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The ingots boas 5 ‘20 economas seca bale prec 7 i. + Bucange, ansmore xt any. ft if diver To sve hy hn nd 4 Expo tewey nooks geandthe § ston slivers arta, rrr one ae mea FM Radios Suntoander vee fears rom tee Sys 9 ya eens your Fe eae ston cba gM ony | Silja amiss cosy fede. yu econ exe tr | I Sos modes eigen pal sod Ser! Carat j — 1 ‘NrosSproniestwessenenspereenaneeenziows | am , foros ers pion portamento Errore sso ran eh oy Hose rand = or. Amateur Radio Antennas 308 industrial Pk Ra, Starwville, MS 39759 USA ‘Sales/Tech: (662) 323-9538 = FAX: (662) 323-5803 Open 8-4:30 CST, Mon.-Fri ‘lta Pi rd eoctor sel carpe. 2S Cae Sa 8Life CHA-2508 - No Antenna Tuner Needed! Base Antennas a JOURNEY, UF iy OCKMET CHA-2508 ‘A nanlydesignad boadband vrteal wth NO GROUND RADIALS. 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Boz. + Coan © CAMET GP-9 / GP-ON BEST SELLER! + Wavelang: 12S nave x3» 46288 wave x8» Max Pw: 200% Lang 189" » Weg Ss. ‘tas. +Corm: GP9 Gk led 50-259 + GP-N Gokt plated ype orale» Corstucion:Ferlass 3 Soctons| © CAMET Cx.333 Wavelength: TBS wave x2» Z2MH2 8 ave x3 464i wave x5 Max Pr: {20 = Leng 402" Welt: Ss. oz Con: Galéplatd 50-289» Constucten: Fiberglass, 2 Sactons| @ CAMET GP-15 ld S22 58 waves 4BMH2 58 wave x2 46288 wave x4 Mex Por S0W Lang ‘Conn: Got ated $0238 2NMe ard at lrg («Consul pice Foerass Wei Bs CAA-SO0Markil ‘Soc Aenna anyon Tho CAL SO0Matil combines the simply end accuay ofan ardog stunt PUS..2 ful aor LOD ‘yaphic display + Ressive (R) fd Reacive (X) components of impedance racked. and Seplayed numatcaly © SVR readings in oth grahis ant (paraes on &16VOC exleral coves, 6 RA Akane OF NM rachargoabl cols» Tice charge bln (cniywhon wing NIMH tater)» Type Batre ‘haus of conrucus operation «at eelnator + Selaabe avo powor-of tine mt reserves batery apacty + 80-239 connect fo 18-300 range smal connec fr 00-S0H ange The patect combination of analog and rene ‘infomation, designed in panel fr artenna lagrsts and adsinens whi on te 0, ter frie fs! cAA-SSC Protect your CAA Soar Fommostze, shack dens ands! ‘Shoue srapinclaed, Call or visit your local dealer today! www.natcommgroup.com | 800-962-2611 @CxMET.OST Howard E. Miche, WB2ITX Publisher Steve Ford, WBSINY ter Becky A. Schoenfeld, WIBXY Managing Elie ‘Jen Gilfort, KEIKNL Sener ator Caroline Kenney Leanna Zwiebe! Asuetant Eto Bart Jahnke, WO Radlosport Fld Sonicos Manager Flick Lindquist, WWiME Pappsnings Bob Alison, WBIGCM Proauet Review Lab Teng Mark J.Witson, KIRO AlBrogson, WiAB, Brno MeClanny, W3UR H.Ward iver NOAX: Paul Wade, WiGHZ ‘Jon Jones, NBJK Pick Paim, KICE Michelle Bloom, WBTENT Precuton Superusor ‘Jol Morin, KAIPA. ‘Assistant Proousion Supervsor Maty Weinberg, KBTEIB Preaucton Coatdnaor| Dovid Pingree, MINAS Senior Tecnica lusbator Janet Rocco, WIILA ‘Agversing Seles Manager Bob nderbitzen, NOI Preduat Development Manager ‘Ywette Vinci, KC1AIM, Markeing and Sates Manager Steve Ewald, WWIK Fld Organization Suporvicor Eric Casey, KOZERC ‘Gorvention and Evert Coordinator 4 February 2020 9 30 33 39 43 47 65 69 72 82 84 PD Contents February 2020 # Volume 104 # Number 2 Second Century Open Technolgy for Opening Minds Build Your Own D-STAR Hotspot Bob Witton, KFSTPO. ‘CW Combo Key Mare Alan Winzenied, WAGZCO CAT — Computer Aided Transceiver Steve Ford, WBEIMY ‘An SWR-Shifting T Bill Conwell, k2PO. Product Review Mark Wilson, K1RO FloxRacio Systems FLEX-6600M HF ‘and Meter SDA Transceiver DX Engineering AX Share Audio Switch Workbench “Tnitd Hand? Gite Board Holsers The Evolution of Power Bob Bruninga, WB4APR Radio-Friendly Real Estate Allison McLellan Easy Super Stealth Antenna Denis Lazar, WDHN 2019 ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest Results ‘eff Wadsworth, KISWL. 2019 ARRL 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest Results ‘John "JK" Kalenowshy, KOUK A Look Back: April 1970Columns Departments Calbratng Our Legacy 101 ArpateurRace Band Char 85 Cassie Rado. 102 ——_ARRL Secton Managers 6 Close Up 81 Carieatoof Code Contes Coral “81 Proscency Recents 31 Correspondence. 24 Comenton and Hamfest Calendar. $2 The Doorn so Feedback vo 8B Eclectic Tecnology 64 ‘Fe Organization Reports =o Happ0nings wuseevssovonnmen?S Guide to ARAL Member Benes. 