November 1987 ST MCR Mess Ai he eh coLU)FIRST IN KADCOM — FIRST IN HAM RADIO! (com) ic 735 £869 FT757 MK YAESU £899 ——, Tetepn 1-992 576 AMERITRON AL 84 ket intmaton on H.F. Linear Amp money high preformance pean now just £499 ihe AL 80A — £799 incl. carriage. Low, low prices — with high. igh performance! AMERITRON RC S4 Kemote Switch ICu2 2m. with shack Handheld Konsote £129 veg: up to 150 Mz ESS ante rea antenna positions Surprisingly great | on switch’ Foner! 240 erformance from this ‘mint handiett | AMERITRON ATR 15] FT 290 & 690 MK IL Ee aE VERSATILE PORTABLE MULTIMODES - -- B IM, USB, LSB & CW — FULL ICOM PMR | s00.W. ‘Tnetwork PAD CONTROLS RANGE IN STOCK | A1U.to-sotietn 10 | Migniy agvenced & Compact i dicated band: PHONE 01-992 5765 FOR Call 01-992 5765 Ju patanced nput tonguve THE USUAL FIRST CLASS DEAL ANTENNA TUNER YAESU FRG 8800 — Continuous ICOM R71 General Coverage Receiver Coverage Receiver | Keypad entry. 32 memories Twin VFO pls Keyboard Sean RiTy CW errs Computer interface control ~ | (optional) 0.1.56 Mite twin Memories. scanning Miters cludes 2-dimensional LC. and deep notch Gaphical MPO. £575 J iter! Super valuet! FT 23/73 SUPER 2M CALL FOR THIS EXCELLENT RECEIVER FROM YAESU HANDHELD WILL NOW COVER GOMHz—-950MHz TWINS! NOW ONLY £479 Tcer7o00 eso ESE Pree suber © cumency fcraons —of-London AMCOMAOF LONDON 5 RAINOFEL £&0E& CLOSEDMONDAYS = SS —imrrrrx eamo excnanccr 373 Uxbridge Road, London W3 9RN. Tel: 01-992 5765/6. Telex: 24263 Fax: 01-861 2591 MOBILE BASE — 15% SLOFING FRONTNOVEMBER 1987 VOLUME 63 Noll EDITOR.IN-CHIEF AW Hutchinson, Editorial assistant A Burrows: Draughtsman DECole Editorial secretary irs DR Moye. Al contributions and correspondence Concerning the content of Aad Com should be addressed to ‘The Editor Radio Communication Lambda House Cranborne Road Potters Bar Herts ENG JE Correspondence concerning the distribution of the journal, and all other Society matters should be addrosses to: RSGB Headquart Lambda House, Granborne oad, Pottors Bar, Herts ENS UE Tol 0707 59015 Fax 0707 45105 Business hours: 1000 to 1600 Headline News To 0707 S8342 tora recording of tho latest amateur radionews Incoming news for GB2RS: Tel 0707 58260 Computer contact (1200/75 bauds) RSGB Data Box 0707 82242 RSGB on Prestel page 8107 ADVERTISING Adverlisements, other than Members’ Ads, Should be sent io: MJ Hawkins, G3ZNI, RSGB Adverlisement Agent, PO Box 589, Cobham, Surrey KT11 20€ Tel 037 294 3955 Fax 057 264 2063, FRONT COVER St Ovenos Mil, Jorsey, headquarters ofthe Jersey Scouts, from where they are regularly assisted during JOTA by the Jersey ARC. Photo: GJa1co TEums creulation 1988 pa hication CONTENTS From the secretary's office 824 Members M 526 AB-SMHlz SW transmitter ~ CF Pletcher, BS MIEE. CEng, GADXZ 830A broadband vertical antenna for 18MIlz~SE Hh, GSTNQ 853 Adiect-reading QRP watlmeter~W Farr BS GSESP 834 Technical Topics Pat Hanke GVA 839 News Bulletin ohn Nelson. GWAFRX. and David Gough Gab ‘Supplement ~ Report & Accounts and The Year in Review forthe year ended 30 June 1987 847 SOMI2~A great resource ~ Ray Crackel, G2AHU 68 The International Beacon Peaject ~ Abn Taylor, GAOME #50 News & Views HE jon Allaay, C2FKM 52 LHP Flay Propagation Preitions sss LVEEE/UTIF Ken Wiis G8VR #55 Microwaves - Mike Dison, GaPFR ase Satellites ~ Bo Philips G31QQ SIVL ob Treacher, BRSS ase Data Comms — lon Wade, GINRW $59 Club News 862 Content News 866 Members’ Ads Technical ariles on subjects of amateur intrest ae always welcome and should be ont to: The Exitor Radio Communication, Lambda Houee, Cranborne Rose, Potters Bar Hers ENG 336 “il articles feccived ave reviewed for technical mest by the REGO Technical & Publications Commitee, or an acknowledged oxpert on tha subject, beloro ‘ccoptance. Payment 2 high competitive rates will be mac oral ailes published ‘Acontribution wil ony be considered for publication onthe understanding th person submitting It i the original author and owner of the whole copyright, an bn aceeptance lor pubicalion such copyright wil become the property ofthe RSGB Ia {onsideration ofthe above mentioned payment by the FSGB tothe contributor. “he ealtor wil be, fo send intenaing authors a manuscript prepaation guide and Yo give any other advice and assistance requested, Radio Communication is published by the Radio Society of Great Britain as. its official journal on the last Friday of each month and is sent ree and post paid to all members of the Society Closing date for contritutions liniose otherwise notilied RADIO SOCIETY OF five weeks before publication date GREAT BRITAIN 1967&215 &252 Prices include NiCad, charger & VAT quipment today. featur Froqueney range Power extput Operating voltage Memory chat Frequency stepping Battery saver Sean els size Weiaht 5 iis Built-in battery saver extends operating ile Simple bend scan two great handhelds from KENWOOD. Without @ doubt the two new 2 metre FM hand-helds from KENWOOD now represen the best value for money in amataurradio For the amateur who wents a simple high quality transceiver from a reputable manufacturer a a roek bottom price but still wants high tutput poster for shack use, the THOSE isthe answer. And for the operator whe is prepared to pay a litle more to gain additonal the THZISE is the obvious choice. As well as the now rigs for 2 metres, KENWOOD have produced 70 centimetze versions, these are the THAOSE and TH41SE. TH205E 144 to 146 MHz for both receivers Depending on eperating vollage up to § watts (orth standard PB2 battery pack 2.5 watts) Battery erminal 6.3 to 15 volts DC ‘Top panel jack 7.2 to 16 valis DC 3 vith quick recall rH21SE 10 with quick recall 5,10, 15, 20 or 25 kis Bond, memory and programmable sean 612.64) W x 178(6.81)H x 37(1.46)Dmm(in.) 520 g (1.15 Ib) with PB2 and geval the RUNGE dual bund Fon Robe assoeter "ie apeiron penance ‘Sporaar san pre the wanacsiver according to ‘Se band plan and hs proteretees. Options avai bleareshit(-- or duplon, frequency steppin (Brio. 5, 20,2507 toi) ae repeater ad (OD Sve te normal imps andepenter moor ot romband dupion aa wel W You werk anether ‘Sik ta so anos een ot dotave islet, ben slghone sys comer Stone peaibe’ Anyone who fas Rot exper rood duplex operating wil soon cameo pre ‘Monaural corversstor yo tat ieporble, ‘Win the high level of afte on today's reads, it {perate KENWOOD engineershave simpli ne ‘Pigsoperuton by provaing ven momeorss cach! sho intra on ron, sips Surstison or a ay pushing angie buona is ‘slormation can be tanierred fo th VFO. Of memory for fuze use. You therefore have ton [Baepandene UFOs KENWOOD’ stenton 0 de tl shown ny te