HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: m14494@mwvm.mitre.org (Mike White)
Subject: Re: Radio Shack DX390
Organization: The MITRE Corporation
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1992 21:28:40 GMT

Littlejohn Tim writes:
> How long [should an indoor wire antenna be]?  How should it be arranged 
in the room?

The longer the better, and the higher the better (e.g., your attic is 
better than your basement).  In most cases, an indoor antenna works best when
near a window, especially in a concrete/steel building.  A standard
trick is to run the wire (ordinary copper hookup wire is fine; stranded
wire is easier to handle than solid as it's more flexible) over up
one side of the curtains, over the curtain rod, and down the other side.
Works pretty well, considering.  However, any sort of outside antenna will
work better than almost any indoor antenna, even just a hunk of wire
draped over the bushes.  Be sure to use a lightning arrestor if you use
an outdoor antenna.  Good luck...
************************
* These are my opinions only.*
************************
From: "tom betz" <tom.betz@execnet.com>
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
Subject: improving am radio recept
Date: 9 Nov 92 04:53:39 EST
Reply-To: "tom betz" <tom.betz@execnet.com>
Distribution: rec
Organization: Executive Networks Information

Quoth Bradley Grigor regarding IMPROVING AM RADIO RECEPT on 11-07-92:

BG>BTW, that "new virtual-control-panel Dymek SW receiver" sounds
BG>interesting.  I stopped getting _Audio Magazine_ last year so I'm
BG>obviously out of date.  Can you tell us more about it?

Look for the October issue.  I can't find my copy (and I just spent an 
hour looking for it!) so I'll have to tell you what I remember.

It has no controls.  It's basically a black box with an antenna connector, 
an audio output, and a serial port.  You plug it into your MS-DOS box, run 
the software, and your PC controls the unit.

I remember the price being in the neighborhood of $1500.



---
  WinQwk 2.0 a#299  Computers help us to solve problems we never had before.
--
Executive Network Information System  (914) 667-4567
International ILink Host
From: genef@netcom.com (Gene Fornario)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
Subject: Re: WRTH Availability
Date: 10 Nov 92 23:12:08 GMT
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest)

In article <93921110043239/0002446376PK3EM@mcimail.com> "Thomas R. Sundstrom" <0002446376@MCIMAIL.COM> writes:
>
>The 1993 WRTH is due off the press on December 30 and it should
>start arriving at the usual SWL mail order houses - EEB, Gilfer,
>Grove, Universal - in the first week of January.  Last year
>there was a problem with the ISBN number being wrong, which
>delayed things, but I am sure the printer will be more attentive
>this time.  The price is still under $20.  BTW, the 1992 edition
>sold out early due to the Gulf War; it's not surprising that you
>couldn't find a copy.
>
I must mention that a Barnes and Noble bookstore has just opened here
in Berkeley, California.  I did see several copies of the 1992 WRTH
on the bookshelves there.

Gene--
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
From: mjohnsto@jenny.shearson.com (Mike Johnston)
Subject: Re: Radio Shack DX390
Organization: Lehman Brothers
	<1992Nov9.224152.15721@cc.umontreal.ca>
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1992 13:10:33 GMT

In article <1992Nov9.224152.15721@cc.umontreal.ca> little@ERE.UMontreal.CA (Littlejohn Tim) writes:
   I have a question for the antenna experts!  Radio Shack advertises a 
   small portable "clip on" antenna extension.  Does anyone have experience
   with this and is it likely to help me much with receiving weaker 
   transmissions?

I'm not an antenna expert, per se, but I have one of the Radio
Shack clip-ons so that qualifies me to answer this query. After having
used it a few days I haven't seen a substantial improvement over the
reception I get with the regular telescopic that came with my
Sangean. I do notice some improvement but not much. 

My situation may be different than yours. I live in a very cramped
location and positioning of the antenna is probably crucial. Your
mileage may vary.

I will say this about that antenna: It's portable. When you're
done with it you just roll it up into the neat spool provided. Great
for trips and such.

What more can you say about a length of wire with a clip on one
end and a reel on the other? 8-)

MJ
--
Michael R. Johnston, System Administrator	mjohnsto@shearson.com
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one
persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress
depends on the unreasonable man." - G.B. Shaw
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
From: m14494@mwvm.mitre.org (Mike White)
Subject: Re: Radio Shack DX390
Organization: The MITRE Corporation
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 16:45:58 GMT

Littlejohn Tim writes:
> I recently bought the Radio Shack DX380 
> What are the advantages of the Panasonic RF-B65?  Did I make a bad
> choice?

