HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: laborde@oak.Jpl.Nasa.Gov (Gregory R. LaBorde)
Subject: Re: (none)
Organization: Reliability Engineering Section, JPL
Date: Sat, 19 Dec 1992 00:04:12 GMT

dplumb> There have been around 20 large-volume messages dumped into
dplumb> rec.radio.amateur in the last two days quoting your address a a
dplumb> return one. The top text on each message is as follows: 
dplumb> 
dplumb>    ----- Transcript of session follows ----- 
dplumb> 
dplumb> 550 <MCCASKEYA@ALINEVALLEY.ksc.nasa.gov>... Host unknown 
dplumb> 
dplumb> ----- Unsent message follows -----

         .....

dplumb> Is there any chance this could be sorted out, I pay an awful
dplumb> lot in phone charges to download the newsgroup as it is, but in
dplumb> the last two days, these duplicate messages have taken up
dplumb> approximately 2-3 times my normal amount of download.

Couldn't you just put it in your KILLfile? I put /Returned Mail/a:j in mine and
it eliminates all sorts of garbage like this.

-grl.
-----
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
From: dplumb@cix.compulink.co.uk (Dave Plumb)
Subject: RAE pass mark                           
Cc: dplumb@cix.compulink.co.uk
Reply-To: dplumb@cix.compulink.co.uk
Date: Sun, 13 Dec 1992 20:13:00 +0000

> (a) What is the average pass mark for each paper, and 
I don't think they state a pass mark, but there certainly is one, they said 
about the may exam last year a higher percentage than usual passed. 
 
> (b) How long do the results usually take to be published? 
Absolutely bloody ages! I took the exam on May 10th, and it wasn't until 
 
I received the results in the middle of July. It doesn't seem like a lot when 
said that way, but it really seems like an eternity at the time. 
 
You have to consider you take the RAE well before all the other academics 
take theirs through City & Guilds. The next six or so weeks are spent with 
the full and part time students taking their exams. All the results are sent 
to C&G for marking (by computer) and then the results are sent out in the 
post. Finally when you receive confirmation, you have to collect the 
certificates from the College, and send them off to SSL who issue the 
licences proper. 
 
During the time I waited, I collected details of callsigns issued from April 
1991 onwards, to see when the main ones were issued. For the may exam it 
peaks around the last week in July, but goes on increasing until September. 
For the December exam, the results come quicker, around the second week in 
February. 
 
You will see from this data how the licences faired for last Mays exam: 
 
Date   FulA FulB NovA NovB 
Jul 19 G0SB G7MD 20AC 21AV  0 
Jul 26 G0SD G7MN 20AC 21AV  10 260    The last figures relate to an 
Aug  2 G0SE G7MW 20AC 21AW  9  234    approximate number of "B" class 
Aug  9 G0SF G7NB 20AD 21AX  5  130    licences issued, firstly, the increase 
Aug 16 G0SH G7NI 20AD 21AZ  7  182    in letters of the alphabet, and then 
Aug 23 G0SH G7NK 20AD 21AZ  2  52     that figure * 26. 
Aug 30 G0SI G7NO 20AD 21BA  4  104 
Sep  6 G0SJ G7NP 20AD 21BB  1  26 
Sep 13 G0SJ G7NP 20AD 21BB  0 
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Dave Plumb   |   Internet: dplumb@cix.compulink.co.uk   |  Fidonet: 2:252/140 
London, UK   |   Packet  : G7MIL @ GB7HSN.#32.GBR.EU    | 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: miles@emx.cc.utexas.edu (Miles Abernathy)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Subject: Exploding Air Bags? Locking Anti-Lock Brakes?
Date: 18 Dec 92 19:18:12 GMT
Organization: University of Texas
X-UserAgent: Nuntius v1.1.1d10
X-XXMessage-ID: <A7578000B5019F2B@mac33.util.utexas.edu>
X-XXDate: Fri, 18 Dec 92 13:17:52 GMT

I have read messages from time about auto computers frying, ignitions
dying, and automoatic teller machines locking up, all due to mobile rigs.
These are bad side effects, and I wish the FCC would promulgate rules
that such components work properly in the presence of RF fields.