fon aaaonal ac. Raving tansorced repester frequency 10 the VEO, you nave ono an adjeoant amp ces), you cin, bythe posh ow waters, cance the tone Entatand fone ihe shit rom repeater to simplex (Gf course, to more press ofthe sare batons Linear amplifiers aze nt necdea withthe KEN: Wood TWii0oE! Power ouput ram te wan eivur i 15 watson tee meter and 95 wate of eveny cealimetts, ose than enough cope sh auseut train {In the handbook. Not mentioned because unless you'ate 3 RAYNET member on sn approved high power, dual band TW4100E operation or engaged ona zeal emergency, 10 use iceuipimentin sucha way outside he compass ‘te cones a ve prose leno ‘The facility i2 tat the TWHL0OE wll act ab a Bato eromband ropes, fv masts it oe bint a2 Disc spot Area wilt stall ow power handheld, youcan talk back tothe T W400 fhe, nines you at st has Been constanly Checking the ho prosoterossband lequancioe {Your ranemsson's received and sult ttanemited by te TW4l00E on the olker band When a suite replies, the meesage 8 again iatateousy retanamiteato you Ofsouree you roca. have another amateur in Your cay to Overaae the apevaton and timust be a Tecogris. RAYNET uso" In repeator mode tho KENWOOD FRVAUE Ee Soman tt her apPon ‘The TWADOE das provision for DCL (igi anne ink) and BCS algal ede quel) when the optional MU bossa i fies LOWE ELECTRONICS LTD. Chesterfield Road, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5LE Telephone 0629 580800 (4 lines) 810 RADIO COMMUNICATION. Noveriber 1987the KENWOOD TSS3OSP HF transceiver, ‘Tocope with plsetype nelae (suchas ington), the anaceiver hasancise a sensible rig. en Ineluded to ald operating, XIT beng a aitnet advanlage whon calling & ‘TheTRIO TSSIOSP UF transceiverissimiartotho7S8305inthatitakouscea sation thats stening "olf equency pairofslasb valvinitePA ago, Thetranecoivertas been Gexignedior ne TSS00SP HF transceiver £92151 ine vat carsage £1.00. Eruleurwhohasnoneed{or he additonal fciteathaterepartothe S830 739305 ig brother) Sail ove guiee etree ra Dut who atl requires a high level of perfrmance from his equipment ateur bands from 160 though 40 10 rotten Modes of operation ‘Operating from 240 volts AC the transceiver has lt own ineenal power supply -Ataneable notch ere bust nt tho audio cizet fhe TSSOP. The speech processor in the TSSIISP combinse an audio compression Empllforwitt a change of ALC timo constant fr esta audio Punch ana Increased average S58 outpa Send only £1 to cover postage and packing and we will sand you, by return, a FREE copy ofthe ‘ew full colour KENWOOD catalogue which lists he features and specification of every model and accessory currently available. We will also inckide, FREE OF CHARGE, copy of our {general catalogue which, along with items to ennanca your operating, contains mich usefal fiformation. Finally, to cheer you up, we will ada the latest edition of our pricelist. ———— TSOAOS wctezstarnsrpneren sre sentcoao ee eee ura ned acta eae eRe cea te eee cena anaes ee Seca satan menace Sosnessinenies siecle seca ea ew ead TOO BOS sitet ahaa tases aes aes tenga eens seca cenrae na lee See area ee Fee ee ca, cea tit st am ona a ar TCA 4 OG utente ete eee Seer lee arenes romp lei! tien ten etree ttn ese a denen TS4308 sien ‘bands from 16010 10metres, ‘Nils, Modes of oper: “e808 a All pico subject to conimation LOWE ELECTRONICS LTD. Chesterfield Road, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5LE Telephone 0629 580800 (4 lines) RADIO COMMUNICATION November 1987 an1300HC frequency counter. packet radio from KANTRONICS Dein Vir and HY moder, lo th the vera HERE pon, combined wit he elarend gure wallow operston wih any compater free -bl0ine va cuiage 170 PO!...A KPC4 is your gaieway into pocket Dex. Having two picket pone, aiptpenting of each port ana gutewey Between port, he ReCtieks you betdge wo troquencies none band or operate cosa’ ‘The KPC ioe inciudos the PERSONAL PACKET MAILBOX fost, xpce...£910 EAM. Co none un ERM... £208.00 ine vat, carriage 7.0. DAIWA meters. ena cNdsom LOWE ELECTRONICS LTD. m4 (Giaagowr, 041 945 2528, nthe Novth East, the shop manager i Hank, G3ASM, the address, 98 Worth Road, Devlington, 0325 46121. Incambridge, ‘hop manager is Tn. GSB, {he addoss, 162 igh Sree, Chesterton, Cambridge, 028331120 In carat, {he shop manager is Carl, CWOCAB, the adres, jo South Wales Carpet, Cito Set, Carat In tondon, {he shop manager ia Pul, C2°T ‘he adoss, 225/228 eld End Road, Eastcote, Midalocox, 1-429 325, In Bournemosth, {he hap manager i Con, CSKAS, the addroun af Gilum Rond Nowtbourne, Bournemouth, 20297760, LOWE ELECTRONICS SHOPSere pen{rm9ohanie 30pm Teeny {otriday and irom 9.008m to 8.00pm on Saszday. Shop hich hours vary ‘oa are med to alt ocal nee For exact deta, please telphore te Shop manager. A= Chesterfield Road, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5LE Telephone 0629 580800 (4 lines) 812 RADIO COMMUNICATION November 19873 BEST SELLING BOOKS © NEW 1987 EDITION (1-6illz-30NH2) UK LISTENERS CONFIDENTIAL FREQUENCY LIST ELECTRONICS one ee eee Free Credit to Callers on Kenwood: realy meat n aco vrmancousvsion at soargie anes Orsi 3a ‘TS830S hf tur. 100% £1098.00 —TSS30SP After. e740 bs AT230 hf atu £208.00 T8840S hf tv. eC T8005 Mew, 160500 TSAESH te CTT 1 ee cut 734908 Wt ear oun THES 2m bhela eae ‘For the aitbard enthusiast we have completely vewitien thie book inio a THIS 2mfeld 21800 THOSE TOen E2730) atc as Sa esa Re ed ‘THS15 70cm h’held — £288.00 ‘TRT51 2m ssb etc £599.00 i TSTiME2mbase £540.00 THDZN Imm (21700——_fete enh fm fo eve te ane 1922 Linear kw £1495.00 2000 Fi £595.00 evangelist hms an fs pl ech nartin, A en et 000 £87500 VerOcom. fiona ldbisasee tounge econmoymtrae x ‘ABOVE prices iwc.uoe es isis cacmianiigal | COMPLETE GUIDE TO VHF/UHF FREQUENCIES uc WELZ NEW LOW PRICES! 