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Re: coax question

Mike WB2FKO
 

Thanks for all the responses, both on and off the list.  Here is a summary of the advice I have received:

* Only use the ultraflex cable for the portion of the feedline that is out of the sun
* Use 1/2 inch superflex aka Andrews FSJ4-50B heliax
* Use RG-213
* Use LMR-400 UF obtained from a reputable source like Times Microwave (I'm not sure where the various suppliers I have used get their feedline; perhaps it is China)
* Do not trust crimped-on connectors; make sure they are soldered

Bill's comment about crimping was clairvoyant.  As I did further troubleshooting over the weekend, I discovered that this is exactly what had happened on my 222 feedline.  It explains why I could not hear anybody on 222, so the transverter is probably OK.  The crimp connection pulled out at an N-connector junction just above the rotor and fortunately the main 50 ft feedline run was OK.  I replaced the broken jumper with a (far too long) section of one of my old rover feedlines and connected this to the 6m beam.  The 222 feedline allowed me to salvage Perseids and pickup six new grids. (Truth be told, I had worked 2 of those grids before but they were never confirmed on LOTW)

I have kept two of the dead cable runs, both used on 6m, but have already trashed 3 others over the years.  It will be interesting to see what a network analyzer reveals, although I don't have immediate access to one.

Thanks again for all the useful feedback.  Mike
Re: coax question

Bill
 

Mike, 

Another thought: 

Before you trash your failed cable, try to find out where the cable assy failed using a vector network analyzer in time domain mode. That may help you analyze the failure.

Bill W7QQ 


On Aug 12, 2018, at 5:02 PM, Michael Daly <arrowengineering1@...> wrote:

Hi,

I have copied my buddy Paull Holmes in Farmington about this issue.  He has two concerns.

First..

          My first question is if the cable with problems is genuine Times Microwave LMR-400 cable.  There are a number of companies (mostly Chinese) that are making "Times Microwave" alternatives.  Most of those are OK but do not have the quality control that the Times Microwave company does.  I also worry that some of the Chinese cable will say Times Microwave on it even though it is actually a "knock off". 

 

          If he is sure that the cable he is using is genuine Times Microwave cable then I would suggest that he give them a call and ask them what they believe might be the problem.  The cable should be able to handle a Kilowatt without a problem.  They would likely be interested if their cable is having problems.

 

Then in response to Keith’s point about UF version of LMR cable…

 

            The Times Microwave specs on their Ultra-Flex and the standard LMR-400 is -40 to 185 F degrees (operating).  Hard to imagine that the conditions are worse than that.  I believe that I would send an e-mail to Times Microwave and see what they say about the problem.  There are probably millions of feet of LMR-400 in use and the company has a stellar reputation.  I don’t know what the Time Microwave “knock off” specs are, probably not as good.

 

So more to chew on.  Contacting Times Microwave would seem to be first on the list after confirming it is truly Times Microwave.  And for goodness sake tell us the rest of the story.  I have LMR 400 Ultra Flex on my tower at the top.

 

Mike, n5sj

 

From: nmvhf@groups.io [mailto:nmvhf@groups.io] On Behalf Of Keith Morehouse
Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2018 8:11 PM
To: nmvhf@groups.io
Subject: Re: [nmvhf] coax question

 

Mike, the 'UF' version of all the LMR cable, which is the rubber jacketed, direct bury capable, highly flexible version is notorious for getting soft in direct sun and allowing the inner conductor to push out toward the shield when it is held in a bend or, even worse where it is cable tied and allowed to hang free.  This, of course, causes a increase in VSWR without any other symptoms.

 

I had this problem in EN52 with a 432 MHz LMR600UF feedline twice (it took me two direct failures at the same place to realize what was happening).  As you can imagine, the sun during a EN52 summer may be hot, but I'll bet it's much 'less-hot' then in New Mexico.

 

As a rule, I no longer use LMR 'ultra-flex' in my system unless it is inside.  I'm also VERY careful in planning my rotor loops and flexible RF cable attachments to avoid any locations where there might be a abrupt direction change.