14 Hints & Hacks Hamas é 40 4, Hows Dx? 38 Ince Adveriers 142,149 a Member Sight 13 Ofer, Dison Decor, and Sa. 18 eeu ORE Public Serve crommnnaT® GST Cover Plague ANGE nn 99 Up Front. ced Stent Kays 105 = The Wold Above SOM 83 ——_Spocal Evert Statons 0 = 100, 50, and 25 eas Ago jot Shaye vo 60, 84 87,89, WiAW Qvakiying ns. 31 \WiaW Sones : 9% OurCover Digital and Mobile Editions WIAMS OSL FIG sor “23 Yaga ord he ate GST ARAL menterscan ees the dtl esion : os ype, Teh we aa Ink at wenarrorgigst,dourtoad ou? Write for QST oratucion waned ade ook For on TOStpp tom te Tunes Sore, end dgvnisad adware orplgat author guide ‘Serv eons beatles par tur Atrod app tom te Google Pay Sw, ——_omat.qat@amorg Sirs eo Gh Coot ope 88 crenscounsaias geome meeenmyraetar pieettten inact Sasa — Eel amare, EERE ACTNY (neh nbereereete SEP Seon & cece rote Semmunmpeeim., , Spmncaryetowaras,, eis TGRRMGG is Soemtmecnencet ge SoMeraseimenta, seeker rutinmcunrinere Soeeie ” Raserenisrn ° eeuemarsaure. erintiweceyr Resch Neran., Soak ooh aren your rakroluoe tuna Son tek cue sto Mal St" Liarecardinemmnnre Se fsanacoe lobe ececine Peon (albn uu maka Hey ny Rucioeis canes, wie Ey Seas cert REX Gods! outers ISUT All Other Counties: arbeeshipin the QST®,ONCC® VUCC® OX Ceney CLP, Bebsansane arsarach Take or ESG'iecmeras, Seromtmmmns eyoesner mance SEES anoeecee S eRe SRR me, momen Sree isceumavatome., Eiki pomanlinag”” eds arms 2 ine betaine Spree, ‘tie pmeraan feo Rasy League ie. Drak clcur One Piacy Poy ‘hay Guay ernie Us lenber medias mdyclamerbarhirgalbe prods desched oraccwadtersn wameaorpfonine precy policy Risecearure Gemersamiis, Seences mee Eaueieec, Seotme Sresmeneameaneet, STARS EES naer" Ret ceammrm Someone nani fepetpaSStomebemnns EUmscuanenamages Geter, Seeawiagn See aee. Siar. ‘woe gure ° February 2020 5LDG High Power AT-600PROI AT-1000PRON 600 Watts to Mid Size Amps Dual Bargiaph "18 1 SAM * 690 $8B / 2000 Digital 'UsB Conta PLE TS ACCESSORIES Desktop Our Most Popular Desktop Tuner AT-200PROI ‘ORO Auto Tuner to togw 200 Watts Desktop 4 Ste L Network Tunes 1011S AT-100PROI =Dual Antenna 22 Year Warranty Duel argraph +1000 3SB 350 Digital 2500 SSB 10M Dial * Auto (Sem Auto Mose + USB Cont +125 558/300 Digtal Balun / Unun Icom eS integration, R&L Electronics 800-221-7735 LDG YT-100 Special! $149.00 SIpora@ alasioniss.com 41) Lise) Tas BEST VALUE. See Zero Power - Go Box Ready! Designed for portable and low power applications. zero current drawn once tuned + Highly Portable + 1250 SSB/30W Digital Z-11PROI 2-817 = LED SWR indicator + FT-817/818 Compatible “1031 SWR + Operates on 4 AAS +1250 $56 30W Digtal + 20W 58/50 Digi 7-100 PLUS Low Cost LDG YT-1200 With FREE Soom Power Supply and FREE Shipping Call Main Trading 1-903-737-0773 Gees Siar Special $229. Ch] 7, Peete aeOptimiziR The next generation of SteppIR controllers, and the latest in the OptimizIR line! AUSER INTERFACE DESIGNED FOR RESULTS. Control your SteppIR antenna from your PC, Mac, iPhone, or Android device seem SEAMLESS REMOTE OPERATION Access the OptimizIR EVO and all your SteppIR antenna’s features from anywhere - just add internet MULTIPLE ANTENNAS? NO PROBLEM. Easily name, save, and load different antenna pe configurations to make eI switching between setups. ea}e ezjeafecales) abreeze aa) === BUILT TO SHARE. Export your configurations with the click of a button. Connect with other SteppIR users and get next-level results Pre-Production model, inal product subject to change a ae OE www.steppir.com COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS POL CreerDIAMOND NT NTN Heay Ama etc emcees oT] ence Set eRe Sec cea a USO LU A GOA eS UCR CO me ‘Strong waterproof joint couplings Ce a ae UL aca ey Wideband performance DIAMOND ANTENNAS help you get the most out PueNe UT eC seSeWe Oe a ee ee ee Came DOD Seeenm Caecomee You've tried the rest, now own the best! oem pepe eee 88 = OORT COR MCRAE CSD Base Stalor/Repeater Antennas am 5 50 Monoband Base Stalln/Repeate Antonnas X700HNA § Q ~ F x Cee Seis)Howard E, Michel, WB2ITX, ARAL Chief Executive Officer, hmichel @arr.org Second Century Open Technology for Opening Minds When | first walked around a ham flea market as a teenager, the vintage equipment was generally military surplus, or older