26-2250 fe sre ——— Taras aan re urea ie amma 1+8-560MHz_Power/VSWR {opine aol in ¢ marina Pas to be recommendation inset Som 5 to 22h obasewiooen ven, Sore ieere Gemceaaes us aan ateau cena ples Power gr PEP Vawn sonst rR eee ine eras eee raiah Sonera nee en re iy a te £79.95 p&p £2.00 a {Seekers ge 2 Seas et trib ih atk a spaa0 i roesercM crea, __ JUST PUBLISHED Siiabaloote Meet THE SECRET OF EARRING MORSE CODE ower or PEP, Sensi ower or PEP. VSWR, BY MARK FRANCIS £52.75 p&p £2.00 2 tie pn wht ack et felis" £89 60 perp £3.00 ° £4.95 + p&p 90p SPECIAL OFFER! BRAND NEW ALINCO ALR22E 2M FM TRANSCEIVER £269.00 . == "25 watts output’ “Mini size: 140 40 164m "21 memories “Dual VFP’s “Standard offsets “Memorylband scan "12.5 & 25kHz steps “Single knob tuning “Remote upidown “Microphone & hardware in 112 Months Parts and Labour Warranty DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS BARGAIN... LIMITED STOCKS! NEW! WELZ/REVEX MONITOR SCOPE Now you ean display your transmitted signals from 1.8-54MHz “Up to 1kW per input “Displays RF envelope “Accurate pep measurements “in-line RF connectors *Low level front panel inputs “Ideal for RTTY *Check for linearity “Check speech processors PRICE: £269.00 MS1 MONITOR SCOPE BRANCH — T2NORTH STREET, HORNCHURCH. ESSEX. Tel Hornchurch (ead tres ‘meme MAILORDER & MAIN SHOWROOM: — 18:20 WAIN ROAD, HOCKLEY. ESSEX. Tol, Southand (072) 205895 & 204865, EA HOURS: MON-SAT 8.00 am-8.30 pr. €C WED 1.00 pm 21 HOUR ORDERPHONE RADIO COMMUNICATION. November 1987 arscase Pere 50.575.0-99 99 irs a pe IC-575, 28/50Mhz Dual band multimode base station. ‘The ICOM IC-575 base station was developed to meet the demand for advance tions for the recently acquired 6m band, Similar in appearance to the IC-278/475 2m and 70cm base stati this new transceiver from ICOM is that it gives you the best of both worlds, 6 & l0m in one compact unit. T 28-30Mhz and 50-54Mhz. Operating modes are SSB, CW, AM & FM, Power output is 10 watts (AM watts) witha front panel Control to reduce output for ORP operations. A pass band tuning circuit narrows the LF. passband width, eliminating signal in the passband. A built-in notch filter eliminates beat signals with sharp attenuation characteris Some PLL systemshave difficulty meeting the lockup time demands placed on them by new data communications. This is why ICOM developed the DDS (Direct Digital Synthe method. With a lockup time of just Smsec the DDS method allows the IC-875 to handle data communicatons su tor AMTOR. 99 programmable memories can store frequency, mode, offset frequency and direction. A total of four scanning functions for easy access toa wide range of frequencies, memory scan, programmed scan, selected mode memory scan and lock out scan. The he beauty of ne IC-875 covers IC-875 has an internal A.C. power supply, but can also be used on 13.8v DC for mobile or portable operation, Optional accessories available are the UTS! narrow filter, SM7external loud: transceivers avail SE 20cm multimo Telephone us free-of-charge on HELPLINE 21145. RADIO COMMUNICATION Noversbor 1987IC-761, HF Transceiver with general coverage receiver The new ICOM IC-761 H.F. Tranceiver has many features making it probably the best top of the line An V internal aerial tuning unit and A.C. power supply, The A.T.U. boasts a tune up with a VSWR matching of less than 1.3:1. For the serious operator the 100kHz-30MHz general coverage receiver and 105dB dynamic range make it ideal for DX chasing, Frequency selection is by the main VFO or via the front panel direct access keypad. And for when reception is difficult, pass band tuning, LF. shift, notch filter, noise blanker, pre-amp and attenuator should enable you to copy even those weak DX stations whether amateur or broadcas the C.W. operator will appreciate the electronic keyer, S00Hz filter and full break in (40wpm) other filter options are available. The IC-CR64 high stability crystal isstandard asis the CI-V communications interface for computer control. Twin VFO's and split mode for cross band contacts the IC-76] features program scanning, memory scan and mode select scan and the 32 memories can store frequency and mode. The tranceivers operating ently in ROM and is not dependant upon the lithium battery. The cell is w style meter gives P.O., AL.C., IC, VC, COMP and SWR readings, Optional accessories include the IC-SP20 external loudspeaker with audio filter selections, FL101 230Hz CW filter, F102 6kHz A.M. filter and the EX 310 voice synthesizer. The SMB & k microphones are als0 suitable for this equipment FO RADIO COMMUNICATION Novernber 1987 asCommunications 'WR200 and WR2000 SWR and Power Meters. ih quality meters have been introduced to provide antenna matching and RF output rand c s all jed cable connections for all band capability ency range is accomplished by using adhitional couplers. Separate AVG and PEP measurement othe average power for FM and peek envelope power for SSB ‘The WR200 covers 1.8-150 Mhz with a maximum feed through power of 200W. The WR: covers 1.8-54Mhz with a maximum feed through power of 2KW. The optional coupler WRC4S0, 140-450Mnz with a maximum feed through power of 200W (SSB), 1G0W (FM). The optional coupler WRC1300, 1200-1300Mnz with a maximum feed through power of 40W (SSB), 20W (FIM). These units would make an ideal addition to your ham station, for more inforimation please cont nearest ICOM dealer or ICOM (UK) LTD. ICOM test n,etexrs TTT ICOM have introduced a range of test meters for the radio amateur. These new models would be a useful adition toany hamshack. The DMI0 isa di 9¢ voltesisiance meter. The LCD display shows measurement inthe range, D.C. volts@.lmV-B00V, A.C. volts JIm-S00V. Resistance 0 1Ohm-20M ohm. Its small size (21 W x 31H x 161L) makes itan ideal test meter 1¢ M20 isa digital pocket type vot The large LCD display shows measurement in AC. and D.C. volts ImV-480V, and resistance 01 obrm-200K ohms, Ths test meter is ideal for portable use, its size 61W x 106H x 10D) making it a useful piece of equipment to carry in your pocket he DMSO0 is the top ofthe range dita meter. The large LCD display shows measurements inthe range. D.C volts0.ImV-l000V, A.C. v mV-T50V, Resistance 0.1 ohm-20M ohms, D4 current 0.luA-10A, This meter me {4H x 34D and is ideal to cope with most applications in your radio shack. ‘The wideband 1.8-1300MI junctions al CO RADIO COMMUNICATION November 1987== See MOBILE MASTERPIECE IC-900 Super multiband FM system ‘This new addition to ICOM's Ham radio equipment is a multiband FM transceiver system that allows the mobile operator to customize a ‘communications system for his favourite bands. Up to $ optional band units can be installed with the IC-900 for instant access to a wide ra of frequencies from the 28MHz HF band to the 1240MHz UHF band Only a smnal] remote controller is necessary for control ofall these bands. A flexible optical fibre is used between the Remote Controller and the Interface Unit. The IC-900 has independant, full duplex capability on all bands, providing simultaneous receive and transmit operation ‘The function display on the Remote Controller shows two separate operating frequencies simultaneously. The IC-900 system transceiver is equipped with 10 fully programmable memory channels in each Band Unit. ‘The system can therefore store up to 50 different memory channels ‘This revolutionary new concept in Multiband operation is available from your ICOM