+++++++++++++++++++++ To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Cc: frstephenk at stfrancishigh.org Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2003 16:21:25 +0000 From: k6iii at juno.com Subject: [Elecraft] k1/k2 net to be set up - W3SMK Manager Elecraft Readers, I am pleased to announce that Stephen King, W3SMK, has agreed to organize a K1/K2 net. Watch for his announcments and plans here on the Reflector. This net is something that many of you have been asking for. Please give Stephen your encouragement and cooperation as he gets the ball rolling. Over to you, Stephen! (frstephenk at stfrancishigh.org). 73 de Jerry/k6iii San Jose, CA ++++++++++++++++++++++ From: "Stephen King" To: Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2003 14:59:02 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: Introduction! Hello All! Well, as you probably know, there has been discussion in the past about forming an Elecraft Net. Well, as Jerry, K6III, indicated I have volunteered to be the point man for this project. I am looking forward to the discussion we need to have on how to proceed. Wayne offered a good insight on where we might start the discussion. EQP! If we started with trying to identify frequencies and times we might get bogged down in details before we identified WHY we want a net and what function it would serve. Hopefully, a desirable FUNCTION will lead to a meaningful and useful FORM ... As we all know, EQP was a huge success! Thanks to Jerry and Pat, who did a fantastic job in starting this operating event. Their efforts in planning and promoting the event helped to make it the success that it was. And perhaps EQP is a good starting place for the discussion ... FIRST QUESTIONS: Why was EQP such a success? Why did you participate? What did you look to get out of the event? What DID you get out of it? Again, I think this is a good place to start ... hopefully success can breed success... One point of order, maybe we could use "ELECRAFT NET: " in the Subject headers so those who are interested can easily pick off the posts and so those who are not interested (heresy!) can easily move on ... Well, what do you think????? Peace & 73 Stephen W3SMK K2 #2644 +++++++++++++++++++ From: "Stephen King" To: Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 13:31:14 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: What is its FUNCTION? Hello, all those interested in an ELECRAFT NET! I received some very insightful posts on (1) why EQP was such a success and (2) how to use that as a starting place to define the FUNCTION of an ELECRAFT NET. The respondents offered the following positive aspects of EQP 1) A place to gather serial numbers for CC. 2) A place to work others for WAS. 3) A place to work other Elecrafters who are "DX" (an interesting observation that I did not think of, but agree with!) 4) A place to work, on the air, those we have come to know through the email reflector 5) A good excuse to get on the air These seem to me like a great idea not only for a QSO party but also great ideas for having a net! They also seem to offer a good foundation for defining the function for a net. Before we move to the next question (the FORM for the net) . .. is there anything I am missing? ... would you partipate in a net that tried to serve these functions? So what say YOU? Peace & 73 Stephen W3SMK K2 #2644 +++++++++++++++++ To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Cc: frstephenk at stfrancishigh.org Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 22:37:39 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: What is its FUNCTION? From: k6iii at juno.com Stephen, You asked... "would you partipate in a net that tried to serve these functions?" Sure, I'd try to show up and swap info with other Elecraft ops if such a net were organized. 73 de Jerry/k6iii San Jose, CA +++++++++++++++++ From: "n5gf" To: Date: Sun, 6 Apr 2003 05:51:29 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] RE: ELECRAFT NET Why argue about the time to hold a "net" like this and just keep it up = 24/7. This time frame would satisfy everyone around the world and take = care of all operating goals. The U.S. hams wanting to work 100 K2's or = WAS would be able to do it in daytime or nightime and the DX guys would = be able to get on when they have insomnia, from anywhere in the world. Net Control, if there is to be such a thing, could be passed to stations = along the 'nightline', thus keeping it at the best spot for propogation. = Of course, this net would need to be constantly represented on more = than one band and would need to be both CW and SSB to satisfy the = operating pleasures of all elecraft owners. =20 Gets complicated, doesn't it???? Why not just designate a couple of = calling frequencies on each band and let everybody call CQ K2 or CQ = K1??? This would be much simpler. KISS! Tnx fer letting me ramble. 