tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66882764738384568812024-02-20T05:20:04.483-08:00Radio Experiments.Software Defined Radio, SDR - QRPp
dx operations
African portablecapesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-14310092529755885682012-04-07T12:14:00.000-07:002012-04-10T22:28:14.129-07:00Web SDR - HF PropagationObserving the HF bands during contests can reveal some very interesting statistics about overall propagation spectrum usage, and especially during the start and end of contests.<br />
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At higher FFT resolutions, one can inspect the quality of signals such as this digital transmission on 20m. This snapshot was taken running my <a href="http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html" target="_blank">experimental web sdr</a><br />
View <a href="http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html" target="_blank">live SDR</a> here : http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvZ-iJGyuls/T4CNSK_GdMI/AAAAAAAAKHA/wbl_9Rlt-RQ/s1600/web-sdr-digital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvZ-iJGyuls/T4CNSK_GdMI/AAAAAAAAKHA/wbl_9Rlt-RQ/s320/web-sdr-digital.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Digital mode on 20m (using 8k FFT) using <a href="http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html" target="_blank">websdr</a></div>
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When observing digital signals, where transmitter energy is evenly distributed across the 2.8KHz transmitter bandwidth, the effects of rapid path fading, as a result of ionospheric conditions between the transmitter and receiver stations, become very visible. </div>
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This received digital signal to the right clearly shows the effects of fading - which would have had less impact on SSB voice transmission (left) , but because the even energy distribution, clearly shows the differential signal strength, for frequencies across the 2.8KHz pass-band. </div>
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By comparison, the SSB signal shows very little signs of fading. This could be a result of the different origin of the SSB signal (and of course the fact the the energy distribution of SSB makes it less obvious for casual observation)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FeLnMSypuFI/T4COY4A_tsI/AAAAAAAAKHI/QvqdppyHSFo/s1600/fading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FeLnMSypuFI/T4COY4A_tsI/AAAAAAAAKHI/QvqdppyHSFo/s320/fading.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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Rapid fading visible in the 2.8KHz digital signal. (Using <a href="http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html" target="_blank">websdr</a>) </div>
<br />capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-54674773268993350242012-03-19T20:09:00.004-07:002012-04-07T15:09:00.163-07:00WWW-SDR - Intro VideoI've always thought that SDR had good promise for visuals and demonstrating the fun side of Amateur Radio today. I put together a quick intro <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG2Uo_sL-Rs" target="_blank">video</a>, using content from my <a href="http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html" target="_blank">www-sdr</a> client, running in a www browser with a link to the live wwwSDR. (requires Browser + Java add-on)<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG2Uo_sL-Rs<br />
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Please leave your comments on quality of audio, UI ease of use, or any other thoughts.<br />
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73, happy hf watching - as the solar cycle picks up.<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG2Uo_sL-Rs" target="_blank">Fun Side of SDR.</a><br />
<br />capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-87485532379401040142012-03-18T20:29:00.000-07:002012-04-07T15:09:28.952-07:00WWW-SDRImproved network bandwidth usage by using loss-less compression for both data and audio streams.<br />
Audio streaming compression using AAC is in progress. Audio streaming ~ avg 48kbs.<br />
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Improved some of the colormaps - although not a priority at this time. Server-side performance improvements are ongoing, especially the DSP section. (BPF, Demod)<br />
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Feel free to connect to the<a href="http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html" target="_blank"> live server</a>. Any comments/feedback are always appreciated.<br />
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<a href="http://tinyurl.com/wwwsdr" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4UWUTtOWT78/T2anulG4tEI/AAAAAAAAKG0/xpoaXYLj7NY/s400/www-green.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-24853618124808952552012-01-17T22:57:00.000-08:002012-01-17T23:06:00.812-08:00How to replace the Icom IC-725 LCD lightsI used this method for replacing LCD backlight bulbs on the Icom IC-725. The LCD backlighting is provided by 3 x miniature 12V bulbs (not LEDs). Each lamp is help in place in a hole behind the display.<br />
The limited access behind the front panel is the main constraint in replacing the bulbs.<br />
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Ensure to follow the standard safety precautions - ie. the radio is disconnected, and remove any connected devices, Mic, CW Key, data connectors, etc.<br />
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NOTE: This procedure does NOT require the removal of the front-plastic panel. <br />
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<ol>
<li>Follow the instructions found in the user manual for removing the top/bottom covers.</li>