first-generation SSB rigs. Now, the vintage gear at hamfest flea markets is Collins and Drake equipment that was state-of-the-art in my youth. This gear required technical know-how to operate. ‘One needed to retune the rig — dip the plate — when changing frequency any significant amount, Back then, the technolagy was “open. By that, | mean ‘equipment was built with vacuum tubes, discrete semiconductors, and discrete resistors, capacitors, land inductors. You could use @ VOM, O-scope, simple hand tools, a soldering iron, and a schematic diagram to understand what was working and what was not. ‘You could “iook under the hood” and repair or modity the rig. In 1971, Intel produced the 4004 microprocessor and everything changed. Today's top rigs are computing marvels, bult using surface-mount components and with major functionality defined in a silicon wafer and, software. The average ham can't repair or madity such a rig, even with an engineering degree. Today's state-of-the-art equipment inches closer to plug and play. With that in mind, imagine that you've just left a ham- fest. Returning to your hotel, you get on an elevator, land a young weran notices your call sign badge. She ‘asks, “What do those letters and number mean?” You thave the time it takes for the elevator to go up five floors to communicate your passion for amateur radio, to that young person, What do you say? You can't say i's to talk around the world; she can do that now from her cell phone or using the intemet. You can't say it's to get under the hood of a modern radio; its all software and silicon. Oris it? Consider the banner ARFL rolled out last summer, service, and discovery” Build your elevator speech around thal ‘concept. And ARRL can do more to help you. [ARIAL is developing low-cost (target $5.00), build ‘an-hour receiver and transmitter kits, We intend to ‘make these available at nominal cost to members and radio clubs who want to have a different ‘soldering experience” at their next hamfest. We've even received a donation (and would like to receive more) to make some available for free. We will have, as part of ARAL booth at Orlando HamCation in February, & build-a-radio experience using a kit designed by ‘member Levi Zima, KN4YHS, a 21-year-old RF designer. Imagine the excitement that a pair of new hams might have, one building a reoeiver and one building a transmitter, going outside and communi- cating using a radio they built Lets try to recapture some of the excitement — the skills and discovery — of exploring how radio works. I you have ideas or experiences that might help us vith our build-a-radio kit, please contact Product. Development Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NO1R, at ngtr@arrl.org. | encourage your comments to me at ee0@arrLorg. Where to Meet WB2ITX January 24— Winterfest & ARRL Midwest Division Convention, Colinsvile,llinois https:/iwinterfest. sisre.org February 7 - February 9 — Oriando HamCation, (Orlando, Florida www.hamcation.com ren G Wn WALITE February 2020 9Free Catalog/Dealers/Manuals Online - Visit: www.hy-gain.com or call toll-free 800-973-6572 Lies ‘AV-THAVQ "220" AV-IZAVQ "169" DX-77A 499" 1 hy-gain® Classics Aine goin mutand vertical antennas elt St Senna Compression clamps are used for radiators. "Two year imited warranty. ‘AVANT, $1099.95. (10, 12, 15, 20, 40, 80 M, 1160, 17 Meters optional) 53 ft, 174 Ibe. ‘Standing 5 oe al. to farousHy-Gam My Tower e the wort’ best peroring vic! The AV-TBHT featres utonave band decionachevod tvoush a ungue ‘Sb-docouring sytem when ete eats vs colons of fie stoma eo that an elactcal Wt wavelength (Groce mutpe oti wavelength) exon at bance, ‘oposiitly 250 ee bondi 221 VSWR on 80 tora na aston of: bose acing cl (Ue-1600, $5449.95) proves exceptional 160 Me: prtrmance, 1aK-17, $199.95 Ac.on 17 Motor it-24 foc toner a rugged, be galvanized see! ar al hardware led foreonosen resitarce, Special itorer gd base or 99 rang & lowstng, AVA14AVO, $229.95. (10, 18, 20 40 Motors) 188, 9m. “The Hy-Gan 1480 uses the sare ap dain as the famous Hy-Gan Thuncerd vase. Tees paras ar tier tl traps nih versie cole give super tabi tnd if wave recorange anal senda, Roof mount wih FyGain AVATAAMG Kit, $119.95, ‘AVA1ZAVA, $169.95. (10, 18, 20 Meters) 43%, 9m. ‘AVAIZAVG sis uses Thunserbied beam dosent fer tps tor etremely Hy pertoace, Th the way go fr nercencie u-bard perormanc tes Snice_ Roof mount wn AV-T@RMG Kit, £149.95. High quay constuion and in east make the AV-18VS an exceptional value, Eas tured ay bard by ajsing feos pant ano basa lacing cl. Root mou wth Hy-Gan ‘AVALARMA hit, $119.95, ‘Dx-88, $309.05. (10, 12, 15,17, 20, 30, 40, 80 Meters) 160 Meters optional) 25,48 tbs. {AML bonds av easly tuned wah he DXB excuse ‘hse capacios. 