72/73 de N5GF Ed K2 #3332 ++++++++++++++++++ From: "Tony Wells" To: "n5gf" , Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RE: ELECRAFT NET Date: Sun, 6 Apr 2003 17:22:33 +0100 N5GF wrote: >Why argue about the time to hold a "net" like this and just keep it up 24/7. This time frame would satisfy everyone around the and also wrote: >Net Control, if there is to be such a thing, could be passed to stations along the 'nightline', thus keeping it at the best spot for Sounds good to me. Also, what about using some kind of internet-based scheme to let others know who might be on the net and wherabouts they might be lurking? There are probably existing systems around that can do this. If not, then it isn't rocket science. If we need somewhere to host this I might be able to help. Regards, Tony M3CJF G7IGG ++++++++++++++++++ From: DL2HRF at aol.com Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2003 07:42:32 EDT To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re: ELECRAFT NET Hi around, An Elecraft Net would be a nice thing, over here in Europe it is still hard=20 to meet Elecrafters, may be especially in Germany.I read the mailing list and see a lot of friends in the UK. (May be I am doing too much CW and no SSB?) But also on the QRP frequencies 7030 and 14060 I really seldom meet Elecraft users. So a common place where to meet sounds good.I haven=B4t been on this list for a long time yet, but I am asking a question around, that may has been discussed before....Does anywhere exist an Elecraft Chat room, if not, could= =20 it be created? Too many lonely hearts chats on the internet.....but no chat for Elecraft?? This chat room could be a nice place of bringing people (Elecrafters)=20 clother together? Arranging skeds, etc. 73 de Tom, DL2HRF K1#1434 ++++++++++++++++++ Reply-To: From: "Bruce Thompson" To: Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2003 08:34:17 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] RE: ELECRAFT NET - Sounds like HFPACK What you guys are suggesting is exactly what they do on HFPACK. This is a group of us who like to take their rigs out into the field and make contacts. Pedestrian mobile, bicycle mobile, canoe mobile, you never really know who will show up. It is great fun. There are a set of frequencies along with a set of times when to find people on those frequencies. The most common one is 18,157.5 in the afternoons. You can just about always find other HFPACKers on that freq anytime the band is open. It is not a net, just a "watering hole". Nothing formal. We just pause and ask if anyone else is on frequency and let them call. If a PM or BM station comes back, we turn it over to them to let them call CQ HFPACK to see if they can make some contacts. A very informal and friendly bunch. If the freq isn't busy, we encourage folks to just get on and call "CQ HFPACK". We also have an email reflector that called HFNOW, where those heading to the field can post their intentions. It is also an international group as well. Check out http://www.hfpack.com (Yahoo has been having server problems lately but they look fixed) Something over 3000 members. Also HFNOW on www.yahoogroups.com My point is not to suggest using HFPACK for the Elecraft net. It is to just point out that what you folks are suggesting does work quite well in practice. 73, Bruce KG0SH Golden, CO Bicycle mobile ++++++++++++++++++ To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Neill Taylor Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RE: ELECRAFT NET Cc: n5gf at jam.rr.com Ed N5GF wrote: >Why argue about the time to hold a "net" like this and just keep it up 24/7. [snip] >Why not just designate a couple of calling frequencies on each band and >let everybody call CQ K2 or CQ K1??? This would be much simpler. I thought we already had this. When 10m was open we used to favor 28.715, then, September last year there was discussion on this list to propose calling frequencies on other bands. I thought we settled on 18.132 and 21.332 MHz. Neill G4HLX K2 #2425 ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 07 Apr 2003 10:03:19 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: brucet at santechconsulting.com Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re: ELECRAFT NET - Sounds like HFPACK Bruce Thompson wrote: > What you guys are suggesting is exactly what they do on HFPACK. Thanks for pointing this out, Bruce. In fact I occasionally monitor HF Pack, and it is great fun to hear so many peripatetic QRPers. 40 m and/or 20 m 'watering holes' of this type would also be great to have. They do need to be within reach of K1 as well as K2 users. 73, Wayne N6KR ++++++++++++++++++++ Reply-To: From: "Bruce Thompson" To: Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2003 11:20:48 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] RE: ELECRAFT NET - Sounds like HFPACK Hi Wayne, Picking frequencies has been a really hot topic in the past. If you look at the "on the air schedules" page on the hfpack website, it lists frequences for most of the bands, including 20 and 40. One of the interesting debates concerns where do the cw people go? What has been done so far is to use the SSB freq as the starting point for cw. I've had QSOs with other bicycles where I was running SSB and the other station was running CW. We've taken some grief about running CW in the SSB band segements though. Also, those with K1's have pointed out they are unable to tune into the SSB portion. I personally think that a frequency in the CW portion of the band makes more sense. Just to screw things up more on 40m, the different Regions have different allocations. (Hopefully that is being fixed!) I think it will take some time and a lot of debate (one that I DON'T want to be involve in! :-), but we need to pick a place and a time where everyone can meet. I think we can follow what the HFPACK guys have learned the hard way and pick times and frequencies and stick to the schedule. If people show up, are others to talk to, and they have fun, the word gets out pretty quickly. Others start to show up and it becomes established practice. 