 

-W9RM

 


Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO

 

On Sat, Aug 11, 2018 at 6:37 PM, WB2FKO <mph@...> wrote:

I'm having an ongoing problem with burning up coax cable feedlines. This has been almost entirely on 6m, where I have been doing the majority of my operating the past few years and primarily during the summer Es season.  I usually run between 500--1000W.  SWR has been very good right up until the moment of failure, which never seems to occur at an opportune time.  Cable does not internally short, so I assume the inner conductor has wandered far enough to send SWR through the roof.  It has been happening every 18--24 months, with the latest cable failure during a meteor scatter run in this weekend's Perseids shower.  I don't trust my cable assembly skills, so have been buying professionally made cable runs from BuryFlex, CableXperts, and recently JEFA Tech, and always a variant of the flexible LMR400.  Stiffer cable would be a substantial pain to install at my station, but I will have to deal with it if this is the solution.  Advice appreciated.  Mike WB2FKO


 


Virus-free. www.avast.com

Re: coax question

Bill
 

Gm Mike,

One of your comments triggered a thought here: you spoke about ordering only preassembled cables with connectors installed. Most preassembled cables use crimped connectors.

I’ve had bad luck with crimped “N” connectors pulling off the cable in tension. The cable shield slips away from the connector and pulls the center pin out of contact with the mating socket. In some cases the connector and cable separate completely, but I’ve found cases where the connector is attached but electrically compromised.

I use only soldered connector installation now.

The second thing to check is anything associated with your tower hazer installation which requires the entire feedline to be unsupported from the hazer to the ground. Look for any mechanical cycle fatigue stemming from the feedline moving in the wind. Same for rotor loops.

GL Bill W7QQ 


On Aug 12, 2018, at 5:02 PM, Michael Daly <arrowengineering1@...> wrote:

Hi,

I have copied my buddy Paull Holmes in Farmington about this issue.  He has two concerns.

First..

          My first question is if the cable with problems is genuine Times Microwave LMR-400 cable.  There are a number of companies (mostly Chinese) that are making "Times Microwave" alternatives.  Most of those are OK but do not have the quality control that the Times Microwave company does.  I also worry that some of the Chinese cable will say Times Microwave on it even though it is actually a "knock off". 

 

          If he is sure that the cable he is using is genuine Times Microwave cable then I would suggest that he give them a call and ask them what they believe might be the problem.  The cable should be able to handle a Kilowatt without a problem.  They would likely be interested if their cable is having problems.

 

Then in response to Keith’s point about UF version of LMR cable…

 

            The Times Microwave specs on their Ultra-Flex and the standard LMR-400 is -40 to 185 F degrees (operating).  Hard to imagine that the conditions are worse than that.  I believe that I would send an e-mail to Times Microwave and see what they say about the problem.  There are probably millions of feet of LMR-400 in use and the company has a stellar reputation.  I don’t know what the Time Microwave “knock off” specs are, probably not as good.

 

So more to chew on.  Contacting Times Microwave would seem to be first on the list after confirming it is truly Times Microwave.  And for goodness sake tell us the rest of the story.  I have LMR 400 Ultra Flex on my tower at the top.

 

Mike, n5sj

 

From: nmvhf@groups.io [mailto:nmvhf@groups.io] On Behalf Of Keith Morehouse
Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2018 8:11 PM
To: nmvhf@groups.io
Subject: Re: [nmvhf] coax question

 

Mike, the 'UF' version of all the LMR cable, which is the rubber jacketed, direct bury capable, highly flexible version is notorious for getting soft in direct sun and allowing the inner conductor to push out toward the shield when it is held in a bend or, even worse where it is cable tied and allowed to hang free.  This, of course, causes a increase in VSWR without any other symptoms.

 

I had this problem in EN52 with a 432 MHz LMR600UF feedline twice (it took me two direct failures at the same place to realize what was happening).  As you can imagine, the sun during a EN52 summer may be hot, but I'll bet it's much 'less-hot' then in New Mexico.

 

As a rule, I no longer use LMR 'ultra-flex' in my system unless it is inside.  I'm also VERY careful in planning my rotor loops and flexible RF cable attachments to avoid any locations where there might be a abrupt direction change.

 

-W9RM

 


Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO

 

On Sat, Aug 11, 2018 at 6:37 PM, WB2FKO <mph@...> wrote:

I'm having an ongoing problem with burning up coax cable feedlines. This has been almost entirely on 6m, where I have been doing the majority of my operating the past few years and primarily during the summer Es season.  I usually run between 500--1000W.  SWR has been very good right up until the moment of failure, which never seems to occur at an opportune time.  Cable does not internally short, so I assume the inner conductor has wandered far enough to send SWR through the roof.  It has been happening every 18--24 months, with the latest cable failure during a meteor scatter run in this weekend's Perseids shower.  I don't trust my cable assembly skills, so have been buying professionally made cable runs from BuryFlex, CableXperts, and recently JEFA Tech, and always a variant of the flexible LMR400.  Stiffer cable would be a substantial pain to install at my station, but I will have to deal with it if this is the solution.  Advice appreciated.  Mike WB2FKO


 


Virus-free. www.avast.com

Re: coax question

Michael Daly
 

Hi,

I have copied my buddy Paull Holmes in Farmington about this issue.  He has two concerns.