Instead, in the case of my wife's Toyota Camry, the manufacturer simply
put a disclaimer in the owner's manual that you must not install a
transmitter without Toyota's prior permission. I wonder how often they
give such permission  ;-)

A really unpleasant situation would be if air bags popped or anti-lock
brakes locked up when you keyed up a rig. Has anyone reported either of
these phenomena?
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
  _     Miles Abernathy, N5KOB        =
 | |__  miles@emx.cc.utexas.edu       =
_|    | POB 7580, Austin TX 78713     =
\  * /  University of Texas @ Austin  =
  \/    tel. (512) 471-6521           =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
From: brunob@hpldsla.sid.hp.com (Bruno Bienenfeld)
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 18:20:30 GMT
Subject: Re: HELP WITH 455KHZ BFO
Organization: HP Scientific Instruments Division - Palo Alto, CA
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc

Thanks for chalanging the memory of " good old times ".
You have numerous choices:
a) if you don't mind to "butcher" your AM RX, you can modify current IF
circuit with potentiometer and capacitance, and by introducing negativ 
feedback turn the IF into oscilation. (I did this mod 50 yrs ago and got 
spankt by my father).
b) build XTAL OSC. and loosly coupled to current IF. You can find schematic
in any ARRL Handbook.However if you don't have the book, send me SASE and
I w'll send you a copy. Word of coution: with this arrangment you will need
also the mod in RF Amp. stage to control the level of incoming signal e.m.
the ratio of incoming signal to the level of BFO. Otherwise you may not resolve
SSB/CW.                
c) proper way to solve your AM to CW/SSB conversion is to build PRODUCT DET. 
Very simple circuit, with modern tech. there are IC ready to instole and all
your dreams will come true. You will need only to cut two wires in your
present radio and with the DPDT SW. you will be able to switch from AM to
CW/SSB in second. This circuit can also be found in any ARRL Handbook.

Let us know abot the outcome, it may help many of the newcommers to the 
hobby.

from the log of AA6AD
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
From: christianson@usc.pppl.gov (George B. Christianson)
Subject: Re: QSL practices F6FNU, FR5DX
Followup-To: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Originator: news@nimaster
Organization: Princeton University 
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1992 18:20:21 GMT

In article <1619@ncrclm.ClemsonSC.NCR.COM>,
tskelton@ncrclm.ClemsonSC.NCR.COM (Tom Skelton) wrote:
> 
> Third time I've tried..hope it works this time.  Any whoooo
> Would all you netters who have any experience (good or bad)
> getting QSLs from FR5DX or stations managed by F6FNU please
> forward to me.  Many of the local packet users and DX'ers
> have complained vehemently about F6FNU and FR5DX.  This is not
> a flame, just a survey.  As a baseline, we all need to remember
> that overseas postage to USA is very expensive and a *green
> stamp* probably does not cut it anymore.
> Thanks in advance for any info. 73, Tom WB4IUX
> ps:  I got my cards from FR5DX (80 - 10 meters), but I had to send
> 5 green stamps .... and I got the card back promptly thru the buro!
> 
> 
> -- 
     I have had success with F6FNU using the following:
 .   Euro sized envelope and euro return envelope with neatly-lettered
     addresses.
 .   Mint French postage on the return envelope.
 .   QSL cards neatly and carefully made out.
 .   Crisp green stamp as a "tip."
 .   A note in GOOD French (the XYL is fluent) expressing good wishes,
     telling a little about myself, etc.
     
     My replies have usually come back in a few weeks.
     Antoine has been known to include a little note to me in French with
     the QSL.

     My experience has been good with most QSL managers, but not all.  Has
anyone on the net EVER received a card for 5B4ADA via K2VHW?  If so, what
worked for you?
                                                73
                                                George, NJ2P
From: ron@topaz.bds.com (Ron Natalie)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Subject: Re: Halogen Lamp/Dimmer causes interference Help!
Date: 14 Dec 1992 15:26:56 GMT
Organization: BDS Systems
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: topaz.bds.com

> Not quite.
> You just switch between cycles to keep the noise low.  The more cycles that
> conduct (averaged over time) cause the bulbs to burn brighter. ot quite.

You can do this if you don't mind the lights flickering.  I said sane.
Second, the number of parts required to to this would be enourmous.
A reasonable job can be done with a simple coil.  Have you ever looked at
a light dimmer?  The one in my dining room (which doesn't interfere with
anything) consists of the SCR, an RC network, another capacitor and a small
toroid choke.

