Subject: NET NOTES SEP 4 2004
From:     K1RQG 
         

     Most recent Schedules can be found here 

    Also submit your sked requests to Joe:

     Joe, K1RQG 


NET BEGINS
================================================================================================
Hi Joe,

pre-registration for the EME Conference 2006 is now possible 
online at:   http://www.eme2006.com .
We encourage everyone to pre-register as we need this info
for further preparation of the conference.

vy 73, Rainer
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+++  I ADDED N5ITO TO NET NOTES DISTRIBUTION. I AM NOT SURE IF DAVE IS AWARE OF THE 432MHZ   +++
+++  AND ABOVE EME NET. 14.345MZ AT 1400Z SAT/1430Z SUN AND ALL ARE WELCOM TO JOIN THE NET   +++
+++  LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE OR BE DELETED FROM NET NOTES DISTRIBUTION. JOE K1RQG +++
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***   FINALLY A REPORT OF THE EME2004 SUNDAY MORNING FORUM. I ONLY INCLUDE THE SUBJECT OF    ***
***   ACTIVITY [OR LACK OF IT]  BELOW. YOU CAN READ THE REST WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR SEP NL.   ***
***                                                                                          ***
*** TO BE HONEST, I AM VERY DISSAPPOINTED WITH THIS REPORT. IT IS NO WONDER THE ACTIVITY HAS ***
*** DWINDLED. THERE IS NOT ONE WORD MENTIONED ABOUT THE 432 & ABOVE EME NET ON 20 METERS OR  ***
*** THE REGULAR NIGHTLY GAB SESSIONS ON HF. THE FOCUS OF THIS SO CALLED FORUM CERTAINLY DOES ***
*** NOT APPEAR TO BE THE AMATEUR RADIO ASPECT OF EME, BUT THE INTERNET CONNECTION AND DIGITAL***
*** MODES. WHAT BECAME OF THE "RADIO" ASPECT OF COMMUNICATIONS? I SUGGEST THAT AL REMOVE ANY ***
*** REFERENCE TO THE 432 & ABOVE EME NET & SCHEDULING FROM THE HEADING OF HIS NEWS LETTER AND***
*** REPLACE THAT INFORMATION WITH THE URLs FOR MOON NET AND THE EME LOGGERS. A LOT OF YOU    ***
*** THAT GET THESE NET NOTES HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL PARTICIPANTS FOR MANY MANY YEARS, AND I HAVE ***
*** BEEN RUNNING THIS NET FOR ABOUT 20 YEARS NOW. IF ONE TAKES THE TIME AND EFFORT TO GET ON ***
*** THE 20 METER NET, IT MAY BE BENEFICIAL ON THE WAY GETTING UP AN RUNNING ON EME. I BELIEVE***
*** THAT THE DECLINE IN EME ACTIVITY IS ALSO SYNONOMOUS WITH THE DECLINE IN NET PARTICIPATION***
*** WHICH CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO MANY FACTORS, NONE OF WHICH ARE MENTIONED BELOW. THANKS FOR   ***
*** BEING ACTIVE ON THE NET AND ALL FLAMES SHOULD BE ADDRESSED DIRECTLY ON THE 20 METER NET. ***
*** I DID FIND ONE POSITIVE ITEM, AND THAT IS ON THE PA0ZN WEB SITE THERE IS A LINK CALLED   ***
*** "SUGGESTIONS", AND HERE THERE IS REFERENCE TO THE 432MHZ & ABOVE EME NET AND SCHEDULING  ***

***                              MY OPINIONS AND OBSERVATIONS                                ***
*** FRIDAY, I FOUND THE INTERNET CHATTER VERY AMUSING. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH EARLIER IN THE WEEK***
*** THE MOST USED "LOGGER" WENT SILENT. IT IS BACK UP AND RUNNING NOW. BUT DURING THE DOWN   ***
*** TIME THERE APPEARED TO BE SOME MEASURE OF PANIC DUE TO THE LACK OF ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE***
*** REAL TIME DURING EME OPERATIONS. I ALSO NOTE THAT THERE IS MORE THAN ONE "LOGGER" SO WHO ***
*** KNOWS WHERE TO LOOK FOR ACTIVITY? I HAVE FOUND AT LEAST 3 MAJOR "LOGGERS" AND THEY MAY   ***
*** CONTAIN "SUB" CATEGORIES SUCH AS BANDS, MODES, ETC. YOU TALK ABOUT MASS CONFUSION.       ***
================================================================================================

EME PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES RECOMMENDATIONS: This forum was 
attended by about 40% of the 75 who registered for the 
conference, the topics discussed were displayed on the web site 
and on Moon-net and two additional topics were received. In this 
report, the topic question is reproduced followed by a summary 
of the discussion and actions agreed. 