First..

          My first question is if the cable with problems is genuine Times Microwave LMR-400 cable.  There are a number of companies (mostly Chinese) that are making "Times Microwave" alternatives.  Most of those are OK but do not have the quality control that the Times Microwave company does.  I also worry that some of the Chinese cable will say Times Microwave on it even though it is actually a "knock off". 

 

          If he is sure that the cable he is using is genuine Times Microwave cable then I would suggest that he give them a call and ask them what they believe might be the problem.  The cable should be able to handle a Kilowatt without a problem.  They would likely be interested if their cable is having problems.

 

Then in response to Keith’s point about UF version of LMR cable…

 

            The Times Microwave specs on their Ultra-Flex and the standard LMR-400 is -40 to 185 F degrees (operating).  Hard to imagine that the conditions are worse than that.  I believe that I would send an e-mail to Times Microwave and see what they say about the problem.  There are probably millions of feet of LMR-400 in use and the company has a stellar reputation.  I don’t know what the Time Microwave “knock off” specs are, probably not as good.

 

So more to chew on.  Contacting Times Microwave would seem to be first on the list after confirming it is truly Times Microwave.  And for goodness sake tell us the rest of the story.  I have LMR 400 Ultra Flex on my tower at the top.

 

Mike, n5sj

 

From: nmvhf@groups.io [mailto:nmvhf@groups.io] On Behalf Of Keith Morehouse
Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2018 8:11 PM
To: nmvhf@groups.io
Subject: Re: [nmvhf] coax question

 

Mike, the 'UF' version of all the LMR cable, which is the rubber jacketed, direct bury capable, highly flexible version is notorious for getting soft in direct sun and allowing the inner conductor to push out toward the shield when it is held in a bend or, even worse where it is cable tied and allowed to hang free.  This, of course, causes a increase in VSWR without any other symptoms.

 

I had this problem in EN52 with a 432 MHz LMR600UF feedline twice (it took me two direct failures at the same place to realize what was happening).  As you can imagine, the sun during a EN52 summer may be hot, but I'll bet it's much 'less-hot' then in New Mexico.

 

As a rule, I no longer use LMR 'ultra-flex' in my system unless it is inside.  I'm also VERY careful in planning my rotor loops and flexible RF cable attachments to avoid any locations where there might be a abrupt direction change.

 

-W9RM

 


Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO

 

On Sat, Aug 11, 2018 at 6:37 PM, WB2FKO <mph@...> wrote:

I'm having an ongoing problem with burning up coax cable feedlines. This has been almost entirely on 6m, where I have been doing the majority of my operating the past few years and primarily during the summer Es season.  I usually run between 500--1000W.  SWR has been very good right up until the moment of failure, which never seems to occur at an opportune time.  Cable does not internally short, so I assume the inner conductor has wandered far enough to send SWR through the roof.  It has been happening every 18--24 months, with the latest cable failure during a meteor scatter run in this weekend's Perseids shower.  I don't trust my cable assembly skills, so have been buying professionally made cable runs from BuryFlex, CableXperts, and recently JEFA Tech, and always a variant of the flexible LMR400.  Stiffer cable would be a substantial pain to install at my station, but I will have to deal with it if this is the solution.  Advice appreciated.  Mike WB2FKO


 


Virus-free. www.avast.com

Re: coax question

Keith Morehouse
 

Mike, the 'UF' version of all the LMR cable, which is the rubber jacketed, direct bury capable, highly flexible version is notorious for getting soft in direct sun and allowing the inner conductor to push out toward the shield when it is held in a bend or, even worse where it is cable tied and allowed to hang free.  This, of course, causes a increase in VSWR without any other symptoms.

I had this problem in EN52 with a 432 MHz LMR600UF feedline twice (it took me two direct failures at the same place to realize what was happening).  As you can imagine, the sun during a EN52 summer may be hot, but I'll bet it's much 'less-hot' then in New Mexico.

As a rule, I no longer use LMR 'ultra-flex' in my system unless it is inside.  I'm also VERY careful in planning my rotor loops and flexible RF cable attachments to avoid any locations where there might be a abrupt direction change.