60a 20 Molar ean oven be ined irom the ground wnout having t lowe the antenna. Sue heaypauty constuction. DX86 GPTIONS. 160 Maser ‘0t-on kt KIT-160-88, $249.95. Ground Radial ‘System, GRK-8S, $129.95. Roof Radlal System, RKB, $119.98, DX-77A, $499.95. Meters} 29 7,25 12,45, 17,20, 30, 40 ‘Mo ground recasreqre! Of cere ed Windom has ‘55% greater Ganaan than oompetsve verte, Hea {4 able be, Hoch band ndependeny tine eT SU IGM MANA SR TAsonte TSH ves fume th HOWPE® he Apes MT beat SHB aM IPWDEP 25h pak 75WPoay 1510 DUTTA bata H-IOOWPE Skt Shyce MMogiy USHER ‘Rs song Pics an spect suelo change CED ge hy-gain. HF Verticals 80-6 Meters Hy-Gain’s new AV-680 adds 75/80 Meters with no radials! Includes 40, 30, 20, 17,15, 12,10 and OiMeters operation with low 4? dearee ncinghtion nate and ommtdirectonal rage. No ground or rake Moodod. Handlor Bil 1906 Wats key dowh ‘continwou for two minutor, ‘Avs80 $599.95 Highly Eticiem faves on 10,32 Prete a yee Gnilesdngesi an capac Faison 15/20 90.40 snd Extra wise low VSWR Sana Ena te th ‘rosdand making un Singe com cab ed ‘Admatic handout, Steck and lew profite Low 2:59 ving sutaco ‘aes, Sralfeconror ‘olsen pate Built-totast High we surest ‘Rrra tome ese ted re Arca qusy sae igs Hy-Gaim orcas aro no ‘eatbutt bert peor Sa best pow mutoans ‘teas avaiable today ygein warranty “Two year lined waranty, ‘Atvepscsont pan Av.s40, 5499.95. (2M 6 Melon. 2558, isthe. $200.08. ad! 2 17, 1812.10, Stet. 225%, 10SI08, ITB 2ntonnas, Rotators & Towers, 03 ncustial Pk, Sail, MS 39759 USA m7. ‘Sales/Tech: (662) 323-9538 = FAX: (662) 323-5803 Open 8-4:30 CST, Mor Frihe QUALITY AMATEUR RADIO PRODUCTS FROM INFAD .>S MAT-TUNER from INRAD 6 Great NEW Automatic Antenna Tuners Sleek machined aluminum cases, quality PC boards. Control tuners from radio front panel with included interface cables for Icom, Kenwood, and Yaesu transceivers. Broad matching range for high input SWR Is better than internal transceiver automatic antenna tuners, 1120 watts RF power handling, 2 year warranty. INRAD DESK MICROPHONES ‘THE INRAD DESK MICROPHONE SYSTEM IS THE NEW STANDARD FOR QUALITY AUDIO ON HF. Excellent audio doesn't hav hundreds (of dollars. Prices from $138 to $158. ST review: January 2038. INRAD W1 HEADSET ‘THE INRAD W1 HEADSET ISTHE NEW HAM a RADIO STANDARD. Great comfort. Great audio. Great price THOUSANDS IN USE WORLDWIDE OST review: May 2019 IER CW Keys ~ (CHER BY-1is the ing ambi paddle in i Radio! lambie pada oe SBENCHER ING. EASY-ROTOR-CONTROL USB control of 90 different rotators. Point and click with your mouse. Interfaces with most popular ham Software. Kit and assembled versions star at only $89 AZIELcontiolers also available. QST review: Nov. 2014. straight keys, BBS, single lever paddles, your HF transceiver? Do i with D¥Patro Great price at only $99 VIBROPLEX DXPatrol is tiny SDR covering 100 KH-2 GHa that canbe used with Windows, Mac, Lnux, ‘OF Android. Not an €-bit dongle! Full featured ‘receiver. Want to add a panadaptor t = (865) 309-5073 i high performance lightweight antenna THE SPIDERBEAM 40FT HD FIBERGLASS 4 years of portable or permanent e installation. SPIDERBEAM HD FIBERGLASS POLES SPIDERBEAM ROTATABLE ALUMINUM MASTS - support for 13 to 26 Ibs antenna weight, 33 ft- $459 / $485, 41 ft $509, 47 ft $639, 49 f $575, 60 ft $749. Guy hardware, POLE HAS NO EQUAL IN HAM RADIO One pole, many uses, made to withstand 40 ft - $109 and $219 / 60 ft-$279/ 72 ft- $479/ 85 fee $599. QST review: Feb. 2010 rotator adapters, other accessories available. QST review: May 2015. www.spiderbeam.us www.vibroplex.comHamation Station Automation Hamaton remete ac Leal Staion Conta prods alow you to atomaticly ‘tranucly sk! arenas, bandpass Mies and eonol acesseres ‘ecssonee cn be Sckattenes, Arianna soe antenna prong ome, Sepp coro, ung