73, Bruce KG0SH +++++++++++++++++ From: "Stephen King" To: Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2003 14:22:34 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: Keep up the great ideas! There have been LOTS of great posts on this topic ... keep up the good work! I think the more we can define this activity before we get into the time/frequency/mode debate the better! I am very grateful for all the help! Peace & 73 Stephen W3SMK K2 #2644 +++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 07 Apr 2003 16:12:26 -0700 To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Jeff Stai WK6I Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RE: ELECRAFT NET At 08:03 AM 4/7/2003, pjhend at ameritech.net wrote: >Now I don't know what is involved in setting up our own such site, and it >may be impractical to do that. But perhaps we can make use of an existing >resource. check out this site: http://dxworld.com/magicband.html People use this page (and others on the same site) to make skeds and keep an eye on propagation. Sounds like what everyone is looking for, and doesn't require additional software beyond your web browser. 73 - jeff wk6i Jeff Stai jds at twistedoak.com Twisted Oak Winery http://www.twistedoak.com/ Rocketry Org. of CA http://www.rocstock.org/ Amateur Radio WK6I +++++++++++++++++++ From: "Stephen King" To: Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2003 18:57:31 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: DAY, FREQ, TIME? There were many responses to the last post requesting interest in an Elecraft Net. The function of the Elecraft Net will be: 1) A place to gather serial numbers for CC. 2) A place to work others for WAS. 3) A place to work other Elecrafters who are "DX" 4) A place to work, on the air, those we have come to know through the email reflector 5) A good excuse to get on the air. Now, the real fun begins.... ;-) First, it appears that there is a need for both a SSB and a CW session. Since a SSB net is a LOT easier to run and since one of the areas where EQP was a bit lacking was SSB activity and since folks seem to have an interest in developing more SSB activity with K2's I would like to begin by establishing the SSB net first. K1'ers do not fear! The CW discussion is coming!!! Here are the questions: 1) What FREQUENCY or FREQUENCIES should be used? 2) What DAY should we use? 3) What TIME? I think two factors need to drive this decision: (1) when are folks available, and (2) when/where would propagation favor a net that should be able to cover North America (primary) with opportunities for Europe and Oceania, as well. #2 is a tall order and may not be do-able with a single net. But perhaps one of the propagation guru's on the list might have some insights! Realistically, I think we need to plan for North America initially and see what might be possible once we get established. 4) Are you interested in being a Net Control? I envision this as being very informal so no need to be intimidated! A few K2-100 ops in strategic locations willing to volunteer would be GREATLY appreciated! Now, I am heading away for Easter break from school so have at it and I'll step out of the way for a few weeks! Peace & 73 Stephen W3SMK K2 #2644 ++++++++++++++++++ From: "Stephen King" To: Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 13:38:03 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: Let's keep the fun of EQP going! I am sure all of us were glad to read the soapbox and scores for EQP that Paul sent!!! It was a reminder to me of all the fun we all had that weekend! I know all who participated want to keep that fun going on a regular basis! That is the purpose of the Elecraft Net! The Elecraft Net will be ... 1) A place to gather serial numbers for CC. 2) A place to work others for WAS. 3) A place to work other Elecrafters who are "DX" 4) A place to work, on the air, those we have come to know through the email reflector 5) A good excuse to get on the air. NOW we need to decide where and when! Some might say, this sounds like deja vu all over again! Well, you are right. I did not get much response the last time I asked, but lets try again! SO .... WHEN should it meet? This time let me offer a suggestion and see if that helps spur some discussion ... How about 1900Z on Sunday???? That is Sunday afternoon everywhere in the continental US ... WHAT DO YOU THINK? Would you come then ????? If not, when? WHERE should we meet? Again, how about the 17m "Elecraft Frequency"??? 