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It’s omni-rectonal low angle radation gives you exciting and easy DX on a9 bands: 7/80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10.and 6 Meters with low SWR. QSY instantly -no antenna tuner needed, Use ful 1500 Watts SSB/CW when the going gets tough to break trough plleups and poor band consstions. ‘The R9's super easy to assemble, insals ust about anyuhere, and {slow profile blends inconsprouousiy into the background in urban and county setings alk, Compact Footprint Instals in an area about the size of a chile sandbox no ground racials to bury wit all RF-energized surfaces Safely out of reach Rugged Construction: Tick bargjass insulators, al stainless stool hardware and 6063 arcraf-aluminam tubing is double or tiple walled at key stress points fo handle anything Mother Nature can dish out 34.5 fet tll, 25 ls. Mounting mast 1.25 to 2 inches. Wind surface areas 4 square feet, RB, $599.95. Lke Re antenna but less 75180 Meters. R-BTB, $99.95, Ti-hase lets you tit your antenna upldown easly by yourself to work on R-8GK, $79.95. Throe point uy kit for high winds Cae Omni-Directional Low ange rasaten ges ince warwige DX re Amateur Radio Antennas 308 Industrial Pk Ra, Starkville, MS 39759 USA Cushccraf tt satcsrecn: (6s2) 03.0800 « FAX: (2) 3255003 Open 64°90 681 Mon. F. ‘ad sha Pres on apecteaton ants ture 2016 CCishookOn =a8 t( 9 a JOURNEY, wf Pilly CHA-2508 - No Antenna Taner Needed! Base Antennas @ CAMET CHA.2508 ‘ney design broodband vartzl wih NO GROUND RADIALS. EXTREMELY easy io assombl, requesting or ‘ausments ard VSWR i under 15:1 fom 3 557MM!» TX: 3.SMH2 ~ STM RX: 20- OOM + VSWR 15: ores, ‘annus «Max Power 250W SSB/t25 Fle podance: 80 Ohm Lang: 25'S « Wight 7 bs cz + Conn $0239 Req: 1" 2d. 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Schoenfeld, WIBXY Managing Edtor Jen Giitort, KCAKNL ‘Seni Ester Caroline Kenney {Ceanna Zwebel ‘Assistant tore ‘Bart Jahnke, aus Radospor & Fils Soricos Manager ick Lindquist, WW IME Happenings ‘Bob Allison, WBIGCM Prodlet eve Testing ‘Mark J. Wilson, KARO ‘AlBrogdon, WIAB ‘Bemie Mecienny. W3UR, HL. Ward Silver, NOAX Paul Wiado, WiGHZ ‘Jon Jones, NOJK Fick Palm, KICE. ool A Hallas, Wiz. Barry Shackleford, WeYE Kal Swiak, KEAPT ‘Bruce Draper, AASB Gontruing Eto !Michotle Bloom, WBTENT Predcton Suporisor ‘od Morn, KAIIPA, [Assisart Production Supeniaor Maty Weinberg, KBIE. Producten Corainater David Pingree, WINAS. ‘Seniox Teese hater Janet Roceo, WIJLA ‘Advoriing Sales Manager ‘Bob inderbitzen, NOIR Product Development Manager Ywette Vinci, KC1AIM, ‘Markoting and Sales Manager ‘Stove Evald, WVIX Fad Orgerizaton Supervisor Erie Casoy, KC2ERC CConenton and Event Coordinator 4 July 2020 30 34 38 40 59 61 63 7) 78 80 80 89 © ces seo Contents gasses July 2020 # Volume 104 # Number 7 SSS Second Century Learning —The Journey ofA Litstime 2019 ARRL Donors A Vertical End-Fed Dipole with a Folded Stub ‘Jacek Pawlowski, SP3L A Raspberry Pi USB Serial Server Mark Erbaugh, NAME Product Review Mark Wilson, K1RO. ‘ACOM 12008 1606 Meter Linear ‘Ampltier Midnight Design Solutions Phaser Digtal Mode Transceiver Kit Palsiar DLOK High-Power Dummy Load ‘AlexTune Visual Tuning Indicator for ‘Mag-Loop Antonnas The Lunar Legacy Special Events Bob Wertz, NFTE ‘Online Club Meetings Ease Shelter-in-Place Isolation Lee Chambers, KI7SS, and Phil Comel, W7PLC Simulated Emergency Test 2019 Results Stove Ewald, WWIX 2019 ARRL 10-Meter Contest Results Scott Tutil, K7Z0 2020 ARRL January VHF Contest Results ‘James Duffey, KKEMC The 2020 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest August 2020 ARRL Rookie Roundup — RITY A Look Back — February 1949Write for QST wnwareorglgstauthor-guide ‘oma qst@arrLorg oorgenmms eae! Sfrepean Rp Pay Leap re Fe an SPER adore reg ots (8r tas van tener CTS Ager Spas Caran une pete MEX Geel Sounone 101 ‘se Ec rove Ve Y. Poncoson: enti n te Sri muito rckciae 8. nde cea toreee ne homehes Teraatiy crac Genero ‘Babe a] 238" Homme es Pip yor earnest Meertotip an G57 Sort be ope {Sree attire pene ‘Sipe copte S88 Departments (Certificate of Coxe Feodack... Ham Ads, Silent KEYS... WiAW Schede.. SBxses2BasaRe¥eRy Digital and Mobile Editions ARFL members can access the digital extion via a link a wwnwarrLorgigst, donmioad out [OS app fom the Tunes Sore, and download ‘ur Ando app frm te Google Play Store. eran ounce US te own abs mon Secunia, ee. arena ‘antenna yeu sug aeeioanir cert Sreaecviernoe, Siena eri Erman eee, rere See ial tee Soe Saas [ABA Section Managers. Proficiency Peciionts. (Comerton and Hares: Calender fea co ide to ARAL Mentor Bove. Index of Avertoes.. (Gicars, Dvision Drectors, and Sif OST Cover Plague Avert. Spocial Evert Stone. WIA Qaaliving Pans, Our Cover Win stay-at-home mandates in pac all vee Ihe caury, mer roc at hg ‘aso say connects. ea soau row Loe ‘Ghreers Kings Pal Comet W7PLG, and tia he Gra Wasi Ae Fe hy teow oa nn, ecg etnaegy kop sere on tough Orne Cab Meetings Ease Sheter-in- Pace lcaten on page st feiss Mentastipin te ARAL reudng 8 ye Segetanend raion enters ee ‘tr apie ne Yon ogo he US Pact tee era srg Sapper os oveaon Prin (9575 Oxo wucc® Ox cena cas Saree a eeeremeee SRN ALR ise “hy AARL ons OST ny waar be (rowics dood rsa rar stele dey ‘Sang Netoral rary Seon Sieserger ee ‘woe gous [Wein Sto sation) Idee Aor cence ana ‘ra UilrConren Cauiog Cad werdanis == re ons prot by, wa ankeaneormals ine tang omar ewe fat Cron eparna eedaionartorgo cbt ray a pomissondartow canbe binds July 2020 5Cay Pa CAG ULhe Four Position USB Antenna Switch Kit L DG SW4U-K Medium Skill Level Build 50 Thru-Hole Parts 200 Solder Connections 1000W PEP 1 to 60 MHz >60 db Isolation <0.5 db Loss Two-Year Warranty Available at: NVKITS.COM NUTS:VOLTS support@Idgelectronics.com 410-586-2177 www.ldgelectronics.com MAGAZINETHANK YOU To all of our customers and supporters! Throughout the years, we have had an incredible amount of support, guidance, input, constructive criticism and above all, helpful words of advice and encouragement from our customers. | remember when Mike K7IR, Jim K7IRF and I started this company in 2001, hams were so motivated to help us grow (we were working out of Jim’s garage back then) they would order every single option on an antenna “just to be sure we made it’, even though they had no actual need for some (or in di some cases ANY) of those options. We were so thankful back then for that uncommon support, and that feeling has never changed - Now here we are in the midst of one of the great tragedies in our modern world, and our customers continue to give us the same kind of love, that fantastic support that has kept us motivated to continue driving to be the very best in our field. So instead of promoting a particular product this month, we would like to say a simple and sincere On behalf of all of us at SteppIR - 73 THANK YOU to everyone that has supported Joho Werte! WAUK Prestdantied: SteppiR over the years, those that are leading the charge now and of course to those future customers. Thanks to you we are alive and well, SALE ce to announce a FLASH sale to celebrate our 19th year of operation! and ready to help! We would From June 10 thru 15, 2020 save 10% off of any order placed with SteppIR - online’, email or call-in. * Online orders will be credited the discount on final invoice but NINTEEN YEARS ‘wilnat show discount when placing order stepp eae a OPEL D LT www.steppir.com 425-453-1910 COMMUNICATION SYSTEMSDIAMOND FN Dee OC MEUM CLUE GOO a SRC CU eae Ce alae ee LC OE Oe mn of your on-air experience. For all your base station and repeater needs, DIAMOND has an antenna that will work for you. You've tried the rest, now own the best! Here is a small sample of our wide variety of antennas 200 [une or so une POSH (8 Sexton) F2OA (2 Seton) (CP22E (aluminur FTBA (Coae Eemen 185 in 185 in aha Monoband Mobile Antennas eee | Heavy duty fiberglass radomes Four section assembly Overlapping outer shells for added strength Se ee Meee aco | Sor ene Type-N cable connection norm ie Highest gain Dual-band Base Antennal [eeM s/t) pimp alee ee eee 2 : | a < 5 * X700HNAKris Bickel, KIBIC, ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager, kbickell@ar.org Second Century Learning — The Journey of A Lifetime As an educator, one of my favorite sayings is, earning is a journey, not a destination.” For most of us, learning is a lifelong endeavor in many areas of our lives. Sometimes we are not even aware of it, as learning often occurs informally. We begin learning as young children by observing the world around us. Then we go to school to learn in a more formal manner. Some of us go back to school years later to get advanced training. We continue to lear on the job, we adjust to new trends and new technology, and we explore new interests as our lives change. ‘Through the years, the leaming joumey in amateur radio hasn't changed much, but the way people lear has changed dramatically. Today, you can find the ‘answer to virtually any question wherever you are, whenever you want, using your smartphone. On a per- sonal note, my career path — online leaming — wasn't ‘even a possibilty back when | was in college, with per- sonal computers and smartphones stil years away. Currently, the number of amateur radio licensees remains relatively steady. However, data shows that the number of active ARRL members is not keeping pace, ‘as many of these new licensees don't become active in ham radio despite the resources around them. Passing the exam and obtaining a license has become the point ‘where many hams’ journeys come to a halt. ARRL wanted to know why this was happening, and what ‘could be done to change it We conducted research that provided some very help- ful clues. People who have their amateur radio license but stopped engaging with ham radio — or who were never active — were asked what, if anything, might have helped them stay (or become) active. The most ‘common response was, "Help with how to get started ‘on the air." These respondents also indicated that they ‘would prefer this training to be delivered using oniine videos or multimedia, This information, along with the increasing popularity of self-guided leaming using the intemet, where people can find answers to virtually any question at any time, has been the catalyst in the development of ARRL's Lifelong Leaming program. ‘As part of ARRL’s Second Century, and to align with the way many associations now provide education to their communities, ARRL's Lifelong Learning program Is looking to add a madern touch to the way new hams eam. By taking into account the increasing popularity of online videos and tutorials, ARRL is developing an online learning center to serve as a hub that new licensees and those seeking to expand their level of knowledge will use to further their own learing journey. ‘This leaming center will focus on three main content tracks, all of which were identified in the research as the most common areas of interest for amateur radio enthusiasts: Electronics & Technology, Personal ‘Communications, and Emergency Communications. Ideally, this learning center will serve as a bridge to the larger ham radio community and the resources already in place. 