dealer. Also feel free to contact ICOM (UK) LP for assistance or information. The IC-900 Multi-band system consists of a Remote Controller, Interface Unit A, Interface Unit Band a series of specially designed Band Units uxig 28—30MHz 10 watts *UXS3 — 50-—54Miz LO watts, *(No mobile operation allowed in UK) ux29144—146MHz 5 watts UXH © 144—148MH2 45 watts UX49 —430-440MHz 5 watts UXI29 —1240-I300MH2z = 1Owatts Multibander system block diagram wp | wevamos Q——I ‘Youca gt wha you war by peng Ue epone Gua one eps posable aart cet, rice tee HP 6 1com (wx) Limrrep AQY” Dept RC, Sea Street, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 8LD. Tel: 0227 363859. RADIO COMMUNICATION November 1987 an7ana RADIO COMMUNICATION Noveriber 1987NEW DIMENSION Hands up those who have facsimile in the office and still use telex! Not many, we expect. The PK-232 S/X mode intelligent date terminal includes radio FAX transmit and receive. Any file suitable for sending to an Epson FX-80 printer can be sent by the PK-232 in facsimile, or received. Weather maps, cloud cover photographs, press photographs etc can also be received. The FAX-1 is restricted to FAX and RTTY reception only, but is intended for use without a computer to print weather maps or RTTY bulletins either continuously or at a pre-set time each day i. ose. ( PK-232 | The word'sonhy8 mode ination: Teinal Unt Givasencetintperlonnance | | For supably deaied weather maps rom any SSB vcsivar. Dives any Eason ON PRERET AMTOR ATTY. ASC CWand FACSIMILE Trarsmat Recese | | #S-SBcompane dot mate pine Double sreenss ww nose pts Cable ‘on al modes wi tuning indicator an@ modem eveutiy wine automaticaly | | Supple Suterable ATTY recone capacity standard. Mote mounting onligues sal forthe mode nus. Facsemle prinor cable lade, incor standard Marna iainion kt and opleaton noe avai Decicsted applications programs (split eereen) are avaiable for ho 18M-PC | | Incorporates time for ynattonded weather map printing. Unie the PX: 232. ‘nd clones Commodore Bi ana 122 and B8C°6 and MASTER computes ‘aqurea na compute for operation ‘Oniy'a poet ce £329.98 ne VAT \_ Pre £268 98'm var Pep Ce00 | \ eaeea83 SC-1200 \Whst many manuaeturers continue to sll clones ofthe TNC2. AEA. has spre aneTN Ch Sawa new sonweteies Th Hon mad ot {poration Four pew cones the PKB? alow you te reset the eo} {our station for both connec aes »cigpeoter. The Mbox montoitg Command aioe montoring withow dspayng te esgn Neodes, We igh qusity 120 ps Perl ietrtce FX:80 compatible pines wah pus | the Pk'8> canbe veoa tr WF operation AEA recommends: opionl PW} {uot ond wer off enmecately abawsthe partlieRlely sted fared [pocket modern fr fw band ut. addon fo standard Dota Gar Dee. pening Pusmiovaik Status and Connect indiestore the PA hoe wnt panel CESS |_| for opetional mode (Convers Trensparent, Commanc) om mutiple | | Pros: Packet AMTOR, ATTY. ete, £149.60 inc VAT (PAP £4.80) (This \ comets srs sunbio or Goth FARA and PR 232 \ free" Ete9.s0ine var pa £350, 12 Months Ports and labour Warranty on all products sold. Send large SAE for further details Visitors by apporntment only. Prices may vary according to prevating exchange rates ‘ricos include VAT 1 18% meee ICS ELECTRONICS LTD Ny P.O. Box 2, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 ONX Tae Telephone: (024 365) 590 Fax: (024 365) 575 RADIOCOMMUNICATION Novober 1987 arg9 =South Midlands C “opening hours 8.4Sam ~8.15pm. Monday ~ Thursd UNREPEATABLE OFFER 3k Specifications for VHF/UHF options. All ‘models LSB, USB, CW & FM. 10WV RF output & “10,25,V for 1268 sinad” Synthesised dual VFO's 11 momories. Switchable freq. steps and pro- ‘grammable RPT shift. Full duplex ope ‘Optional module). Packet radio compatat 430/728 70. CMs unit 50/726 =“ 6Munit SAT/726 SAT unit 21/24/28 HF unit, FT 726R (2) £699 inc VAT WITH 12 MONTH WARRANTY & FREE FINANCE AVAILABLE YAESU 70CMS CLEARANCE SPECIALS FT703R(4) 2-5W Thumbwheel Handheld £189 save £106 : 2erW Al ‘ompact Case Size * 10 Memory Channels | FT709R(4) 4-5W * Optional Voice Synthesiser Keyboard Handheld FT770RH £299.00 inc. \ £199 save £126 All the above items carry full 1 year warranty KDK 2M & 70CMs BARGAIN BONANZA AVAILABLE ONLY WHILST STOCKS LAST 12M or 700M Compact Mobiles (FM only) 1 25/5W O/P on 2M 0: 10/1W O/P on 70CM * 16 Programmable memories plus call 4 Scanning modes. Skip, Carrier, Auto & Delay Unique MMI (man machine interface) System Large easy to read LCD display 90 DAY WARRANTY ONLY FM 740 ) only £199 AGENTS: JOHW DOYLE, TRANSWORLD COMMS, NEATH (0635) 52374 DAY (0659 EVE DAVID STENNING GAIA. LOUTH (0507) 60496 JACK MeVICAR, SCOTCOMMS, EDINBURGH 031 657 2420 !2 YEAR GUARANTEE.! 820 RADIO COMMUNICATION. November 1987mmmunications lid..YAESU— EASTLEIGH, HAMPSHIRE SOS 3BY TEL 0703 255111 11x 477351 sucomm G OFFICIALLY APPOINTED 8:45am 5.00pm Friday. 8.00am 1.00 pm Saturday FAXCONS 265087, SOLE U.K. DISTRIBUTOR BEST VALUE ON 2M AND 70cM > 45 (35)"/5 (4)" switchable RF output % Easy ‘one-touch’ push button operation FT211 RH and & feeste sree ror ne, NEW % Samchbie 128/260 eps FT711RH % Prony channel monitoring + Clw hand mic and mobile mounting bracket OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES MHIOF8 Speaker/Mic £2200 SP5S. External speaker 19.65 MHI4AB Speakor/Mic (c/w £23.00, YHI Headset (c/w mic) 19,00 Tone Burst) “orrmian SB10 PTTswitch unit £21.00 MFIA3B_ Boom Mic (Via $810) £25.00 GENERAL COVERAGE RECEIVER The JRC NRD525 receiver covers from 90kHz to 34MHz and with optional plug-in VHF/UHF convertor, can operate in the ranges 34-60MHz, 114-174MHz and 423-456MHz. Frequency selection is by either main tuning knob, or more quickly from the ten-key pad. The receiver comes complete with a 200 channel memory, each storing freq, mode, band width, AGC and ATT For further user convenience the NRDS25 is equipped with twin clocks and an optional RS-232C computer interface. JRC NRD525 £1195.00 inc VAT NOW EVEN BETTER! + All mode SSB (USB +LSB) CW, AM and FM + All Band Tr (General Coverage RX) + 100% Duty cycle (100W CW, FM 25W AM) + Pushbutton mode selection + Switchable VFO steps (All modes) + New Notch Filter + Dual VFOs and 10 memories (Freq & Mode) + Computer compatibility (with optional interface) rerHo Maw OueyP.S.U. C2000 FAS-1-4R Remote anes Sy Ca 00 Frisrox stony PS. “saa Fedrat cat” can FL SOO std stator ampli 16.00 RRP £969.00 inc VAT S.M.C. SERVICE FREE iNTERLINK DELIVERY. Froe Interlink delivery on major equisment RADIO COMMUNICATION November 1987 821A ange of 12VDC powor supplies to ult all needs. Specially manufactured tothe highest quality"using. only ind 258 unite fitted with ‘overvoltage protection. ‘Allthe above power supplied arekeenly prised and re avaiable tom al leading Feta outs only £19.95 inc var aa 258 Tine RAEN BNOS & MET VHF LINEAR AMPS. 0. MET ANTENNAS ian Bn ant So POWER SPLITTERS MORSE EQUIPMENT ass REET EEN woe PSST ES era cen JAYBEAM VHF LINEAR AMPLIFIERS R OTATORS er Pe, eh Oe HENRY LINEARS HF ‘CLASSIC’ 2kKW a Noo yiP MAX £2880 ia VAT 2002A 2M 1 KW O/P 25W 1/P MAX 3Cx 800 £1350 inc VAT 20044 70CMS 700W O/P 35W 1/P MAX Super enginaaig| “omc 3CX 800 £1375 inc VAT MAIL ORDER EZ or SHOWROOMS oe secus see RADIO COMMUNICATION November 1987RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN THE NATIONAL SOCIETY WHICH REPRESENTS UK RADIO AMATEURS: COUNCIL OF THE SOCIETY PRESIDENT Hontnersnaw GeCit (Mr) ‘Executive vice PneSIDEn: Fel cneeeex Jo toys G30 Giessop, eng, MERE, C&LP NPotbron, PARI FSCA, ACIS, MMM oLP FSG Reso: Gaon (regions 2nd 18) {hegione 3 ang 5) (nogions 7 615d 19) ‘egione 69.1? and 20) {egions Yoong) ‘Region 19) (egione 12,1900 4) INGarmamay: Cover ST Samer, GUS Phat oMaozx Sepa "ics wer on og a oman, cane, senasi8t8 Pal uiemommmaee SECRETARY'S OFFICE WILL AMATEUR RADIO DIE OF OLD AGE? text tine you go tan amateur ado meting, coun te nub of poole then roar ann sugpce youd at cebersonigrenet Fernomberotpuople unt we ages ‘ors sary sarons iy, a ovr urges ae coming to amie ation cornured wins cscs Soe Perkon the amaeus fave trapons opin bebo noch im Conmercetom Wate ey romaLing chee lo alatng fhe ap Penees te pedrouton see (lan Comune as Rntaie ase sp orapeat ur ona speci pact anata ene tal we orb ep teers ra row haboginnse Goan then@as tanetalvee mush tenon tiearanaeitanoashaedae-penaps nosom coveedby ntoucoiehs ‘Sapebim sgulainneterartoerargreose edn ‘thy te yousgslr eal waet bemoan py? Likgevnihngetse naratouradothe RSG olunieersandHo}ean cc see fe oncnnl wolstu wa inp oot have eeng ike ea tCeoueeogeteut ic eachel the od po cuban neu on cocoons Youlorehin lute ctamateur ato cncewriee bina Oornbe SichelitatiteneatcarSitsegn Stomroceyerenonance sss tmlonalianeyoosoiisvor on eeonaceprowseanciocs tanerere nich ineehduragument cl sogmnes cn fours, Youth in amateur asia nas now been recognisety the Society's Counc! 4 ing 2 major ebjectivo, We hava done some grouncirork, But much remains tobe done, vi {@) The ASG has bean talking tothe OTL They share our view that amateur ‘a0k0 can 80 the basi ot 2 cargo in eclenca, engineering o electronics, ‘econ! Goveenmen! Selec! Committ noted ine Jearthot Waived people in Ifuatry i these activities nthe UR (B) We have spoken to the Scouts ane sehooia In oder to find out wnat Interests young people ang how fo communicate with tnern (e) Wo have footed at other national societies such 9¢ ARAL and JARL to beamine their programms for attracting beginners na the Nobby {@) The Society's Geveloping plans forslowpower very hmited bandimode Sludent Licence to enable beginne’s to get onthe fst rng ol Ihe amateur ‘adio ladder We believe tha tis could prove tha real stimulus. Some 30 ‘counties have already fond such ieas of outstanding bene it (oWearetooking storming links withorganisations such he Engineering {Council tho Association of Young Sclenisteand the Science & Teenology Regional Organisation Finally, ep get our “Youth in Amateur Racio® programme of toa ine start tne DTI nae come up tumps:iwllshartly snnounce the rulae forme 4988"Young Amateur the Year” award ‘As wo sad in May 1987 — the lure of amateur raaio belongs to-everyone, but everyone must be prepared to make that foto happen. David Evans, G20UF RADIO COMMUNICATION November 1987 823Members’ Mailbag ‘ig womgs or Teneo Sena menace sa Hvala teratsct any ieechseate tees scone ean ae seeenctieat cca tarat eanremee eee mites eae ae Ses ae ier iene rian te BS LP el tees Hi Oda rete seen ES See Hides cen mien we pce Seek ere ee Sree eraser a tenant femeriae ee eres Seca fest hast et ee estas aareta tat taareenncreue te cece caer memaan Hi iece vege tn taeaeuat Sire aaa eer 1 eaecersmapcca | Especemeraaesrress | sivesincaliag ancients Sosand ee ei ts a Seater ineyet nat Haein eee Seach eae mare Recimeca Cain mete Saseaest naammectee ipo acs ae aercean Bees hee nec teats Searanmear emer ses Beat tae mates way Eseries ts Pita eelveatraine leehiasare casita met Series geeatiaha aos BAUD serch GaeR creat Sates sec esi SGeetedee cielo rgenc anctassi ass gant isenreter aes SHEERS covcico wat aaugento Seman es Soscrloed ister. es sya ren go man a speicuitn Sasa aes Pieri ran wtrmpoa Sone Tae eet Bene wand SEY Sieratesaraas Eee see pla eae Seeeuen amreeereen Saacwaehemesoms pele ay waist harbored tee ts aoe aera ss Geran ated Saree Tilaialieatscnaaotmnoe Saar seen oe Sha aahae were a Gisgust when maitars continued in chace, but Sa mantras cue at say 21st CENTURY LICENCE Sir — Congratulations to the ASGB. for its forwardinnning.innktnenewileence eu isa vet and wiltbewatcomed by eve sous Pathape the martime moble suggestions (paras ard9} courdte mazes stanadid parol {Retegree, (Nol inat am tinoty to bona rom inj hocta gmail mite} be eoulabe includes: namely, ieenseee operating Sbroad ean use the counts suk folowed recy by thie own calllgn eg VKGASON. Gvicilar’ Gigdgon, “GoLeRRA ete. tng (would make a station Immediately deniiaple {Shs ends at home without have to Use for lane, VksteASON ith gar using radioon public rangpon ‘oravetees thacouldleadtoprapiemssndmay ass harmnto the good name ot amateur asi Perhspoarething Ss his ne woulebe norco ‘How bout a reining on the licence Soc iment? Something on the lines of eriving Keence with "photograph, Porape also. an Splionovaliwbortenyeariicence ata sutably ‘edueod cost “is would also be a good icea, tor RSGE membership. What has happened Yo Tong: Somes badges?) 