<li>Remove 2 x the screws on top which holds the front-panel connected to the heat sink.</li>
<li>Remove the 2 x Left and 2 x Right side screws holding the front panel in place.</li>
<li>With the 6 x screw removed, the front panel should be free to be tilted down (away from the heatsink) See pic below. Be careful not to tilt too far. The connecting wires between front panel and the bottom (circuit board side of the radio) is short, and only allows for a little play.</li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_q_nRIDtAqI/TxZnN4KdXQI/AAAAAAAAKFY/mHxbjFhhiyM/s1600/ic725_left.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_q_nRIDtAqI/TxZnN4KdXQI/AAAAAAAAKFY/mHxbjFhhiyM/s400/ic725_left.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left View</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtTS6FDied0/TxZnOy8khnI/AAAAAAAAKFg/fWAt7ExSsFA/s1600/ic725_right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtTS6FDied0/TxZnOy8khnI/AAAAAAAAKFg/fWAt7ExSsFA/s400/ic725_right.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left/Top View - showing the access gap, after rotating the front panel down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtTS6FDied0/TxZnOy8khnI/AAAAAAAAKFg/fWAt7ExSsFA/s1600/ic725_right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li>The top side of the front panel can be rotated away from the heatsink, allowing about 1 inch space between the heatsink and front panel assembly. This is the gap through which you will access replace the lamps. </li>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9UKM3Mcds4k/TxZnNLmzXpI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/7tfiBRpfHU8/s1600/ic725_top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9UKM3Mcds4k/TxZnNLmzXpI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/7tfiBRpfHU8/s320/ic725_top.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are 3 x 12V mini lamps (backlights to the LCD panel) which can be access via the gap between the heatsink, and the front panel when it's in the rotated state.<br />
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The image below indicates the locations of each of the 3 x lamps.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEVI3z-R9eY/TxZp51tDw1I/AAAAAAAAKFw/Y1s2i3gi64I/s1600/lamps_location.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEVI3z-R9eY/TxZp51tDw1I/AAAAAAAAKFw/Y1s2i3gi64I/s400/lamps_location.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relative Lamp Locations when viewing from the heat-sink side.</td></tr>
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<b>Left lamp (meter backlight) is clearly visible here:</b><br />
This lamp is easy to reach, and replace. See below.<b> </b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQFDZCquc_A/TxZqP-WL8pI/AAAAAAAAKF4/Wwt5vqLNalQ/s1600/Meter_Lamp_Left.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQFDZCquc_A/TxZqP-WL8pI/AAAAAAAAKF4/Wwt5vqLNalQ/s400/Meter_Lamp_Left.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meter Backlight (Leads visible, with light bulb inserted into socket and yellow sleeve)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Middle Lamp (LCD left backlight)</b><br />
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The middle lamp is the trickiest to replace, due to the placement behind
the mounting bracket, which leaves very little space for a soldering
iron, and tweezers to grab the lamp leads and maneuver the new one into
place. To complicate matters, the soldered connected wires, are sort of
in the way. Be careful not to sever these connections while working on
this lamp.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bf3hmjkKVs/TxZrbpz778I/AAAAAAAAKGI/7LazA-7n1vY/s1600/mid_lamp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bf3hmjkKVs/TxZrbpz778I/AAAAAAAAKGI/7LazA-7n1vY/s400/mid_lamp2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Lamp (trickiest to get to, since it's behind the mounting bracket)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Right Lamp (LCD right backlight)</b><br />
This lamp is also easy to reach and replace<b>. </b>It is also clear of the mounting plate.<b><br /></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u4gzdUl1mEE/TxZraxAnBBI/AAAAAAAAKGA/ys5izHPsJ_Q/s1600/right_lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u4gzdUl1mEE/TxZraxAnBBI/AAAAAAAAKGA/ys5izHPsJ_Q/s400/right_lamp.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right Lamp (LCD right side backlight)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The process for replacing the bulbs, simply involves unsoldering, and replacing with equiv 12V lamps. You can re-use the yellow sleeve. (This is what gives the backlight the yellow tint). You can experiment with other colors, for a different effect. I chose to re-use the sleeves, for the original effect.<br />
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<b>Front panel view</b><br />
This view shows the relative locations of each of the lamps, and their back-light effect on the meter and LCD panel when the radio is powered on.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct60t6VmwKo/TxZvNuEwpeI/AAAAAAAAKGY/01WKmjH2Nt4/s1600/ftont_view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct60t6VmwKo/TxZvNuEwpeI/AAAAAAAAKGY/01WKmjH2Nt4/s400/ftont_view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front panel view - indicating relative lamp location.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Good luck on replacing the bulbs to give your IC725 a new look again. <br />
Please send comments if you think this was helpful.<br />
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73 and happy maintenance.<br />
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<br />capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-25973214531287630512011-11-29T23:27:00.001-08:002012-01-07T12:41:50.291-08:00WWW-SDR - Multi-tunerTo demonstrate the ability to run multiple tuners at once, I configured the server to run 3 x tuners concurrently. The www view demonstrates this view, with multiple spectrum modes as well. Each receiver can be controlled independently of the others - but combined in a single www view.<br />