18132 KHz? I have not given this a whole lot of thought, but it is a reasonable starting point. How would this work from a propagation perspective, do you think? I think it might be a little less crowded (especially on contest weekends) and open and hence a little more do-able for QRP K2's... If you have ANY interest in the Net PLEASE respond to the list.... Again, the format is envisioned to be very free-flowing and informal (like the Collins Collector's net on 20m) ... a place to chat and trade serial numbers and states. Also, the "plan" is that this net would serve as a prototype for a CW net to follow shortly ... SO, what say YOU???? Peace & 73 Stephen W3SMK K2 #2644 +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 11:21:27 -0700 From: "Rick Tavan" Organization: TIBCO Software Inc. To: Stephen King Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: Let's keep the fun of EQP going! I would drop in occasionally. Rick N6XI Stephen King wrote: > >How about 1900Z on Sunday???? > > >Again, how about the 17m "Elecraft Frequency"??? 18132 KHz? > +++++++++++++++++++ From: "Bragg, Donald J" To: "'elecraft at mailman.qth.net'" Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 12:25:57 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] Re: ELECRAFT NET Sounds good to me. Sunday afternoon may not be the best time since the XYL thinks that yard work,etc should be attended to first. I could take my rig outside and make it look like I'm doing yard work. Don, K2# 255 +++++++++++++++++++ To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 18:47:06 +0000 From: k6iii at juno.com Subject: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: Let's keep the fun of EQP going! Stephen, I'm all for a K1/K2 Elecraft net. Suggest delaying the time to 2000z (1pm on West coast in consideration of those who have Sunday obligations, like myself). The Frequency 18.132 is reasonable and while it is a SSB segment of the band, we are also permitted to run CW there. So watch for CW check-ins. de Jerry/k6iii ++++++++++++++++++ From: "Bob Tellefsen" To: "Stephen King" , Subject: RE: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: Let's keep the fun of EQP going! Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 21:46:10 -0700 While I'm not a net person, don't like being tied to a schedle, I'd happily drop in from time to time. It would be fun to work off the K2 WAS, for example. 73, Bob N6WG K2 s/n 12 +++++++++++++++++++ From: "Dave-KK7SS" To: "Stephen King" Cc: Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: Let's keep the fun of EQP going! Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 21:52:25 -0700 I could make 1900Z or 2000Z on Sundays... I could start on the K1/K2 century club --- on SSB yet =:-o Dave KK7SS ++++++++++++++++++ From: "Meier, Peter H." To: "'elecraft at mailman.qth.net'" Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 05:41:20 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] RE: Elecraft NET Elecraft Net Response "WHEN should it meet? How about 1900Z on Sunday????" "WHERE should we meet? how about the 17m "Elecraft Frequency"??? 18132 KHz?" Day and time sounds good to me. (Will never get 100% Consensus - Good starting point) Pete WK8S ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 14 May 2003 11:16:50 -0400 From: Dale Boresz To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RE: Elecraft Net COLIN WHITMORE wrote: >My $0.02. > >Why don't 3 or 4 K2/100 hams get together and act as net controllers (to alternate each week). Set up a schedule (1900-2000Z, Sun) and begin holding a net. "If you build it. They will come. - Field of Dreams." It has to be there first and it has to have some organization (i.e.: net controller and schedule). Pattern it after the Ten-Tec Users Net on 20m/40m. (actually I think 20m would be better than 17m but I can do either). We can even call it the Elecraft Users Net and discuss things like what rig we have (even invite those lowly non K-rig'ers ), what options they have, what antenna they're using, etc. Maybe have a guest speaker (for VERY superficial Q&A) if things start doing well, like Wayne, Eric, or some other knowledgeable 'Crafters like the Ron's, Don's, Tom's, and Lyle's, et al. > >But to start this off right, we'll need 3 or 4 K2/100 (even a kW wouldn't hurt) volunteers to step up to be net controllers, first. Pick a day. Pick a time. Pick a frequency. And let us know - we will come! > >Cheers, >Colin >N0YGY > > Folks, About a week ago, I posted a message on this reflector about an Elecraft QRV site that I put together to facilitate the setting up of sched's and announcements related to anticipated operating activity. So far, we have about 50 users who have registered, however only three have actually posted any QRV activity (and I'm one of them :-) ). I make mention of this now, because this site could be used to help spread the word about time, frequency and other information concerning the net. All postings are automatically removed once the current time exceeds the QRV time by one hour, to keep the list from getting cluttered. The URL for the site is: http://168.103.66.233/kqrv When the activity level of the site increases, I'll get a 'real' www.xxx URL. For any questions/comments/suggestions concerning the site, please feel free to email me directly at: dmb at lightstream.net 73, Dale - WA8SRA ++++++++++++++++ From: "Stephen King" To: Date: Wed, 14 May 2003 13:05:32 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft Net: Date & Time, Place? NCS Volunteers? Thanks to all that responded so far to the last post! It looks like there is support for 2000z on Sunday. Let's assume that for now and move to nailing down a frequency... A number of folks indicated that they do not have antennas for 17m, so perhaps we might look for a 20m frequency. Any thoughts? To get this started, anybody see any problem with the 20m QRP Calling Frequency? 