1. How to Increase Activity… What can we do to increase the 
regular EME activity? There is no doubt that it has fallen off 
in the last few years especially on 432 and 1296 MHz. Should we 
change the criteria used to select "activity weekends" with more 
regard to "sociable hours" and less regard to lowest path loss 
(perigee)? What is the best role for digital modes as a method 
for increasing activity and for developing station capability? 
Can we make use of the presence of "Big Guns" on these bands to 
increase activity? There was a wide-ranging debate on this 
issue; there does not seem to be one, or even a few, key reasons 
for why we are seeing a drop in activity especially above 432 
MHz. In fact, one might single out 432 MHz as the band where the 
effect is worst. Digital modes have boosted 2 m activity and the 
availability of solid-state power devices and >3 m dishes have 
increased 1296 activity to an extent. The present non-
concurrence of high declination, moon perigee and sufficient sun 
separation means that the Activity Weekend (AW) does not stand 
out as the weekend to be on the air! There was a general feeling 
that we need to get a better wider and earlier awareness across 
the EME community of the dates that are chosen as the AW.  
Several ways of doing this were proposed:  Current methods are 
The 432 and above News Letter, QST, RSGB Bulletin, DUBUS; New 
methods suggested are Add the information on the date to the 
monthly email shot which announces the issuing of the 432 and 
above NL. This goes to a very wide list. Add moon-net to this 
list so that the information is posted there simultaneously. 
There was a strong call for a website on which intended and 
planned activity, skeds etc, can be advertised.  This area of 
the site should be segmented by band so that people can easily 
find out what is likely to be happening.  It was pointed out 
that the W6/PA0ZN site already includes some of this capability.  
There was also a call, particularly from EME newcomers, for a 
section on the site, again segmented by band, which would answer 
the question  "How do I get going on xxx MHz EME?" and also have 
an FAQ section.  This should not discourage stations from 
putting skeds, planned activity up on moon-net. Some people have 
trouble with spam and unwanted messages but there are ways 
around  (my own ISP strips off 95% of the spam).  Al, K2UYH, 
undertook to look at how the existing capability might be 
enlarged to include this. On the question of slanting the choice 
of AW to try to favor those weekends, which had hours that are 
more "sociable" rather than seeking perigee and other favorable 
moon conditions, the feeling was that we should try this in the 
next AW selection that is made. This is normally published in 
the December NL with a request for comments… Please participate 
in this process next time. Use of Digital modes: It was noted 
that there had been an increase in 2 m EME activity specifically 
due to JT65 operation, but there was no consensus view as to 
whether or not stations that entered EME operation with the help 
of JT65 capability subsequently increased their station 
capability and added CW as an option.  With the decrease in CW 
as a license requirement JT65 offers a route to EME for non-CW 
operators. The presence of "Big Gun" stations on 432 and 1296 
can be of most use if they advertise in advance when they are 
likely to be on the air by one or several of the methods 
discussed earlier.  An issue concerning EME contests was also 
discussed at this point.  Dom, HB9BBD, proposed that instead of 
beginning the contest at a set time worldwide, 0000 hrs for 
example, it should start at the local moon rise of the station 
concerned and that the contest duration should last for one moon 
pass rather than two as at present, with the second pass being 
used for another band.  Adverse weather is an obvious factor 
against this proposal, but it was felt that it deserved wider 
debate in the community. 

FINAL: The most important part of the conference was the forum 
on Procedures and Practices summarized in the last section. 
Considerable time was spent on finding ways to increase EME 
activity. There will be more emphasis on publicizing the dates 
of the AWs.  And in the future the AWs will be selected with 
emphasis on weeks with moon times that will be "user friendly" - 
attract participation! I hope the formation of an EME Hall of 
Fame Committee will have a positive impact on our unique part of 
amateur radio. 2006 and will come very soon. I am looking 
forward to seeing you all there and off the moon during the 
coming AW. 73, Al – K2UYH

================================================================================================
Subj: [Moon-net] QRV update for N5ITO  
Date: 9/2/04 11:40:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: [email protected] 
To: [email protected] 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 
 


The EME bug has hit and thanks to several off the reflector it doesn't seem
Im going to be cured anytime soon.   Progress so far is geared towards
making the EME contest this month for the first time. So, progress so far,

1. Unused 40 foot tower dropped to 17 feet. - Done
2. H-Frame constructed and extended for the 4 X KLM18's - Done ( Thanks
Gerald/K5GW)
3. 6 foot 2" X 1/2 wall Chrome moly mast found to support H-Frame - Done
4. 7/8" Hardline ran from top of tower to shack for feeds on 144/432 - Done
5. ARR Pre-amp repaired from last failure - Done ( Thanks K5UGM)
6. H-frame moved to tower and top 2 KLM-18's mounted. will be unable to
reach once it's on the mast - Done
7. Raise and Mount H-frame to tower and attach lower two 2 X KLM's - ETA
This week I hope. If not I have a 2-way power divider and I'll at least
have 2 X 18 for 144.00
8. The AM-6155 has been pulled from line and a pretty Henry 2002 replaces
it. 25 watts drive delivers 550 watts. If I can work out the keying issue
with the Mirage B-108G 80 watts brick as a driver for the 2002 I'll have
more PWR  at contest.
9 Elevation setup calibrated, ready and tested - Done Thanks K5UGM
10 - Mounted night vision color camera on H-frame to *watch* the moon ( was
a fun idea) - DONE
11. Mounted 4 X 18 M2^ 18's on H-Frame for 432 EME - ETA this week
12 AM-6155 for 432 with 500+/- watts ready when key lines fixed. ETA this
week.  ( Thanks K5UGM )

If Murphy stays away for the next two weeks. !!!
N5ITO will be QRV for Contest
144 = 4 X 18 Full AZ/EL 750 watts CW/JT65
432 = 4 X 18 Full AZ/EL 500 watts CW/JT65

Dave
- testing cam now..Nice image of moon rise.. COOL !
================================================================================================
Subj:    [Fwd: [Moon-net] EL project woes..]
Date:   8/29/04 10:30:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From:   [email protected] (w2drz)
To:     [email protected] (Joe [email protected])

Hi Joe,
Interesting note..
May wish to show link in the net notes..
w2drz wrote:
> 
> Hi Randy,
> Thank you for the additional information, very beneficial on getting up
> to speed on this unit..
> best tom
> 
> Randy wrote:
> >
> > Tom:
> > For more info on using the Smart Level module see also:
> > http://www.SignalOne.com/radioastronomy/telescope/elevation.html
> > de Randy, W7HR
> > [email protected]
This was just brought to my attention..
> 
> http://www.qsl.net/dl4mea/sources/smartt.htm
>
================================================================================================
EME 2004 - Procedures and Practices Recommendations

Due to recovering from our recent Tornado and a construction project, I was not able to attend 
the 2004 EME Conference.    As a dedicated EME operator I make the following comments and 
observations.  

Activity Weekend (AW)  - The AW dates were selected after much discussion and calls for input 
from around the World.  After all comments had been received and reviewed the dates were selected.  
As noted, the current cycle did not leave a very wide selection of dates.  As to making the AW 
more "sociable".  Sociable for Who - the US, European or Asian operators?   At some time or 
another - someone is going to have to get up in the wee hours of the night.  If you were not 
happy with the selection of the AW, get involved and make your suggestion for next year.

EME Contests - Much thought and a great amount of input has guided those responsible for planning 
the format of the EME Contests.  The present format makes it fair for both the little stations 
and the Big Guns alike.  One does not have to spend the entire weekend on the band.   I operate 
four or five hours on the rising moon and then again two or three hours on the setting moon.   
For the past few years I have spent most of the mid-pass at the duck blind.  In the past six years 
I have won first place five times and second place the other year in the ARRL contest.  The same 
operating practices were used in the DUBUS contest placing first several years.   Have Fun and 
don't make work out of the Contests.  

Standings - The Procedures Forum at the Prague EME was attended by well over 100 of the world's 
serious EME operators.  It was noted that the new digital modes were going to be an asset to EME.  
Larger stations agreed to participate and try to generate more activity using this mode. It was 
decided that there should be a separate category for the digital mode.   New initials and new 
countries would not be counted except in the digital mode category.  Less than a handful of the 
participants expressed objection.  A motion was made and passed that the ARRL, Dubus, and other 
similar organizations be informed of this decision.  To my knowledge, no such action was taken by 
the forum committee.  I think it was Most Improper that a small number attending the 2004 Forum 
took it on themselves to change a decision that was agreed upon  at Prague without first contacting 
those who originally made the decision or seeking their input.  Before we Railroad something - 
we need to receive input from all concerned parties.  

Communication - I could not believe that in the Activity section that the 20 meter net was not 
even mentioned.  For more than thirty years this net has been one of the Main means for communication 
through out the EME world.  The newcomer as well as the seasoned EME'er has looked to this net for 
help and information.  I can recall at least a dozen stations that have been helped by this net in 
the past several years.  Several of these stations were ready to throw their hands up and toss in 
the towel.   Now they are active EME'ers.   Some of them were even present at the 2004 EME conference,
but must have missed the Forum?  The 20 meter net has proven to be of prime importance in the 
dissemination of information and scheduling.  Lets use the existing tools we have at our disposal, 
before we start looking for newer and unproven methods.  

Respectfully Submitted,  K5JL  

================================================================================================
The following is a list of known "LOGGERS" for those that are interested.

http://www.chris.org/cgi-bin/jt44eme
http://vhftalk.aa1yn.com 
http://client.sigmachat.com/sc.pl?id=35076&test=1
http://www.on4kst.com/chat/start.php  
http://www.vk4cp.com/vklogger/set.php
================================================================================================
Subj: RE: NET NOTES AUG 28, 2004  
Date: 9/4/04 3:48:52 AM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: [email protected] 

Dear Joe, Al, Rainer and ML members:

1) Congratulations that the EME Conference 2004 in Trenton successfully
ended. The CD proceedings should be wounderful, which I received via JA4BLC
yesterday. Hope to join the Wuerzburg meeting...where once I visited 25 years ago, 
as a back-packer.

2) September AW
  Not only looking for initials, but please listen for JA windows.  Please
pass this info. I will opereate as following:

  Sep. 04 1400Z - 1500Z
         for NA window
  Sep.04  2230Z - Spt.05  0030Z
         for EU/AF window

  Transmit on 1296.010MHz or around it.  1MW eirp.

Weather forecast says it will be rainy with thuder.  Hope it wouldn't be....
Also hope that  VK3UM and ZS6AXT could join it.  HW?

3)  JA7BMB  Hiroshi  Ii, a JA-Samurai 5-band-EMEer, decided to keep his
activities only on 5.7GHz and 10.45GHz now and on.   It is because of his physical condx.  
He destructed his well-built 6-meter dish on the top-floor of the building,  last month.
Still Hiroshi has a beautiful 4-meter mesh dish with which he can hear his own echo each band.

This dish could be a world-heritage of home-brew EMEers.

For any skd, contact   [email protected]

JH1KRC  Mike Watanabe

================================================================================================
Subj: [Moon-net] UHF:WA6PY 10 GHz  
Date: 9/4/04 5:29:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: [email protected] 
To: [email protected] 
CC: [email protected] 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 
 
I QSO'd G4NNS -very nice signals, Heard F2TU but not during the sked, heard very well OK1UWA, 
W5LUA and extereme signals from JimWA7CJO.
I will be tomorrow 5 Sept from 0730Z.
I will stay on 10,368.100
I proposed skeds: 0730Z  OK1UWA -WA6PY and 0800Z F2TU - WA6PY
VY 73 Paul WA6PY
================================================================================================
Subj: QRV on 23cm  
Date: 9/4/04 8:00:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: [email protected] 
To: [email protected] 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Hi Joe;
Well I got back on the moon after 2 years absents, and it is still fun, hi.  Worked all those I 
heard and one Initial among them, Ik2MMB with a nice signal.  Everything fired up to 1200W and 
never had to re tune a dang thing.

I will be on again tomorrow and would like to know when, or if, there will be others on, 
especially those I have not worked, if so please let me know the times and approx. Freq. for those 
Initials.  Sorry I will not be around for the Net Joe..... I had every piece of Welding Equipment 
(MEG Welding & Acetylene) and all Accessories stolen form the small Barn this week, so working on 
that as well, hi.

Regards & Thanks, Darrell

================================================================================================
Subj: Report for NET notes  
Date: 9/4/04 10:09:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: [email protected] 
To: [email protected] 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

GM Joe

On 3 cm, I worked WA6PY during the week. Last nite, I worked F2TU and WA7CJO on 3cm.
Working hard on the power supply for my 47 GHz TWT.