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<a href="http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1OiU3rlnOg/TtXbU52L7_I/AAAAAAAAKEk/h9Hxb-fo5WI/s400/SDR+console+v13.dev+-+SafariDX.com+-+Mozilla+Firefox+11292011+112542+PM.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Ability to view multiple receivers via a single browser. </div>
<br />capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-35987617283460568232011-11-26T21:19:00.001-08:002011-11-29T23:23:46.595-08:002011 - SDR with CQWW DX CWAfter many performance experiments (server vs. browser) the SDR processing still lives on the server.<br />
I have uploaded about 7 mins of 96KHz sample data from the 2011 CQ WW DX CW contest.<br />
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Feel free to <a href="http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html" target="_blank">try it out here</a> <br />
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Please leave comments and feedback. This is a work-in-progress project, and has served as a vehicle for DSP technique experimentation, while having fun with weak signal modes.<br />
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<a href="http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7ChkYJ683s/TtXZ1Wrru8I/AAAAAAAAKEU/EeToeprzwlk/s400/SDR+console+v13.dev+-+SafariDX.com+-+Nov+2011+-+Mozilla+Firefox+11262011+91551+PM-1.jpg" width="400" /><span id="goog_500519312"></span></a><span id="goog_500519313"></span></div>
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<br />capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-20434460618117932172011-09-05T16:21:00.000-07:002011-11-29T23:18:38.623-08:00WWW-SDR : Multi-decode view.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tP1pTE6m_Q8/TmVdMJUUmjI/AAAAAAAAKDo/Bog237m5ej4/s400/WWW_SDR_v12.dev_SafariDX_com_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRrKwZtQpl0/TmVZcu8clZI/AAAAAAAAKDg/8zhNnQjFZYI/s1600/WWW_SDR_console_v12.dev_SafariDX.com_95201140554PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>
The <a href="http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html">WWW-SDR</a> now supports sdr rx functionality with tune/demod/filter.<br />
This view above demonstrates the ability to run multiple independent radios in a single www browser.<br />
In this example, both www-radios are connected to the same SDR server but running different waterfall modes <br />
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The multi-threaded server architecture supports multiple radios, each serving multiple www-clients.<br />
Server-side capacity is mostly limited by network I/O & CPU.<br />
<br />
Read more about the features and <a href="http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html">release notes</a> here.capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-1590713715440197232011-08-21T23:41:00.000-07:002011-08-21T23:41:57.794-07:00HF-SSTV<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T54I1Y93kGY/TlH6NVuk3gI/AAAAAAAAKDU/r0nHpgrW6F4/s1600/SDR%2Bconsole%2Bv10%2Bdev%2B-%2BSafariDX.com%2B-%2BMozilla%2BFirefox%2B8212011%2B112258%2BPM.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T54I1Y93kGY/TlH6NVuk3gI/AAAAAAAAKDU/r0nHpgrW6F4/s320/SDR%2Bconsole%2Bv10%2Bdev%2B-%2BSafariDX.com%2B-%2BMozilla%2BFirefox%2B8212011%2B112258%2BPM.jpg" /></a> </div>
<br />Around 0630Z, 20m was open to Japan. Here you can see the clear trace from SSTV tx from JA2GZZ
<br />on 14.233MHz.
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<br />SDR functionality is now almost complete. From the browser you can Tune, Filter & Demodulate
<br />audio.
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<br />The SDR radio is now usable, via anywhere on the www.
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<br />73, Deon<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-49818798019740009032011-03-27T12:26:00.000-07:002011-03-27T21:48:12.417-07:00Internet SDR - audio streaming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2dFpoiILsE/TZAS487e9fI/AAAAAAAAJR0/cEhQGWYGdns/s1600/SDR+console+v0.10+-+SafariDX.com+-+Mozilla+Firefox+3272011+92628+PM-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2dFpoiILsE/TZAS487e9fI/AAAAAAAAJR0/cEhQGWYGdns/s320/SDR+console+v0.10+-+SafariDX.com+-+Mozilla+Firefox+3272011+92628+PM-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html">Project notes here:</a><br />
<br />
Added audio streaming to the www client. Also more UI features such as display pan/zoom<br />
and controls for pause/muteof the data feeds - which will optimize the network bandwidth usage.<br />
<br />
I'm now working on adding full SDR receive capability to the www client.<br />
This will allow multi-vfo tuning of the radio from the client.<br />
<br />
Feel free to connect as often as you like. The radio is mostly tuned to the high bands during daytime, and<br />
40m at night time Pacific time.capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-72953983953301053302011-03-18T09:14:00.000-07:002011-03-19T12:03:52.996-07:00Online SDR - Its alive.The Online SDR project has been coming along nicely.<br />
<br />
The results of a few late nights work appears to be working good so far.<br />
The multi-digital decoding engine is also working fb.Now that the digital decoder is working, then next step is to implement a fully internet enabled SDR.<br />
<br />
If you want to follow along, project notes can be found here: <a href="http://safaridx.com/web-sdr/ReleaseNotes.html">ReleaseNotes.</a><br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jucYnTZyIAQ/TYODWzd8g-I/AAAAAAAAJQI/9ebX0L2de1c/s1600/SDR+console+v0.09+-+SafariDX.com+-+84329+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jucYnTZyIAQ/TYODWzd8g-I/AAAAAAAAJQI/9ebX0L2de1c/s320/SDR+console+v0.09+-+SafariDX.com+-+84329+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a snapshot of the Online SDR (Single radio mode)</div><br />
