00
--
-
...._ 40 - 40 40 20 - - -
-
- - - 40 40
40 - - ._____ - - - - 40
40 - -
0900 1:00 - - - 40 40 20 - - 2:00 - - - - 40
40 - - 3:00 4:00 - - - -
- - 40 -
~
-- - -
iooo - 2:00 40 - - - 40 40 - 3:00 - - 40
40 - - 4:00 5:00
-- - -
- - ._____ - - - -
- - 40 -
1100
- 3:00 - - - 40 40 40 4:00 - - -
80
- 5:00 6:00
--
40 - - - - - ,___ ,_____ - - - - - 40 40 -
-
1200 - 4:00 - - - 40 40 40 5:00 - - 40 - 6:00 7:00
---
40 - - - - 80 >----- ,_____ 20 20 - 20 20 40* 20 20
-
1300 - - - - 6:00 7:00 8:00
-5:00 80 40 40 40 - - - 20 - 80 40 - 20 15 - 15 20 20 20 20
- - ,____ ,_____
1400 6:00 - - 7:00 8:00 9:00
--
- 40 20 20 40 40 40
-
20 20 - 20 20 20 40 20
>------- '----
20 10 10 10 20 20 20 20
1500 - 8:00 9:00 10:00
-7:00 40 15 15 20 40 40 40 20 15 - 15 20 20 20 20 - 10 10 10 - 20 20 -
-- - ,___ '----
1800 - 8:00 - 15 - 15 20 - 20 40 9:00 20 15 10 15 20 20 20 20 10:00 11:00
- - >------- '----
- 15 10 10 - 20 20 -
1700 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00
--
-
-
20 15 10 15 20 - 20 -
-
- 15 10 10 - - 20 - - 15 10 10 - - - -
1800 10:00 20 15 10 10 - 15 20 11:00 15 10 10 - 12:00 1:00 - 15 10 10 - 20* 15 -
-- -
- -
- - - - >-------
---
11:00 20 20 15 10 - 15 20 - 12:00 15 10 10 - 1:00 2:00 -
- - 15 - ,___ .___ 20 15 10 - 15* 15* -
'-
Ill
-12:00 - 1:00
::J
~ - 20 15 10 15 - - 15 15 10 - 15 - - 2:00 3:00 - 20 15 10 15 15* 15* -
c:
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Ill I 2100 1:00 2:00
-<....
-
-
20 - 15 10 - 15 15 -
-
- 20 15 10 15 15 15 - 3:00
>-------
4:00
'----
- - 20 15 15 15 15 -
CD 2:00
co 10 - 15 10 15 10 15 20 3:00 - 20 15 10 15 15 10 - 4:00 5:00 - - 20 15 15 15 15 15
0 - ,___ ,_____
~ 3:00 IO - 15 IO 15 10 10 10 4:00 - - 20 10 15 15 10 15 5:00 8:00 - - 20 20 - 15 15 15
- - - -
Q Q Q
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0
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6 7 8 9 10 II 12
FLORIDA HAM NEWS - SWAP AMSAT fUICQiSI Nt1 38!>0 ICHZ
NE l BY THE SAO'NARO ARC 9PM EDST (01002 \Veflntsaay
146 31 ·9 1 jJI 7 JOPM Morn.111g1 Ml!fc.er Coonly Anate<Jr Raoio Ctu:> Sirrr11~1 - HohO.l'f Inn WtSI MICIOle·
Ricrwnono F1ostles1 Bon .\it Co!TlmuM) Centf'f A101mor c I/A - <ii FNHURST PAD:O SOCIETY A"A SAT M1<1-Cor11t1tn1 1'.el 38~ se1 PA - K3LA - 19
W40Kl - 13 f ransmi1s AA\dteUJ Ra<ho Ntws <H1 9PM COST (02001 M1rtw1nte1 Sw.a:tlCSI. We~t Al'.1~ R.lCIO JVNtt1.1r CluD. \Y;)Uktsh.31 Counly
- ~n . 661224. 26 MH1 via We<1nu<1ay M0tr11ng1 l .1100 Ctnl~ Wau~tsha , WI - W49POV - 19
Wll2APG and 21 .400 MHz USS AMSAf Wes1coas1 N!! 38!>0 ~H/ ?ncl Annual · Freeze You1 ArCf< ' e.11pe<111ion A08R oo 7.275, 21 380 ,
WES T COAST BULLETIN E<hfe<J & 8PM POST 103001 WeentStl.1y 146 52 MH1 - 2100 UTC 19tn 10 1500 urc ~11 - AJ81<
Tran~ilted Dy W6ZF 8PM PST Morning )
-:- 3540 kHz
A.-1 , 22 WPM
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
FLORIDA HAM NEWS - SWAP AMSAT Eas1co.as1 Nt! 38~0 kHl
NET By !he Browaro ARC 9PM EOST !01002 Wedntsda~
146 31·91 at 7:JOPM Mom111g1
GLENHU RST RADIO SOCIETY AM SAT M1d·Con11ntftr Ne! 31!5"0
Transmi1s Ama1eur RaCIO N~ws k:H1 9PM COST jOlOOZ ftff C'AJnltSI. CW
- 222 66/224 .26 MHz \Ii.I WedneS<lay Morning) r..o lfiO·Mt!O!r r.nnrul
WFl2APG am:! .400 MHz USB