73

Al W5LUA
================================================================================================
Subj: eme2004  
Date: 9/4/04 11:30:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: [email protected] 
To: [email protected] 
CC: [email protected] 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Hi Al, tnx for the detailed report of the forum's discussion. I shall submit my thoughts on 
various topics in time for the next NL. However, I was surprised (if not annoyed) that no mention 
was made of the 432&up EME net which over the decades was a major factor in increasing EME 
activity, leave alone K1RQG's untired activities! How come that such a big mistake occurred?
73, Jan DL9KR.
================================================================================================
Subj: Sep SW  
Date: 9/4/04 12:47:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: [email protected] 
To: [email protected] 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

SEP 04 FOR NA, HRD:at 1159z someone tune. W7B? but NR. Noisy but good echoes. No other sigs.    
See EU window from 23Z.   JH1KRC
 
================================================================================================
Subj: 23 cm Saturday SEPT 04.2004  
Date: 9/4/04 12:47:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: [email protected] 
To: [email protected] 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 
 
Hi Joe,

Was on 23 cm, KA2ONY cw op at my station, worked K5JL, herd many
European as dish was clearing the trees, 20 degrees elevation, but then
many quit as the NA window became usable to europe..

Hmmmm, wonder why as have seen this activity from the EU window occur
often in recent times as we start to access the EU window..

Have a HB9BBD preamp on order, this I hope will greatly improve our
recieve on 23 cm when it is recieved and installed..

Will be on for the Sunday moon window..

best tom
================================================================================================
WA1JOF: still working outside on projects.. 

W2UHI:  QRV but moon is up at bad hours for Frank.. Will call CQ when available.. 

K5JL:   worked one station last night, W2DRZ, with Larry [KA2ONY] at the key .. no other activity 
        heard.. K6LEW did call and confirms C3I antenna operation is slowed down due to health
        problems with an employee, but still taking orders.. delays are more than expected..

K0YW:   had a sked with W9IIX but had problems..  screwed up on dish control somehow.. 
        did receive TH-1836-3 cavity for 23cm.. but needs more suggestions on how to convert etc..
        will be on the moon in early am on Sunday.. 

W9IIX:  have some minor problems, but fixed up stuff.. and can hear echoes.. crudely measured
        sun noise around 12.9 db .. 

KC9CBZ: ??

M3HHE/M: 10w .. 1/4 wave vertical.. 

WB7QBS: Nas LMR-400 feed run to splitter.. Glenn is having computer problems, but thinks it is
        fixed now.. 

K9BCT/M: not in any danger.. 

N8KYO/M: North of Kalamazoo, Mi.. 

SM2CEW: was on EME a lot.. worked a bunch.. VE1ALQ, N2UO and others.. will be looking for NA4N
        when moon is right.. worked on 70cm rcv system during week.. good feeling to get on 23cm
        and calling CQ, and also hearing others call CQ and making random contacts.. cannot get
        on the JA window at this time.  but later in the fall when leaves are gone, it will be
        better.. 

MW0TJD: Tom.. 25 miles north of Cardif.. 

M3HHE/M: QRP.. 

F6KHM:  F5TTU.. was visited by local politician this morning as well. Was QRV on 70cm but no
        activity.. Xavier .. will be on around 0800z.. has problems last few months with 23cm
        amp with big bangs!!!!! 23cm amp is not stable.. TH-313 cavity.. same as OK1DFC amp
        on his [OK1DFC web] ..  Runs TH-293 on 70cm.. 

DL9KR:  sent e-mail to Al.. and copied to net notes.. will be on at 2230z tonight on 70cm 
        calling CQ.. 

9H1PA:  antennas are up and will be on Wed or Thurs morning to test on 70cm.. and will also be
        on next weekend .. has some interference from 2 meter array.. 2x25el bv on 70cm, 100w..

LA7QZ/MM: Near Canary Is. 

G4RGK:  was on 70cm this morning for about an hour.. had good echoes.. but did not hear anyone.
        will be on tonight on 70cm for a while.. Dave will not be QRV tomorrow morning.. 

W5UN:   .. 

KL6M:   still working on all systems.. still not sure which band will be on for the contest.. 
        Not QRV at this time.. 

K0RZ:   been listening along.. even copied Europe.. was on last night but nil heard .. 

W2DRZ:  was on 23cm last night for a while.. did hear a lot of EUR.. but when NA window all was
        quiet.. 

VE6TA:  just got off the moon.. had some tracking problems .. did work JA6CZD on 13cm cross
        band.. missed one of the JAs due to tracking issues.. 

SM4IVE: has built an amp for HF but only works on 160-40 meters. no progress on dish yet.. 

PA3CSG: plans to be back on 10ghz with about 200w.. 

NET ENDS
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