There's nothing at all wrong with the Radio Shack receivers. They
are thinly disguised Sangean sets, and are quite well thought of.  The
RF-B65 features a BFO for SSB reception; I don't know if the RS 
receiver has this feature.  In general, I have the perception that the
Panasonic has somewhat better RF performance, but I've never compared them
side by side. If you're happy with your RS receiver, then just smile
broadly and enjoy.

************************
* These are my opinions only.*
************************
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
From: little@ERE.UMontreal.CA (Littlejohn Tim)
Subject: Re: Radio Shack DX390
Organization: Universite de Montreal
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 13:41:49 GMT

In article <1992Nov5.184506.3160@linus.mitre.org> m14494@mwvm.mitre.org (Mike White) writes:
>In article <1dbnlpINNa2r@agate.berkeley.edu> hank@violet.berkeley.edu () 
>writes:
>> I'm thinking of buying a radio shack DX390
>>  Could I do better for the money?
>
>Just one opinion, but for the same exact money, you can get 
>a Panasonic RF-B65: I think it's a much better radio.  Call
>around for the best price; EEB sells it for $220.  Cheers...

I recently bought the Radio Shack DX380 which has essentially the
same features as the DX390, but is more compact and is cheaper.  I
have had no problems picking up all the broadcasts I have wanted (radio
Australia, in particular), and the features of the DX380 are excellent
(20 memories for SW, "lock" feature to prevent accidental button
pressing, dual time, alarm, digital frequency access etc.). 

What are the advantages of the Panasonic RF-B65?  Did I make a bad
choice?

Cheers,

Tim


==============================================================================
E-mail:     little@ere.umontreal.ca         Tim Littlejohn 
                                               
Snail Mail: Departement de biochimie        Phone: (514) 343-7936
            Universite de Montreal          Fax:   (514) 343-2210 
            C.P. 6128, succursale A,
            Montreal (Quebec), H3C 3J7
            CANADA
==============================================================================
From: aksurf@caltech.edu (Axel)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
Subject: Antenna Tuner/pre-amp for SWL
Date: 9 Nov 92 22:31:24 GMT
Followup-To: rec.radio.shortwave
Organization: California Institute of Technology
NNTP-Posting-Host: 131.215.9.51

Hello,

I have an inverted dipole (2 40 feet wires coming down at an angle to the
ground). I know that to get otimum reception, the antenna ought to be both
matched and tuned to the right frequency. So I am looking for some
recommendations for an antenna tuner/preamp for SWL. Note: I am NOT looking
for a HAM tuner which can handle high power transmissions. I just want
something which pre-amplifies the signal near the frequency of interest and
tunes the antenna (fools my receiver that the antenna is actually at
resonance at the desired frequency) + matches the antenna to my receiver so
I don't have any signal losses due to poor impedance matching.  

I have been seriously looking at some MFJ products. I also was browsing
through the DAK catalog. Looks like they sell some sort of tuner/pre-amp
for $29. It has two dials, one for tuning, and one to adjust the gain. But
a tuner ought to have both an inductor and capacitor dial. So I remain
sceptical.   Anyone out there have any suggestions as to what to buy? I am
not interested in a continuous inductive setting. To begin with, an
inductor coil runs $50 just for the part, and that's an overkill just for
receiving. Please post or E-mail any suggestions. I will post a list of the
suggestions and what is available for what price, and what performance.
(provided I get replies)

Thanks,

                            Axel
From: shz@garage.att.com (Seth Zirin)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
Subject: Dressler ARA-60
Date: 9 Nov 92 15:31:35 GMT
Organization: Just Me

I saw the Dressler ARA-60 active antenna at Gilfer Shortwave (NJ) this
weekend and was impressed with the size (about 3" x 36").  Has anyone
used one of these?  I'd like to hear comments from people about this
compact $200 antenna.

----------
Seth Zirin
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
Date:         Tue, 10 Nov 1992 04:30:00 GMT
Reply-To:     "Thomas R. Sundstrom" <0002446376@MCIMAIL.COM>
From:         "Thomas R. Sundstrom" <0002446376@MCIMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Solar Flux data

> Date:     Tue Nov 03, 1992  9:48 pm  EST
> From:     bz649
>           EMS: INTERNET / MCI ID: 376-5414
>           MBX: bz649%CLEVELAND.FREENET.EDU@ohstvma.acs.ohio-state.edu

> Subject:  Re: 2800 MHz Solar Flux for 28 October 1992

> And speaking of which, is there any database (perhaps Internet
> accessable thru anonymous ftp etc?) that has PAST (eg more than
> a month's worth) Solar Terrestrial Indicies?  I'm interested
> in getting some figures from earlier this year....
> --
> 73  //kv zichi  bz649@Cleveland.FreeNet.edu

Ken, I have all the Oler reports on the BBS, PK-zipped a month
at a time, going back to when they first became available.  When
was that?  About 2 years ago?  The names follow the format of
PROPmmdd.ZIP, and they can be file-requested through FidoNet (I
use Binkleyterm as a front end).