14285 KHz +/- QRM) ??? ALSO, any K2/100 ops want to volunteer to help with net control/relay??? Two or three in geographically diverse locales would be helpful. No experience is necessary since we will keep it very informal. All you need is an ability to receive and transmit! Colin's idea about having "programs" is a good one ... lets keep that in mind as we move forward! Thanks Dale for offering the web site as a place to advertise the net's presence! Peace & 73 Stephen W3SMK K2 #2644 +++++++++++++++ To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Date: Wed, 14 May 2003 18:29:03 -0400 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Net: Date & Time, Place? NCS Volunteers? From: Michael E Dobson On Wed, 14 May 2003 13:05:32 -0400 "Stephen King" writes: > Thanks to all that responded so far to the last post! > > It looks like there is support for 2000z on Sunday. > > Let's assume that for now and move to nailing down a frequency... > > A number of folks indicated that they do not have antennas for 17m, > so > perhaps we might look for a 20m frequency. > > Any thoughts? To get this started, anybody see any problem with the > 20m QRP > Calling Frequency? 14285 KHz +/- QRM) ??? > > > Yes, good practive is to move off a calling frequency once contact is established, not possible for net operations. Also, it is the QRP calling frequency. QRO operations should not take place there. 73, Mike WA3KYY ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 14 May 2003 21:14:18 -0400 (EDT) From: k4wtf at enterzone.net To: Kevin Rock Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Net: Date & Time, Place? NCS Volunteers? On Wed, 14 May 2003, Kevin Rock wrote: > 14100 KHz +/- QRM > > Kevin KD5ONS > > OK folks. Lets take a few things into account when we decide on an operating frequency. (1) License class. We don't want to exclude someone from participating in the net just because they don't have an Extra class license. (Thus far, nobody has to my knowledge suggested any freq that would exclude Generals.) (2) The existing bandplans. http://www.remote.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bandplan.html ...lists 14.100 as: NCDXF Beacons If it has to be on 20m, I vote for something between 14.225-14.350Mhz. This again is based on my contention to make the most out of the Net. Within that freq range, we can operate with pretty much every mode that a K2 is capable of operating and thus, if an operator is trying to get WAS 20m CW, WAS 20m SSB, WAS 20m [insert mode], they can do it on the same net. If some members of the net don't do CW, they can simply stand by while the CW portion of the net is conducted, etc. What does everyone think? 73 de John - K4WTF +++++++++++++++++ From: "Stephen King" To: Date: Sat, 17 May 2003 12:05:21 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: 17m TEST SUNDAY 2000z! Right now the voting is favoring we try 17m .. so why don't we give it a test! Perhaps we could conduct a test this Sunday, 18 May. 2000z on 18132 +/-? If you are available could you please give a listen and a call? 17m has been in pretty good condition the last few days (in fact, skip might be too long!) ... perhaps we can give it a shot ... I will make the first call and then invite others to make a call and take relays. I'm only running 10w so some QRO participation will be GREATLY APPRECIATED! For the sake of simplicity check-ins will be asked for NAME, STATE/DX, RIG, & SERIAL NUMBER. If things work out we can do a roundtable QSO & offer a chance for folks to work each other for States and Serial Numbers .... Consider this a test .... Hopefully see you tomorrow! Peace & 73 Stephen W3SMK K2 #2644 ++++++++++++++ From: "Francis Belliveau" To: Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: 17m TEST TODAY. 2000z -- CW Okay? Date: Sun, 18 May 2003 15:10:31 -0400 Kevin, In case Stephen does not get a chance to reply to you I will give you my opinion. Stephen originally identified the fact that EQP concentrated mostly on CW and many SSB op's felt left out. He therefore decided that the first net would be run using SSB. HOWEVER, I believe that he also said that CW check-ins would not be discouraged. My expectation is that you will need to use your widest filter for best SSB performance and use XIT, RIT or SPLIT such that you listen to the net's SSB transmissions (in CW mode) and transmit to the net in CW. Such operations are outside my experience but I'm sure that the K2 is perfectly capable of doing this. I'm not so sure about a K1 though. Remember that you will need to listen to one frequency and transmit on another such that you end up being heard in the Net-Control station's USB pass-band as a CW signal. This could get a bit tricky for the control operators so we will have to see how things go. 73, Fran ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kevin Rock" To: ; "Stephen King" Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2003 1:32 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: 17m TEST TODAY. 