The SDR server and UI supports multi-radio capability.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZRtdmACQoIQ/TYOEH68c1lI/AAAAAAAAJQM/CW-mbgFCX1Y/s1600/SDR+Multi+Console+v0.08+-+SafariDX.com+-+Mozilla+Firefox+3182011+90948+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZRtdmACQoIQ/TYOEH68c1lI/AAAAAAAAJQM/CW-mbgFCX1Y/s320/SDR+Multi+Console+v0.08+-+SafariDX.com+-+Mozilla+Firefox+3182011+90948+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Independent radios can be visible in a single view view. </div>capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-67019649675958017912011-01-15T16:56:00.000-08:002011-01-16T00:55:27.141-08:00Jan Mayen 2011 - JX7VPAYou can follow the status of planning on dx-world.net.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dx-world.net/2011/jx7vpa-jan-mayen-2011/">http://dx-world.net/2011/jx7vpa-jan-mayen-2011/</a><br />
<br />
Stan SQ8X is pleased to announce that today he has received an email from The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority (NPT) granting ham radio license – and permission to transmit from Jan Mayen island.<br />
<b>JX7VPA</b> will be a group callsign used during the <a href="http://dx-world.net/2010/jan-mayen-2011-team-announced/" target="_blank">DXpedition scheduled for July </a>this year.<br />
The timetable as follows:<br />
<ul><li>July 2 – the team gathers in Reykjavik, Iceland.</li>
<li>July 4 – departing for Jan Mayen with a charter yacht, 2 days on the sea with a chance to sign as /mm.</li>
<li><span style="color: maroon;"><b>July 6-14 – ON THE AIR.</b></span></li>
<li>July 14 – tearing the camp down, sailing back to Iceland.</li>
<li>July 16 – back in Iceland.</li>
</ul>Due to polar summer season at Jan Mayen Island with broad daylight 24/7 <b>the team will not operate on 160-80 meters</b> – those bands will be totally dead at that time. DXpedition will focus on 30-6m and our main modes will be CW and RTTY/PSK, with some SSB if conditions will be good enough to operate as much as we wish to. The team will also check conditions on 40m band, but the band may also be not usable at that time of the year.<br />
The team will have a professional TV crew onboard that will prepare a broadcast documentary about the project and the island. All details as updated operators’ list, QSL route, bandplan and such will be announced soon on a dedicated website <a href="http://www.janmayen2011.org/" target="_blank">http://janmayen2011.org</a> (under construction).capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-65858344188559060182011-01-11T22:51:00.000-08:002011-01-14T02:12:12.920-08:002010 - ZS1D Piketberg PortableDec 17 - 20, 2010.<br />
<br />
Our mountain top location for this trip is about 100 miles north of Cape Town. 1800ft elev.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1L2jx4cKI/AAAAAAAAIz0/czuoW3-O5v0/s1600/P1030967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1L2jx4cKI/AAAAAAAAIz0/czuoW3-O5v0/s400/P1030967.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1MWyfRowI/AAAAAAAAI0U/EH-y9HA942A/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1112011+103623+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1MWyfRowI/AAAAAAAAI0U/EH-y9HA942A/s400/Fullscreen+capture+1112011+103623+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The multi-band vertical is easy to setup and the station is on-air within minutes. Antenna is based on a design from the ARRL handbook - multi-band design based on a bottom loaded design.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1L1WbskjI/AAAAAAAAIzw/9vWPzjH6shI/s1600/P1030945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1LuH194xI/AAAAAAAAIzk/stk0FdBFSfY/s1600/P1030948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1LuH194xI/AAAAAAAAIzk/stk0FdBFSfY/s200/P1030948.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1LpgLMt2I/AAAAAAAAIzY/cn2PpRQVijc/s1600/P1030915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1LpgLMt2I/AAAAAAAAIzY/cn2PpRQVijc/s200/P1030915.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Scanning the 40m band results in a few local QSO's but nothing too exciting. We easily establish contact with ZS stations about 1000 miles away. During the afternoon, 20m opens up with some longer distance dx. <br />
We easily manage a few QSO's with Europe around 14h00Z.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1LwRDqH4I/AAAAAAAAIzo/gjbiV1GF9i4/s1600/P1040065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1LwRDqH4I/AAAAAAAAIzo/gjbiV1GF9i4/s320/P1040065.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1Lq0kevLI/AAAAAAAAIzc/TO8brOaJC6I/s1600/P1030897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1Lq0kevLI/AAAAAAAAIzc/TO8brOaJC6I/s320/P1030897.JPG" width="209" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Our Cabin under the clear Milky Way night sky.</div>During the late afternoon, 20m grayline allows an easy path to EU. Soon after that the path switches to NA, with both 20m and 40m paths between 17h00Z - 20h00Z.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1Qa0EusiI/AAAAAAAAI0o/XU9DmTAvFDI/s1600/P1030931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1Qa0EusiI/AAAAAAAAI0o/XU9DmTAvFDI/s400/P1030931.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> 706 with Vertical and the view from the shack</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1QcaGdxpI/AAAAAAAAI0s/IwT1iaboHFQ/s1600/P1030948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1QeCNcBEI/AAAAAAAAI0w/oQe5-IG-2sc/s1600/P1040065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1QhKqyoyI/AAAAAAAAI04/bjiuTUMfjc8/s1600/P1030945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1QhKqyoyI/AAAAAAAAI04/bjiuTUMfjc8/s400/P1030945.