-Ron
From: olsenm@ucs.orst.edu (Monte Olsen)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Subject: Re: Military method for CW proficiency and learning???
Date: 17 Dec 92 00:29:34 GMT
Article-I.D.: gaia.1gohleINN2r6
Distribution: world
Organization: University Computing Services - Oregon State University
NNTP-Posting-Host: rostb-mac.ads.orst.edu
X-UserAgent: Nuntius v1.1.1d12
X-XXMessage-ID: <A7550ABB0401A710@rostb-mac.ads.orst.edu>
X-XXDate: Wed, 16 Dec 92 00:32:59 GMT

In article <9212161458.AA10380@icarus.weber.edu> Jonathan C. Higbee,
jhigbee@icarus.weber.EDU writes:
>Most methods I've heard of have you spend about 20-30 minutes a
>day at it. I would imagine that the military has their people
>train for hours a day?
>
>RSVP


I went to the Army 05B20 school at Ft. Ord in the late 1960s. Indeed,
they had us sitting in classrooms copying code for hours a day. But I
thought it was a rather dynamic way of training. You took code tests in
5-letter groups. As you passed a speed you moved up to the next higher
speed and kept going. The other half of the day, we trained with various
radios like the PRC-25 and the AN/GRC 46 (?), which was mounted on a
jeep. We also took a truck driving course, which I thought wasn't too bad
either.

I took tests for a lot of buddies who were having trouble passing Morse
Code. The instructors always told us not to do that for each other
because "you never knew when a lack of morse code knowledge could cost a
life." But, you know, the whole time I was in the Army (2 yrs 9 months),
I never saw a situation where knowledge of Morse Code would cost a life.
There was only one place I ever received Morse Code and it was on a radio
site just outside of Verona, Italy where I stayed for five or six months.
The messages came down from NATO headquarters in 5-letter code groups.

What a life that was! No occifers and we cooked our own food. Four days
on, three days off. Then I got sent across the pond to the other side of
the world . . .

Take it easy,

Monte
N7FFO
From: HWells.El_Segundo@xerox.COM
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Subject: HELP WITH 455KHZ BFO
Date: 17 Dec 92 00:03:32 GMT
Organization: UCSD Usenet Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: ucsd.edu
Originator: daemon@ucsd.edu


I've built several simple 455khz BFOs using a 455khz I.F. transformer and a
junction transistor.  I've used 2N2222, 2N4401 type transistors with great
success although the signal amplitude is marginally low for some applications.

Available I.F. transformers come in two configurations: tapped single coil, and
two coils with a tapped primary.  The first transformer can be used in a
Hartley oscillator configuration and the second transformer can be used in
either a Hartley or Armstrong configuration.  I prefer the two coil version
used in an Armstrong circuit because of the higher Q obtained with the tapped
coil in the transistor collector circuit.

After setting the gross frequency with the iron slug, fine tuning can be
obtained by varying slightly the Vcc or base bias current.

Coupling to the receiver I.F./detector is made through a small value coupling
capacitor.  The amount of injection is controlled by the value of the coupling
capacitor.  I've not tried a compression padder in this location, but it might
work if variable injection is needed.  Unfortunately, the oscillator loading
change due to a capacitance change will affect the frequency.  The signal
pick-off point must be determined experimentally, but is usually made to the
collector or base of the transistor (lowest impedance points).  Picking the
signal off the emitter works OK, but care must be taken to keep the signal
degeneration to a minimum or oscillation will cease.


When using a small I.F. transformer obtained from a discarded AM receiver, I've
been able to build the entire circuit on a one inch square printed wiring
board.  Keeping the circuit physically small seems to improve the mechanical
frequency stability.  Source voltage variations must be controlled for
reasonable signal purity.

73

Hugh Wells,   W6WTU
From: emd@ham.almanac.bc.ca
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Subject: Re: DX Etiquette (an oxymoron)
Date: 11 Dec 92 04:42:14 GMT
Organization: Robert Smits

lkay@lynx.dac.northeastern.edu (leonard kay) writes:

> In article <BXTJVB2w164w@ham.almanac.bc.ca>, emd@ham.almanac.bc.ca writes:
> > 
> > 
> > Why do you feel that rare DX stations have an "obligation" to work DX'ers 
> > 
> >  ...stuff about obligation to work DX   (deleted)......
> >
> > 
> > DX'ers are pests. They are noisy, rude and inconsiderate. (And that's not 
> > even mentioning the cheats who use lists).
> > 
> > Lets go back to having conversations instead of "You're 59 OM. QSL to 
> > XXXXX, Over" contacts.
> > 
> > 
> > Robert Smits  VE7EMD Ladysmith B.C. 
> > Ph (604) 245-2553 e-mail: emd@ham.almanac.bc.ca 
> > PACKET VE7EMD@VE7KIT.#VANC.BC.CAN.NA                             
> > 
> >                                          
> I'm gonna try not to flame.
> 
> Who are you, Mr. Smits, just like who was  Darryl (the earlier post)?
> 
> I am a DXer and contester and proud of it. For me, snatching rare DX is 
> a test of my operating savvy - I don't run a kW, and I don't have stacked
> monobanders. I am NOT noisy, rude, or inconsiderate. Let's
> not play the old stereotype game again. For every rude DXer there are
> at least ten others who play by the rules, treat DX stations courteously ,
> and realize that no one is obliged to do anything.
> 
> This is a HOBBY, that's H-O-B-B-Y, and I have every right to chase DX
> and operate contests as long as I respect others rights too.
> 
> For crying out loud, there's enough to do in Amateur Radio without
> the need for this kind of stuff.
> 
> Sorry, net readers.
> 
> Len