+-----------------------------------------------------------+
|  Tom Sundstrom     |  609-859-2447  |  Fax: 609-859-3226  |
|  TRS Consultants   |--------------------------------------|
|  PO Box 2275       |   244-6376@mcimail.com    |          |
|  Vincentown        |   MCI Mail: 244-6376      |   W2XQ   |
|  NJ 08088-2275     |   GEnie: T.SUNDSTROM      |          |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|  PC Software by W2XQ   |  English Language SWBC Schedules |
|  Japan Radio Company Dealer  |  Receiver Control Software |
|  Skywaves WAS-50 Antenna Dealer  |  for JRC & Kenwood     |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|  Pinelands RBBS  609-859-1910  USR HST/DS  Fido 1:266/32  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+
From: as_radfo@csd.uwe.ac.uk (AS Radford)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
Subject: Re: Lowe Phone Number in US?
Date: 8 Nov 92 15:45:31 GMT
Organization: University of the West of England, Bristol

Sorry, I screwed up my previous posting (though the message may have
got through).  For the record, here's how it *should* have read: 

In article <lfinvvINN6ci@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM> rja@newbirth.Eng.Sun.COM
(Robert Allen) writes: 
> 
> You have to order from Universal or EEB, who are the importers.  
> Or you could call Lowe in the UK and order by credit card.  
> 
... etc.

For what it's worth (and I've always found it well worth - they're a
friendly and helpful bunch), the UK headquarters is:

Lowe Electronics Limited
Chesterfield Road
MATLOCK, Derbyshire
England DE4 5LE

Tel:  +44 629 580800
Fax:  +44 629 580020



-- 
  Arthur Radford
  University of the West of England      -------------------------------
  BRISTOL, BS16 1QY, UK                	      Esperanto parolata
  as_radfo@uk.ac.uwe.csd                 -------------------------------
From: m14494@mwvm.mitre.org (Mike White)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
Subject: HF-150 dimensions and specs
Date: 5 Nov 92 18:55:53 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: The MITRE Corporation

Someone asked about the dimensions of the Lowe HF-150.
I picked up a spec sheet at EEB:

Freq: 30 kHz - 30 MHz
Modes: AM, AMN, LSB, USB
AM synchro: ASU, ASL, ASF, ASD
Bandwidth: 7kHz, 2.5 kKz
Tuning step fine: 8hz
Keyboard optional
60 memories (freq & mode)
3 antenna inputs (600 ohm bal, 50 ohm coax, hi z whip)
Built in speaker, ext. jack & record out
power: 10-15vdc, .15A (.3A max), 8 AA cells
case: all metal light alloy
size: 7.3" W x 3.2" H x 6.3" D
Weight: 2.9 lbs
Options:
  120 v adapter
  telescope whip
  keypad
  nicad AA batteries
  computer control rs232

List price: $699
EEB price: $599.95

EEB: 800-368-3270

Standard Disclaimer: I'm not with EEB, just a Frequent Shopper

************************
* These are my opinions only.*
************************
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
From: maton@jester.usask.ca (Terry Maton)
Subject: GRUNDIG 'Yacht Boy 204' 
Originator: maton@jester.usask.ca
Organization: University of Saskatchewan
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1992 14:12:24 GMT

The Grundig Yacht Boy 204 portable radio is offered by the
BBC World Service Mail Order.  They have it priced at 35GBP.

Can anyone give me a review of this radio - esp. anyone who owns one?

Terry
-- 
Terry Maton
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada

INTERNET:   maton@sask.usask.ca   or   maton@herald.usask.ca
From: WMONROE@USMCP6.BITNET (WILLIAM MONROE)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
Subject: re: QSL'ing: How to
Date: 10 Nov 92 18:15:21 GMT
Reply-To: WILLIAM MONROE <WMONROE@USMCP6.BITNET>
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU
Comments:     Answering received message

Just today I got the information I sent off for from Radio Netherlands.
One of those was the phamplet called "Writing Useful Reception Reports."