2020 has been a challenging year for leaming, with the pandemic forcing educators and students from pre- ‘schoo! to college to teach, lear, and work remotely, But even though this situation comes with many chal lenges, ithighlights the increasing popularity of online learning, providing ARRL with the perfect opportunity to offer this type of service to the entire ham radio ‘community, while adding even more value to ARRL ‘membership, We hope you jin in as the leaming journey at ARRL. ‘continues in 2020 and beyond! Kris Bickel, K1BIC Lifelong Leaming Manager July 2020 9Free Catalog/Dealers/Manuals Online ~ Visit: www.hy-gain.com or call toll-free 800-647-1800 fhe First choice of Hams Around the World) hy-gain. HF Beams ighter, have less wind surface and last years longer ‘TH-SMK2, $879.95. S-oloment, 1.5 kW PEF, 10,15, 20 Meters casas ‘The broadband fve semen THS. 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Schoenfeld, WIBXY, bchoenfeld@orrLowg Member Spotlight Alan Wolke, W2AEW ‘There are a couple of ways you might have made Alan's, W2AEW, acquaintance. One is on the air, of ‘course, as he likes a friendly rag chew on HF a few nights a week. ‘The other is online — on his YouTube channel, www.youtube. comiw2aew, a collection of more than 300 informative videos on elec- tronics and ham radio topics that has gamered more than 125,000 subscribers and over 15 million views. Birth of a YouTuber The channel started about 10 years ago, with a short video that Alan did just for fun, of his QAP operation at a hamfest. Things started to take off when Alan made a how-to video for a ham friend who wanted to learn how to use a Tektronix oscilloscope. ‘Alan, who works for Tektronix, sent his friend the YouTube link to the video, and didn't think much of it Until about a week later, when he saw that the video had been viewed about 100 times. That inspired Alan to go farther with Video. “lke covering the basics of things so people can get an under- standing of technical topics” he said. “That's part of what I do for work. AS ‘an application engineer, I do alot of teaching, to tell people how to use an instrument, oF how to make a particular measurement. So | figured Td make a channel based on that” The basis of Alan's channel is an ‘ongoing lst of potential topics, many of which are drawn from questions and comments that viewers leave ‘Amateur Extra-class ham Alan Wolk, WAEW, serves as Techical Coordinator {for ARRL's Nother New Jersey Section ‘and runs @ popular YouTube channel on his videos. Once he chooses a topic to work on, he makes notes, shaping them until he feels he can tella cohesive story. Alan says this process is “about 75% of the work” and it shows in his concise, informa- tive videos, which are often less. than 10 minutes long, He uploads a new video every month or two. Going Viral Ten years into its existence, Alan's YouTube channel averages 6~7 thousand views a month, and 30 — 40 comments from viewers each day. His most popular video, on how to understand op-amp circuts, is 7 years old and has been viewed ‘more than 600,000 times. ‘The channel has even spawned a viral video. About 5 years ago, Alan made a short video on how to coil cable so it doesn't develop a twist. "You can...take one end of it and toss it out, and it all lay out straight” he said. “I thought, | ought to show people how to do that: Someone appreciated the tip so much, they posted the video toa Reddit forum about lifehacks. It went “geek viral” as Alan described it, jumping to about 40,000 views liter- ally overnight. The video's views cur- rently stand at about 80,000. The Power of a Mentor ‘Alan's notin it for the views, though. He gets enjoyment out of helping ‘others lear about electronics, ham radio, test measurement, and RF. He credits his high schoo! elec- tronios teacher, Charles Burke, WAZSLK, with helping him get slarted in electronics and ham radio years ago, which led to his career at Tektronix." really appreciate what he did in terms of giving me a direc- tion for my career and my hobby’ ‘Alan said. Ive been told that I'm ratty good in breaking things down into easy-to-understand language. elt | could help mentor” He reads ‘every comment that viewers leave ‘on his videos, and responds to as many of them as he can, helping fel- low hobbyists figure things out, get- ting ideas for new videos and, of course, making new friends along the way. July 2020 13,ARRL’s mission: To advance the art, science, and enjoyment of amateur radio. Guide to Member Benefits ARRL Online | wwewarrl.org/myARRL Create an online ARRL Member account, and get access to members-only benefits. Register at wonw.arrl.orgimyARRL. Already registered? Log in at the top of the ARRL website. Magazines | wwwarrLorgigst and www.arrl.org/ota | wwwarrl.orginc) and www.arrl.org/QEX All members can access the digital editions of QST and On the Air, as well as QEX— The Forum for ‘Communications Experimenters and NCJ — National Contest Journal, from a web browser and apps available for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices. Members needs a valid ARRL account to access digital editions of all four magazines, the Archives and Periodicals Search, and the Product Review Archive. E-Newsletters | www.orrl.org/myARRL Subscribe to the weekly ARRL Letter and a variety of other ARRL e-newsletters and announcements: ham radio news, radio clubs, public service, contesting, and more! “Email Forwarding Service Email sent to your arrl.net address will be forwarded to any email account you specify. Technical Information Service | www.arrl.org/tis Call or email our expert ARRL Technical information Service specialists for answers to all your technical and operating questions. This service is FREE to ARRL. members. Advocacy | www.arrl.org/regulatory-advocacy ‘ARRL supports legislation and regulatory measures that preserve and protect meaningful access to the racio spectrum, Our ARRL Regulatory Information Branch answers member questions concerning FCC rules and operating practices. ARRL's Volunteer Counsel and Volunteer Consulting Engineer programs ‘open the door to assistance with antenna regulation land zoning issues. The Amorican Radio Relay Leogue, Inc. ‘ARF te naonaassodatin a Anal! Ra? re Unie Stas: supports ‘Peavarness ont groth af anter ado woken aoe tr mang ‘toes rao epecrure eos ever iro gel he gate, ‘gl onto ir oeaurager ao sypermeraion sa ough temas ‘Stvancos aco lect se ecard eres ered vas Yona ‘aya freon yp ple sar a arerpuncy commons (Ai Vion Somer aseptod duns 2016 A pa eprom tant a capi eck ae ‘Stein 010) he tarot overun Cato 586 also gored by $3 Scart Greco none tng more as eos wry 3 yen yo ‘err meer, Tho crs are abcde spp he Dror: 14 July 2020 Join or Renew Benefits wmartorg/iain viwnw.arr.org/benefts Donate Shop | : Group Benefits* | www.arrl.org/benefits "ARRL Ham Radio Equipment Insurance Plan jerty Mutual Auto and Home Insurance sus ony Find... a License Exam Session | www.arrlorglexam a Licensing Class | www.arr.orgiclass ‘a Radio Club (ARRL-affliated) | www.arrLorgiclubs Hamiest or Convention | www.arrl.orghhamfests Interested in Becoming a Ham? wwwarr.orginewham newham@ar.org | Tel. 1-800-326-3942 (US) Connect with ARRL ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio® 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 08111-1400 USA 1-860-594-0200, Mon. — Fri, 8AM to 5 PM ET excopthotaaye FAX 1-860-594-0259, email hqinfo@arrl.org Contact ARRL: www.arrl.orgicontact-arrl BSE On Website: wwwarrl.ong Facebook: @ARRL.org ‘Twitter @amr, @wtaw, @arr_ares Instagram and Instagram TV: @arstha YouTube: ARRLHQ Linkedin: https: www kedin.comicompany! ‘american-ragio-relay-loaguel The ARRL-_ Antenna Book 20% OFF Online www.arrlorg/shop . _ ins by 31,2020 ARR eoncoranrc anne ae wih a perasive ae coreg coco Inert algbltermenesraneon waar ‘Ot yar ead aratou ARAL ruber Win fs rks hast marty ace antes nt aon andes ¢ poss Rey of clever he ‘Anona fo rot nants do the only essere aatfeaten of meri, raisers penne wraith ang tects Monicho equton ans gan ceoenence habe areas he Setusinie asia A, sn S-Nowrgon Corenmvortorg/ divisions Officers, Division Directors, and Staff 'As an ARRL member, you elec the Direcor and Vie Director who represent your Divison on ARRL. policy matters Ifyou have a quostion or comment about ARRL polices, contact your representatives listed below. Officers Founding President (1914-1936) Bram Pot Mam, WIAW President Fick Roderick, KSUR* PO. Box 1408, Lite Rock, AR 72203 (0-866-2527), kSurdartl.org First Vice President Misael N. Reisbeck, KITWE* BB High St CChelmsfor, MA.01824 (978-250-1295) kttwi@art.org ‘Second Vice President Bab vaio, WaRGS {8855 shateld Ri Gasto Valley CA 546 (610-537-6708), w6rga@arr.org Intemational Affairs Vico President Rosny 2 Stafors, WEROD ‘ise shadow est ‘San Jose, CA 95135 (408°238-467'), wered@arr.org Inari Chat Execute Ofer Shek Se, Nivxy BBsian st ewig Cr ont (860:584.0212) beheley@arr.org Treasurer Fick Niswander, K7GM Chief Financial Officer Diane Maden, W2DLM Staff Communications Manager Vecwe Development Mana Hetaee Somer S8CLO Director of Operations Noon Fuss Wl Laboratory Manager Ear, HAR ‘Assan Laboratory Manager Sob aloon, WoIceM Product Development Manager Bob certen WOTR Marketing Communiatons Menager etnsen Esionan RomeN Marketing & Sales Manager ‘ote Vine, KC Ta Momborship Man Blane Sait RETR. Prodvetion & Edtoral Manager Shove Ford WOSRNY [Agvertsing Sales Manager ‘vot Roce, WLR Regulatory Information Managoe Sar Hendon WIND VEC Manager Nera Soma, AB1EM Lelong Learning Manager te kal, KIB odlogpor & Fel Services Manager Bar Jane, Wes Business Stat Controlor ‘Thomas Bot, KE Information Tochnology Manager Noho! Keane, kiNiK om “Executive Commitee Member Ailantic Division new atidivorg Tom Abernethy, WSTOM" P.O. Box 73 Accokeek, MD 20607 (01-267 8225); watem@ar.org Vice Diector, Robert B. Famiglio, KBRF PO, Box 8. Media PA 18063 (610-369-7200) kSrf@arrLorg Central Division vwow.central arr. org Kermit Carlson, WSXA* 1150 Moee St, Batavia, 60510 (630-879-0968); wxa@arr.org Vice Director Cart Luatzeischwab, KOLA, 1227 Pron Ra, For Wayne, IN 46845, (200-637-8986); kSla@ar.org Dakota Division vwarwaaridakota.org Matt Holden, KOBBC 400 Marquetis Ave, Apt. 3008 ‘Minneapois, MN 58401 (952-282-194); KObuc@art.org Vice Drgetor Lynn Nelson, WOND £3204 Witow Ln’ SE, Minct ND 58701 (701-899-1000); wOnd@ar.org Delta Division artidelta.org David A. Noms, KSUZ S907 Evening Sunsat Cr, Redd, AR 72182 (10-815-1606); kSuz@arr.org Vice Director Ea B. Hudgens, WE4RHO. “1441 Wexfocd Downs Ln. Nashville, TN 3721 (615-338-9800) wodehe@ar.org Great Lakes Division ari-greatiakes.org Dale Wiliams, WABEFK™ 281 Outer De, Dundee, M4811 (734-528-2232); waBefi@art.org Vice Director: Thomas Delaney, W8WTD 4632 Glenway Ave, Cinna, OH 45238 (613.927428), wéwid@areorg Hudson Division ww-hudson.arr.org ia Jaicam, NORJ P.O, Box 73 Sussex. NJ 07451 (673-584-6275), nai@artLorg Vice Director: Wiis Hudak, W2UDT ‘111 Preston Or, Giletie, NJ 07833 (908-580-0490); waudl@arr.org iwest Divs ‘wr arrimidwest org Rod Blocksomo, KODAS, 600 Fasiiew Dr. Robins, A 52328-9768 (619-388-8022), Kodas@arn.org Vioe Director: Art Zygielbaum, KOAIZ. 