I'm glad that you're not rude, that you play by the rules and treat DX 
Stations courtesly. A lot of your fellow DX'ers do not. I suggest that if 
you want the rest of us - who like to be able to carry on conversations 
without rude DX'ers busting in - to respect DX'ers more, that you see 
what you can do about the rude and obnoxious DX'ers I do hear.


I'd be glad to be able to reverse my generally low opinion of DX'ers 
behaviour, but consider it unlikely their operating habits will improve.


Robert Smits  VE7EMD Ladysmith B.C. 
Ph (604) 245-2553 e-mail: emd@ham.almanac.bc.ca 
PACKET VE7EMD@VE7KIT.#VANC.BC.CAN.NA
From: a-kevinp@microsoft.COM (Kevin Purcell, Rho)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Subject: Code-Free HF Licence comments
Date: 14 Dec 92 17:47:19 GMT
Organization: UCSD Usenet Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: ucsd.edu
Originator: daemon@ucsd.edu

RSGB report for Dec 13th said:

There has been a very encouraging response to the request in the December's
RadCom and via GB2RS for Radio Amateur's views on a UK class of HF licence
which does not require a Morse qualification. Anyone who has not yet responded
may wish to read the article A Code-Free HF Licence on page 7 of the December
edition of RadCom. Comments should be sent to: The RSGB HF Committee via RSGB
HQ, Lambda House, Cranborne Road, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3JE.

Hmmm, a lot of people are writting in. I wonder what they're saying!

73 de Kevin Purcell N7WIM/G8UDP (Seattle, WA)          a-kevinp@microsoft.com
Do your interests match mine? If so call me. I'd like to hear from you.
QRP, Packet, TCP/IP, Digital voice, Macintosh, Spread Spectrum, Homebrew,
Satellites, Antenna design, Propagation, VHF/UHF weak signal, Microwave, QEX

Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
From: M16146@mwvm.mitre.org
Subject: Re: WANTED: Morse training software for Macintosh
Organization: The MITRE Corporation, McLean VA 22102
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 19:42:04 GMT

In article <1992Dec14.075848.19553@klaava.Helsinki.FI>      stickler@klaava.Helsinki.FI (Patric M Stickler) writes:
 
>
>Does anyone know of a Morse Code training program for the
>Macintosh that can be used for increasing speed, etc.?
>
>I learned Morse using a program called SuperMorse for the PC,
>which is a fantastic program -- however I no longer have
>convenient access to a PC to use it, and would like to use
>some form of software to increase my speed.
>
>
>Any help will be greatly appreciated.
>
I have "Morse" or "The Morse Trainer" which I can possibly mail to you, It may
also be available by FTP.  If you have CCMail or a similar file transfer availa
ble, I could e-mail it.
Vern Eubanks, AA7EI; eubanks@mwunix.mitre.org
>
>/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
>  Patrick M. Stickler  KC4YYY, OH2LUV    The comments contained herein
>  WSOY - Information Systems Division    do not necessarily reflect the
>  Helsinki, FINLAND    (psti@wsoy.fi)    official views of my employer.
>/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
>
From: gary@ke4zv.uucp (Gary Coffman)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Subject: Re: Weak signal VHF
Date: 15 Dec 92 14:21:36 GMT
Reply-To: gary@ke4zv.UUCP (Gary Coffman)
Organization: Gannett Technologies Group

In article <14570559@hpnmdla.sr.hp.com> alanb@hpnmdla.sr.hp.com (Alan Bloom) writes:
>
>It's true that transverters are harder to come by than the multi-mode
>VHF/UHF rigs.  But most of my friends who are serious moonbounce /
>weak-signal types use transverters.  The reason is that you can get
>much better performance from a good HF radio than the available 
>SSB/CW VHF/UHF transceivers.