Here's a quick summary:

1.  Your name and address
2.  The station address
3.  Date
4.  Time (UTC)
5.  Frequency (kHz)
6.  Metre band (not really nessary)
7.  Reciever
8.  Antenna
9.  Reporting code (SNIPO, SIO)
10. Programme details  (summary of program - 20 min.)
11. Programme comments (your comments on program)

From first glance, I think that this phamplet is a MUST for new SWL's.
They have a bunch of other stuff you can get also.  Just ask for the
"Listener's Services Calalogue."  Best of all, it is all FREE!!

Hope this helps,
Bill Monroe

* <WMONROE@USMCP6.BITNET>
From: 0002446376@MCIMAIL.COM (Thomas R. Sundstrom)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
Subject: WRTH Availability
Date: 10 Nov 92 04:32:00 GMT
Article-I.D.: mcimail.93921110043239/0002446376PK3EM
Reply-To: "Thomas R. Sundstrom" <0002446376@MCIMAIL.COM>
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU

> Date:     Fri Nov 06, 1992 10:13 pm  EST
> From:     mjohnsto
>           EMS: INTERNET / MCI ID: 376-5414
>           MBX: mjohnsto%JENNY.SHEARSON.COM@ohstvma.acs.ohio-state.edu
> Subject:  WRTH Source?
> I'm just dusting off the shortwave after a lengthy absence and
> I want to get a copy of the WRTH. A few of the places I've
> called say it's out of stock. Does anyone know where I can get a
> copy?  Should I just hang loose and wait for the new edition?
> Does anyone know when WRTH '93 will be out?

The 1993 WRTH is due off the press on December 30 and it should
start arriving at the usual SWL mail order houses - EEB, Gilfer,
Grove, Universal - in the first week of January.  Last year
there was a problem with the ISBN number being wrong, which
delayed things, but I am sure the printer will be more attentive
this time.  The price is still under $20.  BTW, the 1992 edition
sold out early due to the Gulf War; it's not surprising that you
couldn't find a copy.

+-----------------------------------------------------------+
|  Tom Sundstrom     |  609-859-2447  |  Fax: 609-859-3226  |
|  TRS Consultants   |--------------------------------------|
|  PO Box 2275       |   244-6376@mcimail.com    |          |
|  Vincentown        |   MCI Mail: 244-6376      |   W2XQ   |
|  NJ 08088-2275     |   GEnie: T.SUNDSTROM      |          |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|  PC Software by W2XQ   |  English Language SWBC Schedules |
|  Japan Radio Company Dealer  |  Receiver Control Software |
|  Skywaves WAS-50 Antenna Dealer  |  for JRC & Kenwood     |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|  Pinelands RBBS  609-859-1910  USR HST/DS  Fido 1:266/32  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+
From: rja@newbirth.Eng.Sun.COM (Robert Allen)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
Subject: Re: Lowe Phone Number in US?
Date: 5 Nov 1992 17:55:11 GMT
Organization: Sun Microsystems, Mt. View, Ca.
NNTP-Posting-Host: newbirth

In article <1992Nov4.194143.21409@netcom.com> joe@netcom.com (Joseph Jesson) writes:
>Anyone know Lowe's phone number in the US?  I wanted to order the service
>manual and schematics...  

    You have to order from Universal or EEB, who are the importers.
    Or you could call Lowe in the UK and order by credit card.

    Be aware that the service manual is about $40.00, and is
    fairly thin.  It is informative however, and readable.  It
    lays out the circuit diagram for the keyboard and RS232
    control, as well as the radio itself.
--
Robert Allen, rja@sun.com		DISCLAIMER: I said it, not my company.
		    Samuel Addams: Brewer, Patriot.															        "The right to brew beer is the right to be free!" - me
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
From: etxtsg@solsta.ericsson.se (Thomas Grennefors  TX/DKF)
Subject: Re: Loooooonnnnnnng Antenna
Organization: Ericsson
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 08:15:27 GMT

"Alexander" <STUSTARNES@EKU.BITNET> writes:

>I am thinking about string an antenna up at my granmothers farm. I can
>put the antenna up between a very large tree and my grandmothers house.
>The antenna would be about 200 feet long and clear the ground at about
>30 - 35 feet. I was wondering if this was a good idea. If so, what
>kind of wire should I use. If not, why?

It depends.If you have a longer antenna it works better in the lenght direction
of the antenna, but you get poorer signal strength from the sides. So in which
direction is this tree. If its north of the house you get good receprion in the
north/south direction but mediocre receprion in the east/west. 