6601 Pinecroet Dr_ Linco, NE 88516 (402-421-0896); Kéalagarr.org How to Contact ARRL Staff ‘To send an email to any ARRL Headquarters staff member, put is cr her callsign {rT tial and last nama) n font of (@arrtorg, For example to send to Heam. ‘Maxim, Prt President of he ARRL, use wiaw@arr.org, or hmaxim@arr ong, New England Division Fred Hopengarten, KAVR" ‘Starch Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773 (781-258-0088) kivr@ar.org Vice Director: Vacant Northwestern Division wirw.ardnwdvorg Miko Ritz, WTVO ‘38643 Burra Rd, Scappoose, OR 97058 (603-887-1200), wrvogarr.org Vie Diao: Mark J. Tharp, KBTHOX P.O, Bow 2222, Yakima, WA SEGO7 (609-352:5764); KbTheb@arrh.org Pacific Division pacific artorg sim Tema, KESAT 13450 Skyine Blvd, Oakland, CA 4619 (510-569-5963); Kejat@arr.org Vice Director: Kristen Mentyre, KOWX 900 Golden Whee! Pork Dr #85, San Jose, CA ‘95112 (510-708-4942) K6wx@arrL.org Roanoke Division arti-roanoke.com ‘George W. "Bud? Hippisloy, W2RU 81 Crele Creek Ra. Penhodk, VA 24197 (640-5762507) weru@artorg Vice Director: Bill Morine, N2COP 101 Windlass Dr, Wimington, NC 28409 (810-452-1770), n2copa@barrorg Rocky Mountain Division www rockymountaindivision.org Jeff Ryan, KORM ‘9875 Wadsworth Pkuy. K2-275 ‘Westminster CO 80031 (03-432.2806); kOrm@art.org Vice Dieetor Robert Wareham, NOESQ 300 Para Dr, Suite 200 Highiands Ranen, CO 20129 (720-562-0384) ndosq@arr.org Southeastern Division ‘www facebook com ARRLSoutheasternDivision Mickoy Baker, NAMB 14768 Black Bear Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33418 (661-220-2775); ndmb@arr.org Vice Oactor James Schiling, KG4ISZ 44 Joet Maseay Ro. Haines Cy FL 33844 (407-504-2620), kgljse@areiorg Southwestern Division ww kk notnbaa Richard J. Norton, NAA 21200 West Hse De, Topanga, CA0290 {@10.455-1138); lenardjnorton@yahoo.com Vice Director: Edward Stearns, ATA, 7036 Astor Dr, Seotsdal, AZ 85254 (480-232-0255) aa7a@am.org West Gulf Division wesiguifdivision.org John Robert Stratton, NSAUS. P.O. Bax 2252, Austin, TX 78788-2252 (612-446-6262) nBaus@ensaus.com Vice Director Lee H. Cooper, WSLHC 2507 auttoy Or, Leandor, 1 78681 {126583810} leooperetart.org Lor OS July 2020 15‘worn org/sections ARRL Section Managers “The 16 Dhisions of ARRL are arranged into 71 administrative Sections, each headed by an elected Section Manager(SM). Your ‘Section Managers te person fo contact when you have news about your activi, or those of your radio club, If you need assistance wih @ ioeal problem, your Section Manager is your fst pont of contact. He or she can put you in touch with various ARRL volunteers who ‘can hop (such as Tochnical Specialists}. Your Section Manager is ais the parson to see if you'd lice to become a Socton volunteor. Whatever your license cass, your SM has an appointment avaiable. Visit your Secon page at www.arrl.org/sections. ‘onc Division (OF, Ny, SN, wy, We ‘dbroe bt Berecoc KES Tne Sany Sty Br ete, OE 19008 2468 Ese Peeve rege ha, WIGUN, 28 Woats Ra, Vy, PA {885 (7250107 magumatarore wes Marion 2 Nan Png: Hs 4 Peron Fs Ovigs is, MO 2117 (S088 on tana Nomar Vn Worse Bex EPacc, 1 Jan St Saran Le, Y 1289 (569% ee) Reged. ‘Soro New Joyo Pras, NOX, 177 Bowspit Rl. Mahe Ni West No Yara ar NSE 207 Es St Flan NY 14733 ac " ‘Sea 2 eR) wdc sien ‘isoeae gan a ‘as Easton e160 (ost) sige on ‘ar inrmes KCHRPX. 7382 W Akagi, 47429 (Grav: zoo teary conn Pataca WR, 24952070 Water Coser Yn Sioned aeetet ae) tare Betete Dien (NM ND, 30) Riper Rea MR So sa oes ‘ire agi 7 ar Taree 17 Fas eso. ND Sees pepo ‘Sem Ones eStore POBox 2, Say, SOS772071 ‘sero sauna Date Division Ratemsen (Raat TNL, 100 Laren, SowoyAR721409477 (2 50) Shee {Sea an fers KSI 20 Marae Ct, Soe Cy LA ‘is i'r essing tO ea i _ ‘rece Dui Ta S206 rd rn, 137020 (C5550) kmanyariony Greet kes Divsion I Sette Seven, ee ea tame btren me (Gi 36) oper Fee Estes vane Bestia etn Dl, eet EL pret D Serenata hast Fates be iccapeamesvremuaae Ieee ese aan kn cote Sra Tf 6 AN sooo Recents as ht Bee hee et scone not esac Sean SA eg se at Sioistitrab ance Hew ee vn Sentosa eo errs ee nrernacima nas nin seueroeger eer eeu, remcoowcer ieuoamdae at Nee cea etch en eis soriigae Beats Gi, cmana. cei Bealieatebess ee a ce reso rt (puesto 229) aateudantorg War taasoohat Raymond Lj, KOSLRL, 26 Leoriner Ra, Lunar, Maidens resasstor Rotingam oy Rel rm st. ower ky ason2ars EMA, ME, NH, Ri, VT, WHA) Riba 25 Nosda Paria, CT 0882 16 July 2020 O57 wawarto ‘erste Dion AK EWA, M08, HA) ae a cai eee eee ee ares (aia tog Se eee Seana Se re cise aN Pre ry Sr Sag ORS Sos noe, vnc omar aera aoa Non. etoton WTFF, PO. Boe 8, Shes, WARS (eas ey wre Pesci Division (EB, NY, PAC, SY, SF SHV SCV) Ess ly dy Srtre, WOLR, 208 Lorn. Wana Ce, CAASI8-705 Nevo stag NTUR, 220 Para Av, Las Vg, NV 8921-2157 (ree nary Fg oe Spe Ain 27 Kapono 52, Hck S025 (sae Se ahongarong a ‘Storer Vey Gra lr, KPAMD, PO, BOXEE, Crs Hg CA SSSI CHEESES plat on ne ‘San ranaacSnahenaah Raeos PO. Soc 435, Santa Rees, CASSAQ-41S1 (Por 0 aha ong ‘Sar Jooun vie on os RESO, 134 Dag Ra, Sokon, CA S207: 3596 (2003313070) netentog ‘Sar cor Vly St toy AMGEC 2181 Onn RA, Spe.25, Sn dno, CA SSR Ra GESY sate oy Rocnoke Divison (NC, SC, VA, MV) Aaa Goran ain ANG PO, Box 208, Bons NC 20007 (eit 202) wetne@rorg ‘Set Gtr Ne Tee REUFP 405 eer Ran, Rock SC 25732.258 (SeS357 nto a Jap Pala RSV B01 Arch HCL Ron, VA222062725 soz) org a pi bang a OW Ft Mayr, NY S07 " ora ocey Mountain Dion (CO, NM, UF Sacra arts Bet Sac co sos se2 eee Mau es se E101 Snot RSE, Race, MOTTS8 (eI 0 tomo Gre Patea MATER. 2100 Not Layo, UT 0D di og Menge ger NVTEK, 1 2a tre oe, WY 935 Sen ns Soythestem Division AL, GA, NFL, PR, SFL ‘iba ern arn UHM Geen Coebia NS esata winger Sarg Oe om MER 0 Fox Hal Cong Eat Soci GASES (U0, epsom tron Rr ker Br GBP Fane, Ese FL SPE Se Sait wey Fear Rca. err Rea KPa eB 749, eg At, PR ED2 2860 (8S 5 tao ener an Bay M Poe BION. 55 Sie Ra, Ak 25 Boa Eee SR orb otpsgantog Yen sm rose KOM, PO on BETS Css, VI E2275 bscor : Heer omen ra ttt fon tae ceal ts atee senses ile A 082068 Jeet eee cate RAR oad We Sha son AZ 85755. 0561 Bes mans Eee rete anno an re Pom cA ee ae em tonto eiasozen wubdtarrorg Fara thos tinier umn cA Sees eet eceocnr tou Abom fateh leans ese on Sele PL OEP accra i ces eres taat Sea e fea an at again ane eet Sores carey See pervert enone areca Snag Bee erat eros nate isess ationsFree Catalog/DealersiManuals Online - Visit: www.ameritron.com or call toll-free 800-647-1800 = ron. ‘he World’s High Power Leader Ameritron 160-6M 1.2kW FET Amplifier 1.5-54 MHz...1200 Watts PEP Output...Auto bandswitching, no tuning, no warm-up, SWR protected, Quiet Variable-Speed Cooling... 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They hoped to set up the contact with one of their partnered schools in the Los Angeles Unified Schoo! District. Dr. Barakats application was eventualy accepted, o she ‘met with ARISS technical mentors and educational ambas 2200s inthe area, most notably Brian Johnson, ABBUL; Darrell Warren, KABOSC; Bob Koepke, AABTB, and Norm Thorn, KBUU. They dedicated hours and days to setting up, tuning, and testing the antennas (one directional and two backup omnidirectional antennas) and other equipment lead: ing up tothe actual contact on October 28, 2018 “The stusent audience at the Vermont Avenue Elementary School were thrilled to hear the voice of ISS Commander Luca Parrritano coring through the speaker system as the space station streaked overhead. They asked several excited questions before the station slipped over the horizon jst minutes later. 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Because when you're looking to.connect wit people ond places that may or FlexRadio iy Wt wer bart We pr yu bet havc bes paves ehnckigy on the planet Te loam more about eur bourdery-pushing produ, wt floxradio.com/FindEverywhere Eee {4400 | 6400M | 6600 | 600M |6700 | Maestro | Power Genius XL | SmariSDR vW1AW Schedu ile ao CTE WED TH eH 7a ait [oa | 190 RSS (es Sie | Ge | Gite | See Tae [Baw [9.08 | 1oAne| 1400-1600 MISTING OPERATOR TIME 1pm |2pM [sr [aru | 17001915 (12H PMCLOSED FOR LUNG) Taint [arnt [oma ar [2m [AST | SOW | FST] SOW FAT ove | cove | dope | cone | Gane (OODESLLLETN ar | a ee [a rat [ sr [set [ora [20 rm LET " ere | Ge | Som] Bee | re ae [rea [ar [am CEE BULETN 7ew [ae [@Fat [orn Dior BULLET ol 72 B= >A OT VOCE BULLET 7a [apm [ora [roru) cam — [rast | ow | rast | sow | FAST | | Gove | Gove | Gove | Gone | Cone cra [ora [07] 11 | cD CCEDEBULETIN| WIAWs schedule is at the same local time throughout the yoar. From the second Sunday in March tothe fist Sunday in November, UTC = Eastern US time + 4 hours. For the rest ofthe yea, UTC = Eastorn US timo + 5 hours, ¢ Morsecode transmissions: Frequencies are 1.8025, 3.5815, 7.0475, 14.0475, 18.0975, 21.0675, 28.0675, 60.950, and 147.555 Miz. Siow Code = practic sett 5,710, 1, and 15 WPM Fest Code = pace son et 35,5, 25,2015, 1, and 10 WPM Ch utes ser al 18 WM 4 Former iomater, vt ws at fl (November 26 and 27), and ¢ WIAW Qualiying Runs are sent on the same frequencies as, the Morse code transmissions. West Coast qualiving runs are. transmitted by various West Coast stations on CW frequencies that are normally used by WIAW, in addition to 3590 KHz, at various times. Underline 1 minute ofthe highest speed you copied, Certify that your copy was made without aid, and send itto ARRL. for grading. Please inciude your name, cal sign (if any). and Complete maling address. Fees: $10 fora certificate, $750 for, fendorsements, Digital ransmissions: Frequencies are 9.5975, 7.095, 14.095, 16.1025, 21.085, 28.095, 50.360, and 147.555 MHz. BBullotins are sent using 45.45-baud Baudet, PSKSI in BPSK mode, and MFSK16 on a daily revolving schedule. Keplerian elements for many amateur sataltes willbe sent on the Fegular digital frequencies on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6:20 PM Eastern time using Baudot and PSK31, \Voicetransmissions: Frequencies are 1.855, 3.99, 729, 14.29, 18.16, 21.39, 28.59, 50.350, and 147.555 MHz. Voice trans- missions on 7.200 MHz are in AM double sideband, fll carrie. Notes: On Fridays, UTC, a DX bulletin replaces the regular bulletins. W1AW is open fo visitors 10 AM to noon and 1PM 10.9:45 PM Monday through Friday. FCC-icensed amateurs ‘may operate the station during that time. Be sure to bring your Current FCC amateur license or a photocopy. In 2 communication emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as follows: voice fn the hour, teleprnter at 15 minutes past the hour, and CW on the half hour. \W/1AW code practice and CWidigitalphone bulletin transmission audi is also available realtime via the EchoLink Conference ‘Server WIAWBDCT The confarence server runs concurrently with the reguialy scheduled station transmissions. The W1AW Qualifying Fun texts can also be copied via the EchoLink Conference Server. During 2020, Headquarters and W1AW are closed on New Year's ay, Presidents Day (February 17), Memorial Day (May 25), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (September 7), Vetorans Bay (Navembe: 11) Thanking and the folowing ay nrisimas (December 25)The Legend Continues cm ea es a eC jee a pica allan Olan = = Pe Poe a dt) od Fane eee Sr ed a en a Back in 1973, Kenwood introduced the frst affordable HF radio to the word, the legendary 1S:520...27 years later, the TS-S70D and the Dee eee ee eee ed Be witness to the evolution of KENWVOOD's pride and joy - the TS-590S HF transceiver - pushing performance and technology to its utmost limit, wit the receiver configured to capitalize on roofing filter performance and IF AGC controlled through advanced DSP technology, Enter the T5:590SG. A new generation of high performance transceiver, with the type of high evel response to meet DX’ers needs. Dont be fooled by big boxes high price tags, complex operation and broken promises. As Kenwood continues to build oustanding ‘products with unparalleled performance and great value it's no surprise Kenwood is rated as one ofthe leading choices for HF radios. eae od TLE ag eee ue NN) (0)0) > neater) ARRLamanm: 2019 ARRL Leadership Donors ARRL gratefully