-W9RM


Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO

On Sat, Aug 11, 2018 at 6:37 PM, WB2FKO <mph@...> wrote:
I'm having an ongoing problem with burning up coax cable feedlines. This has been almost entirely on 6m, where I have been doing the majority of my operating the past few years and primarily during the summer Es season.  I usually run between 500--1000W.  SWR has been very good right up until the moment of failure, which never seems to occur at an opportune time.  Cable does not internally short, so I assume the inner conductor has wandered far enough to send SWR through the roof.  It has been happening every 18--24 months, with the latest cable failure during a meteor scatter run in this weekend's Perseids shower.  I don't trust my cable assembly skills, so have been buying professionally made cable runs from BuryFlex, CableXperts, and recently JEFA Tech, and always a variant of the flexible LMR400.  Stiffer cable would be a substantial pain to install at my station, but I will have to deal with it if this is the solution.  Advice appreciated.  Mike WB2FKO
coax question

Mike WB2FKO
 

I'm having an ongoing problem with burning up coax cable feedlines. This has been almost entirely on 6m, where I have been doing the majority of my operating the past few years and primarily during the summer Es season.  I usually run between 500--1000W.  SWR has been very good right up until the moment of failure, which never seems to occur at an opportune time.  Cable does not internally short, so I assume the inner conductor has wandered far enough to send SWR through the roof.  It has been happening every 18--24 months, with the latest cable failure during a meteor scatter run in this weekend's Perseids shower.  I don't trust my cable assembly skills, so have been buying professionally made cable runs from BuryFlex, CableXperts, and recently JEFA Tech, and always a variant of the flexible LMR400.  Stiffer cable would be a substantial pain to install at my station, but I will have to deal with it if this is the solution.  Advice appreciated.  Mike WB2FKO
WWV, WWVH,, and WWVB threatened with closure under 2019 NIST budget

James Duffey
 

For many of us, one of our first exposures to ham radio was listening to WWV. Many of us still use it as a propagation indicator, a simple frequency standard, an introduction to others of the usefulness of radio, and yes, even to set our watches. This utility is now threatened. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s budget is severely reduced in the presidential budget for 2019 and the core measurement science group, which among other duties, runs WWV, WWVH, and WWVB, has born a significant amount of that cut. To deal with the cuts, in part NIST has proposed eliminating the NIST run radio stations, to a savings of $6.3M.

< https://www.nist.gov/director/fy-2019-presidential-budget-request-summary/fundamental-measurement-quantum-science-and >

This is an e-mail about radio, not politics, but occasionally the two overlap. If you want to see the continuation of the NIST time and frequency standard radio stations, write a postcard to your national elected representative telling them that as well as a post card to NIST telling them that you are concerned about their course of action. If not, ignore this post.

Thanks for reading this and if you feel like deleting it, go ahead. - Duffey KK6MC

James Duffey KK6MC
Cedar Crest NM
CQ VHF Logs - Club Name

KC7QY
 

The robot will only accept New Mexico VHF Society for club name. NM VHF Society bounced.
 
Jim KC7QY
Round table

Bruce Draper
 

Tuesday evening at 8 PM on 50.133 MHz.
Re: CQWW VHF

Keith Morehouse
 

Mike, congratulations on a good result !

Mike and I have somewhat conflicting views on the merits of FT8 during contests and we discussed it a lot during the W5UHF multi-op in June.  I'm not a big fan of it, as it's so very slow.  But, I certainly see the plus-side of it when 6M is not yet open (or open well enough to support QSO's on a more 'rapid' mode).  As Mike mentioned, use all the tools in the box to maximize results, BUT, know WHICH tool is the best, for you, at any given point in the contest.

As a side note, it appears W5PR in EL29 will either win or be highly competitive for the 6M single-band championship this weekend.  He is a perennial high scorer on 6M.  This weekend, he made 650+ QSO's without using FT8 at all.  Think about that the next time you're tempted to remain on FT8 when the band opens.

-W9RM

Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO

On Mon, Jul 23, 2018 at 1:09 PM, WB2FKO <mph@...> wrote:
For better or worse, this CQWW was all about FT8.  W9RM predicted that ops would get transfixed to their computer screens attempting to make digital QSOs when 6m Es could easily support faster, more efficient ssb.  This is exactly what happened.  An additional source of confusion was the incompatibility of North American contest mode and the regular DX mode of FT8.  Most were using the latter.  This often doubled completion time or prevented a QSO altogether.  In my opinion, the misunderstanding and mis-use of FT8 is the biggest issue/problem in VHF, contesting or otherwise.