raion on an oe A af hs ch be ‘ne direct tem the Eee a el! ‘ng ae spie prone canes at cae coin ale devices. Wels conc abo al abi your toworlocaca orca. Cal us loan hw fo ‘Cup snp or compos aysiona, Gol oa ome ase astm hak can Such artnnes 3 you enange bones. We eshnerace ar rad GAT por, rotant R252: niente ee eros Pet ba eh opel eter eee Ct ttt oe Sete ere tt Besar een ices ea Been elena ea Seve siete eae da ee tee Utd Pee ica Peter ees pester) Pein ian ty es ern nerd RoR eae seamen ieee ey betes aed EEL tity enter! retried eee emmecheree cd eo ree omer ent ae Seca Feito ie ea tay Serry ree) eben eee Po emer) reentrant brevets Deeg ae ere? Pla cree ae oo Deen aman patriot en ce. ee een pennies ey Seen A wes Pome creeper CL Pere er CT peared DoT tea a \ o neers pee een fd Bement td eerie ere nn eed bse eer anda peered recy ii et NR PTE te ed ieee acerBecky R. Schoenfeld, WIBKY, bichoenfeld@ert org Member Spotlight Skip Paulsen, W1PV ARAL Life Member Charles “Skip’ Paulsen, WIPV, has been enjoying the changes inham radio for 60 years. His father was a radio oper- ator in World War I, and taught Skip Morse code when he was about 10. Ham radio came afew years late, in high schoo), ‘when Skip joined the schoo! radio club, His frst icense, in November 1980, was ‘WVP2UM, and he upgraded to General, WA2PUM, a few months later. Skip tested for his ‘Amateur Extra-class license during his senior year, but didn't pass. “It was a rude awakening," he said. He went into the military where he served in the Army Signal Corps, sta- tioned in Thailand during the Vietnam ‘War. There, Skip had access toa first- class Collins S-Line station, and it interested him in getting back into ham radio. His license had expired, so MARS operator Bud Johnson, ‘ABQAD, gave Skip the Conditional ‘exam, which he passed. An “Extra” Long Day After 2 years in the Army, Skip got back home and he and his wife, Donna, settled in Danbury, Connect- icut. Incentive icensing had kicked in by then, and you needed an Amateur Exta-class license if you wanted to get to the best DX. At the FCC office ‘on Christopher Street in New York City, Skip was told that his Conditional license meant he had to start from. ssoratch. In one day, Skip passed the ‘General code test (13 WPM), General theory, Advanced theory, the Amateur Extra code test (20 WPM), and the ‘Skip Paulsen, WIPY, wth some of his antennas Amateur Extra theory test. “tt had to be 6 to 8 hours of testing’ Skip said. 1 was toast, but | was happy.’ Skio was given WA1SCY, which he changed to WIPY, forits ease in CW and pho- netics. Peaks and Valleys During his 14 years in Connecticut Skip chased DX and got into VHF ‘rom 6 meters to 10 GHz. He had always been interested in the OSCAR ‘satellites, and made contacts through OSCAR 6, 7, and 8. In 1986, Skip's employer at the time, TST, transferred him to the company headquarters in New Jersey, He and his wife, Donna, moved to Pennsyl- vania, just over the Now Jersey line, and have been there ever since. His, Pennsylvania home is in a valley — ‘not ideal for a ham who loves VHF — 's0 Skip started over with a ground) plane antenna and ‘moved from one thing to another’ in the wide world of every thing ham radio has to offer. Hooked on Bounce By the time Skip retired 6 years ago, his big hobby ‘was bicycling. He enjoyed ‘weekly rides with his local cycling club and, by his own admission, ‘radio was min- imal” However, 3 years ago, wile putting up antennas at his son’s house for a VHF ccontest, Skip had a heart attack. "| got first-class med- ical care, but the damage was done,” he said. No longer able to bieycle, he returned to ham radio, buying new equipment in the hope of giving EME a try. “Sure enough, the first time | tried it, | worked about a dozen stations, and | got hooked. Its just a fantastic aspect of radio” he said ‘Those days, Skip doos EME on 2 meters, 432 MHz, and 1296 MHz, ‘and he has “a yard full of aluminum, ‘and plans to expand” Worked All States isa favorite award — Skip holds the basic award as well as Bicenten- rial, satelite (prior to OSCAR 10), 160, meters, and 2 meters (49 of his 2-meter contacts were on EME — Ili- nois was the holdout, and he got that ‘one on meteor scatter), He's currently chasing WAS on 432 and 1296. Skip