acknowledges the following individuals, clubs, and organizations for their generous support in 2019 with donations of $1,000 or more. Donors listed below contributed to the ARRL Diamond Club, the Second Century Campaign, the Spectrum Defense Fund, the Education & Technology Fund, the WIAW Endowment, the Ham Aid Fund, and the Legislative Issues Advocacy Fund. ‘Alan R. Ahasic, W9AN Thomas Clements, KITC Dr.Chatles$.Fullgraf KE4OAR Robert L Kluck, N4US Albemarle Amateur Jay Close, KOGEO Michael F.Gardina, W2ARQ, and John. kludt, K4SQC Radio Club, Inc, WAATFZ adam E. Coffey, NEDDW Vieky Gardina, AESYL Kenneth D,Keudson, NSTY Dwayne Alen, WYTFD, and ‘Thomas W. Comstock NSTC James C. Garland, WBZR Jeffrey Kopcak KBITK Ratio allen, WV Ralph E. Covington, W7SK John $. Geas, KCTELL Bernie Krasowski, KDSQHV, and Allen-Heath Memorial Kenneth A.Cowin, KOZHHT —-MaxGeorge, NGT™M Linda Krasowski, KESBOK Foundation, K62Z* and : boedeea Lika hea fond ay Craigie, NBKN, and Job and Dee Glorioso, ik Krier, Carter Craigie, N3AO ils and WIMGA Jim Latham, AF6AQ George (K1IG) and John E. Glover, W2QL “Annette (KBILSH) Alison "ald E, Crawford, K7UP) i SSee Wah David F. Levy, K3DFL ob Allphin, KAUEE ‘Mark J.Croney, WAZF eve Goggans K7\Z}.and | illUippert, ACOW Saw CAI RaATE David . Daley, AC2BA, and itis cee Ronald . Long, WBGUS : Rhonda J Daley, ACZFX Craig Goldman, K21Z0 Gary G. Lopes, WAGMEM. Dwight Aussieker, K9Q) ry G. Lopes, be nie waned Gallas Amateur Jeffrey Goldman, K3DUA Pactual Wap nels Radio Club, Inc, WSFC John Good, WiGs ee ey ey Sherman Banks, WAATL and an Dankert, NGPEQ. Marty Green, K2PLF Spee Mary Banks KANIRY Ron, W7GTF. and sit tates Wek Jim Detoach, WUG), and Maggie Bob, W2CYK, and ‘Marylou McCallum j Detoach, KK60ZS ‘Jesse, WIEEO, Greenber Glen Barney, NY3E Richard DeWoskin, N9AGN Alvin Groff, KOVM. . GhaticsF Mcconnell WEDRD Bill Bart, NANX i Ed McLaughlin, Jr, W6OLA 2 In Memory of David A Hall, NEI Taneell then NEC Norman 8 Bash, WABCOB Jake MeCiain Driver KCSWRA. Jay Hamann, WOYUK hesel chess Bob Beaudet, WIYRC Richard E.DuBroff, WaXW Holice Hamitton, KB4AZR ar taroceciy pk Richard P Beebe, KIPAD Timothy |. uffy K3LR eel patitsen, WSN aril o ! tea Warren WW. Munro, KHEWM Mark A. Behrens, WAGP au Clare AmateurRadiocub, Kim Harrison here were aie Jay Bellows, KOQB, and W9EAU Bill Hassinger a, Fel WEEK Bonnie Belows fehounk Conference Trustees Hans) Heimburger nonce TRamasH.Na Paul Belton, W7VY Tim Ellam, VE6SH John F. Hodapp, WASTOX No ke ‘hen arat Linda Bittner K6GRL Jeannette B.andJohn4.Els, Elizabeth W. Hoffert and ort aot arate ‘Andrew 8, Bodony, K2LE KBaXO and NP2B Fred W.Hoffer LNAZU yt ine 8 GoralGtieband Andrew Bonn, KSOR Dr-ChalesC. Emery KETMING Edward. Hogan, KEL ep rar aera ce Gerry Boudreaux, WSIC Martin S. Ewing, AABE Kerty Holiday, WAGB.H Reece Karl F Bowman, WACHK Craig. Fastenow, KOCF fred Hopengarten, E39. Oyapge county amateur Barrie G. Bitton, WEDX Alan J. Feldmeier, NOx? £48. Hudgens, WE4RHO TSC ke Wale Wiliam G. Brown, KOLF FEMARA Wiliam Hudzik, W2UDT Ghlanda ameteor Raa Ue, Dave Bruse, W4DTR: Jack J. Ference, W3KX_ ‘Walter R. Huebner, KDDBDO_ W4PLB Frank Butler, WARH Willam Fibert, WENCH Joe R. Hyatt, KSGRB Dan Osborne, WSAFY Byron “Pat” Cahill, WOBM. Jim (WI9Wl) and Annette Dick Jackson, W3EZ Paul W. O'Toole Patrick C. Cain, KOPC (KASDOC) Fitzpatrick Edward R Jansson, WD4DTC Palomar Amateur Radio Club, Kermit, W9XA, and Caron, ‘Marjorie and Harry Flasher,AC8G _witiam L Johnson, W3F1 WeNWG ws9atr, Carson Bill Flynn, AIBC Dino Papas, KAS, an in, Ald Charles D.Joseph, NSJED pas, KLOS, and Central arizona Andrew Forsyth, AF3| ile ees work Toby Papas, KLOSS DKASsoCation, TUGA presley Foster, WSPD Meee eae Wiliam 4. Pardee, WIWHP, and Clifford E. Cheney, KEND Tom Frenaye, iki marae ‘Susan R. Pardee, KCTHLN Robert J. Chudek, KORC Bale FUE : John T. Patterson, WCOW, and Water Rs Fogates WWE Joseph S. Kennedy, WO6Q Leigh Patterson, WCOT Dr. Thomas A. Clark, K310 Wiliam Fugate, W8IYD Randall K.Kirschman, KHEPRay Pautz, NORPs, and Paul N. Schacknow, AB4ID William 8, Smith, WOVA Steven West, W7SMW, and Katie Pautz, WOKTE Thomas M. Schaefer, NVAl Steven L. Somers, AEGSS, and Donna Karam, KCSFIN Anthony Perales, ANU Maurice L Schietecatte,NaLz Robin Somers, KG) West Allis Amateur Carolyn Ratajack, KTCMR eth schlectrans Kerk Jimmy.sorels, MD, WagAas Radio Club, WOFK Mark Ratajack, KIMTR Steven Schoch, KO6G Jim Spaulding, WU C.Jo Whitney, KATLIQ Ed Ratledge, K3CWF Barney Scholl, K3LA Daryl, Stachle, W7TAE John Williams, KBW. Bob Ravenscroft, KETIZ . Wayne Schuler, AI9Q T Theory Foundation, Inc. ‘Mark E, Wise, NOGEH Dr. Jerry Redding, KA8Q Jason John Schwarz, Nayss_—_-Robert 8. Tabke, N7IP Glenn Wolf Je, NSRN Fred J. Regennitter, KAIU,and Howard | Schweitzer, ABSGH Ron Tingle, KAML Richard S, Wujeiak, KARW Judy Regennitter KOU mare seott kannand Kent W. Trimble, KSZTV The YASME Foundation, Inc Joseph Reisert, WUR Catherine Scott, KASOZW —_W. Paul Trouten, WEP! Carl Young, KSHK John Mark Robertson, KSJMR —SEDCO, Inc ‘Amold G.van der Valk, AG3V, ‘Matthias (A488) and. Ed Robinson, WSXT Walter Sepanize, STO andSuzanneC.van der Valk, Claudine Zapatka fen P- Roderick, WATOFR oR aes ND@O Michael R. Zeug, WIYM pick Roderick KSUR, and Michael . Varga, NR3C Ivan Zuckerman, WB4LXR Holly Roderick REE chiptel Wile Bob Voss, NACD Arthur. Zygielbaum, KOAIZ Evan P.Rolek, K9SOG Shenandoah Valley Amateur 6219 Wagner, K3OMI 4 Anonymous Donors Alfred C. Rousseau, WI Radio Club, WaRKC George Wallner, ANZIV/C6AGU Stanford H.Rowe,K6VWE John R.Shepherd, ADENR John C. Walton, WAT 1 =silent Key Dave Sarault, N3XF Bernie Skoch, KSXS Jetty Welsskohl, ACABT ciety V\axim Society Donors ‘The Maxim Society honors individuals, clubs, and organizations whose lifetime contributions to ARRLexceed $10,000. This distinctive program, named for ARRL founder Hiram Percy Maxim, was created in 2002. Maxim Society members have supported ARRL and the ARRL Foundation through their contributions to the ‘ARRL Diamond Club, the Second Century Campaign, the Spectrum Defense Fund, the Education & Technology Fund, and the WIAW Endowment, Members’ generosity allows ARRL to continue to offer outstanding programs and services, and to promote Amateur Radio across the country and around the world. As of December 31, 2019, © | ARRL proudly acknowledges 284 Maxim Society Members. Millennium cass Marjorie and Harry Flasher, AC8G ob Streeter, WAST, and Presley Foster, WSPD Oe aercumca Craig Goldman, K21Z0 Donna Streeter, W9DIS James C. Garland, WEZR pice De Lary E. Priel, WwaRA Craig Thompson, K9CT Steve Goggans, K7L,and Margaret Valentine Bob Ravenscroft KETIZ DDave Topp, WSEXX lyndie Coggans, N7PKM H.Dale Strietert, W4aM, Joe Walsh, WB6ACU Jeffrey Goldman, K3DUA Cent a5 sonony Edvard Snyder MO, WvsM, Richard. Wijk KRW Paul R Horenstln, KPH eee ee and Rose Snyder 2/Anonymous Donors Thomas J Hutton, N3ZZ i Steven West, W7SMW, and George R. sey, W9GIG "Cine erige WA Dernakaram.KCSHTN = Ambmsader RR, soogy_OickackSon W3EZ The YASME Foundation Baker Family Foundation, Andrew C.John, MD, 1D, W8OU Fellow Class Benefactor Class WSIZ and WSIKB Don Lisle, K6IPV. (ft Giving of 520,000. $499,999) (Ufetme otng of $50.000- 895999) ch araan Banks WAATLand Robert O. Loving. Jr, K9IU, Bayloamateis Rasa EAI Bsrielt Nez ‘Mary Banks, KAMRY Joe! R. Miller, W7PDXand Association, W8BI Frank Butler, WaRH Mark A. Behrens, WAGP ‘Martha C. Miller Kan Mizoguchi, JAIBK Ken Byers, K&TEA Brook Byers, KSTKM Thomas K. Mil, K3TK Paul D. Seg, NOBD James Dieso, K2SZ Steve W.Chaddick WASZDD Ray Mustafa, WA2NEG rounder cnt errs areca Thomas W.Comstock NSTC Gayle Olen, KECO, and Founder Class caasog) Marty Green, K2AF Fark Ober VELA Mike Binder, NAGMB Allen-Heath Memorial See Timothy J. Duffy, K3LR Ray Pautz, NORP+, and Foundation, K6zIZ* and K60KO. Elizabeth W. Hoffert and Kenneth A. Fath, N&KF Reve aut WORT Fred W. Hoffert Ill, NA2U ‘ Paul Rinaldot, W4RI Dave Bell, W6AQ", and ‘Alice (Sam) Bell, W6QLT Dennis Shapiro, WIUF FEMARA Andrew Forsyth, AFSt Ulrich L Rohde, Ph.D, NIULEdmund 0, Schweitzer Il wikow Kam Sirageldin, N3KS Walton Stinson, WACP, and Mary Kay Stinson, KOZV Roger A. Strauch, KD6UO (ex WAIKZW) W. Paul Trouten, W8PL Scott Tuthill, 720 and YNSZ Dick Weber, KSIU West Allis Radio ‘Amateur Club, WOFK Ivan Zuckerman, WB4LXR, 3 Anonymous Donors President Class (ufetine Giving of 510.000 -$24 999) Dwayne Allen, WY7FD, and Katie Allen, WYTYL George (KIG) and ‘Annette (KBILSH) Alison Bob Allphin, KAUEE Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, Inc Dave Anderson, K4SV Arizona Repeater Association, Inc, WTARA Louis G. Arnold, KQALP Merit R Arnold, WENO Donal J. Backys, KUN C Dwight Baker, Wally Don Barber, KEGV John L Barber, NSIB Bob Barden, MOBCCE Glen Barney, NY3E Richard Battles, WB48VQ. Bob Beaudet, WIYRC Richard P. Beebe, KIPAD. Jay Bellows, KQ8, and Bonnie Bellows Paul Belton, W7VY Linda Bittner, KEGRL Gerry Boudreaux, WSIC Karl F. Bowman, WACHX Brian Broggie, WEFVI Dave Bruse, WaDTR Randall J. Bynum, NRGCA Kermit, W9XA, and, Caron, W9QLT, Carlson Joseph G. Chaet, WIRGH', and Catia M. Chaet, NTOPUt Lee Ciereszko, NATCW, and Emily Wengrovius, WN4ECW J. Craig Clark, Jr, KIOX Dr. Thomas A. Clark, K310) ‘Thomas Clements, KTTC Jay Close, KOGEO Joseph Cloutier, KCBIAC ‘Adam E Coffey, N8DDW Mark .Croney, WaZF William J. Deegan Il, K9XT Richard Dievendorff, K6KR Inmemory of Jake McClain Driver, KCSWXA Joseph J. Dubeck, NASA Daniel J. DuBray, NSSG Tim Ellam, VE6SH Frank Fallon, NaFF Alan J, Feldmeier, NOXP Jim Fenstermaker, K9IF, and Shirley Fenstermaker, W7SAF Gary J. Ferdinand, w2cs William Filbert, WENCH Sean Fleming, KBKHZ Bruce). Frahm, KO) Joseph E. Frank, WISOV Tom Frenaye, KIKI William Fugate, W3IYD Ken Garg, W3)K Ted, WaVHEY, and Itice, KALW, Goldthorpe Kenneth R. Goodwin, KSRG David H, Greenhut, N6HD David A. Hall, NTE Jay Hamann, WOYUK Dick and Kathie Hanson, K5AND Joel Harrison, WSZN, and kim Harrison Bill Hider, N3RR Mary M. Hobart, KIMIMH Kerny Holliday, WAGBIH Henri Honda, K6DON / 7/9AAD William Hudzik, W2UDT David M. laksa, WOVX, and Judith A, Jaksa, WN Glenn, WG), and Vivien, KL7¥L, Johnson william L.Johnson, W3Fl Leslie Kalmus, W2KK Dick Kalt, WIFY! John C. Kanode, NAMM Steven Katz, NBWL, and ‘Constance Barsky, WD8ODC lan H. Keith, NBIK John R, Kludt, KASQC Kenneth D. Knudson, NSTY Stanley D. Korzept, WBNNX L Kirk kridner, KVSQ Martti Laine, OH2BH Fred Laun, K3Z0 Bill Lippert, ACOW Bob Locher, W9KNI Jimmy Long, W42R2, and Christine Long, W4FIG Ron Lowrance, KASK Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA and Vicky Luetzelschwab, AE9YL Joe Makeever, WSHS Bruce Marcus, NIXG Robinson Markel, W2VS Charles P. McConnell, WEDPD. Wayne, NING, and ‘Margaret Mills Warren W. Munro, KH6WM, Fred and Diane Neuman North Fulton Amateur Radio League Northern California DX Foundation, Inc. Larry, W9INE, and Karen Olson Orange County Amateur Radio Club, Inc, W2HO Orlando Amateur Radio Club, WAPLB Palomar Amateur Radio Club, WENWG Dino Papas, KLOS, and Toby Papas, KLOSS Edward Parish, KIEP Kurt Pauer, W6PH Thomas W. Porter, WBKYZ Malcolm Preston, NP2L Arthur Priebe, NSART ‘Michael Raskin, W4UM, and Sherry Raskin, WaSLR Ed Ratledge, KICWF Dr Jerry Redding, KA8Q Fred J. Regennitter, KalU, and Judy Regennitter, KOUH Joseph Relsert, WUR John Mark Robertson, KSIMR Fd Robinson, WSXT Kimberly A. Roden, WSKAR, and James M, Roden, W5IR Rick Roderick, KSUR, and Holly Roderick Jerry Rosalius, W892, and Valerie Hotzfeld, NVOL Alfred C. Rousseau, WF] St.Paul Radio Club Dave Sarault, N3XF Eric Scace, K3NA