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Roelof, ZS1XD taking a well-deserved break from all that dx...<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1Qm2XDfzI/AAAAAAAAI1I/etaGK5LcPns/s1600/P1030825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1Qm2XDfzI/AAAAAAAAI1I/etaGK5LcPns/s400/P1030825.JPG" width="315" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The field kitchen at the nearby camp site.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1QpjqAKmI/AAAAAAAAI1Q/wC-Vu38lPc0/s1600/P1040283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1QpjqAKmI/AAAAAAAAI1Q/wC-Vu38lPc0/s400/P1040283.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> View from the shack - looking east towards the reflection of sunset </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1QobOW79I/AAAAAAAAI1M/Uv7A_8VZmlE/s1600/P1030888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TS1QobOW79I/AAAAAAAAI1M/Uv7A_8VZmlE/s400/P1030888.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-48982537466928440782010-12-12T13:56:00.000-08:002011-01-06T15:43:21.528-08:002010 - ZS1D Safari dx.Trying out the new multi-band vertical turned out to be quite successful. <br />
This location on the beach north of Cape Town is rf-free. DX fills the bands, especially 40m night time is full of EU, NA, OC dx.<br />
<br />
ZS1D logs for Dec 2010 are now available via LOTW. <br />
Feedback, comments and SWL reports are very welcome - in particular if you heard my CQ call, but<br />
for some reason I could not copy you?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TQVBMSKFi6I/AAAAAAAAIsQ/haQuoC94zGU/s1600/P1010890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TQVBMSKFi6I/AAAAAAAAIsQ/haQuoC94zGU/s320/P1010890.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beach camp - /p with battery power and lots of fresh air along this stretch of deserted beach.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TQVDK57I2vI/AAAAAAAAItU/uUttEV8eLeA/s1600/P1010945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TQVDK57I2vI/AAAAAAAAItU/uUttEV8eLeA/s320/P1010945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Under the milky way - with the Southern Cross clearly visible. The milky way is so bright, one can almost read a book at night.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TQVBQDat8sI/AAAAAAAAIsU/Ih_lcnL3b8w/s1600/P1010893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TQVBQDat8sI/AAAAAAAAIsU/Ih_lcnL3b8w/s320/P1010893.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Typical sunset wave action</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TQVBUuS9q3I/AAAAAAAAIsc/HYBqNM8ayz4/s1600/P1010900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TQVBUuS9q3I/AAAAAAAAIsc/HYBqNM8ayz4/s320/P1010900.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Multi-band vertical - top section = 12ft, which is easily supported against the vehicle. A single counterpoise is extended to match the operating band.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TQVBapKEE7I/AAAAAAAAIsk/ZcNHDoVr7Ts/s1600/P1010952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TQVBapKEE7I/AAAAAAAAIsk/ZcNHDoVr7Ts/s320/P1010952.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">DX Breakfast : A room with a view + dx.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TQVBYNxyWXI/AAAAAAAAIsg/SmuPi4AK4Eo/s1600/P1010878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TQVBYNxyWXI/AAAAAAAAIsg/SmuPi4AK4Eo/s320/P1010878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This vertical goes on the air in abt the time it takes to slide 3 pieces of Al tubing together.</div><br />
<div><br />
</div>capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-33682355189182184882010-10-31T09:53:00.000-07:002010-11-13T20:27:45.311-08:00SDR-Audio : CQ WW DX SSB Contest.With the CQ WW DX SSB contest in full swing, I captured some<a href="http://safaridx.com/au/CQWWSSB_2010/"> interesting callsigns</a> <a href="http://safaridx.com/au/CQWWSSB_2010/">audio clips</a> on 15, 20, 40 this weekend. <br />
Receiving station: <br />
Rig: Softrock SDR<br />
Ant: Wire vertical over salt water.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TM2zQZqw-mI/AAAAAAAAIpI/AgToe73VcXs/s1600/Rocky+3.6+10312010+111315+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/TM2zQZqw-mI/AAAAAAAAIpI/AgToe73VcXs/s320/Rocky+3.6+10312010+111315+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">15m 1815Z </div>capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-88712929381849300232010-10-12T13:03:00.000-07:002010-11-13T20:24:46.501-08:00DSP, $5 Linux server, cognitive radio and more...Well, it's been a while since posting here, mainly because I've been investing some time in educating myself in the world of DSP s/w.<br />
<br />
Some new pieces of SDR gear made it past the bench and into the shack The latest Softrock Ensemble rx is now online,<br />
and I must say the new pcb design is much cleaner and compact from a constructor's perspective. It's performance on par with the previous v9.0.<br />
<br />
The next step was to dedicate a Linux system for SDR experimentation. As the good fortune would have it, I was lucky enough to pickup a desktop PC, in immaculate condition at the local swap meet. It became the dedicated Ubuntu platform and now serves as my main development platform.<br />
<br />
Ubuntu desktop installation is a snap, and with the added dev-tools a scap PC is transformed into a capable development platform. Ubuntu's S/W manager makes things really easy.<br />
<br />
<b>SDR and Cognitive Radio</b><br />
Experiments around the automation of decision making for the purpose of detecting information via rf sensing technologies can cover a wide range of topics. For the Amateur Radio experimenter, there are several benefits and utility to this exciting field. Propagation studies are among the very useful outcomes of cognitive radio. In the context of two-way communications, ionospheric path optimization could be another interesting outcome of path discovery/and auto selection between two/more terrestrial locations.<br />