is stil DXing and has 330 entities con- firmed. He hopes to achieve DXCC Honor Roll this winter. “Ham radio is a big house. There's lots Cf room in here for everybody” Skip said. Im sitting here trying to igure out whats next and what's fun” February 2020 13,ARRL’s mission: To advance the art, science, and enjoyment of amateur radio. Guide to Member Benefits ARRL Online | www.crrlorg/myARRL Create an online ARRL Member account, and get ‘access to members-only benefits. Register at ‘woww.arrl.orgimyARRL. Already registered? Log in at the top of the ARRL website =Magazines | www.arrlorgigst and www.arrlorgiota Members in the US receive a choice of print magazine: QST, ARRL’s membership journal (12 monthly issues), (or On the Air, our new magazine for new and beginner- to-intermediate-level radio amateurs (6 bimonthly issues). All members can access the digital editions Of both QST and On the Air from a web browser and ‘apps available for (OS, Android, and Kindle Fire Gevices. Members need a valid ARRL account to access the digital editions of QST and On the Air, ‘Archives and Periodicals Search, and the Product Review Archive. "E-Newsletters | www.arrl.org/myARRL ‘Subscribe to the weekly ARRL Letter and a variety of other ARRL e-newsletters and announcements: ham radio news, radio clubs, public service, contesting, and more! "Email Forwarding Service Email sent to your arrLnet address will be forwarded to any email account you specify. Technical Information Service | www.arrl.org/tis Call or email our expert ARRL Technical Information Service specialists for answers to all your technical and ‘operating questions, This service is FREE to ARRL members. Advocacy | www.arrl.org/requlatory-advocacy ‘ARRL supports legislation and regulatory measures that preserve and protect meaningful access to the radio spectrum. Qur ARRL Regulatory Information Branch answers member questions conceming FCC rules and operating practices. ARRL’s Volunteer ‘Counsel and Volunteer Consulting Engineer programs ‘open the door to assistance with antenna regulation ‘and zoning issues. The American Radio Relay League, Inc. ARPL naval anode fo erat Rate Sits: supe ‘earner satgphe arama metaon scone or tase ‘Secor radoepecrom stias rover morte ol iole gel ah, Srageton oe enauager ode series a, rug rence ‘oreo ado ecelogy and easton sd orarze and Ware volar Sng fa conmses oy pone pele vrs an anerueney commons (aes vin Stata, spt ean 2018. RRL rencormacel soca wot cap eck chats uote nus ft Stef Cornea and an exo oarcaion rae ‘Soeson sotto) te mona evr Cos 088 lose pov by Sboerder Decne unos otra mertows ae seas Sey Syarsb0 freramemoernp. Tho etbars re anced er apa bye aor 14 February 2020 Join or Renew Benefits weworrlorg/iein wwnw.arrorg/benefits Donate Shop www. orrlorg/donate Sar any/shop Group Benefits" | wwwwarrl.org/benefits *ARRL Ham Radio Equipment Insurance Plan iberty Mutual Auto and Home Insurance “usenyy Find... 2 Livense Exam Session | vwww.arrlorgiexam a Licensing Class | www.arrl.orgiclass 2 Radio Club (ARRL-affliated) | www.arrl.orgiclubs ‘a Hamfest or Convention | www.arrl.orgfhamfests Interested in Becoming a Ham? wwwarrlorginewham newham@arr.org | Tel. 1-800-326-3942 (US) ‘Connect with ARRL ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio® 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1400 USA 1-860-594-0200, Mon. — Fri. 8AM to 5 PM ET exsthekinya FAX 1-860-594-0259, email hqinfo@arr.org Contact ARRL: www.arrl.orgicontact-arrl GEE oR Webste: wawwart.org Facebook: @ARRL org “Twiter @arr, @wiav, @eret_ares Instagram and Instagram TV: @arelhg YouTube: ARRLHQ Linkedin: hts sw links ‘american-radiowelayteaguel .comicompany/ Book of the Month! A History of QST- Volume 2 ‘ising 1915-2013 20% OFF Online www.arrl.org/shop [ARR Item No, 0088 Ends February 28,2020 ARRLis arco sa coe wth presences cant of Timet cue ormehnenpen tesa “OL andar he radars” ARRL rambo win atk Bo vt raj (Fates anna nt taal ans ray of acre at he Snares h smu are ‘ta ee! naam se oly esr iain cl nent ‘rari raheamse mck roa egy vag rare ‘eva oka rca SUS Tantei rie ners carson she aes othe ‘intents’ Ram, 2s a. Newngen, Comace aairoousawwomnorthoralvitions Officers, Division Directors, and Staff ‘As an ARRL member, you elect the Director