Thomas M. Schaefer, NVAl Maurice L Schietecatte, NAL2 Keith Schlott man, KRIRK .Wayne Schuler, AI9Q Jason John Schwarz, NAS Mark W. Scott, KaMY and Catherine Scott, KASDZW Paul V.Seamon, Jr, N2RI Claudia and Edward (KDSM) Seliger John &. Shepherd, ADENR, ‘The Six Meter Club of Chicago Don Smith, WBKGL William B. Smith, W9VA Steven L. Somers, AE6SS, and Robin Somers, KJ6IS) Jimmy R.Sorrells, MD, WASABB James L Spencer, WOSR The Stratford Amateur Radio Club, Inc David Surmner, KYZZ, and Linda Churma Sumner, KAIZD T Theory Foundation, inc. sim Talens, NBIT Rick Tavan, NOX! Temple Amateur Radio Club, Inc, WSLM, ‘Mark. Tharp, KB7HDX, and Jo Whitney, KA7UIQ James A. Tiemstra, K6JAT, and fiiza Greene, KE6EHD on Tingle, KAML 4S. Jamie Tolbert, J, WW3S, Kent W. Trimble, KSZTV John Uhl, WSZE Arnold G. van der Valk, AGBV, and Suzanne C. van der Valk, Nogo Tom Vavra, WB8ZRL Gary Wagner, K30MI David Walker, KOCOP Solveig A. Walstrom Dan White, WSONT Richard A. Wiklund, M.D, KIMGH John Williams, KEW E.Glenn Wolf, Jr, NSRN ‘Mitch Wolfson, BIBON/K7OX Walter L Wooten, WiLW Scott Wright, KMD James Clair Wyant, W7AH, and Tammy Ort, W7CYL John C. York, MD, KESV Allen Zimmerman, K3WGR Arthur | Zygielbaum, KOAIZ 16 Anonymous Donors tesilent KeyLegacy Circle Members The ARRL Legacy Circle recognizes individuals who have provided for ARRL in their wills or other estate plans. Gifts received in this capacity — unless otherwise designated — provide unrestricted revenue to be used Wherever resources are most needed, either through the ARRL Endowment or to assist in offsetting operational costs. Rey. Dr. Alicia, KGBL), and Dave, K6XG, Abell Robert Ahmann, WISC Alan Applegate, KOBG Donald. Backys, K9UON Bob Barden, MDBCCE Robert C. Beach, WBLCZ Michael E, Beck, W7ED0 Mark Beckwith, NSOT, and Katinryn Stewart Bob Beebe, GU4YOX/KXEN Dave Bell, W6AQ!, and Alice (Sam) Bell, WeQLT Steven Bense, W9SRB Jim Boockholt, N4AL Alvin C. Bore, WEIVO 5. Clint Bradford, K6LCS George Byrkit, KOTRV, and Mary Bytkit Kenneth R. Cary, KOUCK Roberta Chamatian, WBIADL, and Peter Chamalian, WIRM, J. Craig Clark, 1, KIX: Jose R. Cruz, KA2KCR John G. DePrimo, KUD Richard Dievendorff, KoKR Dennis G. Eksten, W9SS Ronald D. Erickson, KIC Jim Fenstermaker, K9IF, and Shirley Fensterrmaker, W7SAF Carl L First, NECKY Bruce J. Frahm, KB8) Bill Gerhold, KWH Steve Goggans, K7LZJ, and lyndie Goggans, N7PKM. Ted, WaVHFY, and Itice, KALVY, Goldthorpe Elliot Gross, KB2TZ Richard Hemingway, NSXRD- Douglas Hitton, WOBUG, and Diane Hilton, WDIANE Mary M, Hobart, KIMMH Thomas H. Hodgson, W3DNN Geoffrey S, Howard, WOCG ‘Thomas Jakubec, NSZR? Ron Jansen, KB9WTB Frandy Johnson, NIFI Glenn, WO), and Vivien, KLTYL, Johnson Gale and Robert Kares, K2SUH_ Christopher J Karpinsky, WITE Steven Katz, NBWL. and Constance Barsky, WOBODC David L. Kersten, NSAUH ‘Mark Kupferschmid, ACOPR ‘Aman | Kumar, NSQQQ Edward Lapinski, KVIP James E.LaPorta, NICCt Rick Lindquist, WWIME Don Lisle, KGIPV Joe Locascio, KSKT, and ‘Marian Locascio, KSKKT Joshua Long, WHT William Marx, W2CO. Richard A. McClure, NIVXP Ron, W7GTF, and ‘Marylou McCollum Gary Mikitin, AFBA Joel R. Miller, W7PDX, and ‘Martha C, Miller Richard Mondro, KaFQT Dr. Theodore A, Morris, NCBV Dennis Motschenbacher, K73V David A, Norris, KSUZ Art Pahr, KX) Dino Papas, KLS, and Toby Papas, KLBSS Ernest Paul, KC2WD Bruce R. Pfeiffer, NICPPt Keith Pugh, WSIUt John Putnam, WIDRG Michael Raskin, W4UM, and Sherry Raskin, WASLR John P. Rautenstrauch, N2MTG Raymond P, WARPR, and (Cynthia Richard Alfred C. Rousseau, W'FL Stanford H. Rowe, KEVWE Barney Scholl, K3LA, Rev Les Shattuck, KANK Arnold Shatz, NHC, and Sheryl Shatz, KAGDOW Charles F Spetnagel, W6KK Wayne Starnes, KUAV, and Catherine Starnes Walton Stinson, WaCP, and Mary Kay Stinson, KO2V John S. Thomas, AE3M John J. Thornton, WERR, and Jane Mi. Thornton, K6HOX Hal Turley, WaHC Bob Vallio, WERGG ‘Tom Vavra, WBBZRL James Ward, W6AA\, and Patricia Ward Robert 8, Wareham, NBESQ Steven West, W7SMW, and Donna Karam, KCSFTN, Dan White, WSONT Allen Zimmerman, K3WGR 20 Anonymous Donors t=silent Keyis an end-fed vertcal dipole wilh a quartor-wavelength matching section. A Vertical End-Fed Dipole with a Folded Stub Jacek Pawlowski, SP3L it you don't have a system of radials buried in the ground, or if you want to place a vertical dipole on a balcony (see the lead photo) of root where an RF ground is not available, the solution could be an enc-fed Zep antenna — a century-old design. The Zepp is an end-fed half-wavelength (212) dipole in which a quarter-wave stub made of a ladder line is connected to the dipole end in order to transform the very high antenna impedance to a low impedance. A clas- sic hall-wavelength Zepp with a horizontal quarter-wave length stub is shown in Figure 1. The stub does not radiate. Despite its advantages, the classic end-fed Zepp is not often used on HF bands. This is probably because of the length of its 7/4 stub. So, let's revisit and modify the vener- able Zepp to make it more attractive. Folded-Stub Concept My modification of the end-fed Zepp reduces the space needed for the antenna installation while improving its per- formance. To start, folded the stub in half and rotated itto the vertical position (see Figure 2). This brought the feed point close to the bottom end of the 7/2 radiator. ‘The overall antenna heights 7/2 and the folded rotated stub ise is now 1/8 high. The antenna has a very small footprint because the stub is located close to the radiator. ‘Total radiation from the stub is sil most zero. The Pee antenna raciates the same eer) as a center-fed dipole. OIE co space simulations eee eeerrcets reveal a gain of 2.13 dBi, eee ate feed point impedance Zp of Cea ity 71.Q, and a bandwidth 66% Cue CI that of the center-fod dipole. Seay Prete teers resAntenna Design | built the folded-stub vertical Zepp for the 20-meter band, | started with a 10.3-meter-long fiberglass fish- ing pote for the main radiator support. Next, I chose a distance of 13 centimeters between the stub legs, so used 15 x 15 centimeter square isolating plates for the stub wire supports (see Figure 3). Simulations predicted that | would need a 2.63-meter-long stub if it were made of 2-millimeter-diameter bare copper wites. The 1/2 radiator should be about 10.3 meters long. However, | needed about 30 centimeters at the bottom of the fiberglass pole to create a mount for the antenna. used insulated wire to make the radiator about 3 to 5% shorter than a bare wire, so 10 meters should be ‘enough for a 7/2 length radiator. It looked like my 10.3-meter-long fish- ing pole was well- suited for a 20-meter- band encl-fed dipole. Figure 2— The lower section of the antenna is a folded stub that is rotated tothe vertical onentation. Figure 4 shows the initial antenna design dimensions. Construction Because the stub was shor, | could use just two polyamide (PA) plates, 15 x 15 x ¥ centimeters each, to keep the stub wires positioned correctly. The PA material has good mechanical and thermal proper- ties. Moreover, black PA has increased resistance to UV radiation. PA material is hygroscopic, so if its sub- jected to rain, it soaks up water, degrading its isolat- ing and dielectric properties. However, the 13 centimeters between the stub wires seemed to be more than enough to guarantee there would be no voltage breakdown or significant leakage current due toa wet PA plate. Alter driling the holes for the pole and the stub wires, | attached stainless-steel standoff pipe clamps to the plates using aluminum angle brackets. | riveted the angles to the plates, but you can use bolts and nuts as well (see Figure 3). | used a UV-resistant polycarbonate box (see Figure 5) to house the matching network, which was screwed to the bottom stub supporting the PA plate. Figure 3 — Details ofthe mounting plate and the raling mount ofthe antenna, July 2020 35,‘The matching network circuit consists of TR1 (a 1:1.56 voltage un-un) and TRE (a 1:1 current balun’ ‘common-mode choke). TR1 was wound with five ‘enameled wires, % millimeter in diameter, connected as shown in Figure 6, TR1 has five turns. Choke TR2 was wound with 12 turns of a thin 75 © RG-175 coax. Each transformer uses an FT140-61 toroid ferrite core. For transmitter output powers greater than 200 W, consider using larger cores (like FT240-61) and thicker coax for the choke. Figure 5 shows the interior of the matching network box. - 10.05 (inially) 0. eel i, Figure 4 — The intial design ofthe vertical ipole with its folded stub shows the feed point atthe bottom. All dimensions ara in meters, The hallwavelengthlong radiators made from insulted copper wie 36 July 2020 | fashioned the railing mount from two aluminum angle brackets riveted to each other and attached to the antenna mast with a U bolt (see Figure 3).To prevent damage to the fiberglass pole, | slid a 30-centimeter- ong, 50-millimeter outer diameter aluminum tube over the bottom section of the pole. Fishing pole sections have rather thin walls, unlike the Poles built as antenna masts. I strengthened them at the junctions using electrical tape and hose clamps, as seen in Figure 7. Tuning | tuned the folded-stub Zepp in two steps: first the ‘stub itself, then the complete antenna. When the pole was extended o about 3 meters (three sections), | attached the stub supporting plates, the balun box, and the stub wires. inaly made the stub a lite lon- ger than the computer model predicted, | attached this half-finished antenna to a short provisional mast and eae) Gee ta ilbe end ofthe radiator eee that resent at the ends of th ama es meet wher Tete Prete Tt able to touch Figure 5 — The matching network box houses transformer TR1 and common-mode choke TR2. The core Tor TRI Is taped with yellow electrical tape.Figure 6 — The matching network consists ofa 1:71.56 voltage transformer (TR1) and {211 common-mode choxe (TR2), connected an antenna analyzer to the balun box through a short piece of coax. When trimming the stub without a half-wavelength radiator, you should switch the antenna analyzer to read Rand X or |Z| and phase, and find a frequency at which it resonates (X= 0, or phase = 0°). The stub should be trimmed to a length at which the resonance frequency lies within the amateur band, ideally right in its center. In the prototype antenna, this happened almost exactly at the predicted length of 2.63 meters. With the stub tuned, | extended the mast toits ult- mate length and attached it to an insulated stranded ‘copper wire to create a half-wavelenath radiator. This time, the antenna analyzer was switched to read SW. To my surprise, | had to significantly trim the radiator wire during antenna tuning from the initial 10.05 meters to 9.13 meters. | then remembered that | had already encountered a very similar case when using this particular fiberglass pole. Evidently, placing a wire very close to a thick fiberglass pole was like using an insulated wire with a very thick insulation, | needed to trim the radiator length by 11%. I do not know if this shortening effect is typical for every mast made of fiberglass, but that was the case for mine. Testing the Antenna ‘Once | trimmed the antenna on a provisional mast about 1 meter above the ground, | lifted itt its final operating position 4 meters above ground on the bal= Cony railing (see the lead photo). Elevating this dipole improves its low-angle radiation performance. The res- ‘nant frequency changed very ite in the new posi- tion when measured with a 2-meter-iong coax cable. ‘When | attached