<br />
H/W:<br />
As the chip manufacturers push the A/D envelope and DSP integration becomes more affordable, we have access to a level of instrumentation sophistication which has never been available before. <br />
<br />
S/W<br />
Unix/Linux is of course a very capable networked O/S - which is perfect for radio work, as well as a powerful s/w development platform for doing DSP development work.<br />
<br />
Design considerations.<br />
To approach the problem of concurrent decoding of multiple digital data streams, and adding a level of control logic to make decisions about decoding activities over time, an understanding of a few key concepts are necessary. Here is an interesting write-up on the general progress and <a href="http://www.dh1tw.de/understanding-the-sdr-concept">concepts of SDR</a>.<br />
<br />
DSP concepts.<br />
With the advances and adoption of SDR technology, the technical components for cognitive radio are in place today.<br />
<ul><li>First, a reasonable understanding of DSP is needed when tinkering with S/W methods for signal processing. The several phases of processing a signal undergoes through digital acquisition, digital processing and filtering and subsequent decoding, are all significant in laying the basis for S/W DSP.</li>
<li>Secondly, DSP happens in real time, and therefore the processing speed becomes a consideration when selecting a O/S platform - when done right, interesting opportunities await - eg. dx-spotting, "steering passive antennas" by means of S/W phase shift, diversity reception, etc. </li>
</ul>Hopefully you will find some of this information interesting, perhaps entertaining, but most of all, somewhat useful in your own experimentation activities.<br />
<br />
<b>Useful references:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.dspguide.com/pdfbook.htm">The Scientist and Engineer's Guide to Digital Signal Processing</a> is a good starting point for DSP concepts.<br />
<a href="http://www.dh1tw.de/understanding-the-sdr-concept">Do you understand the SDP concept</a>?capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-66884175886745455842010-05-29T02:11:00.000-07:002010-05-29T02:11:40.054-07:00SDR ReportsUsing <a href="http://psk.gladstonefamily.net/pskmap.html?callsign=k6wh">PSK Reporter</a> is a really helpful system for tracking propagation.<br />
Here is a sample of what my <a href="http://www.capesafari.com/hamradio/SDR/SoftRockLite.html">20m SDR</a> receiver sees during a 24 hr cycle.capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-45010722810421663202010-05-02T12:43:00.000-07:002010-05-29T02:07:10.395-07:00Softrock : Miles per watt.<span style="font-size: small;">With recent propagation, 20/40m has been really great for grayline dx. A very active QSO party weekend added some more long distance QRPp Qs.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Rig: - Softrock txrx 6.3 running at max 1W, - (300-500mW just for fun)<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Antenna: was wire vertical over salt water (somewhat sloped config </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Distances in miles)<br />
</span><br />
<pre><span style="font-size: x-small;">Date Start Station Band Mode My Power Distance QTH
5/2/2010 04:48 K1TTT 40m CW 1W 2,478.45 PERU
5/2/2010 04:44 W7POE 40m CW 1W 1,065.37 BURIEN
5/2/2010 04:42 K7LFY 40m CW 1W 1,090.35 ADDY
5/2/2010 04:34 KK7S 40m CW 1W 1,071.44 MEDINA
5/2/2010 04:32 N7BV 40m CW 1W 1,118.16 PORT ANGELES
5/2/2010 04:30 W7UG 40m CW 1W 906.60 SALEM
5/2/2010 04:22 W7GKF 40m CW 1W 1,084.23 Snohomish
5/2/2010 04:21 K7ZSD 40m CW 1W 961.20 SCAPPOOSE
5/2/2010 04:11 K7MI 40m CW 1W 826.58 BANDON
5/2/2010 04:10 W7AR 40m CW 1W 929.78 WEST LINN
5/2/2010 00:36 KX7L 20m CW 300mW 1,085.29 BOTHELL
5/2/2010 00:22 K7HBN 20m CW 300mW 1,088.06 BOTHELL
5/2/2010 00:19 AB7R 20m CW 300mW 1,122.27 OAK HARBOR
5/1/2010 23:43 W7RN 20m CW 500mW 487.45 VC HIGHLANDS
5/1/2010 23:38 N7BV 20m CW 1W 1,118.16 PORT ANGELES
5/1/2010 23:26 KI7MT 20m PSK31 1W 1,015.82 HELENA
5/1/2010 23:17 W1KM 20m CW 1W 2,594.23 MARSTONS MILLS
5/1/2010 23:10 WG7Y 20m CW 1W 1,020.32 GILLETTE
5/1/2010 23:06 W7GKF 20m CW 1W 1,084.23 Snohomish
5/1/2010 22:11 K7QQ 20m CW 1W 1,064.91 Olalla
5/1/2010 22:09 NZ1U 20m CW 1W 2,525.26 E KILLINGLY
5/1/2010 22:03 KN7T 20m CW 1W 1,088.06 BOTHELL
5/1/2010 21:58 AC7T 20m CW 1W 1,075.91 REDMOND
5/1/2010 21:57 N7TT 20m CW 1W 965.01 LA CENTER
5/1/2010 21:53 KK7S 20m CW 1W 1,071.44 MEDINA
5/1/2010 21:41 K7SS 20m CW 1W 1,070.89 SEATTLE
5/1/2010 21:40 W7VP 20m CW 1W 1,081.45 WOODINVILLE
5/1/2010 21:30 KK7OO 20m CW 1W 1,157.75 BELLINGHAM
5/1/2010 21:25 K7BG 20m CW 1W 1,081.01 POWER
5/1/2010 21:24 W7AC 20m CW 1W 942.16 ALOHA
5/1/2010 21:20 NG7Z 20m CW 1W 1,085.29 BOTHELL
5/1/2010 21:18 K9SG 20m CW 1W 1,808.46 GREENFIELD
4/25/2010 03:09 NV5E 20m PSK31 750mW 1,163.11 ARLINGTON
4/25/2010 02:52 K5JJR 20m PSK31 750mW 1,147.25 HASLET
4/25/2010 01:16 WA5MS 20m PSK31 1W 1,165.94 HIGHLAND VILLAGE
4/25/2010 01:12 W5GT 20m PSK31 1W 1,157.56 N RICHLAND HILLS
4/10/2010 09:37 JS1NDM 40m CW 1W 5,576.71 Noda City Chiba
4/10/2010 09:07 JA7DLE 40m CW 1W 5,379.44 Hanamaki
4/10/2010 08:30 JA1XMS 40m CW 1W 5,600.02 Chiba City
4/10/2010 08:17 JF2QNM 40m CW 1W 5,752.96 My shack :CHITAGUN
4/10/2010 04:31 KI7MT 40m PSK31 1W 1,015.82 HELENA
</span></pre><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-61824073740137092712010-03-05T20:55:00.000-08:002010-03-05T20:55:50.343-08:002010 ARRL CW DX Contest - portable operationAnother edit of some of the activities during the recent 2010 ARRL CW DX Contest. Events such as this are really useful for tweaking your station configuration. With a low power portable station, the dx contest is especially helpful, because of the test requirement to "work dx only".<br />