2000z > Is this a voice only test or can I use my Elecraft K2? > Kevin. KD5ONS #2511 +++++++++++++++++ From: "Stephen King" To: Date: Sun, 18 May 2003 16:53:16 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: 17m Test "Results" Well, folks ..... Thanks to ALL who listened and then also posted already to the reflector.... It is GREATLY appreciated! Well, it seems conditions were TOO good! 18132 was busy from before 2000z until almost 2030z. I made some calls on other close-by frequencies but had no luck in stirring up any business. I tried 18128 and 18135 .... no luck! I also scanned the band .. it was pretty crowded all the way from top to bottom. Conditions were good AND strange. The loudest sigs on the band here today were DX from Europe and a mobile station near Dayton -- something for everybody. BOTTOM LINE: Even though the "test net" was effectively "scrubbed" there are some lessons learned ... 1) It sounds like a fair number of you attempted to listen: THERE IS INTEREST! 2) We need at least a plan for an alternate frequency. 3) For the next try we need a QRO station with a decent antenna to try to get things going: my 10w and dipole did not get the job done. Comments please??? Peace & 73 Stephen W3SMK K2 #2644 +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 18 May 2003 16:05:56 -0500 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: 17m Test "Results" From: Richard Lim To: Stephen King , Elecraft Stephen there is definitely an interest! A group of us were on 18.130, I heard W7QHD, K5JAZ, W1USN on phone and KK7SS on CW. The guys I heard on phone were all using the K2/100, not sure about KK7SS. I agree that we need a station with good antennas and perhaps an amp to boot to act as net control. Overall a good first start, lets keep this one going. Oh one last thing, I think we'll need to DEFINITELY have check-ins also in CW, there is little chance now that we are in the decline of this solar cycle that phone will be reliable for those of us running 10W from the K2, also we would be neglecting our K1 brothers (and sisters too). Just my two cents. Rich -- 73 DE KQ9L K2/100 #3232 ++++++++++++++++++ From: "Stephen King" To: Date: Tue, 20 May 2003 12:37:07 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: Next Test! Well, it looks like our "test" on Sunday was more succesful than I originally thought! Conditions on 17m were great again yesterday afternoon.... Why don't we try it again next week. Sunday, 25 May 2003. 2000z on 18132. We need a QRO station to volunteer to serve as "Net Control" (Not to fear ... this is very informal!) and perhaps a few other QRO stations to serve as relays. Perhaps we could also try 20m at 2030z to compare .... Any suggestions for a frequency? Last week I scanned the upper ("Lunatic fringe") of 20m and it was relatively open (and dead for that matter -- 17m seemed much more active). Any suggestions for a 20m frequency to try? Peace & 73 Stephen W3SMK K2 #2644 +++++++++++++++++ From: "Stephen King" To: Date: Sat, 24 May 2003 14:07:00 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: Next Test Sunday 25 May. 2000z & 2030z Well, we enjoyed a bit of success last week ... let's try it again! There will be a second Test of the Elecraft Net tomorrow, Sunday 25 May ... 2000z on 18132 (and moving UP for QRM) Then perhaps we could try ... 2030z on 14332 (and moving UP for QRM) We'll keep it very informal ... just seeing how it goes on 17m and 20m. We could really use some K2/100 or other QRO stations to check-in and to serve as relays. Hopefully see you tomorrow! Peace & 73 Stephen W3SMK K2 #2644 ++++++++++++++ From: "Stephen King" To: Date: Sun, 25 May 2003 18:03:19 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: GOOD SHOW! & Feedback, please! Well, considering that. 2003z the A-index was 25 and K-index was 3 things went quite well for this latest test of the Elecraft Net. The net closed on 20m (14333 -- catchy frequency!) at 2125z -- 85 minutes of net time! Great! Thanks to KQ9L for getting the ball rolling on 17m! Thanks to N6JW for relaying me in! Thanks to F9OJ for trying to get in ... sorry we missed you (you were 59 here). Thanks to all the stations who took check-ins and relays! Especially KQ9L, K5JAZ, N4HH, W1USN, N6JW and others who maybe I could not hear. You all sounded like pro's and did great! I was not able to hear everybody so am not sure how many check-ins there were, but it seems like there is quite a bit of interest. NOW: FEEDBACK? Any ideas on how to make this run smoother? Any thoughts on adjusting frequencies or times? Perhaps we should start refining the net procedure. Any ideas? (Thanks to the net controls who offered folks the chance to make calls to get serial numbers!) Again, thanks to all -- I think it went very well, all things considered! Peace & 73 Stephen W3SMK K2 #2644 ++++++++++++++ From: "Donald Nesbitt" To: "Elecraft" Date: Sun, 25 May 2003 18:38:48 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] May 25th 17 and 20 Meter Net Report Hello to all. Just a quick report on the "net" today. No, I'm not interested in chronicling the net - just thought I'd make this quick report since this was the second "net" effort and I think does indicate that there is more than just "casual" interest. At this stage its just sort of "who is out there and wants to check-in" - certainly something more will follow judging by Stephen's (W3SMK) leadership. Below is a list of check-ins that I logged on 18.132 and 14.333 today. I'm sure that I've made a number of mistakes in this list and apologize in advance. This is only my list - I'm certain that other stations that served as "net control" logged many more. My computer was not located where it should have been and I was constantly back and forth between the rig and the keyboard (poor planning that will be dealt with - post haste!) and I'm sure my operating sounded like it and know that my record keeping suffered!! Thanks to Rich KQ9L for leading the net and for passing net control around the country in order to provide better geographical coverage. As I recall, John (N6JW); Jim (K5JAZ); John (N3DRK): Mike (W1USN); as well as myself did most of the "duties" - I'm sure there were others and hope you will forgive the oversight on my part. No harm intended. The net began at 2000z on 18.132 and moved to 14.333 at 2040z. Conditions on 17 mtrs were spotty at this qth. Several calls at various intervals were made for CW checkins with none being heard. Several calls at various intervals were also made for DX checkins with a number of stations responding but too weak to copy at this location. Mike (W1USN) had some brief copy on the DX but conditions were not favorable. Here is my list. N6JW John k2 k1 354 KQ9L Rich k2 3232 DH1TST ? K5JAZ Jim k2 2535 N3DRK John k2 2444 W1USN Mike k2 1964 N9XD Dale k2 3064 W7QHD k2/100 2538 N5KJ Mark k2/100 3034 K8EAG Gil k2/100 2310 W3SMK Stephen KC4LPL Bo ? KG6WP Howard k2 3268 N3DRK John k2 2444 G4FD/M ? KB9ZUV Gary k2 1982 K5JAZ Jim 20 mtrs - re-check N6JW John 20 mtrs - re-check N3DRK John 20 mtrs - re-check N5KJ mark k2 3034 20 mtrs KA4FRH Fran k2 314 20 mtrs NK6A Don k2 1217 20 mtrs W1USN Mike 20 mtrs - re-check ' 73 es gud dx --don N4HH (Atlanta, GA) K2/100 #2028 +++++++++++++++ From: "Francis Belliveau" To: Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: GOOD SHOW! & Feedback, please! Date: Sun, 25 May 2003 21:17:38 -0400 Stephen, I could not hear the net on 17m. I listened to some QSO's and tried to make a few contacts and then QSY'd at 20:56. At that point I accidentally tripped over the net. N3DRK relayed my information to N4HH to get me in the log. Then when K5JAZ took over I checked in with him so as to add LA to my list for WAS. ---- I would like to make a suggestion on procedures. The purpose being to contact other Kx owners, we need to encourage contacts between all who are listening. The purpose of this is to help those chasing K2CC; it will also help with WAS. I suggest something like: * Net control asks for check-ins and creates a list of who was heard and a list of partial calls. * Net control acknowledges those who were heard and then works out relays for the partials. * Net control then contacts all who are heard to collect the check-in data. * Once a group of check-ins has been established net control can temporarily turn control to the first station, requesting all who heard him/her call to establish contact. This is a trick part because on the first go-round the controlling station would have heard all the check-ins and would know who can be heard. However, if a station gets there a bit late they would not know all of those on frequency and would need to ask for listeners (hearers) to call. * Once that station has completed the pileup, control is returned to Net Control and the next station gets a turn. No need to make contact with the previous station. * Once all on the list have been given a chance, ask for more check-ins. There is no need to go back over the list of earlier checkins since they can give the station a call if they can hear it. Stations that required a relay to net control can obviously hear net control turn it over to them. The original relay station can inform net control when control is returned. This will help maximize the collection of contacts for all who check into the net based upon how long they hang around. We must think of the procedure as being formal enough to handle 100 stations participating on the extreme of high quality bands and attendance. -------- Next thing that must be addressed is the desire to chat a bit. If things get busy that will likely need to be done by having stations move to another frequency but we also need to encourage this since many wish for this also. That's my thinking. 73, Fran +++++++++++++++ From: "Stephen King" To: Date: Sat, 31 May 2003 12:09:19 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT NET: ANother Test Sunday.2000z on 17m,.2030z on 20m Even though it looks like propagation conditions will be bad let's try to test the net again tomorrow, Sunday, 1 June 2003. 2000z on 18132 and then moving to 14333. c. 2030z. Please listen for KQ9L to make the first call. QRO stations are encouraged to check-in and serve as relays! We'll make an effort to pass it around and offer folks the chance to work each other for CC and Elecraft WAS. If you are around, please join us! Peace & 73 Stephen W3SMK K2 #2644 +++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 01 Jun 2003 15:14:33 -0500 From: Richard Lim To: Stephen King , Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Net Stephan, NO DICE on the net. Tried calling for about 10min. Band condx HORRIBLE on both 17 and 20m. Was even using 500w and no takers. Had one FLA station, non-Elecraft but aside from that NADA. We can try again next week. What did you think of the preamble for the net? Rich KQ9L +++++++++++++++++ From: "n3drk" To: "elecraft" Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2003 16:29:39 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Sunday Net i had two contacts on 17 meters. Calling cq i had two stations come back to me. VP5VAC/qrp Al with 1 watt. MW0IDX/P Roger with 10 watts. Serial number- 2724? Due to heavy qsb i could not get their serial numbers. Condx overall- Bad, QSB. Did not hear the net on 14333. Hope this helps n3drk-john +++++++++++++++++ From: Pieter Meiring Reply-To: pdm at shef.ac.uk To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Sunday net Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2003 21:45:43 +0100 On Sunday 01 Jun 2003 9:08 pm, L. D. Ingram wrote: > Hi, > > KQ9L was coming in clearly here in Gainesville, FL on 18.132 but only > peaking at S5 with some QSB - tried giving him a call, he knew I was there > but couldn't copy - 10 W not enough with current band conditions. I think > he said he was running 500 W. > I heard K9QL here in Sheffield, U.K. in the static (thunderstorms nearby but not close enough to warrant disconnection!) on a 122ft doublet at 35 feet. He was just starting to come up to about S2 R4 when he announced the QSY to 20m. Best Wishes Pieter G0BSX K2 #3433 (CW only) +++++++++++++++ From: "f9oj" To: "Elecraft" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Sunday Net Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2003 22:53:02 +0200 Hello everyone Noisy band and rather bad prop, but I could get N4HH on 140333, thanks to my Uncle Archie and his 500 watter, and then gave Don a shout with my K2 / 10 watts. I doubt he heard me .Anyhow, glad to have met an Elecrafter with his K2/100 # 2028...! See you next week... Jacques K2 0937 ++++++++++++++++ From: "Larry Anderson, W6LAR" To: "Elecraft at mailman.qth.net" Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2003 14:01:48 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Net Had a good time on the 20M net. Don was heard very strong here in California. I did get to relay a few added checkins to Don, N4HH. I did hear F9OJ, Jacques, but he was too far down in the noise to really copy. Others heard: NI5F, Bill AB2PN, Harry N5IB, Jim K5OI, Tim And a few others I could tell there was a signal. Considering the band conditions its a wonder we could hear anyone. 73 to all! Larry W6LAR K2/100 3147 ++++++++++++++++ From: "Donald Nesbitt" To: "Elecraft" Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2003 18:20:22 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] June 1 Net Report Hello to all. Conditions today were "interesting" on both 17 and 20! I = could only hear a couple of very weak bursts of signals here in Atlanta = on 17 meters. I was checked in on IRC at #elecraft during the net but = had no other stations on the channel. I could not hear Rich KQ9L at all on either 17 or 20. When I got to = 14.333, Larry W6LAR and Bill NI5F were keeping the frequency warm (great = idea - thanks!!!) and nothing was heard from Rich KQ9L. I asked Larry = to give him a call from the west coast but nothing was heard either by = Larry or here in Atlanta. Since it was a few minutes past 20:30z we = started the net. Stations I logged on 20 meters are listed below. = Again, I am sure that I missed many others and there are probably some = errors included below. It was nice to be able to log in Jacques F9OJ = and David VE6DRW as dx checkins. Again, as was true last week, no cw = checkins were heard by me (when I call for cw I do tune + and - 1.5 khz = of our net frequency - just to be sure!). Stations that were logged in = were given the opportunity to make any calls that they wanted. = Mercifully - all declined and just participated in the "test" - yes, = conditions were rotten!!! Several stations rotated the NC duties and called for chickins - as I = recall, Larry W6LAR, Dale WA8SRA and Harry AB2PN - and - surely I've = forgotten someone (sorry) provided checkins and relays. Stations = checked in by me were: W6LAR Larry K2 #3147 CA F9OJ Jacques K2 #0937 France NI5F Bill K2 #1135 and K2 #2473 (ck'd in on both K2's) = MS N5IB Jim k2 #1233 LA AB2PN Harry K2 #3458 NY NM5U David K2 #3014 NM W7QHD Kurt K2/100 # 1538 AZ K5OI Tim K2 # 0063 OK VE6DRW David K2/100 #2171 Canada WA8SRA Dale K2 #3039 OH I'm not sure how I got into this but am glad that I was able to help out = during the last couple of net "tests". It's doubtful that I'll have = much time next week and it is probably time for me to get out of the way = anyway so Stephen and Rich can get some more "permanent" help. If you = can volunteer to serve as a net control station perhaps you could email = either Stephen W3SMK or Rich KQ9L and let them know. In spite of the = frustrations of band conditions, it really is a lot of fun and I know = they will appreciate the volunteers :) Have fun ---- ' 73 es gud dx. --don n4hh K2/100 # 2028 ++++++++++++++