a 30-meter-long cable connecting the antenna with my transceiver, the SWR minimum did not shift, indicating that there was no significant ‘common-mode current on the feed line, The mea Figure 7 — Secure the junction of two settions ofthe antenna mast using alec- trical tape and hose clamps. sured SWR stays under 1.5:1 across the entire 20-meter band, On the Air with the Folded-Stub Vertical Antenna Finally, it was time to compare performance of the folded-stub vertical dipole (FSVD) with another antenna | had in my garden: the GP-7DX (GP) by Krzysztof Sobon, SP7GIQ, which is somewhat similar to the AV-640 made by Hy-Gain. | compared both my FSVD and GP antennas at dis- tant stations, listening to my signal via WebSDR receivers. From my location in Poland, | found the FSVD equal to the GP in Washington, DC, slightly better (+2 dB) in Chelyabinsk, Russia, and slightly ‘worse (1 dB) in Andorra, Europe. In many cases, | could not hear any difference. ‘The main advantage of the FSVD over the GP is its very small footprint and ease of installation. Only a single mounting point is required — a mast or a railing — and minimum of room around it. Of course, the antenna is higher than a GP, and its maximum radia- tion occurs not at the bottom but at the center of the radiator, which is helpful Jacek Pawlowski, SPSL, isan electronics engineer (MSc). He ‘Slared his caree’ as an electronic designer, mainly in the test and measuroment area. Afr 15 years as a cicut/PCB dosignar, he ‘Shifchied to a management career path. He's beon the research and development project and department managor ata fow com- panies since then 31 dB below rated PEP. 14 Mbiz, rst 7thvath: At 1,000 W PEP: ~94/-9/-47/-64 dB, Keying time: Not specified Size (eight, wth, depth: 6.7 x 17x 148 inches; weight, 32 pounds. ‘AL 500 W PEP: ~3)-41/-54/-62 0B, Unk to key, 18.2 ms; key to unkey, 20 ms. “Reminder: US amateurs must observe a limt of 200 W PEP output onthe 30-meter band, ‘The amplifiers are discussed as being “no-tune” but band-pass filters are required to meet FCC regula tions for spurious emissions. The amplifiers are really only “no-tune” within a single band, in the sense of not needing to adjust an impedance matching net- work inside the amplifier — there are no TUNE and LOAD controls but an appropriate output fiter must be ‘switched in for each band. With a CAT interface to the transceiver to control band selection, or using the builtin frequency counter to sense the incoming RF, ‘you can switch bands from the front panel of the radio and go. Installation ‘The 1200S weighs only 32 pounds — | have had tube amplifiers with heavier power transformers. The footprint on the tabletop is 14.6 inches wide by 16.8 inches deep. The ampiier stands 6.7 inches high, so itis of the same general size as a large transceiver. Combined with a high-efficiency, internal switch- mode power supply, this is truly a “desktop Kilowatt” ‘The amplifier can operate from 93 to 265 V ac at 50 or 60 Hz without any reconfiguration of the input power connections required. You'll have to provide your own power cord to suit the local power system. operated from 120 V ac, the maximum power out- ut is reduced to 500 W. In my station, | simply swapped the 1200S for my Kilowatt tube amplifier, driven by a TS-590S trans- ceiver. The physical switch was easy because the 1200S is smaller and lighter. As far as radio cabling nn Sol = 800 Joo 3 400 } =a Em Bie ae 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 60 RF Power iput (Walls) sz raion Figure A —ACOM 12008 RF input versus RF output. goes, my existing amplifier keying cable was a direct match for the amp's phono jack and the RF connec- tions consist of one RF input and one RF output (see Figure 1). The amplifier keying line (KEY IN) con- nected directly to the TS-590S as a standard ground- to-key output. There is no ALC input on the 1200S, so that cable was lett disconnected. There is also a KEY OUT output from the 1200S that can be used as an “amplifier ready’ line, but | used the transmit-delay function of the TS-590S to hold off the RF for the required 15 milliseconds after the amplifier keying relay closes. For transceivers with a transmit inhibit input, the KEY OUT signal can be used to prevent premature transmissions. (If the amplifier detects the RF too early it changes to the STANDBY mode and displays a fault message.) | used the keying relay in the TS-590S to control the amplifier. Because | July 2020 41amp is ready to go, it sends an R. character and waits for the opera- tor in STANDBY mode. Figure 2 shows the MENU SELEC- ‘a> oe * Figure 1 — The ACOM 12008 rear panel was operating semi-break-in, that was not a problem (the 1200S does not suppor in full break-in, or QSK, operation). Configuration Getting the amplifier set up is straightforward. Once the power is applied and the red LED on the front: panel power switch is on, hold down the power switch until the amp sends TEST in Morse code audio. (The Morse annuneiations are a nice touch, especially to the sight-impaired.) Note that you have to turn on the back-panel power switch for the front: panel power switch to work. Ifthe red LED power indicator isn’t on, the front-panel switch doesn't turn the unit on, ‘The boot-up sequence for the amplifier seems to take a litle time when the amplifier is new. Just be patient, and when the user screen lights up a few seconds later, you're ready to configure the ampiifi- e's settings. After you've set everything up the first time, the power-on sequence is faster. When the Figure 2— The ACOM 12005 offers @ number of menus for con figuring and using the amplifier. 42° July 2020 TION screen. The next item of busi- ness is to select the CAT SETTINGS menu and follow the steps described in the manual to get the CAT interface configured. (Manual and frequency-sensing band- switching is also supported.) in the “CAT Settings Menu” section of the manual, a table shows which ‘options to select for the type of interface needed — RS-232, TTL, BCD, oF VOLTAGE. Another table shows the proper options for various models of radios from Icom, Elec- raft, Kenwood, and Yaesu. You then select the data rate and polling rate to match the radio's settings and plug in the cable. The TS-590S and the 1200S were happily communicating via RS-232 right away. At the same time, | had the TS-590S interfaced via its USB Port with a PC running N7MIM+ Logger software without any apparent problems. f you want to use an Icom Cl-V interface, youll have to build or buy a cable with the %-inch mono phone plug on one end for the radio and a DB-9 on the other end for the ampiier. The amp is designed for use in a remote- control station, with power on/off controlled through the REMOTE interface or the CAT/AUX interface. if you choose not to use the amplfier’s CAT interface, itcan be turned off, and the amp’s internal frequency counter will determine the incoming RF frequency and switch the ampifier's band accordingly. A single 100-milisecond dit, a short pulse of carrier, or a \woice syllable or two is long enough for the amplifier to switch to the correct band. I have never been com- fortable intentionally transmitting into a mistuned amplifier for any length of time, but itis nice to know that | have that option with the 1200S. Another option isto use the BAND UP/BAND DOWN switch on the front panel. | noticed that the band selection does not Wrap around from 160 to 6 or from 6 to 160 — that’s ‘a good thing in the middle of a contest After the radio and amplifier are talking to each other, the manual leads you through a series of careful step-by-step checks to be sure the receiving and, transmitting functions are working and hooked up as you expect. The tests ensure that signals get to the radio's receiver when the amplifier is in STANDBY orFigure 3—A typical display during operation on 20 meters. All important parameters are avaiable at a glance. not being keyed. Then you check the transmit func- tions, one by one. Finally, a low level of RF is applied, land you can check out the transmit functions using a ‘dummy load. Only then should you try driving the ‘amp to full power. It's easy to misconnect a new piece of equipment, so a cautious approach is help- ful. The same checkout process will also be helpful in isolating any problems during troubleshooting, ‘There is a full TEST menu that includes running the fan at different speeds and making sure any external relay- or switch-based BCD band-select interface is working, An AMPLIFIER MEASUREMENTS screen dis- plays the value of major parameters, such as input and output power, SWR, transistor current and bias, and amplifier temperature. The ampilfer is well instrumented with the necessary data available to the user. Performance | gave the amp an extended test during the 2020 RRL DX CW Contest in a Muitioperator-Two ‘Transmitter (Multi-Two) operation from my station. The amplifier was powered from 240 V ac and used pretty much continuously at full power for 48 hours without incident. | kept a sharp eye on the PA TEMPERATURE meter, and it never went into the red zone, nor did the fan have to kick into high gear. Fan noise was minimal during the contest — no louder than my tube amps. No RFI issues were experienced with the CAT connection to the trans- ceiver for the entire contest. Figure 3 shows the LCD uring typical operation. The amplifier has 14 dB of gain, so not much power is necessary for full output. Typically, 25 to 40 W was enough to result in RF output near full power on any of the bands. The low drive requirements make this amp an excellent partner for the low-power SDR. transceivers starting to appear. A 10 to 20 W trans- ceiver can drive this amp to several hundred watts of output, where it will be coasting along, That's just right for operation using one of the WSUT-X digital modes, PSK31, or RTTY. At reduced power, the ampifier will run cool and should be a reliable per- former in a remote station, as well ‘Typical of solid-state amplifiers, the 1200S is sensi- tive to SWR. Itis specified at SWR less than 2:1, preferably 1.5:1 or less. My 40-meter, two-element beam is tuned for minimum SWR near 7.175 MHz and has an SWR of about 2.2:1 at 7.020 MHz. My tube amps are unfazed by this and tune up into the antenna anywhere in the band without complaint. The 1200S, however, was unable to develop more than about 500 W of output at the low end of 40 meters without faulting and going into standby. Luck- ily, [had a 1 KW antenna tuner available and put that inline for the 40-meter beam. The antenna tuner low: ered the SWR to 1:1 at 7.050 MHz, and there were no more faults due to SWR. When ACOM says 2:1, they mean it — you won't get full output at or above an SWR of 2:1. Ityour antenna system SWR is higher than 1.5:1 Where you intend to operate, you should retune the antennas. If that's not feasible and SWR is higher, you'll have to use an antenna tuner rated for at least 11KW.To utilize the amplifiers full flexbilty, you'll need ‘an automatic tuner, such as the recommended ‘COM OAAT. The external tuners do add expense to the overall system, but the combination of the 1200S and O4AT gets high marks from other users, as reported online. Caveats (On most of the bands, we took it easy and ran the ‘amp with 25 to 35 W input, so the RF output stayed somewhat lower than full output. You can create prob- lems for yourself through excess drive, however. ‘Some transceivers can set a different power level for each band, but the TS-590S