n AMSAl Westcoast Ne1 3850 kH/
8PM POST (03002 weer>esd•y
Morning)
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
FLORIDA HAM NEWS - SWAP AMSAT EoiSIC&aSI ~el 38~0 ltHz
NET BY THE BAOWARO ARC 9PM EDST (01002 w eonesday
146.31-91 ill 7:30f>M M0tn11tgJ
GLENHURST RADIO SOCIETY AMSAT M1d·Con1inenl Ntl 38!>0
f fjJllSfTlitS Amateur Radio News kHz 9PM COST ~01001
- 222.601224 .26 MHz Vfil weonesoay MOt"1flOJ
~earon Ham!tsl/9 - A.lltngton tieighls Ratelr~k Athngion Ht~n1s . WR2APG and 21. 400 J.tH2 USB AM SAT WeSICOiSI Ntt 38~ ltHl
IL - ~9YL - 27 WE ST COAST BULLETIN Ee111ec & 8PM POST t0300Z Weontse1.1r
Ct.assit Raot0 b cnanoe. 2100 UTC 2701 10 0400 UTC 2a1n - K8SJ Transm 1nee1 by W6Zf 8PM PS T MPJningJ
- 3~0 kHZ,
A· I . 22 WPM
27 28 29 30 31
MADISON
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
AD CHECK WRITE IN
YOUR
AD INDEX
... for literat ure, in a hurry - we'll BEST QUOTE AR Technical Products. Inc. 70
Alkan Produc ts 62
rush yo ur name to t he com panies FROM THE
Aluma Tower Co. 67
whose names you check. " 800 GANG." An teck. Inc. 21
Place your check mark in the spa:)obetween Antenna Mart 79
name and number. Example: HRH _y_ 150. Bencher. Inc . 62. 66
NOW, LI ST THE EQUIPMENT Communications Cen ter 9
YOU WANT IN TH E SPACES OSI Instruments 80
A R Tech. _ 687 Larsen _ 078 Ehrhorn Technolog ical Operations 67
A. E.A. _ 677 Long's_ 468
PROVIDED BELOW , CUT OUT Hal Communications Corp. 50·51
A lkan _ 368 MFJ _ 082 THI S AD, AND SEND IT TO Ham Gear Mart 65
Aluma _ 589 Madison · US WITH YOUR NAME, AD- Ham Hobby Publish ing 7t
Anteck _ 733 Microcraft _ 774 Ham Radio·s Bookstore 57. 59. 61 . 63
Antenna Inc. _ 686 Microwave DRESS AND TE LE PHONE Ham Radio HORIZONS 67. 69
Fi lter _ 637
Antenna Mart _ 009
OK Machine
NUMBER. WE WILL WRITE D Heath Company Cover IV
Bencher _ 629
Comm.
and Tool _ 622 OR CALL D (CHECK ON E) lcom 7
------------
Swan _ 111 Radio Amateur Callbook 45
Howard
Products _ 815 Tedco _ 791 Radio & Electronics Cons truc tor 70
Ten-Tee · Sarac 71
lcom •
Van Gorden _ 737 S-F Amateur Radio Services 66
J.S.A. •
Webster Shure Brothers. Inc. 39
Jensen _293 Assoc. _ 423
Swan Electronics
KLM_073 Western ·
Tedco 79
Kant ronics • Wilson Elec. _ 123
Ten-Tee Cover II
Kenwood · Wilson Sys. _ 787
Van Gorden Engineering 61
Webster Associates 70
Western Electronics 66
------------
Greenville, N. H. 03048 Cl.. >-- Ham Radio Belg ium
StereohOvse Ham Radio llaly
Brusselsestffnweg • 16 STE. V ia Mam aoo 15
S.9118Genl 1·201 3• Milano
Belgium Italy
TERMS: ALL PRICES FOB HOUSTON . PRICES
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL Ham Radio Canada
Box •OO. GOderlc:n Ham Radio Sw11zerland
ITEMS GUARANTEED. SOME ITEMS SUBJECT TO Ofllcmo.Canada N7A 4C7 Ka rin Ueber
PRIOR SALE SEND LETTERHEAD FOR AMATEUR Ha.m Radio Europe
Pos1tacn 2•5•
DEALER'S PRICE LIST TEXAS RESIDENTS ADD 0-7850 Loerrach
Box'44 West Germany
6% TAX . PLEASE ADD POSTAGE ESTIMATE. S-1 94 04 Uppl ands Vasby
Sweden
Ham Raid10UK
MADISON
Ham Radio France
Christiane Micf'lel ?.O. Bo x 63. Harrow
F·89 117 Parly Ml<ldleseii: HAJ 6HS
France Engl and
REMOTE CONTROLLED
ANTENNA SWITCHING LETS
YOUR FEEDLINE WORK HARDER
five times as hard, in fact.