824 RADIO COMMUNICATION November 1987[hope my suggesiions are of interest, ana woigome comments rom other members Frevor Bory. G4SON PROBLEMS WITH PACKET Broun reply to Han Krouzor on packet casio Kinet xgerts do knw ie rt he X25 yer ie designed ior achanrel thats very near periect tht fe, there a very few fetes. and for a system where ccligions Between packets ‘are very inrequent. Great torts ara mace in computer networrs to keep ‘ually of he lines high and very sophie. cated packet assombersiolsasomblers violates the onailans for which he system was designed ‘Amatourchantelsareunrsliable ang nosy and ‘mull Users operat on on eaueney where we eats Se means Cae Geter tae Eistranaee ronengs Biss tee Seopa ae | Ee Reson ieee aces shee ram he mat sotieee sehen dealseeea | RESEResior se oe | SeaePaate ee ar stare | ERS Sr seca act | Seehatisate oes Bee | Bisnoa Seems tor thal there is here a pevtest stumty for ine amateur community ‘Serizeamedulation and.coding sytem which Stabe or very wide range of conditions, Setoding ean ai be done al audio reauencies find using home computers making the hard stare relatively cheap and eaay Very reliste {eats dan be obtained by fee a fw micro sols sigan oe acevo whe normal antenna ana seeing how the system ops win very nocrly foal toncions, Maybe fvon a contest between competing Techniques, Soule be arranges? AS40566 Sir—This tor and in panticulay hs sentenco, ‘Sig rely te ne commgntscovcernmng packel Fd eperation mata by Mans Kreuzer OLIAN, {itne Seneorszue Radio Communtsaion. Te Brevious sentence haa oughly ane characte a {in errr, tne same 10 ger amt (presumably charactor error ratesuggestedby Herr Kreuzer {35 being adequate for*hormal conversation ‘ould ay thal any packet operator would be ory reivaant 1 Suter even one per cent Character error rate having become accuse {med tothe vrtal 20r0 par cont err rate ol packet indeed! is precisely ihe absonce of rors nat ates ane sence facie ot ‘achat posable. For example aigizeating. mes ‘ge sbvecanorsrd apne and machin. Sythe assay of fhe ahaa and cond its ntonded seetinaton “ie imitations otpacket wer foreseen by the experience te erent pach ezperaret ‘Row signiteant the limfatignsweuls bain bracice, Considering the high level of activity | SASeeoc Coat mes le srpiing | intone lan Wade: GSNAW. when he advo. cated higher gata tics, ia ft assume hel {hese would be possible with audi Tok and Glrihe'shel tm (angceivers” Retable high ‘pees data inks would be most practeable-On {he un’ ang ah bangs Oiec ek of the carior | irave'is one possibity but any: modulation ‘Thhome pone rom ine se of Sata modula: {ors ana gomaduiatoredestones epecticly tr the. communications. channel, muse. Inor- ropester inka are the obvious way to explo £0gh high-speed chante “And ths ho whole point. packets not a dx modo, Packet works best over short distances ‘On hi and above, where the abeonce of boIN Sotclenty low channel bi error rales to Keep Fees sown to an aeceptanie level, Once. packet haz mado t toa teal repeater isha Ber Sommunicated over a network ose air Wiebe "to"gat that packer ois intended Sestnstion itinoshorter poesisietime witnthe ‘minimum numer ol retres”On the negate Sige nes tobe sited tat such a networks Stilcom time away. Bul wo wl got tere, That {Sunless we tow in the digital towel now Because ota few alurest packet to work over Wnt are patty ynsuitaste channets 'Gne tinal points communications channel Is ncteapatle ol providing a suicienty tow Bt rior ale tor Ax 25 packet suraly Noarewer {eidevae's fora esr caracion coding P codman, case (OPENING UP SoMH2 TO CLASS B LICENSEES The etter from A TG Freeman, GASDs, Sched in “ember’ Malibag™ September, ought more than 75 replies. Hore iv somph ot entrect trom them: “Surly he musthno to ora Botore sro wal ‘By all means et us seek tolmprove general. conditions. win. the. amateur radio. wots Perhaps your correspondent “has ‘some onetaetiveigeas onnow toca this omy Bam lstening experience the dubious privilege oi’ being aid has never been exclusiva ontined to ne Class Biatemity — Cat. "air Freeman is in fact wilting his. own whining etter nth irs placa Ine course ot Tarrng everyone withthe same brush, bo has falledtoacknowiedge tat ine majoriyo% lass Biigansags donot have poor operating habits” havetotearn “it ig lificull 10 give a whining copy Froeman‘stetier ass boged on Ine spaclous fssumplion. nat there is 2" tysdamental dilronce between a Cass Aan a Clase 8 flconsee. He tm fact suggesting that Bassingo! nemo eal somehow endows ing Elecestiul canaoate with some Costordained i which makes hi operator Sinether the operator Ia Class A or Clase 8 Ticeneee bears litle, If any, retevanca to ine Dertormance heard a thea" G1UHA. "A raguest 10 GASDJ and others wine may sharahisher views: Takeyourcarpingsnobbory ‘Somewhere ese ithas sé place in ne emateur ‘ediotiatemty’~ GavFA, "Can anyone te me Now passing the morse test eneure nat someone’ wil operate in 3 ‘competent and_courlesus, manner? Ident felave the ergument can be supportés In 2 fallonal way" = GENS. What dove passing» pain language morse iy noting! Me Freeman falls ing at Cla a eae {ec congatate ns ASO on negotiating I woulg hasten topointouttnatafair umber ‘ot cigss A lcensces have a pratly poor love! of raiing practices | Rave hele my oence for ‘Eycarsandamsilinnetury oostanaclase Allsenea especialy alter listening to some of the ‘dowaright ag. manners of some. M Operators GaBUY. Spey fe brett ne ah hat ‘e's beter operator ean any serve to horn ‘that shovlébean enjoyabiehobby Grow up. Freeman Itrmad ard enaictve etiam is aivays welcome, Butea yours 'swathe ‘nouns speak fr he major nonce again atuiting the Goctety on sherawat in ‘sbtaling the tow aliocaions® — GBKHE. iy enjoyment o1SOMMe hasbeen enrances by thera flan Balaton andy hae a4" Samonetratad very goed operating Slandarda Lol he who i witfout sin == Sanus: "would geem rom Mi Feeoman’stettorinat oniy Cass & operators know good procedure Snd practice, But to fudge om some ofthe ‘procedures heard on 14 and 3-SMMHz this is far Fombeing the case” GTHW. nape Mi Fran woul he 0 oxiain Rimbatterdualied jooporataon Sand 7OMEE thoge whe have not passed i parculary wane Nave held Class. callsign or ‘gonalgerably longer inant ive years rsoe hhasheld Ges0U™ GalLO, | ovis Mr Freeman be suagesting that recent erileigm of the RSGB' Ss bela Siganisalion dominstedbyasmaligovpe! oa {ofoye wih apaingcatrgre gbased ona tue aatetementf helacisutenmesiaes: Cetus Bekingtotneciass guys? Whoare'ue" Parts Tand2or ne MiA€ are echnical nnature. Morse 2 language o love and tnansehig or one of Snobbery and relection? Php Lane “To have 2 bad opinion of something is ungerstandabie. To apress that opinion in public tahouldbe both faicand accurate fo the Beopis concernod. know many good Clase 8 fee hotoers who wil’ 80 justice to The ne bbangaticeations Unfortunately laigoknow ofa fem Class As wo wil not" Gaed. 1am sure 1 am not alone among Class, A Ncensees In numbering smong my. acauain lances many Clace 98. licensees whose | {echnical knowiedge puls mine to shame anc vsoee operating standards are mpecesble® sause. “G4S0u's leltor was unnecessary. It High: lughtea he leter weters own ineaperionce sna Hstratog ie apparent intolorance for npronimatoly hallo! tho "UK's. licensed aimateurs = ade. ‘know where the whining go2s on. 1 know. \aherestandaras nave fain Within ag Go's “hfemeers Malibag that's where! ~~ GSMEN, ‘since when did being able to 1084 morse code make one holler thanshow anda worthet fand toler rauio amoteur it to be sean and aad of ovr tne ace of the enna vaio it yourealy want opiay sclaseistinction game {Row ae esata week's monitor furnish” cassette ful of, bad operat Braces by Cie A lcenses Foweya ah Fotsuggestinginat hey areany worse orbetier than lass 8e-movaly natn arebiack sheep Ineveryiiock Aca whining fins, notothat ae ‘oiutzcroesbandladaer cceupied by no less than live Clase lconsvos.| suppose in got there by Sod eoeraing practices and wal Bnd Seine - “There are good and bad operators on all banda hf yn ahtand prbablyebas wel hare Sil aways be the Dacmannered parton Who ‘Manis to apolitfor ines’ CePOC It the International Telecommunications Union "stows "operation without "ext “on Frequencies above SOME. | am delighted tnt Ihe RSGB ae socured 50 and 7oMHE fo allot us aaah claret reeecwetaanans sedoriamar ae acted SEE RT ate ‘Mr Freeman's attitude is that ofa petulant ‘culdwhoreg it cantmaketme rules won't pay enV, {suspect that it youpeel avay the surlace ot uc Frocman'sletteritamountstomomore ian that ho. a2 9 Class A Heancee, had to pass a ‘morsetes!tacperaisonsi and OMHtewhareas Sihors ie not and he ls upeet because in his pinion the lass Bs gota better cea” No letters we Frowman's stance. received in support of Mr ‘A reminder that CisseB licensees are on ff bands above 20MIN becouse oF (G)the international Radio Regulations. BiRSCBScontosv thom spade UK, 1638 very positive reaction fo() fom the OT RADIO COMMUNICATION November 1987 325,A 3-SMHz 5W TRANSMITTER CF Fletcher, BSc, MIEE, CEng, G3DXZ* ‘This project is intended to appeal to the inexperienced constructor. It aims to blend modern device technology with straightforward design to produce a low-cost, useful and sure-fire transmitter featuring full QSK capability and a 6-Skiz vxo ram Introduction ‘The coming Of the transistor brought about many changes in wireless ‘communication. Miniaturisation and low power consumption, relative to the valves they superseded, are real advantages, but the Toss of simpli common in any ermionic eieuits, i etre which has hit had at the fadioamateur, The truth of thislatter statements borne out by the eatvey low number of home-constrcted igs to be heard nowsiéays. No als ost however, aid resurgence of interest in low-power (QRP) operation in recent times has encouraged many amateurs to (ry again the eal delights of ‘Operating equipment of one's own manufacture, Compared 10 the ‘erinionie valve, the transistor has always lacked power gan. Asa result, a ‘ranemitter using ransstorsis forced to havemoreseagesthan thecgulvalent valve model, Also, junction transistors suffer fom low impt impedances, and untilrecen yearsthefild effect transistor (et)has been averylow power ‘evice, typically 300mW. The development ofthe metal oxide silicon field effet transistor (mosfe) witha special "V’ construction has edtoa family of ‘ery useful devices, now generally known as vos. Primarily intended for Fast power switching, somemembersof the family lendthemselvestolow and ‘medium power operation on amateur bands up 10 10M: with good efficiency The vinos is characterised by being voltage driven, ie has 4 high input resistance, andisin his way similar to theordinary ft, but wilearry much higher drain currents, Drain curren ratings from | 10304 srecommon. The cally vmos devices tended (0 be delicate around the gate terminal, and ‘cutjon was needed in handling and usage. However, recent production has been toughened up and wll withstand + /— 40V between gate and source. ‘The power gainof the ymosfelscomparableto the valve, and it truck me tat it might be possible vo revert co the simplicity of valve crcuitey forthe lower frequency bands. Theclassicbeginner'srigof yesteryear was theco-pa. [single valvecrystal osillator plusa single valve power ampliir produced 510 10W of rf, albeit geting quiet warm inthe process! Hence this ttle transmitter was designed to try and retain the low component court ofthe valve designs while taking advantage of the modern device's ability 10 ‘operate eicently on low (electrically safe) voltages. Notallthevalveireuit techniques ean be adapted however, and whereas the co pais very valve- like, the pa looks much more modern. The reader will note that the keying circuit looks more complicated than the transmitter itself, but that's due 10 those transistors again and, unfortunately, the cheap “p" channel vos ‘evices which could replace them are not yet available. Now let's take the Circuito pieces fora beter understandingof how works, forit'sonly when ‘thething doesn’t work thal one finds out just how well or otherwiseonedoes ‘understand whats actually going on. The crystal oscillator ‘The crystal oscillator part is shown in Fig | and, for contrast the valve equivalent as Fig2. IF you trade an R for aC, the wo civeults havethe same ‘omponent count. The components ofthe wo circuits are labled withthe ame numbers where their functions are the same and, as can be seen, the fancient and modern circuits are almost identical. & glance atthe supply voltage, however, emphasises the superior safety ofthe modetn circu. The eletrical operation of thetwo circuits is identical. Referring Fig 1, the tuned eireit L2. C2 must be adjusted nen th resonant requency of the cenysal X50 that a negative resistance is coupled to the erystal circuit ‘through the inter-lectode capacitance of the vmos device; drain and gate being equivalent to anode and grid in the valve. This negative resistance ‘cancels the natural positive ordinary) resistance ofthe crystal cireuit and, ‘when the net resistance goes slightly negative, the crystal bursts into 2 Pat Crescent, Retford DN226UF, 226 Bina Fig 1. Tuned dain vmos crystal oscillator ‘oscillation at is parallel resonant frequency. Crystals can operate in two fundamental modes; ie parallel and series, In this case parallel resonance focus and the crystal oscillates in paralil with the cireuit capacitance ‘connected across ic. Quartz crystals intended for operation in shismode are typically round sothat thee frequency iscorrect when n parallel with30pF. ‘The vimosfet used presens typically SOpF between gate and source which, when added tothe other cireitstrayeapacitances,fendstobea bitmuch fora, healthy osilator, so the unbypassed sourceresisiorR3sincluded to reduce the fee ofthe gate-source eapacitance. Unlike the triode valve, the wos device needs some positive gate voltage before it wil conduct. The resistors Rand R2 formapotential divider, and the fraction (R2/RI + R2)of the 1SV supply i used to turn onthe fet. ‘Although the osllator will work with L2, C2 connected diretly in the drain circuit, there is real advantage to be gained by using ink inductive ‘oupling winding), to Keep the drain curren and voltage ou of the tuned ‘Greuils A. small toroidal iron dust core is employed for the Ll, 12 ‘combination, a this proves close coupling and high Q. ‘Altogether this vmoscrystaloseilator works very Welland has quickstart, surefire propertiee of which many of He valve predecessors would be ‘envious, Ln the ful citeuit, the winding L2 centre tapped and grounded in ‘order o provide the necessary earth-elated, balanced, push-pull drive for the pa, but the operation is jus the same. Bink Fig? Tuned anode ti The variable erystal oscillator The high stability ofthe erst ossilator its own worst feature when éemesto operation on abuty band. The variablcraial xsilatr x0) Rat Secome popular sta means of caing the nrobiem Of dodging on swamping signals, and somebackaroundinthetecniguecanbefouhdin I RADIO COMMUNICATION November 1987Intoral view ofthe tanemiter “The simple seies capactior method of moving the parallel resonant Frequency i rated to produce a shift of 3kHz maximum. To achieve this ‘result, the series capacttor used must have aminimum capacitance of 2pF or Tess, and stray crystal capacitance must be minimised. My series eapactor experiments using a ceramic insulated 209F variable capacitor of good ‘Quality resulted in amaximum shift of 1-3kHz—not very encouraging —s0 “analternaive approach was tried. The impedance presented at theerminal ‘of aseries LC circuit varies from capacitive through resistivetoinductiveasit Js tuned through resonance. At resonance ahigh-Q circuit appears as low resistance andfineluded in eres with crystal will ot effect its operation, “The series capacitor was hence repliced with an LC combination, and the results were dramatic when the LC circuit was tuned theoush the erystal frequency. Shifts greater than lOkH2 were obiained using an ordinary 3-5MHz AT-cut crystal n an HCSU holder. Similar results were obcained ‘sith other HO6U crystals, and even an old 10X job in an alr-gap holder ‘moved well. The contol of frequency was also spread over the range of capacitor adjustment, unlike the simple series capacitor eiteult which only effective near minimum capacitance. Thelimitoffeequency pulling which is folerable ina keyed oscillator of the type used curns out to be 6 10 7KHz before slow startup affecis the Keying characteristic. My 3859-7SkHzQRP- ‘bandexystal moved from 3,555-00 03,561 "SkHz with nodiscernableaTet fon keying sharpness. 'Not any old LC combination will achieve this result however, but within the following guidelines deal of variation is posible to suit individual Deeds 1. The inductor needsto resonateatthecrystal frequency when seres with about $pF. 2. The inductor most have ah 3. The inductor should be made so as to have: ‘capacitance 4 The capacitor is not at all critical and can be air-spaced or @ miniature solid-delectric type, Cin. typically pF, Cmax about 20pF or 3,S60KH2, an inductor of 30QuH is required. Unfortunately, the prefered vale of330uH isto large and its difficult (0 obtain a prewound potted choke ofthe right size. However, Mr Toko's range of 0mm tuning Ceilsin the IOEZ series does include a 330uH variable which coverstherange Ricely; available from [2]. Adjust the inductor with the series capacitor at ‘maximum value oset the low end of thepulingrange. The highest requeney i determined by the capacitor's minimum value Having succesfully made the transmitter frequency variable, the problem ‘of “netting” on to the recived station arses. simple method is adopted Where SI, a double-pole double-hrow switch, is used to simultaneously apply htt the vxo and removeit from the pa. Theresultng signal asheardby thestation receiver in the unmuted state strong but not unmanageable RADIO COMMUNICATION Novemiver 1987 2h Q factor — say 50 oF more. minimum of associated The power amplifier push-pull power amplifier was chosen for twomain reasons. Fist thetiny| N10 vmosemployed cannot produce SW ofr when used singly. and SW isa ‘good design figure for most QRP rigs a itis generally ooopnised as the avium permissible power level in the sport. Second, the balanced ‘operation ofthe amplifier generates no even-order harmonics, le 2nd, th, fathete, and thiseases the problem of puifyingtherf beforeithitsthe attr. Push-pull is also kinder tothe vmos, as switching voltage overshoot atthe drains are beter controlled than in the single-ended amplifier. “Theres, as always, apenalty tbe paid for tne forepoingadvantages. With push-pull isthe need to keep the amplifier balanced in self and then to ‘ich theconvenient, but unbalanced, 800 fender orload. This requires, 4 lle tieky transforming to be done, but is actually very simply accomplished — more late. First, referring othe simplified circuit Fg 3, consider the input circuit. L2 iscentre tapped and the tap grounded, Both the fixed and moving paves of the tuning capacitor, C2, aretherefore above eath and this mustbe allowed {or during construction. The opposing ends of L2 are diestly connected to the gates of TR2 and'TR3 — and that'sall A good 30V peak to peak should be developed across L2 when theco is running, which drives the pa hard on, albeltone deat aime, Thevmios devicesthriveonthis typeof operation and fun cool under swtch-mode conditions, When the co is turned of, the pa deviceshave zerovolisbetweengateandsourceand returned fllyoff. THs ‘hepals brought into operation simply by applying therf drive, no de bas or supply switching is needed ‘Nov look atthe output circuitry. The supply vollageis applied to TR2and ‘TR3viathe centre-apped balancing transformer TI. This transformer must bbewound with closecoupling berveen the wo halves ofthe winding inorder 1o maintain the voltage balance between the two devices. Luckily, this ‘easily achieved with the aid of a small ferrite core anda few turns of wire more later. Bu, unluckily, (0 try and understand how the output circuit ‘works overall acloserlookat the underlying theory ofthe stageisecessary, although on this occasion not more than absolutely necessary. ‘The VNiO.evice with 10V or more diveatthegatepresenisaresistanceot About 40 between drain and source. Power dissipation is specified as 1W,, which leads us via Ohm's Law P= 1x<1> sections and suppresses the harmonic output to an insignificant level. The induetors 13 and L4can he wound in a varity of ways, toroidal cores being ‘urrenly popular. Although these coresarencat,theyaenot easily adjusted ‘and, sine one of thearts of QRP operation iso make the best of what lithe e27