cannot. This caused a problem when we were operating on 40 meters after Using the amp all night on the low bands at full power. | got a report of bad key clicks and discovered that dive was stil set to the 80-meter power level — more than needed on 40 meters. (The TS-590S CW keying rise time was set to the maximum of 6 milliseconds.) a July 2020 43‘The amp wasn't faulting, but it was clearly being pushed. Reducing drive cleared up the clicking, so after the contest, | checked it out more thoroughly. To make a long story short, without an ALC signal from the amp back to the radio, its easy to push the amp pretty hard. The TS-590S transceivers also have a well- known leading-edge transient on the output wave- form that shoots up to full power before the radio's ‘own ALC can bring power back down to the required level. The combination of the transient and higher rive than needed was the likely culprit behind a bad signal. ALC-caused transients on other radios may ‘cause the same problem. With the tube amps, the TS-590S runs at nearly full power output, so the tran- sient was never an issue. (Kenwood fixed this tran- sient in late-production TS-590S radios and in the TS-590SG. They also offered a free modification for ‘owners of early radios, but my radio has not yet been modified.) [earned that is best to watch your drive level with high-gain solid-state amplifiers in general to avoid both overdriving the amp and possibly creating spuri- ‘ous emissions, This particular problem was a combi- nation of the operator (me) not checking drive level and a quirk of my TS-590S (the overshoot). It wasn't @ particular deficiency of the amplifier but an exam- ple of what you have to be careful about with high- ‘gain solid-state amps. ‘On 6 meters, the amp performs very nicely. | hooked it up to my venerable IC-7000 transceiver, which is my go-to radio for the WSUT-X modes, primarily FT and MSK144. The IC-7000's amp keying line is avail- able on the 13-pin ACC socket, so it was easy to get that working and the necessary CAT cable was ordered with the amplifier. | was able to adjust the key-to-RF-output delay in the WSJT-X software, ‘choosing 200 miliseconds for plenty of safety cush- ion beyond the 15-millisecond minimum requirement, Because FT8 and MSK144 requite long transmis- sions, | was interested to see whether the amp would run hot. Running 10 W from the transceiver on 50.313 ‘and 50.260 MHz produced 370 to 400 W output. Because | was powering the amplifier from 120 V ac at the time, this was about 80% rated power. 44 July 2020 PA TEMPERATURE Is displayed on the front-panel screen as both a numeric value (in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit) and asa bar graph. During the long transmissions, you can clearly see the temperature going up several degrees. The fan speed increases one level at 50 °C but is stil very quiet. The long transmit periods never pushed temperature higher than 55 °C, and that was after extended periods of Qing. If | were going to do an RTTY contest at 1 KW output, | would expect much more heat from the ampifier, though, User Interface ‘As | mentioned earlier, the amp doesn’t just “beep” When a function is performed or a message played. It sends you a Morse letter or two. When the ‘amp powers up, you hear TEST, then R when itis ready for operation, and when you turn it off, AR. Ifa fault condition is detected, the letter F is sent. So even if you never operate CW, you'll learn a litle bit just by using the amp. Using intelligent annunciations is a nice touch. Every appliance and piece of equipment beeps, but very few use the controller to actually communicate with the user. I'd lke to see more of that — like maybe sending AS when going into STANDBY mode. The LCD, though not a touchsoreen, is very high quality and colorful. Brightness is adjustable and the default setting was fine at normal room lighting levels. There is a lot of information on the display, but itis rot that big. The designers probably assumed the amplifier will be close to and in front of the operator. Stil the labels for the selected band and the bar graphs are bright and easy to read, even off to the side of your visual field. ‘As shown in Figure 3, the status indicators (OPERATE! STANDBY, TXIRX, CAT STATUS, and REMOTE) are very small — about Y-inch square — and don't show up well. With all that display real estate to work with, there's no reason not to make the indicators much larger so the operator is more likely to notice a change in status. The overall design of the ampitier is very sleek, remi- niscent of consumer audio equipment. The LCD is nicely placed and the black switches match the panel exactly. This is a nice-looking piece of radio gear.User Manual The user manual is brief but complete as far as setup and operating directions go. There does not appear to be a service manual, so there is no schematic of the amplifier avaliable, (Check the DOWNLOADS tab ‘on the ACOM 1200S website for a copy of the man- Lal, as well as the latest firmware.) ‘The manual's English is a bit strained in places, but with careful reading and reference to the controls land soreens, it gets the job done. All of the screens, controls, and drawings are accurate and clear. Summary Alter several years of anticipating kilowatt-plus solid- state ampiiiers, the manufacturers have delivered. The fullkilowatt output of the 12008 is quite enough for most operating needs at a reasonable price. ACOM has done a good job with this compact ampifier. The designers have paid attention to what amateurs need in their stations, including remote control. f paired with an auto-tuner, the combination will deliver full auto- tune, wide-band HF and 6-meter performance. Manufacturer: ACOM OOD, Bozhurishte, Bulgaria; www.acom-bg.com. Available from several US dealers. Price: $3,700. Midnight Design Solutions Phaser Digital Mode Transceiver Kit Reviewed by Steve Ford, WB8IMY wb8imy @arrl.org Many of you may remember Dave Benson, KiSWL. He was the designer and entrepreneur behind the most popular low-power (QAP) transceivers ‘ever created. Several years ago, Dave decided that it was time to retire and close his business, much to the disappointment ‘of many in the QRP community. Well, he's back! Dave has teamed with George Heron, N2APB, of Midnight Design Solutions, to offer a new set of QRP transceivers known as Phasers. These litle radios are intended for use with the wildly popular FT8 digi tal mode. f any communication mode was tailor made for QAP, itis FT8. With just a few watts and an antenna, you can make contacts throughout the world, even during the marginal conditions we're Bottom Line The Phaser Digital Mode Transceiver offers a clever and inexpensive way to get on FT8 and other digital modes with a compact, dedi- cated QRP transceiver that is easily used in the field, ‘experiencing in the depths. of the solar minimum. Phaser Flavors Phaser transceivers are kits designed for operation ‘ona single band. You have your choice of kits for 80, 40, 30, 20, or 17 meters. Dave designed each trans- ceiver to be hard-coded for output on the FT8 fre- ‘quency for each band. However, every transceiver is capable of operating on an alternate frequency that you can program yourselt. If you want to operate another digital mode on the band, such as PSK31, for example, the frequency can be changed accord ingly. So, while the Phasers are sold as “FT8 trans- ceivers,’ they are actually mutimode digital radios, a July 2020 45,Figure 5 — Tho Phaser enciosure front panel includes switches land LED indicators for selecting the standard FT8 frequency or Stlernate (usar programmed) frequenoy. (Note that the TRANSMIT indicator LED incorporated ino the latest version could be Mounted on the front panel as well) Figure 4 — Parts are mounted on labeled cards for easy identification. ‘The Phaser transceiver generates about 4 W SSB. output. Because virtually all FT8 operating takes: place using upper sideband (USB) transmissions, the Phaser is hardwired for that mode. For this review, | selected the 20-meter model and ordered the optional enclosure kit. The transceiver board is just 4.125 x 3.85 x 1.2 inches and includes seven preinstalled surface-mount components, ‘The through-hole parts are all mounted on labeled Figure 6 — The rear-panel connections for ‘AUDIO INOUT, ANTENNA. and POWER, cards (see Figure 4), No more sorting and squinting ‘as you try to read resistor color codes or barely leg- ible numbers on disc capacitors. I've never seen such a straightforward approach to kit building, and Midnight Design Solutions should be congratulated ‘on going the extra mile to ensure success. All you have to do is follow the instructions and pluck the parts you need from the cards. ‘The downloadable assembly manuals are thorough and colorful. Someone put a lot of effort into these documents. Once again, the obvious goal is to make the assembly steps as clear as possible. The manual ‘even has a sense of humor. had to chuckle upon seeing a visual example of an improperly wound toroid inductor. The caption beneath the image read! “Bad Toroid! (Bad, bad, toroid!” bet Sie e fe a. | Figure 7 — Tho tontpanal pushbutton switches and LEDs aro ‘The assembly steps are divided into six groups of soldered to traces on the back side of the panel and connected to parts When jou completa a group, the reanual ihe PC board wih arbbon cable instructs you to run some tests to make sure that the section of the transceiver you just built is functioning normally. I'm an experienced kit builder, so | chose to: skip the tests. That's not the best approach for these 46° July 2020Frequency coverage: Phaser-80 board, 3.573 MHz (FT8) and 3.578 MHz (JSBIAL) Phaser-40 board, 7.074 MHz (FTB) and 7.078 MHz (ISB/AL) Phaser-30 board, 10.136 MHz (FT8) and 10.130 Miz JSB/AN) Phasor-20 board, 14.074 Miz (FT) and 14.078 MHz JS8/Alt Phaser-17 board, 18.100 MHz (FT8) and 18.104 MHz (JS8/Alt {For each band, the FTS frequency is hard-coded and the Alternate Aroquney is ol for J88 ut canbe ropogtsmmed by the user 1a, PSR, or oer requences, * ‘Tanemitier operation: Phasing SSB, 4 W output nominal) Feeceiver minimum discernible signa (MDS): ~109 dm, Power requirements: 12 V deat 190 mA (receive) and 1 A (transmit. Size (height, width, depth: 1.2 4.125 x 3.85 inches (PC board): 2 x 5x 45 inches (enclosure). Weight 11 ounces with enclosure. kits, though, as troubleshooting is much easier if you test as you go. The Phaser PC board is somewhat ‘complex in terms of component density, so even with the excellent manual and the pre-labeling of parts, there is always an opportunity to make a mistake or the chance for a bad component, Its best to take your time and do the tests, justin case. | needed about 6 hours to complete the kit PC board. Final testing is simple. You just connect the neces- sary audio cables to your computer, connect your antenna coax, apply transmit audio, and adjust a sin- gle potentiometer until the Phaser jumps to the trans- mit mode and starts generating RF output Note that the PC board shown here is the latest ver- sion. It incorporates a more robust bias switch than ‘on the original and adds a current-limit function to cure an occasional issue with thermal overioad when builders ran the transceiver at more than rated out- Put. The new board also adds a transmit indicator LED to the board. You can stop here and use the Phaser PC board without an enclosure. All connectors and controls are mounted on the board and are