Antenna Mart's Model 50 remote controlled coax
ONLY control unit
$79.95 L.--_ _ _ ___;;;;___ _.
switch allows instant switch selection of up
to fi ve antennas with a single feedline with indicator lights
PPD U.S.A. L ESSBATTERIES
and a co ntrol cable between
the operating position and MOOEL 50
• CW operation VFO control from
3685 to 3755 kHz. the remote switch location. Remote Antenna Switch
• Output power approximately 'h s1sooo +$3 shipping
watt.
• Adjustable output impedance.
• Operates on 9 self contained 1.5
volt O cells.
• Long life from ordinary carbon·
zinc cells.
• Low distortion side tone
oscillator. Eliminates the tangle of feedlines and manual
• Direct conversion receiver. switches usually associated with multiple antennas.
• RF amplifier and sharp passive
With 3kW power rating, high-speed low-loss
audio filter.
• Receiver independent tuning. operation, rugged weather-proof construction
• Size 9" wide by 5" high by 8" and LED indication of antenna in
deep. use, it adds up to THE solution
• Instruction manual included. to your antenna sw itching problems.
Accessories required but not in·
eluded, are 8-ohm stereo phones, Order factory-direct or write
telegraph key, a good antenna such for complete information on
as a half-wave dipole, and a de volt·
meter.
our line of available models.
MANUAL AVAILABLE SEP. $2.00
SEND S.A.S.E. FO~ SPEC SHEET remote switch
A.I. RESIDENTS ADD 6% SALES TAX
Full general coverage reception, 0-30 MHz, with no gaps or range crystals required.
Continuous tuning all the way from vlf thru hf. Superb state-of-the-art performance
on a-m, ssb, RTTY, and cw-and it transceives with the Drake TR-7.
Drake R-7 Model 1240-0-30 MHz General Coverage, Digital Readout ........$1295.00
Drake R-7Model1241-Amateur Bands (160-10 meters), Analog Dial ........$1100.00
R. L. DRAKE COMPANY l~
~~~~_J
L.
II] •J 6, !JI
.....111'111il'llllll
••ll-•®
~O Richard St., Miamisburg, Ohio 45342
Phone: (513) 866-2421 •Telex: 288-017
For a Ff!EE Drake Full l:.ine Catalog contact your favorite Drake Dealer.
AT-120
AT-120 antennatuner with mobile mounting bracket included.
Features SWR meter and matches 50-ohm input to 20-300
ohms unbalanced output. Handles 150 watts (120 watts
on 80 meters).
·-~- ....
TS-520SE
The TS-520SE is an economical version of
the TS-520S ... the world's most popular
160-10 meter Amateur transceiver. Now, any
Amateur can afford ahigh-quality HF trans-
ceiver for his ham shack.
SP-520 TS-520SE W/DG-5 VF0-520S
·-
Heathkit®
service is at
the other end
Heathkit Service Techs know their stuff and
you can count on them for answers on any Free catalog
Heathkit HAM gear. Most problems can be For all t he newest i n .
solved right over the phone. Those that require Heathkit Am ateur Radio ,
hands-on service can be brought to one of the send for the latest, free
55 Heathk.i t Electronic Centers throughout the Heathkit Catalog . It's
U.S. or sent in to the Heath factory. Either way, loaded with nearly 400 ex-
you'll find reliable, experienced people who citing kits for your home,
know what they're doing. And that's a very work or pleasure. Send for ·
good reason to consider Heath when you're yours today or pick one up at your Heathkit
considering amateur radio gear. Electronic Center.
Heathkit®
Heath Company, Dept. 348-614, Benton Harbor, Ml 49022
Heathkit Electronic Centers (Units of Veritechnology .E lectronics Corporation)
are located in major cities throughout the U.S.
See your white pages.