Largely because of FT8, I scored a new personal best for this contest, worked Jim K6MIO to complete 6m WAS (pending receipt of his card), added 3 new DXCC and a few rare grids including DM86 on 6 and 2 (thanks Duffey).  Meteor scatter was entirely unproductive in this one, probably because everyone was sitting on 50.313 using FT8.

Mike WB2FKO

On 07/22/2018 04:21 PM, Keith Morehouse wrote:
Thanks to KK6MC/r for another great rove.  I worked him from DM86, DM74, DM75 & DM64 on 2M and from DM86 on 6M, where he was quite strong.  Both the DM86 QSOs are new all-time grids for me.

Also, thanks to N5SJ for a 2M QSO at the end of the contest for DM55.  We've worked before, but his new antenna system was head and shoulders above the old !

I also worked club members W7QQ & WB2FKO on both bands and N5JEH on 2M.  Thanks to all !

-W9RM

Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO
Re: CQWW VHF

Mike WB2FKO
 

For better or worse, this CQWW was all about FT8.  W9RM predicted that ops would get transfixed to their computer screens attempting to make digital QSOs when 6m Es could easily support faster, more efficient ssb.  This is exactly what happened.  An additional source of confusion was the incompatibility of North American contest mode and the regular DX mode of FT8.  Most were using the latter.  This often doubled completion time or prevented a QSO altogether.  In my opinion, the misunderstanding and mis-use of FT8 is the biggest issue/problem in VHF, contesting or otherwise.

Largely because of FT8, I scored a new personal best for this contest, worked Jim K6MIO to complete 6m WAS (pending receipt of his card), added 3 new DXCC and a few rare grids including DM86 on 6 and 2 (thanks Duffey).  Meteor scatter was entirely unproductive in this one, probably because everyone was sitting on 50.313 using FT8.

Mike WB2FKO

On 07/22/2018 04:21 PM, Keith Morehouse wrote:

Thanks to KK6MC/r for another great rove.  I worked him from DM86, DM74, DM75 & DM64 on 2M and from DM86 on 6M, where he was quite strong.  Both the DM86 QSOs are new all-time grids for me.

Also, thanks to N5SJ for a 2M QSO at the end of the contest for DM55.  We've worked before, but his new antenna system was head and shoulders above the old !

I also worked club members W7QQ & WB2FKO on both bands and N5JEH on 2M.  Thanks to all !

-W9RM

Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO
CQWW VHF

Keith Morehouse
 

Thanks to KK6MC/r for another great rove.  I worked him from DM86, DM74, DM75 & DM64 on 2M and from DM86 on 6M, where he was quite strong.  Both the DM86 QSOs are new all-time grids for me.

Also, thanks to N5SJ for a 2M QSO at the end of the contest for DM55.  We've worked before, but his new antenna system was head and shoulders above the old !

I also worked club members W7QQ & WB2FKO on both bands and N5JEH on 2M.  Thanks to all !

-W9RM

Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO
Re: KK6MC/r in CQ WW VHF Contest

Keith Morehouse
 

..picking a nit, but for USA clubs, it's a whole 1.5 miles more radius - 250 miles :)
Those old-timer USA contesters don't do no stinkin' kilometers :)

-RM

Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO

On Sat, Jul 21, 2018 at 9:13 AM, <n5epa.bob@...> wrote:
CQ WW: club is located or within a 400 km (248.5 mile) radius circle from the center of club area

A large area indeed for CQ WW contests. No local category.

N5EPA
From: "Keith Morehouse" <w9rm@...>
To: nmvhf@groups.io
Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2018 7:28:08 AM
Subject: Re: [nmvhf] KK6MC/r in CQ WW VHF Contest

That is NOT the case for CQ contests - it is distance.
I am able to submit my score for CQWW VHF for the club.

-W9RM

Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO

On Fri, Jul 20, 2018 at 9:01 PM, Arne N7KA <N7KA@...> wrote:
Just checked and NMVHF Society is not listed in the CQ Club listing.  Unknown what the CQ boundary is but think they would parallel ARRL definitions.  For NMVHF in ARRL contests, stations must operate from within the borders of New Mexico.

Arne N7KA
Re: KK6MC/r in CQ WW VHF Contest

n5epa.bob@...
 

CQ WW: club is located or within a 400 km (248.5 mile) radius circle from the center of club area

A large area indeed for CQ WW contests. No local category.

N5EPA

From: "Keith Morehouse" <w9rm@...>
To: nmvhf@groups.io
Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2018 7:28:08 AM
Subject: Re: [nmvhf] KK6MC/r in CQ WW VHF Contest

That is NOT the case for CQ contests - it is distance.
I am able to submit my score for CQWW VHF for the club.