readily accessible. If ‘you prefer your radio in a box, check out the optional enclosure kit, shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7. This kit Uses interlocking fiberglass PC board panels designed to be soldered together along the inside mating edges, resulting in a sturdy case. The enclo- sure panels are finished with a smooth red solder mask, and the front and rear panels have silk screened labels. Ittook me less than an hour to build the enclosure for my radi Phaser On the Air ‘You won't need an interface between your ‘computer and the Phaser. The transceiver design includes a voice-operated switch (VOX) that keys the radio when sufficient transmit audio is present. | used my Phaser with a lap- top computer that provided only a headphone ‘output jack. That's the case with most modern laptops, but it doesn't present an impediment to using them with Phaser transceivers. All you need is an inexpensive outboard sound device that plugs into one of the laptop's USB ports. ‘These devices are available for less than $20 from sources such as Amazon, Hired up my WSJTEX software, configured it use the external USB audio device, and selected "None” in the dropdown transceiver-selec- tion menu. Phasers don't provide CAT connections, ‘80 | wanted to make sure the software wouldn't throw an error message after a futile attempt to communi- cate with a radio that wasn't there. The WSJT-X waterfall display immediately came to lite with FT8 signals and the software began decoding, ‘On 20 meters, with my loom IC-7300 transceiver and a vertical antenna, WSJT-X can decode FTE signals at my station down to about -24 dB. With the Phaser, | was decoding signals as weak as -19 dB. Consider- ing the fact that you're running QRP., this level of sensi- tivity is more than adequate. After all, extremely weak stations are unlikely to hear you anyway. As usual, the FT watering hole on 20 meters was packed with signals. When you're operating at QAP power levels, it can be a challenge to be heard in such crowded conditions. | chose a relatively clear ‘spot in the waterfall display and began calling CQ in the hope that someone would decode my 4 W signal. After a couple of attempts, | finally received a response from a station on the opposite side of the continent, He gave me a —16 dB report, and | was pleased; not bad for a few watts and a vertical antenna. After finishing the contact, | checked the PSkReporter map (pskreporter.info/pskmap-html) and found that a number of other stations had reported receiving my signal as well | decided to reprogram the Phasers frequency and give WSPR a try. Reprogramming the Phaser's fre- ‘quency requires some practice; it isn't as simple as spinning a VFO knob. July 2020 47‘There is a tiny pushbutton labeled FT8, which you must hold down while powering up the radio. When you release it, the FT8 LED biinks twice to let you know you'e in the frequency programming mode. Next, you have to use the FT8 and ALT pushbuttons to enter the frequency by sending Morse code. The FT8 button sends dits and the ALT button sends dahs. ‘As you can imagine, the odds of making mistakes are very high. | needed several tries before | finally achieved success, No matter how badly you mess up, though, rest assured that the preprogrammed FT frequency will remain undisturbed. An Investment in Fun. ‘While | would not recommend the Phaser for your first ki-building experience, it should be well within the abilities of most hams, including beginners with some guidance. Several clubs have already pur- chased Phaser kits for group projects, which lend themselves well to the Phaser’s thorough approach to building, Palstar DL2K High-Power Dummy Load Reviewed by Mark Wilson, K1RO ktro@arrl.org My first high-power dummy load was an old Heathkit Cantenna that used a big noninductive resistor immersed in mineral oil inside a 1-gallon paint can. Itworked, but it was heavy, and somewhat messy. ‘Modern technology brings us the Palstar DL2K dry dummy load, which uses noninductive solid-ceramic resistive elements cooled by a fan. This unit weighs just over 5 pounds and includes an accurate wattmeter. The DL2K is rated to handle up to 2,000 W over a fre~ quency range of de to 100 MHz. The front panel has. an RF wattmeter with 500 W and 2,500 W ranges. The rear panel has an SO-239 connector for con- necting the station transceiver and/or amplifier, and a 2.1-millimeter jack for power from the included 12 V wall cube or station power supply. Power is required for the meter illumination (the LAMP switch) and the 48 July 2020 The Phaser manual is available for download from the Midnight Design Solutions website, so you can see What's involved in building and using it. The kit is well supported with a very active Chat With The Designers discussion group online at groups.io/g/ewtd. Each kit costs just $55 and the optional enclosure is an additional $25. So, for $80, you can own a single- band transceiver that's perfect for portable operating, This review was written while we were waiting for Spring to arrive, but as soon as the weather warms and the COVID-19 “stay at home" rules loosen up, I grab my laptop and take my Phaser to a park. With just a simple portable antenna and a small battery to power the Phaser, | suspect | will be making plenty of contacts. Manufacturer: Midnight Design Solutions, 205 (Okema Trace, Loudon, TN 37774; midnightdesign solutions.com/phaser. Price (not including ship- ping): Phaser transceiver: $55; enclosure: $25. bl 1 Pa ee oa Bottom Line The Palstar DL2K dry dummy load easily handles the legal limit of 1,500 W with low SWR on the 160- through 6-meter amateur bands. It’s built into a sturdy and easy-to-use package, without the weight and mess of ‘older, oil-cooled technology. Its bui meter is spot on.Prey) eee eae Meee ower rating: 2,000 W for 1 minute, 400 W for 10 minutes. Frequency range: dc to 100 MHz. See Figure 8 Cooling: Fan (switched or thermostatically controlled). Wattmeter power range: 0~ 500 W and 0 ~ 2.500. Power requirements: 12 V de st 144 mA (fan), 81 mA (lamp) ‘and 230 mA (both). ‘Size (height, with, depth): 5.4 x 6.5 «12.8 inches. Weight, 5.6 pour internal fan. The fan is thermostatically controlled, and with the FAN switch in the center position, it turns on if the resistors reach an unspecified preset tem- perature. You can also set the front-panel FAN switch to ON, and the fan will un continuously as long as power is applied. Lab Testing The DL2K is rated to handle 2,000 W for 60 seconds and 400 W for 10 minutes. A derating chart in the manual can be used to calculate the maximum time limit for other power levels. ARAL Lab Test Engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM, tested the DL2K on 40 meters. First, he applied 125 W for 10 minutes. The SWR at the DL2K input started at 1.07:1, rising slightly to 1:1 after 3 minutes, where it remained for the duration of the test. The DL2K didn't get warm, and the fan did not turn on. Next, Bob applied 400 W for 10 minutes, The case was warm after this time period, but by no means hot. The SWR was 1.1:1 at the end of this test with the fan on. After the DL2K cooled off, Bob applied 1,350 W, the maximum available at the time, for 65 seconds (per the derating chart). The case was somewhat warm at the end, with the fan on and hot air blowing out of the side vents. Again, the SWR remained around 1.1:1 The 3-inch fan blade produced average noise at a fairly high pitch, ‘The builtin analog power meter was very accurate. In the 500 W position, 125 W of power applied made the meter read 125 W, and at 400 W, it ead 400 W. With the POWER RANGE switch set to 2,500 W, 1,350 W applied indicated 1,350 W on the meter. Palatar DL2K Dummy Lot ‘Ratu fs 010 30 MH T TT fH t Return Loss (8) o «6 2 6 2m 9 Frequency in M2 1a) Palstar DL2K Dummy Load Return eae 0t0 100 Wie Return Lows (8) Frequency in Mite 6) omer Pearat Figure 8 — Swept turn loss of the Palstar DL2K over the range ‘0 10.30 M2 (A) and Oto 100 MA (B) A retum loss of 3d the equivalent of an SWR of 1,068.1, 20 dB Is an SWR of 1.22:1, and 10 dB 161.99". ‘Note that the meter face reads 5,000 W maximum, but the DL2K is rated for a maximum of 2,000 W. Figure 84 shows the swept return loss measured at the SO-239 jack on the rear of the DL2K over the range of 0 to 30 MHz. Figure 8B shows return loss up to 100 MHz. Return loss ranges from about 33 dB (SWR = 1.05:1) at 160 meters to about 18 dB (SWR =1.8:1) at 10 meters. At 6 meters, return loss is about 13 d8 (SWR = 1.6:1). The Palstar DL2K is a well-built dummy load/wattme- ter that will easily handle anything in the typical ham station. Just be sure to pay attention to the time limits for various power levels, as detailed in the manual ‘Manufacturer. Palstar, Inc., 9676 N. Looney Rd., Piqua, OH 45356; www.palstar.com. Price: $399.95. arr July 2020 49AlexTune Visual Tuning Indicator for Mag-Loop Antennas Reviewed by Bob Allison, WB1GCM ARAL Laboratory Assistant Manager wb1gom@arrl.net |'ve used an AlexLoop portable magnetic loop (mag- loop) antenna several times while on vacation. Itis refreshing to operate in low-noise environments such as hilllops or parks. The mag-loop antenna is attrac- tive for portable use, as its easily deployed and mounted on a tripod, ‘Although the mag-loop works amazingly well for its size, the bandwidth of the antenna is very narrow, ‘making tuning critical each time the operating fre- quency changes. A tuning knob on the antenna tun- ing unit adjusts for resonance. | tum this knob for the highest received background noise level to achieve a ballpark match with an SWR of about 2:1. An SWR analyzer or SWR meter can be used for more pre- cise adjustments, or a transceivers builtin automatic antenna tuner (ATU) can be used to reduce the SWR further. ‘Simple portable QRP (low-power) transceivers often have no ATU, SWR indicator, or relative power indi- cator to aid in tuning an antenna. Keeping in mind that simplicity in portable operations is desirable, AlexLoop creator Alexandre Grimberg, PY1AHD, has introduced the AlexTune, a tuning accessory for the ‘AlexLoop. (For more information on the AlexLoop antenna, see the Short Takes review by Phil Salas, ‘ADSX, in the November 2013 issue of OST.) Using the AlexTune ‘The AlexTune is a simple, passive device used as a tuning indicator for the AlexLoop. It consists of a blue- Bottom Line The AlexTune simplifies the adjustment pro- cess for the AlexLoop or other small mag- netic loop antenna that uses coaxial cable with PL-259 connectors for the loop element. 50 July 2020 Figure 9— The ‘AlexTune has @ ‘simple LED on the front and a camp on ‘the back that sips over 2 PL-259 connactor on the ‘AlexLoop element white LED, mounted on a small (2 x 1 x‘ inch) plastic box that clamps over one of the PL-259 con- nectors used as part of the loop structure (see Figures 9 and 10). The AlexTune requires no electri- cal power; the LED lights from induced RF energy when transmitting, ‘Tuning is made easy using the AlexTune. Just trans- mit a steady signal with a few watts of RF output and adjust the loop's tuning knob for maximum LED. brightness on the AlexTune. | found the best match by using a range of output power that is just below full LED brightness. At that level, the peak brightness. is more obvious, resulting in lowest SWR. I found it easiest to tune for lowest SWR using the RF power levels shown in Table 4 res aoe to Light Tuning LED 0 20w a7w 0 13W 27 20 1W 20w 7 ow iw 8 oow 18W 2 oaw 15W 10 o7w 14W