and Vice Director who represent your Dison on ARRLpoley matters, It you have @ quastion or comment about ARRL poles, contact your representatives sted below, Officers Founding President (1914-1936) Ham Peroy Maxim, WIAW President Rice Roderick, KSUR* PO. Bor 1465, Lie Rock, AR 72203 (601-986-2577); kSundart.org First Vice President Gregory P-Wian, KGW" ‘dlr Son tN, Slater, MN 55082 (651-436-881), Kogwearr.org ‘Second Vice President Bob Valo, WEREG. ‘855 Shetiaia Re Casto Vay. CA 4546 (10-837.6708); wBrag@arrLorg International fare Vice President Blows, KOE 51005 Bicwol St, Wost St Paul, MNSS118 (651-238-4444) Kogb@are.org Chief Executive Oficr and Secretary" Howard E- Mitel, WEBI. Treasurer Fick Nswander, K7GM Chief Financial Officer Dane Mion, W20LM sit ann tage corms Sewer re fee Recor tarot ener ‘sean toe cee Pest tg Noe etetecene sain oor ge sencmeceneeeetay ting ger wants sna tne Sosa aa reer eer tomo bene se ae ee semen at fesoot Sot es nae eerie tee eet EET rr tecerg nr ge seers Meg Fes oma sets Business Start Contratir ‘Shomas Bl, KOM Information Technology Manager Menael Keane, Kia “Executive Commitee Member Allantic Division wowatldivorg ‘Tom Abernethy, WSTOM* P.O. Box 73, Aceakees, RAD 20607 (@01-257-5225), watom@arr.org Vice Director Robert B. Famigilo, KIRF P.O, Box 9, Neda, 6A 10063 (610-058-7300) k3rf@artLorg ‘Kermit Carlson, WOXA "180 Mekee St, Batavia, I. 60510 (690-879.0903) waxa@arr.org Vice Director: Carl Luetzolschwab, KSLA 1227 Pion Ri, For Wayne, IN 46845, (260-637-5988); Klan org Dakota Division worwarridakota.org ‘Matt Holden, KeBBC 400 Marquette Ave, Apt. 3006 Minnoapai, MIN 53404 (0522321884); KObbeg@art org Vie Diractr: Lynn Nolson, WEND ‘3204 Wilow Ln’ SE, Minot, ND 58701 (701-883-1000; wonagart.org Delta Division arridelta.org David A. Nomis, KSUZ ‘907 Evoning Sunsot Cr, Reid, AR 72182 (@70-613-1606} kSuz@arr ong Vice Disefor Ed B. Hudgens, WEARHO. {1441 Wexford Douns Ln, Nashvlle, TN 37217 (615.333.9850), wodeha@arr.org Great Lakes Division ant-groatiakes.org Dale Wiliams, WASEFK. 281 Outer Dr, Dundee, il 48131 (734-528.3232) wa8efk@arr.org Vio Director: Tomas Delaney, WaWTD 4622 Glerway Ave Cresnnal, OM 45238, (613-821-7428), wowd@an.org Hudson Division \warw-hudson arr.org Fla Jairam, NOR PO. Bor 73, Sussex, NUO7ABt (973-594-6275) nani@anorg Vie Diaotor Wiliam Hudaik, W2UDT {38 Preston Or, Gilat, Kd 07833 (608.580.0493) waar. org Midwest Division wonwarsimidwest org Rod Blocksomo, KEDAS. 690 Eastview Dr. Robins, 52328-8768 (@19-368.8022} Kodas@arrl.org Vice Director Art Zygielbaum, KOAIZ (6601 Pinecrest Dr. incon, NE 686" (402-421-0638) kdalz@arLorg How to Contact ARRL Staff Tosend an emalto any ARRL Headquarters staff member, put his or her cal sign (cefrst intial and fast name) in ret of (@arr.org. For example, to send to Hiram Maxim, Fst President of ho ARRL, use ‘wlaw@arr\.org, or hmaxim@arrLorg, New England Division Fred Hopengarten, KIVR" ‘Silareh Ra, Lincoln, MA 01773 (781.259.0008) kivr@art.org Vice Director: Mike Ralsbeck, K1TWF £85 Figh St, Chelmsford, MA DTE24 (878-250-1255) kitwi@anorg Northwestern Division wrwarrinwelvorg Mike Ritz, W7VO ‘33643 Burma Pd, Scappocse, OR 97056 (603-067-1260) wivo@errLorg Vice Director: Mark J. Tharp, KB7HOX PO. Box 2222, Yakima, WAGED? (608.852°5764); KoThe@ar.org Patific Division pacific arr.org sim Temstra, KEAT? 413450 Skye Bla, Oakland, CA 94619 (610-569-696); Kéjat@art.org Vie Dizctor: Kristen Melntyro, KEWX 900 Golden Whee! Park Or #25, San ose, CA (95112 (510-708-4942), K6wx@areora Roanoke Division artiroanoke.com ‘George W. "Bud Hippsiey, W2RU" ‘981 ile Crack Ra, Penhook, VA 24137 (640.576.2507), w2ru@artorg ie Director Bill Morine, N2COP_ 40% Wide Dx, Wimingion, NC 28400 (810-452-1770) nacop@oarrong Rocky Mountain Division worwrockymountaindvision.org Jeff Ryan, KORN, ‘9975 Wiedowarh Pky K2-275 Westminster GO 80021 (305-432-2806); kOrm@arr.org Vie Diector: Robert Wareham, NEESQ 300 Pinza Dr. Suite 200 Highiands Ranch, CO 80129 (720-582-0384); ndesa@art.org Southeastern Division ‘ww facebook com! ARRLSoutheasternDivision Mickey Baker, NAME. {4768 Black Bear Rd, West Palm Boach, FL {9418 (054-867-2553) ndmbgar.org Ve Director James Schilling, KG4ISZ 4 Joel Massey Ra, Haines Cy FL33e44 (407-356-2574); kgdjse@arel org