Here is a view of some of the weekend activities, which I conducted from the hills just east of San Diego.<br />
It was a cool day, with the temp hovering around freezing - (31F)<br />
<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-XPPdYuEmI8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-XPPdYuEmI8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-50647283451434342372010-02-28T15:07:00.000-08:002010-02-28T15:07:06.470-08:00ARRL CW DX Contest - portable.Here's the next challenge. Portable, CW contesting. <br />
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<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LKiHWCLi_wc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LKiHWCLi_wc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-80781249182407647652009-12-13T09:02:00.000-08:002009-12-23T10:11:32.710-08:00Dec 2009 - Africa - Portable Operations.<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/SyUeaGJJwjI/AAAAAAAAGow/e8AgRJH6Mes/s1600-h/IMG_2293-1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="124" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/SyUeaGJJwjI/AAAAAAAAGow/e8AgRJH6Mes/s200/IMG_2293-1.jpg" width="165" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/SyUfaTAfgGI/AAAAAAAAGpo/4EwjQ08Z9WM/s1600-h/IMG_2287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/SyUfaTAfgGI/AAAAAAAAGpo/4EwjQ08Z9WM/s200/IMG_2287.jpg" width="178" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Located about 100 miles north-east of the coastal city of Cape Town, our base camp is at 32.871954S, 19.084239E.</span><br />
This time, we are exploring the mountainous region of the Ceder Mountains, adjacent to the Great Winterhoek Mountain Nature Reserve.<br />
The base cabin is visible in the middle of the picture. A freshwater stream (which provides drinking water as well as a refreshing break from the daytime heat) runs about 100ft from the cabin. <br />
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Traveling here is easy by car (we bring 4X4 just in case), and at elevation of about 1500 MSL, we are surrounded by lots of mountains.<br />
The cabin offers sleeping facilities for 6x. No electricity or water supply - just the way we like it. Well - ok - plenty of running water from the nearby river which serves as fresh water supply as well as a welcome relief from the baking southern sun.<br />
At this location, the air is clean, there is no light pollution and at night, the Milky Way lights up the skies. While around the campfire, stargazing consumes the better half of the evening.<br />
<i> (No visible International Space Station pass during our stay unfortunately)</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Sy6HBLxkfZI/AAAAAAAAG40/m8x0gBQF63U/s1600-h/IMG_4947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Sy6HBLxkfZI/AAAAAAAAG40/m8x0gBQF63U/s320/IMG_4947.JPG" width="196" /></a><br />
</div>The "Green" Inverted V goes up - Mast is a sturdy piece of 30ft straight timber we found close to the cabin.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Sy6HExQYTPI/AAAAAAAAG48/WwqTd9cCMmc/s1600-h/IMG_5018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Sy6HExQYTPI/AAAAAAAAG48/WwqTd9cCMmc/s320/IMG_5018.JPG" width="164" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/SyUeaVB0ctI/AAAAAAAAGo4/XrirN0HUnDo/s1600-h/IMG_2090.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/SyUeaVB0ctI/AAAAAAAAGo4/XrirN0HUnDo/s320/IMG_2090.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>QRV / QRP - Of course no electrical infrastructure for miles, also means no rf pollution, and virtually "no" noise floor. With an inverted V for 40/20m, we light up the 706 (battery power). 20m dx sounds fill the quiet evening and even S1 signals are booming in Q5. What appears to be 20m short path to the U.S. comes alive around 20:00 UTC. No dx luck at QRP power levels, unfortunately, due to the high noise floors at the remote stations. <br />
<br />
On 40m, local stations (< 1000 miles) provide for fun rag-chew QSO's during the daylight hours.<br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/SyUebH2smgI/AAAAAAAAGpA/QuClim7PnLs/s1600-h/IMG_2212.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="130" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/SyUebH2smgI/AAAAAAAAGpA/QuClim7PnLs/s200/IMG_2212.jpg" width="174" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Working local stations on QRP power offers quite a bit of activity during the daytime, with several fixed base and mobile stations from as far as Namibia and the Kruger National Park on 40m.<br />
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Stateside dx on 40m around 04:00 UTC are 5/9++. W1AW code bulletins are as clear as local stations during this window. 40m Gray line propagation shuts down around 06:30 UTC. Unfortunately we did not work any dx on 40m this time.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/SyUebZklZ-I/AAAAAAAAGpI/jEWFOvMkzd0/s1600-h/IMG_2234-1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/SyUebZklZ-I/AAAAAAAAGpI/jEWFOvMkzd0/s320/IMG_2234-1.jpg" /></a><br />
The rock formations in this area are truly spectacular, with a variety of freshwater streams feeding into the Elephant river. Easy hikes from base camp provide access to great vistas, waterfalls and freshwater mountain pools for cooling off during the summertime heat. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/SyUfQnydLhI/AAAAAAAAGpY/3Kx2MzziNuM/s1600-h/IMG_2182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/SyUfQnydLhI/AAAAAAAAGpY/3Kx2MzziNuM/s200/IMG_2182.jpg" width="175" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/SyUfXTnBelI/AAAAAAAAGpg/j_RxHVhAqGE/s1600-h/IMG_2274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/SyUfXTnBelI/AAAAAAAAGpg/j_RxHVhAqGE/s200/IMG_2274.jpg" width="166" /></a><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This time of year, the temperatures average about 30C. During our stay, we were lucky with some overcast days reaching 28C.<br />
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</div>capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-55222748527463417922009-11-14T13:04:00.001-08:002021-10-31T14:45:33.230-07:00HF A/B linear on 20m - 15W PSK<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">With the LPF inline and on higher bands, such as on 20m this amps' performance drops a little but still delivers 15W easily with 1W drive.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Sv8bWPWX32I/AAAAAAAAGdo/s8SAwn1in8E/s1600-h/IMG_1743.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Sv8bWPWX32I/AAAAAAAAGdo/s8SAwn1in8E/s320/IMG_1743.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none 0% 50% repeat scroll transparent; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-2878401348610539412009-11-14T12:24:00.000-08:002009-11-14T12:25:41.392-08:00Homebrew 40W WA2EBY linear amp.<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">After soldering in the header to support LPF/plug-ins the homebrew Hf-packer amp finally made it into an enclosure. Nothing permanent for now, but at least it'll keep some of the rf inside the box. The 2 x IRF510 MOSFETS are visible mounted on heatsink.<br />
The amp delivers 40W output with 1W drive - at 24 Vcc.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Sv8R8XUdyeI/AAAAAAAAGdY/zNUDUqDtc3k/s1600-h/IMG_1731.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Sv8R8XUdyeI/AAAAAAAAGdY/zNUDUqDtc3k/s320/IMG_1731.JPG" /></a><br />
The heatsink is pobably a little overkill, but it works! The IRF510's are heating up quite a bit at 20W.<br />
This al enclosure (designed for rf use) was a find at the local surplus store for $5. It came with pre-drilled openings for DB9-style panel mounts - which now double as BNC mount slots.<br />
</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Sv8R8KcpDsI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/gaqm161RUiI/s1600-h/IMG_1739.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Sv8R8KcpDsI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/gaqm161RUiI/s320/IMG_1739.JPG" /></a><br />
The lid + heatsink still sitting loose on-top...and I'll have to do better job of running shielded cable to the MOSFETs. (hidden from view here under the heatsink)<br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Sv8R8o3z_tI/AAAAAAAAGdg/BoVmXO2H6tk/s1600-h/IMG_1741.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Sv8R8o3z_tI/AAAAAAAAGdg/BoVmXO2H6tk/s320/IMG_1741.JPG" /></a> <br />
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</div>capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-33147816176370426862009-11-08T18:14:00.000-08:002009-11-14T09:34:47.284-08:00ARRL CW SS : 40m<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">Zooming into the activity shows the signal spacing around 100Hz <br />
Detecting light signals on this busy band is no problem - Rocky S/W, (with narrow filters still usable to around 35Hz on CW.)<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Svd7ByIQ71I/AAAAAAAAGb8/wnhG9tPTuJ8/s1600-h/Rocky+3.6+1182009+61047+PM.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Svd7ByIQ71I/AAAAAAAAGb8/wnhG9tPTuJ8/s320/Rocky+3.6+1182009+61047+PM.jpg" /></a> <br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a><br />
</div>capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-732493709050519412009-11-08T18:08:00.000-08:002009-11-08T18:08:58.978-08:0040m ARRL CW Sweepstakes. Busy band<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Svd5ufB4HTI/AAAAAAAAGb0/jAOaCBKvys0/s1600-h/Rocky+3.6+1182009+60739+PM.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Svd5ufB4HTI/AAAAAAAAGb0/jAOaCBKvys0/s320/Rocky+3.6+1182009+60739+PM.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Spacing down to 200Hz in cases<br />ARRL CW Sweepstakes on 40m.</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6688276473838456881.post-28525026173515946652009-11-08T17:55:00.000-08:002009-11-08T17:55:31.812-08:002009 ARRL CW Sweepstakes - 40m<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">So the 2009 ARRL CW Sweepstakes is in full progress and the 40m band is packed. Here are some screenshots showing the activity.<br />Radio: Softrock 6.3 txrx, Antenna : Wire vertical at sea level.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Svd2j3aVR5I/AAAAAAAAGbc/A9IyNhZOlWM/s1600-h/Rocky+3.6+1182009+54232+PM.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Svd2j3aVR5I/AAAAAAAAGbc/A9IyNhZOlWM/s320/Rocky+3.6+1182009+54232+PM.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The entire 7.0 - 7.1 full of CW - what a joy!</div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Svd2kYbS7hI/AAAAAAAAGbk/52WX9XWqe5w/s1600-h/Rocky+3.6+1182009+54350+PM.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Svd2kYbS7hI/AAAAAAAAGbk/52WX9XWqe5w/s320/Rocky+3.6+1182009+54350+PM.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Think we can get a QRP 1W signal in there. Actually yes - the contest stations are so keen for points, and the QRP class (up to 5Watts) is definitely active and recognized in this competition.</div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Svd2klBzdHI/AAAAAAAAGbs/3nFakFW9USo/s1600-h/Rocky+3.6+1182009+55003+PM.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AslGOH1PWWA/Svd2klBzdHI/AAAAAAAAGbs/3nFakFW9USo/s320/Rocky+3.6+1182009+55003+PM.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Zoom into the activity shows the signals about 200Hz apart. Using the Rocky S/W, it's easy to filter out the big signals, and still copy the weaker stations among them.</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>capesafarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647664903682939147noreply@blogger.com0