If you think the direction of the antenna and you decide to go ahead and put it 
up you can use any kind of insulated wire. One thing to remember is that a 
thinner wire breaks more easily if there is heavy wind or snow. The thickness
of the wire isn't critical when regarding the signall strength, but it is 
when you think about having to repair your antenna.

During the summers i listen in an old cottage in a forest, where we have 6
antennas 4 that are 400 feet ( 150 meters), 2 directed towards asia and 2
directed towards africa, and 2 that are 1500 feet (500 meters) directed 
towards Central an d south america. The difference in signal strength could 
be as much as 40-50 dB if you choose the antenna directed towards the station 
and an antenna directed 90 degrees from the station.

You could  also consider a dipol antenna. That is somewhat more difficult to
build and requires some more material. 

Regards

--

Thomas Grennefors         ! What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?
Ericsson Telecom,Karlstad ! What do you mean, an African or a European swallow?
etxtsg@solsta.ericsson.se ! Well...I don't know...AAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHH!!!
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
From: mjohnsto@jenny.shearson.com (Mike Johnston)
Subject: Antenna recommendations
Organization: Lehman Brothers
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1992 15:06:30 GMT


I'll begin this by saying that I absolutely apologize for asking what
is probably one of the more frequently asked questions in this area.
I've read the Introduction files and haven't seen much in the way of
help regarding antennas, so I must ask.

During the Gulf War I purchased this shortwave radio (Sangean ATS803a)
based primarily on recommendations from folks in this group. I'm
definitely very happy with the radio and I feel I got good value
for my money although I haven't used it much over the past year or
so. Well, Winter's here and I've pulled it out and want to start
using it again.

I'm less than satisfied with the reception I get from the builtin whip
antenna. Like everyone else I get the major broadcasters (BBS, Deutsche
Welle, Christian Science Monitor to mention a few) but lack the
capacity to pull in the weaker stations. I sought to avoid going
full blown with an enormous antenna array, so I purchased one
of those roll-up Radio Shack SW antenna's. I haven't noticed much
improvement. This may have something to do with my location.

I live in the ground floor of a two story house. To my East are a row
of houses, and my nextdoor neighbor is about 8 feet away with another
two story domicile. To the West is a fairly wide expanse of open ground
and shorter homes. This sucks because I presume I would be better served
if things were the other way around IE open face on the East since
most broadcasts emanate from that direction (those that I'm interested in).

My home seems to be an excellent insulator of signals. As a matter of fact,
if I walk about twenty feet away from my base with my cordless phone,
I begin to get interference. Television reception without cable would
fairly well stink. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that I live
in what appears to be an RF BlackHole.

Without going into the construction business, what sort of antenna
would best be suited to my needs? Bear in mind that I really
can't expect my landlady to allow me to put up anything intrusive
looking. 

I'll summarize for interested parties.

Thanks.

MJ



--
Michael R. Johnston, System Administrator	mjohnsto@shearson.com
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one
persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress
depends on the unreasonable man." - G.B. Shaw
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
Subject: Re: CB antenna for SW?
From: rivero@mdcbbs.com (Michael Rivero)
Date: 9 Nov 92 14:08:32 PDT
Distribution: world
Organization: M&E (Division of EDS), Cypress CA

In article <1992Nov3.092252.6238@henson.cc.wwu.edu>, n9248086@henson.cc.wwu.edu (Matthew Daniels) writes:
|> 
|> I have experienced something abit unusual however.  When I put the antenna
|> on the roof of the cabin (as opposed to the lid of the sedan's trunk) and
|> when I am travelling about 70 mph, the antenna vibrates to make a most
|> beautiful sound.  (It is very haunting).  The odd thing about this though,
|> is that my radio plays the same harmonics through the speaker.  Since it is
|> my understanding that radio waves are electromagnetic and sound waves are
|> not, why does my radio pick this up?

  The antenna is oscillating back and forth, first adding and then subtracting
it's own velocity to the frequency of the incoming radio waves. The resulting
doppler affect is acting as a frequency modulator, imposing the vibration onto
the carrier signal. Some portion of your radio, either in trying to track the
signal, or in simply having it sweep up and down past the center tuning, 
is converting that signal back to audio. 


<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
|  Michael Rivero rivero@mdcbbs.com  "Middle-aged Mutant Ninja Animator" |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|      If Thomas Jefferson were alive today, he'ld be ASSASSINATED!      |
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave