ORCA
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ORCA DIGITAL NET, Report 21/Apr/15
Check-ins: 4
Traffic: 4
Stations:
WA6NBG Don
NX6D David
W7ZAP Mindy
K7KY Doug NCS
Well, small is easy; only four stations tonight. Noisy band, but MFSK-32 decoded accurately. Mindy & I were talking with Don WA6NBG before net at 5w with good copy. We tried a relay between Mindy W7ZAP and David NX6D at 2200 on the waterfall. Neither station could copy the other. Mindy discovered she was only using 5w, but even 45w didn’t get through.
At my station, Mindy’s signal sounded higher and weaker than it does at 1500wf. I think the software passband reduces the signal near the edges. At 1500wf, David copied her 100% at 5w. Following this exercise, David transmitted at 3.594/2200wf and we received perfectly at 3.595/1500wf. It’s important to work near the center of the software passband. This has implications for future relay work.
Don WA6NBG sent the weekly Eureka Emergency Net & ORCA bulletin, David sent a ‘noisy switching powers supply’ article, and Mindy sent the schedule of upcoming digital contests. Copy on the net frequency was good and no fills were necessary.
Thanks to everyone who came out tonight. CU next week. 73 Doug K7KY
—— Net Log, from Mindy W7ZAP ———————-
ORCA DIGITAL NET
Early Check-ins:
W7ZAP
K7KY< K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:23Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1504>>
de WA6NBG test
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:24Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1499>>
ORCA DIGITAL NET
Early Check-ins:
WA6NBG
W7ZAP
K7KY
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:31Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1500>>
QST & WELCOME to the ORCA DIGITAL NET. Doug K7KY NCS – Brookings,OR.
We meet every Tuesday at 1930p here on 3.595 USB. Software: FLDIGI, FLMSG, & FLAMP. Mode: MFSK-32 @ 1500. Other modes and bands depending on conditions. Alternate digital
freq: 7.122 USB. Optional voice freq’s: 3.955 & 7.200.
The ORCA DIGITAL NET is dedicated to learning digital operating skills and practicing digital traffic handling. The net connects Amateur Operators with mutual interest in
training, information-sharing, and support. Visitors welcome.
This is a DIRECTED Net. Please answer check-in with your CALLSIGN. If you can print your call on the WF, use any free space in the passband.
After check-in, please stand-by while NCS organizes the rotation list.
NCS transmits grayscale test image
NCS transmits Rotation list
NCS transmits Announcements
Call for comments/questions on announcements
NCS calls each station in order (traffic or keyboard)
Before sending, please LOCK fldigi @ 1500, enable RxID, TxID, & AFC.
(Set CONFIGURE/ID/RsID ‘Retain tx freq lock’)
A round (or more) of fills, reception reports, comments, questions, follows the traffic round.
NCS transmits Closing Announcment (optional QSY to voice)
————————-
ORCA DIGITAL NET website: http://orcadigitalnet.com/
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn K7KY-8.b2s]:hdr_fm:20
K7KY 20152204023319
:hdr_ed:20
K7KY 20152204023200
:mg:53 ORCA DIGITAL NET
Early Check-ins:
WA6NBG
W7ZAP
K7KY
[WRAP:chksum 5E4B][WRAP:end]… end
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:34Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1499>>
ORCA DIGITAL NET de K7KY
Check-in: Please respond with your callsign only…
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:34Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1498>>
ALL ORCA I have NX6D any more check-ins? < K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:36Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1499>>
ORCA DIGITAL NET de K7KY
Grayscale image for signal evaluation
Sending Pic:192×192;
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:37Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1497>>
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn K7KY-8.b2s]:hdr_fm:20
K7KY 20152204023712
:hdr_ed:20
K7KY 20152204023200
:mg:91 ORCA DIGITAL NET
Rotation list
WA6NBG
NX6D
W7ZAP
K7KY
I’ll call each station in order…
[WRAP:chksum 5680][WRAP:end]… end
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:38Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1500>>
ALL ORCA Any late check-ins? < K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:38Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1500>>
ORCA DIGITAL NET, Announcements,21/Apr/15
Tonight, we continue with NCS prompting members for transmission. I’ll call you to transmit, so please wait for my call. If you need to break-in, send your callsign. I’ll leave time between transmissions for breaks and late/visiting stations.
If you’re using flamp or another mode, tell us before your traffic. After you send/receive traffic in a different mode, please return to MFSK-32.
Tonight we’ll use the RELAY feature in flamp. Mindy W7ZAP and a volunteer station will QSY to 0800wf to relay traffic, return, and pass that traffic to the net, simulating relay conditions. It will be a short message so the relay stations don’t miss much net traffic. The message will not be compressed, so stations w/o flamp can read it.
Following this announcement and comments, NCS will call stations in order. If you don’t have traffic in flmsg, you’re welcome to keyboard.
Following traffic , a round, of reception reports & comments. Voice comments optional after net.
*** Remember to LOCK fldigi @ 1500, & enable RxID, TxID, & AFC ***
(Set CONFIGURE/ID/RsID ‘Retain tx freq lock’)
Comments, Questions?, come now with your callsign. de K7KY
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:40Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1503>>
[1]NX6D David Before we begin rotation, I’d like to ask you if you would receive a relay from Mindy before we begin rotation? You will both QSY to 2200wf and return to net. OK with you? < K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:42Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1519>>
OK, can’t promise I will actually receive it as FLAMP seems a little hit and miss with me.
Please tell me when.
BTN de NX6D
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:42Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1499>>
NX6D David I forgot to say we’ll skip FLAMP tonight as I didn’t tell Mindy in advance about flamp. It will be a short simple message to test relaying. The net is very small tonight and Don WA6NBG & I can just wait a few minutes for you two to returjn and then we’ll do the regular rotation.
So, Mindy has a message from a remote station that we’d like to relay to the net. I’d like W7ZAP & NX6D to QSY to 2200wf and exchange the traffic.. Mindy has the message and will transmit to NX6D Please return to net when finished. Go now please…< K7KY k NX6D < W7ZAP David are you ready? < W7ZAP kNX6D < W7ZAP How Copy? NX6D < W7ZAP How copy David? NX6D < W7ZAP How copy David?? < W7ZAP k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:48Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1506>>
de NX6D k
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:48Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1500>>
NX6D David go ahead..< K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:48Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1509>>
no¯npy from Mindy. I see bits of signal sometimes, but not enough to copy anything.
There is more noise than usual tonight and some static crashses. More power is needed or a different antenna orientation.
de NX6D k
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:49Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1500>>
NX6D David I see what’s happening. Mindy’s antenna does not favor you. Do you copy Mindy here @ 1500? It also may have to do with leaving the center of the passband. Let’s get Mindy back and we’ll go on with the net. < K7KY k NCS < W7ZAP k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:51Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1497>>
W7ZAP Mindy OK.. thanks for trying. we may have to go somewhere like 3594 and use 1500 there. We’ll keep working on it. < K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:51Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1501>>
ALL ORCA Are there any late check-ins? < K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:52Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1499>>
WA6NBG Don I’m guessing you have a bulletin… go now please < K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:52Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1502>>
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn WA6NBG-8.213]:hdr_fm:22
WA6NBG 20152204025201
:hdr_ed:22
WA6NBG 20152204021815
:to:27 Eureka Emergency Net & ORCA
:p1:37 25 Watts into 185 Ft endfeed up 25 ft
:fm:10 Don WA6NBG
:d1:10 2015-04-20
:t1:5 1820L
:sb:26 Bulletins and Annoucements
:s1:23 Donald O. Nelson WA6NBG
:mg:440 Bulletins and Annoucements for April 20th.
Rhododendron Parade Saturday, April 25th. VHF communicators needed.
MS Walk Sunday, April 26th. VHF communicators needed.
Ave. of the Giants Marathon Sunday, May 3rd. VHF communicators needed.
Please send any bulletins or announcements for the Eureka Emergency VHF Net to donelsonsteam@gmail.com or via Packet to WA6NBG @ W6ZZK-1 on 145.050 MHz.
This ends the digital message for April 20th.
[WRAP:chksum BF96][WRAP:end]… end
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:54Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1497>>
NX6D David ur up for traffic or keyboard…
< K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:54Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1498>>
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn NX6D-7.b2s]:hdr_fm:20
NX6D 20152204025453
:hdr_ed:20
NX6D 20152204025453
:mg:986 ARRL Laboratory Manager and EMI Expert Ed Hare, W1RFI, told the HamRadioNow webcast recently that switching-mode power supplies are a more common noise source for radio amateurs than electrical power lines. HamRadioNow host Gary Pearce, KN4AQ, interviewed Hare on April 4 at the Raleigh, North Carolina, RARSfest, where Hare also presented a forum, “Tall Tales from the ARRL Lab.” Hare told Pearce that switching-mode power supplies are in — or provide power for — many home electronics these days.
“The old days of those iron transformers are gone,” Hare said. “Every single one of these is a switcher. We’re also seeing noise from pulse-width control motors.” Hare said the big culprits are “little wall warts,” not switching supplies designed to power Amateur Radio gear. “Every TV you own has a built-in switcher, almost every device has a wall wart, and a lot of these are imported, not necessarily meeting the FCC rules, so we’re seeing more reports involving those,” he said.
[WRAP:chksum 3F3A][WRAP:end]… end
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T02:57Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1496>>
W7ZAP Mindy over to you…< K7KY k
... start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn 21april2015.213]
:hdr_fm:21
W7ZAP 20152204025714
:hdr_ed:21
W7ZAP 20152104190829
:to:16 ORCA DIGITAL NET
:p1:22 25w 120′ doublet @ 65′
:fm:11 Mindy W7ZAP
:p2:13 Brookings, OR
:d1:10 2015-04-21
:t1:5 1859Z
:sb:41 Upcoming Digital Contests for April 25-26
:mg:981
10-10 Int. Spring Contest, Digital: 0001Z, Apr 25 to 2359Z, Apr 26
Mode: Digital
Bands: 10m
Rules: http://www.ten-ten.org/index.php/activity/2013-07-22-20-26-48/qso-party-rules
QRP to the Field: 1200Z-2359Z, Apr 25
Mode: CW, SSB
Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m
Rules: http://www.zianet.com/qrp/
SP DX RTTY Contest: 1200Z, Apr 25 to 1200Z, Apr 26
Mode: RTTY
Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m
Rules: http://www.pkrvg.org/strona,spdxrttyen.html
Helvetia Contest: 1300Z, Apr 25 to 1259Z, Apr 26
Mode: CW, SSB, Digital
Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m
Rules: http://uska.ch/fileadmin/download/Contest/KW/1-static/KW120101e.pdf
Florida QSO Party: 1600Z, Apr 25 to 0159Z, Apr 26 and 1200Z-2159Z, Apr 26
Mode: CW, Phone
Bands: 40, 20, 15, 10m
Rules: http://www.floridaqsoparty.org/rules.html
BARTG Sprint 75: 1700Z-2100Z, Apr 26
Mode: 75 Baud RTTY
Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m
Rules: http://s3.spanglefish.com/s/7850/documents/contests/sprint75/rules/current/bartg%20sprint%2075%20rules.pdf
[WRAP:chksum 326B][WRAP:end]… end
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:00Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1499>>
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn K7KY-8.b2s]:hdr_fm:20
K7KY 20152204030002
:hdr_ed:20
K7KY 20152204023200
:mg:201 ORCA DIGITAL NET
Rotation list
WA6NBG Bul 100% + flmsg
NX6D T 100% + flmsg
W7ZAP T 100% + flmsg
K7KY T rotation list
Over to Don WA6NBG for comment & observation round…
[WRAP:chksum 60E7][WRAP:end]… end
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:01Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1503>>
Rt:Ratnotn
[1]WA6NBG reception Report
WA6NBG
NX6D 100% and FLMSG
W7ZAP 100% and FLMSG
K7KY 100% and FLMSG. Image 90%.
I think we should QSY down as we have neighbors above us. When we pass traffic by relay that is.
Other than that, a lower than normal noise level tonight.
I didn’t see or hear much when Mindy qsy’ed and transmitted.
All for now.
Back to Nety Control
de WA6NBG
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:04Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1501>>
WA6NBG Don Good idea for relay qsy. I went up because the RTTY net doesn’t start until 2200p, but after 2200 we should go down. After net, I’d like to try the relay again. I copied both Mindy and David 100% on the relay. I opened a second fldigi to follow both freq’s. Mindy was initially still @ 5w where she talked to Don before the net, but even 35w didn’t help. Her antenna favors E/W.
Ok KX6D go ahead David…
< K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:06Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1501>>
I doubt the location in passband has any effect in my abilibity to receive. Flex digital passband filters are extremely sharp. Mindy’s transmission on 1500 was considerably stronger, so transmit passband may be an issue in her radio. I would like to experiment with this tonight, perhaps after the net. I would like to transmit at 2200 wf and see if you guys hear me, without changing anything here other than the cursor.
Copied all transmissions OK, except for our first attempt at 2200 wf. Static crashes caused some errors in some messages.
I see what looks like a RTTY transmission between about 2800 and 3100 wf. Our transmissions should not have any effect on that frequency. There is more than one full MFSK “channel” between the top of our signal and the bottom of the RTTY.
BTN de NX6D
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:08Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1488>>
NX6D David Mindy also could not copy you @ 2200, but copies you 100% here @ 1500. Best we don’t crowd the RTTY guys; they seem sensitive and Ken K7IFG tells us they’ve been there since the rocks were soft. Anyway, we’ll give it another try after net.
Now, over to Mindy for comments….< K7KY k Reception Report for W7ZAP K7KY 100% copy + FLMSG + image WA6NBG 100% copy + FLMSG (S9) NX6D 100% copy + FLMSG () Interesting about moving to 2200WF and not being able to copy David & his not being able to copy me. At first I was sending at 5W (oops!), then upped my power to 25W and again to 45W, but David was still unable to copy me. I like the idea of moving to 3.594. Interesting about Don's comments re: my TX @ 2200WF. Good to know there are issues when moving elsewhere on the WF. I hadn't experienced that before. Mindy W7ZAP k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:10Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1497>>
WA6NBG Don anything further? we’re going to retry the relay message after closing the net…< K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:11Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1503>>
Nohing from here. I will continue to monitor though.
de WA6NBG
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:12Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1499>>
This concludes the ORCA DIGITAL NET
4/22/2015 03:12Z
All stations are welcome to remain on frequency to qso, explore, and experiment
Thank you for taking part in the net tonight.. We appreciate your participation..
de Doug K7KY NCS
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:13Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1498>>
NX6D David Let’s qsy to 3.594 and use 2200wf. We’ll be sure not to interfere with the RTTY net. Ready? de K7KY k
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:14Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1504>>
OK
de NX6D k
If you don’t copy Mindy, I’ll send the relay… cu @ 3.594
NX6D < W7ZAP How copy David? < W7ZAP k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:16Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+2205>>
OK, now on 2200 wf faint.
de NX6D k
OK I copy you fine. Standby for msg….
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn RelayTest.213]:hdr_fm:41
K7KY 20152204003723
W7ZAP 20152204031637
:hdr_ed:20
K7KY 20152204003149
:to:16 ORCA DIGITAL NET
:fm:11 Mindy W7ZAP
:p2:23 25w, 120′ doublet @ 65′
:d1:10 2015-04-21
:sb:18 Relay Test Message
:s1:11 Mindy W7ZAP
:p3:5 Relay
:mg:110 Remember to LOCK fldigi @ 1500, & enable RxID, TxID, & AFC
(Set CONFIGURE/ID/RsID ‘Retain tx freq lock’)
[WRAP:chksum 3FFE][WRAP:end]… end
NX6D < W7ZAP How Copy? Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:18Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+2204>>
Message was faint. Let’s try again.
de NX6D k
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn RelayTest.213]:hdr_fm:41
K7KY 20152204003723
W7ZAP 20152204031848
:hdr_ed:20
K7KY 20152204003149
:to:16 ORCA DIGITAL NET
:fm:11 Mindy W7ZAP
:p2:23 25w, 120′ doublet @ 65′
:d1:10 2015-04-21
:sb:18 Relay Test Message
:s1:11 Mindy W7ZAP
:p3:5 Relay
:mg:110 Remember to LOCK fldigi @ 1500, & enable RxID, TxID, & AFC
(Set CONFIGURE/ID/RsID ‘Retain tx freq lock’)
[WRAP:chksum 2BB3][WRAP:end]… end
NX6D < W7ZAP How Copy? Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:20Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+2195>>
Message recived with errors.
Let’s try it again at 1500 wf to see if it is a passband issue.
de NX6D k
Sounds good David. QSY to 1500WF. < W7ZAP k NX6D < W7ZAP Are you ready? Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:21Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1470>>
Yes
de NX6D k
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn RelayTest.213]:hdr_fm:41
K7KY 20152204003723
W7ZAP 20152204032149
:hdr_ed:20
K7KY 20152204003149
:to:16 ORCA DIGITAL NET
:fm:11 Mindy W7ZAP
:p2:23 25w, 120′ doublet @ 65′
:d1:10 2015-04-21
:sb:18 Relay Test Message
:s1:11 Mindy W7ZAP
:p3:5 Relay
:mg:110 Remember to LOCK fldigi @ 1500, & enable RxID, TxID, & AFC
(Set CONFIGURE/ID/RsID ‘Retain tx freq lock’)
[WRAP:chksum 02EF][WRAP:end]… end
NX6D < W7ZAP How Copy? Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:23Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1494>>
This is a passband issue. At 2200 wf, the s/n was about -7 or -8 dB. At 1500 wf, the s/n was about 5 to 10 db positive a difference of up to 18 dB.
message received without error.
de NX6D k
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:23Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1492>>
NX6D David Yes, passband in fldigi. Doug here now. The signal sounds significantly different when sent from 1500 & 2200. At 2200 the signal has lost much of it’s lower tones and the overall audio signal is lower. I think we should use a freq like this and 1500 for relays in the future. over to you, David…< K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:26Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1484>>
OK, here is an experiment. I will transmit at 2500 wf. you shift your receiver freq up 1000Hz. The frequencies should match. My guess is that the signal will be strong.
Nx6d
NX6D David OK… I’ll go back to 95. I’m down to 5w now. How copy? < K7KY k Your signal is OK at 5 watts, I'm surprised. I'm transmitting about 45 watts. de NX6D k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:28Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1483>>
NX6D David do it again I was a little slow getting there. How does 5w print? < K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:28Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1507>>
just received is strong at 2500 wf on my system. Flex transmit filters are very sharp.
de NX6D k
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:29Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1506>>
NX6D David OK your last S9-10 & 8db. Anything further tonight? < K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:30Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1501>>
Your last about s 8, about 0 dB.
de NX6D k
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:30Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1507>>
NX6D David Good enough for 5w. Well, pretty small net tonight again. Maybe we’re satisifying the thirst for digital knowledge and also summer wx is taking a toll too. Thanks for sticking aruond to try relay again. I’m going to explore the fldigi filters a little deeper now.
Thanks for coming, David. hope to see you next week too.
GE DON if you’re still here. & gn to Mindy… 73 doug K7KY sk
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:33Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1505>>
thnk it was just a small net — nothing to be concerned about unless it becomes a habit.
I will be off the net for much of May — going to Dayton etc and will be away from the QTH for three weeks or so.
73
NX6D
Before RSID: <<2015-04-22T03:33Z MFSK-32 @ 3505000+1505>>
73’s all. We’ll do coffee or lunch on friday, depending when I get myself out of bed…
de WA6NBG
TEST TEST TEST TEST TEST TEST TE
——————————————————————————–
NX6D WA6NBG < W7ZAP OK David thanks for taking the time to do more testing and have a safe journey to Dayton. We'll look forward to hearing about it. And Don look forward to catching up with you on friday. OK off to eat more dinner! See you all when we see you. 73, Mindy < W7ZAP k