Well that *used* to be true, but with the advent of the FT736R and
the IC275/475 class multimodes, it's now a tossup as to which performs
better. The most lacking quality of early multimodes was receiver
selectivity. That's now much better with narrow filters available
and with IF shift/passband tuning and tunable notches on the newer
multimode rigs. They're the equal of a transverter and HF rig, and
a lot cheaper if you're buying everything new.

Gary KE4ZV
From: phantom@pro-haven.cts.com (Tiffany Keller)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Subject: Re: License delays
Date: 17 Dec 1992 18:39:33 -0600
Organization: ProLine [pro-haven] - Pariahs' Haven BBS, 409/846-3177, 9600-300
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

Howdy...

        I took my test (for upgrade to Adv...) on Sept. 26th from an ARRL
VE Team.  Wondering where my license was, I called the ARRL to find out
when/if it actually ever got to the FCC and was told that they sent it to
them on Oct. 13th.  I have been told three different answers on how long it
will take.....the first was, "About 8-10 weeks".  The next was, "10-12
weeks from when you take the test"....the last was, "10-12 weeks from after
we get the paperwork..."  I personally am of the belief that the FCC has
there heads buried somewhere they shouldn't and doesn't really have a clue
about ANYthing.....If it's any consolation, my husband and I are waiting
too.....maybe I'll get my upgrade before my CSCE for my extra class license
runs out, eh??? ;-)

        73!

        T. Keller
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Internet:  phantom@pro-haven.cts.com           KJ5??  (new call soon.....)       
UUCP:      crash!pro-haven!phantom             Try 28.440MHz.....                       
        For the latest breaking Aggie Jokes, Dial 1-800-AGGIE-IQ.....
".....and for the first time in twenty years in Waxahachie, Texas.....
......it rained!"   The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
From: dpalace@sunland.gsfc.nasa.gov (Dick Palace)
Subject: Re: Military method for CW proficiency and learning???
Organization: Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 12:51:20 GMT

In article <9212161458.AA10380@icarus.weber.edu> jhigbee@icarus.weber.EDU (Jonathan C. Higbee) writes:

[   I've received several replies about increasing CW proficiency and
[   am now curious to learn how the US military currently teaches
[   communications officers CW and how they have them increase their
[   receiving speed.

[   Most methods I've heard of have you spend about 20-30 minutes a
[   day at it. I would imagine that the military has their people
[   train for hours a day?

[   RSVP

[   Jon Higbee N7HGM

I was tapped to be a morse code intercepter when I was in the Army.
This was in 1953, so I'm dating myself. I too went through Ft.
Devens, Mass. 

The drill at first was to learn the morse characters, then we were sat
at long tables and given a pair of phones and told to go at it. We
were told to write down what we recognized and not to worry too much
about what we missed. Soon we were able to recognize the familiar ones
very easily and would now start to recognize different one.

Half a day was spent on morse code and operating proceedures and the
other half day was spent in typing class. That's right typing class.
After speeds of 20WPM or so, you just can't write fast enough and the
writing becomes hard to read. 

The instructors in code class were quite good and they would walk 
around the class and would stop behind each of us for a few minutes
and could hear the code comming from our headsets and could see what
we were writing or typing. If we were coping without errors for
several groups,  he would tell us that he was increasing the speed
another 5WPM. This was a 23 week course and most became very good at
morse at the end. 

I was fortunate, I had electronic training and left the morse class
and went into another type of duty that only required a familiarity
with morse. I wasn't that good at morse, I could only get to about
22WPM. If I remember correctly, always iffy, 35WPM or better was
the target speed for the morse course (rhymes 8)). 

Those who failed the morse class were sent to become either Bakers
or Militay Police.

A suggestion. If you are having trouble learning morse, try typing
it out as you listen to it. This may help you.

Happy Holidays to everyone, I'm on leave till 1993.  

Dick WB3CSI

--
Dick Palace         Goddard Space Flight Center      (301) 286-9464

dpalace@sunland.gsfc.nasa.gov
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
From: baw2@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu (Bruce A Weisberg)
Subject: MARS
Reply-To: baw2@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu (Bruce A Weisberg)
Organization: Columbia University
Distribution: USA
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 1992 22:10:40 GMT



	Could somebody expplain to me just what MARS is and what it does, in plain language?  I read several items about it, but need some real overview of the service.  What do MARS operators do?  How does their operation differ from amateur operation?  When you are a MARS operator (civilian) what are your obligations?  Are there any civilian MARS operators on the net I could correspind with?

tnx es 73 de bruce (KA2TYX/AG)