-W9RM

Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO

On Fri, Jul 20, 2018 at 9:01 PM, Arne N7KA <N7KA@...> wrote:
Just checked and NMVHF Society is not listed in the CQ Club listing.  Unknown what the CQ boundary is but think they would parallel ARRL definitions.  For NMVHF in ARRL contests, stations must operate from within the borders of New Mexico.

Arne N7KA
2M tropo & FT8

Keith Morehouse
 

The tropo conditions over the south central part of the country are still with us Saturday morning.  The weather pattern that has formed it looks to be holding for another day, at least.  If you are east of the divide, be aware that 2M propagation could exist to the SE, particularly in the AM.  If the wind starts blowing, it will degrade the tropo quickly.

Good luck in the contest - don't be fixated on FT8 - be prepared to QSY to a high rate mode (SSB or CW) if signal levels begin to rise on 6M.

-W9RM

Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO
Re: [Rover] CQ WW VHF contest -- W3DHJ/R (fwd)

Ed
 

I am there once and awhile. Also Mike  K9VSW is there .  Made several calls after I worked EM73 but to nq avail.

   Ed N5JEH

 

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

From: WB2FKO
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2018 1:50 PM
To: nmvhf@groups.io
Cc: RMVHF+; RMVHF+; Grand Mesa Contest Club
Subject: Re: [nmvhf] [Rover] CQ WW VHF contest -- W3DHJ/R (fwd)

 

Is anyone aware of activity on 2m FT8?  Presumably 144.174?

WB2FKO DM65

On 07/20/2018 12:42 PM, Keith Morehouse wrote:

FYI to all, concerning the CQWW VHF tomorrow.  Today (Friday) at noon, there was widespread tropo on 2M east of the continental divide and SE into W4/W5 land.  Unless there is a drastic shift in WX patterns out there, it will most likely appear tomorrow as well.

 

Keep an ear open for it.

 

-W9RM

Keith J Morehouse
via Moto G

 

On Fri, Jul 20, 2018, 12:30 PM Jonesy W3DHJ via Groups.Io <mailserver=jonz.net@groups.io> wrote:

Well, I finished building up the rover -- and Murphy has yet
to make an appearance.  "Things" seem to check out ok, and
there even was 50mcs propagation to the EM50 area and its
surrounds at 1800z.

(There are Way More new unmodulated carriers on 50mcs around my
 QTH now-a-days.  There are probably more and more WiFi routers,
 iToys using WiFi, wireless printers, wireless security cams, etc.
 The RF fog is making amateur radio less and less enjoyable.)

All operations will be close in to 38° N and 104° W.

SAT #1: DM88bb: 1800z~2030z

SAT #2: DM87bw: 2030z~2300z

SAT #3: DM77xw: 2300z~0030z

SAT #4: DM78xa: 0030z~0200+z


SUN #1: DM78xa: 1200z~1330z

SUN #2: DM77xw: 1330z~1630z

SUN #3: DM87cx: 1630z~1930z

SUN #4: DM88bb: 1900z~2100z


A wee bit more detail
at:
        https://W3DHJ.net/vhfrover_plans.php

73
Jonesy
--
<pre>  Marvin L Jones     | W3DHJ      | W3DHJ  | https://W3DHJ.net/
        Pueblo, Colorado  |  @         | Jonesy |     __ linux FreeBSD
         38.238N 104.547W |   jonz.net | DM78rf | 73  SK


 

 
Re: KK6MC/r in CQ WW VHF Contest

Keith Morehouse
 

That is NOT the case for CQ contests - it is distance.
I am able to submit my score for CQWW VHF for the club.

-W9RM

Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO

On Fri, Jul 20, 2018 at 9:01 PM, Arne N7KA <N7KA@...> wrote:
Just checked and NMVHF Society is not listed in the CQ Club listing.  Unknown what the CQ boundary is but think they would parallel ARRL definitions.  For NMVHF in ARRL contests, stations must operate from within the borders of New Mexico.

Arne N7KA


> On July 20, 2018 at 5:56 PM James Duffey <JamesDuffey@...> wrote:
>
>
> Here is my itinerary for the June CQ WW VHF contest. W7QQ noted that the eastern Grids are often neglected in our roves, so I am focusing on the NE corner of the state on Saturday and then heading W towards home on Sunday.
>
> The CO guys should be possible to work on Saturday as I have worked CO from all of those grids. Albuquerque should be possible from all of these grids and if we get some short Es AZ should also be possible. Western NM may be tough though. I will have APRS and you can follow me on APRS.fi .
>
> If you are a member of NM VHF Society, please submit a log and use NM VHF Society as the name. It is not clear to me if there are boundary limits to club contributions, but if they are it is 250 MIles. That should cover everyone in NM, West TX, including El Paso, and Southern CO to include W9RM in Olathe.
>
> Listen for the weak ones. - Duffey KK6MC
>
> I hope you can
>
> On            Grid            Location                                                        Off
>
> 1800Z DM86as  Capulin Volcano                                         1915Z
>
> 2200Z DM85ct  (About 10 east of Mosquera)             2315Z
>
> 0045Z DM84hx (about 15 miles south of San Jon)        0200Z
>
> Overnight in Tucumcari.
>
> 1400Z DM85cd  (Tucumcari Municipal Park)                      1515Z
>
> 1615Z     DM74xv (South east of Santa Rosa)                   1730Z
>
> 1945Z DM75ba  (15 miles east of Moriarty)                     2000Z
>
> 2030Z DM64xx  (Moriarty Airport)                                      2100Z End of contest
>
>
>
> On            Grid                                                                    Off
> 1800Z  DM84hx (about 15 mi South of San Jon)  1915Z
>
> 2045Z DM85ct ( about 10 mi east of Mosquera) 2215Z
>
> 0105Z DM86as
>
>
>
>
>
> James Duffey KK6MC
> Cedar Crest NM
>
>
>
Re: KK6MC/r in CQ WW VHF Contest

Michael Daly
 

All,

N5SJ will be QRV from Gallup, DM55.  But will probably start a few hours late.  We are still installing the new antennas.

Mike, n5sj

 

From: nmvhf@groups.io [mailto:nmvhf@groups.io] On Behalf Of James Duffey
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2018 10:37 PM
To: nmvhf@groups.io
Subject: Re: [nmvhf] KK6MC/r in CQ WW VHF Contest

 

CW SSB only 

James Duffey KK6MC

Cedar Crest NM


On Jul 20, 2018, at 18:43, Keith Morehouse <w9rm@...> wrote:

Jim, I'm not operating the contest full time due to some severe noise problems on 6M here in DM58, but, I will make an effort to hear & work you on 2M from as many of your stops as possible.  I'm not sure 6M is possible, but I will certainly try there.

 

If there are decent sporadic-E conditions on 6, lets hope some of the FT8 crowd can pull themselves away from 50.313 and help those who are trying to run rate on SSB or CW.

 

-73 & GL-

 

-W9RM


Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO

 

On Fri, Jul 20, 2018 at 5:56 PM, James Duffey <JamesDuffey@...> wrote:

Here is my itinerary for the June CQ WW VHF contest. W7QQ noted that the eastern Grids are often neglected in our roves, so I am focusing on the NE corner of the state on Saturday and then heading W towards home on Sunday.

The CO guys should be possible to work on Saturday as I have worked CO from all of those grids. Albuquerque should be possible from all of these grids and if we get some short Es AZ should also be possible. Western NM may be tough though. I will have APRS and you can follow me on APRS.fi .

If you are a member of NM VHF Society, please submit a log and use NM VHF Society as the name. It is not clear to me if there are boundary limits to club contributions, but if they are it is 250 MIles. That should cover everyone in NM, West TX, including El Paso, and Southern CO to include W9RM in Olathe.

Listen for the weak ones. - Duffey KK6MC

I hope you can

On              Grid            Location                                                        Off

1800Z   DM86as  Capulin Volcano                                         1915Z

2200Z   DM85ct  (About 10 east of Mosquera)             2315Z

0045Z   DM84hx (about 15 miles south of San Jon)        0200Z

Overnight in Tucumcari.

1400Z   DM85cd  (Tucumcari Municipal Park)                      1515Z

1615Z     DM74xv (South east of Santa Rosa)                     1730Z

1945Z   DM75ba  (15 miles east of Moriarty)                     2000Z

2030Z   DM64xx  (Moriarty Airport)                                      2100Z End of contest



On              Grid                                                                    Off
1800Z  DM84hx (about 15 mi South of San Jon)  1915Z

2045Z DM85ct ( about 10 mi east of Mosquera) 2215Z

0105Z DM86as





James Duffey KK6MC
Cedar Crest NM


 


Virus-free. www.avast.com

Re: KK6MC/r in CQ WW VHF Contest

James Duffey
 

CW SSB only 

James Duffey KK6MC
Cedar Crest NM

On Jul 20, 2018, at 18:43, Keith Morehouse <w9rm@...> wrote:

Jim, I'm not operating the contest full time due to some severe noise problems on 6M here in DM58, but, I will make an effort to hear & work you on 2M from as many of your stops as possible.  I'm not sure 6M is possible, but I will certainly try there.

If there are decent sporadic-E conditions on 6, lets hope some of the FT8 crowd can pull themselves away from 50.313 and help those who are trying to run rate on SSB or CW.

-73 & GL-

-W9RM

Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO

On Fri, Jul 20, 2018 at 5:56 PM, James Duffey <JamesDuffey@...> wrote:
Here is my itinerary for the June CQ WW VHF contest. W7QQ noted that the eastern Grids are often neglected in our roves, so I am focusing on the NE corner of the state on Saturday and then heading W towards home on Sunday.

The CO guys should be possible to work on Saturday as I have worked CO from all of those grids. Albuquerque should be possible from all of these grids and if we get some short Es AZ should also be possible. Western NM may be tough though. I will have APRS and you can follow me on APRS.fi .

If you are a member of NM VHF Society, please submit a log and use NM VHF Society as the name. It is not clear to me if there are boundary limits to club contributions, but if they are it is 250 MIles. That should cover everyone in NM, West TX, including El Paso, and Southern CO to include W9RM in Olathe.

Listen for the weak ones. - Duffey KK6MC

I hope you can

On              Grid            Location                                                        Off

1800Z   DM86as  Capulin Volcano                                         1915Z

2200Z   DM85ct  (About 10 east of Mosquera)             2315Z

0045Z   DM84hx (about 15 miles south of San Jon)        0200Z

Overnight in Tucumcari.

1400Z   DM85cd  (Tucumcari Municipal Park)                      1515Z

1615Z     DM74xv (South east of Santa Rosa)                     1730Z

1945Z   DM75ba  (15 miles east of Moriarty)                     2000Z

2030Z   DM64xx  (Moriarty Airport)                                      2100Z End of contest



On              Grid                                                                    Off
1800Z  DM84hx (about 15 mi South of San Jon)  1915Z

2045Z DM85ct ( about 10 mi east of Mosquera) 2215Z

0105Z DM86as





James Duffey KK6MC
Cedar Crest NM
Re: KK6MC/r in CQ WW VHF Contest

James Duffey
 

CW SSB only. 

James Duffey KK6MC
Cedar Crest NM

On Jul 20, 2018, at 18:43, Keith Morehouse <w9rm@...> wrote:

Jim, I'm not operating the contest full time due to some severe noise problems on 6M here in DM58, but, I will make an effort to hear & work you on 2M from as many of your stops as possible.  I'm not sure 6M is possible, but I will certainly try there.

If there are decent sporadic-E conditions on 6, lets hope some of the FT8 crowd can pull themselves away from 50.313 and help those who are trying to run rate on SSB or CW.

-73 & GL-

-W9RM

Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO

On Fri, Jul 20, 2018 at 5:56 PM, James Duffey <JamesDuffey@...> wrote:
Here is my itinerary for the June CQ WW VHF contest. W7QQ noted that the eastern Grids are often neglected in our roves, so I am focusing on the NE corner of the state on Saturday and then heading W towards home on Sunday.

The CO guys should be possible to work on Saturday as I have worked CO from all of those grids. Albuquerque should be possible from all of these grids and if we get some short Es AZ should also be possible. Western NM may be tough though. I will have APRS and you can follow me on APRS.fi .

If you are a member of NM VHF Society, please submit a log and use NM VHF Society as the name. It is not clear to me if there are boundary limits to club contributions, but if they are it is 250 MIles. That should cover everyone in NM, West TX, including El Paso, and Southern CO to include W9RM in Olathe.

Listen for the weak ones. - Duffey KK6MC

I hope you can

On              Grid            Location                                                        Off

1800Z   DM86as  Capulin Volcano                                         1915Z

2200Z   DM85ct  (About 10 east of Mosquera)             2315Z

0045Z   DM84hx (about 15 miles south of San Jon)        0200Z

Overnight in Tucumcari.

1400Z   DM85cd  (Tucumcari Municipal Park)                      1515Z

1615Z     DM74xv (South east of Santa Rosa)                     1730Z

1945Z   DM75ba  (15 miles east of Moriarty)                     2000Z

2030Z   DM64xx  (Moriarty Airport)                                      2100Z End of contest



On              Grid                                                                    Off
1800Z  DM84hx (about 15 mi South of San Jon)  1915Z

2045Z DM85ct ( about 10 mi east of Mosquera) 2215Z

0105Z DM86as





James Duffey KK6MC
Cedar Crest NM
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