Southwestern Division varwkkninotin6aa Richard J. Norton, NGAA 21230 West Hilsde Dr, Topanga, CA 90290 (G10-456-1138);ichardjnorten@yahoo.com Vice Diecior Mark A. Weiss, KEFG P.O. Box 603, Woodland Fils, CA91365 (618-431-5960) k6tg@art.org West Gulf Division westguifaivision.org ‘John Robert Stratton, NSAUS" P.O. Box 2292, Asin Tx T8768.2252 (612-448-6262) nBaus@anSaus.com ice Director: Lee H. Cooper, WSLHE 2507 Autey Or, Leaner, TX 78644 (612.588.2010) leoopor@arr.org February 2020 15,vow org/sactions ARRL Section Managers ‘The 15 Divisions of ARRL are arranged into 71 administrative Sections, each headed by an elected Section Manager (SM). Your ‘Section Manager fs he person to contact when you have news about your actives, or those of your radio club. if you need assistance with a local problem, your Saction Manager is your fist point of contact. He dr she can put you in touch with various ARRL volunteers who ‘can help (such as Technical Specialists) Your Section Managor is aso the parsan to sea If you'd like to became a Section volunoar Whatever your license cass, your SM has an appoiniment available. Vist your Section page at wwwarrLorg/sections. ‘Alone Divison (OF any, smu, wy, ‘alga Besaloce Ke? TaN Sonny Sky Be ln, OF 1908-2858, Eaten Penayiani’ Gecge hit, WSGWM, 290 Woods Ra, Wyong, PA 15 fros1007 wogumeart org a DE ny Pr RN Pagan Re, Owngs hi, MD217 Ca Reh ammo . 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Fomoste Neo (Bod nero) nate (egargrne NETO ct 90 oan Yin Ss la Faktori ly Co Cod RL Cota ete Meret hah Come gR Cyc en ID guanine Staats, Vissi tenes aera a cee 0 Sr Hoi 9 Lowen Oe, Senoy AR 724.8477 16 February 2020, O57 yyy arors "Northwestern Division (AK, EWA, ID, MT, OR, WW) ‘sata a Strona, 76852 Gr SA Anteape, AK 82 (corte rebar or. {Sta Warr sc Tey ATE, 100. Fav Dx, Schae . A Sabre oasis aoe ore {sons Marae KIRN, 08 Faroe oe. 83700 (cosy arene org Nenana Pel See F750), 827 Desdaed Or, irae, MT 59105 ‘Sie Ona ie RATOZO, SYED. Lahr ve, Orn hy OR OSE 164 (2a82z0-14 taronoard org, " Neston Washi: Not, Stoson, WIFE, PBs 3008 Sheil, WADED (260683 7685, want org foc Divo [8 NY, PAC, 6, FSI SCV Seer dra nn 0 Led, aC, CASSIS ee oe ean marta Ur 20 Patra vo, Ls Yop, NV8912°2157 (ets ty ctor Free ne Seren An 278 Kalo 502, Hoo, 105825 (eo cy shear re Sere San ere raga Po Cre gh CA Seneca SU Mena SGN PO Boe, Sara Ron, CAOSANRAISS rk earring a iy ra SSK EDN Dn Fee CASHES ea stapes ‘Santo Voy fee Barc NIC, PO, BoxBD18, Pb Ao, CA II08 (8513.595) ctr Roanoke Division (NC, SC, VA, [er Garin Ke Sawn BCR See Ser Fam Ln aon NC 2761 60119 oo 608 menagirory (esse nao ae lesoph ds KSVRY 8101 Wh HNC, Richmond, VA 232562725 (BS: Kream oe BSE awd Ere rte Son Uk Seas co wove 682 Ni dng BW RATE 170% oneal RE, SE. Ro Rants, NMEA (oS) tat ro Ute Prens NATE 188 © 2700 No Layo, UT 84a (ir 9 1 nmtpatorg Mvpomy: ek Sertge NTE, 1.2m tv Ri 2995 (307707 01 terre Southeastern soar Tn ae tron ter Shao, 9506007 Sagi Ona Seni MOR 00 Foxtal Cts Eos. S08, GA0276 (oe 250580) pterrtore Ns Pes Revel Be GBP, 80 Fh Av, Ee FL SHR te S725) abn Pro Carr Ral NeARE TY Bac 74, Vga Aa, PR OEE. 9600 (55a otras Sop erat San re, Ret, ss Si A 251, SNOVRCONA BR fst Say katpaa ny wring rs ber KY, Pen BUSS Cart, VCORE 275 Kewwaern on es ara Po Dave ci KAW, 350s RB, Fo Man FL 84 ‘Southerner Division AZ, LAX. ORG, SOG, $B) Resale WHA 0OOW Sekt. ln AZTEC {eer Gar Fates ABE. PBT, Poe erin Poa, CA SSE SOLENT detours Ca Garros WARD 2080 Gatts St Pate, CAS2S7O eran water og Sond, Gao err, XEC, 60 Ar Chi, CAB ‘Sona eon rm icons NBEX PB 178, ami CAI088 (805-216-2560), nsxiarrt org ~ He ea eee ee OS i eet in, ten anki (eit S85 Ste a gory ‘Son Keun Oat NNT, 198 Sa Faery, baer OX TET (e020 sty newartorg Str ne Pe ber RECA, 20 Don, Caer Pa TX 786137087 (Soat0 te keeper org Ie Tr aga NOM, PO. Bor75, ui Gio TXT (SSS DNy wa CF 80 FokSL Mago, WV 25014507Online - Visit: www.ameritron.com or calll toll-free 800-647-1800 AMERITRON 600W 160-6M Solid State 600 Watts is only 4 dB below 1500 Watts full legal limit - less than an S-unit! Now! Ameritron ALS-606SIALS-606 Solid State 600 Wate amplifier covers 160-6 Meters and automatically bandswitches by your transceiver. It’s only 4 dB below 1500 Watts —iess than an S-unt- nobody can ‘heer the ciference! heard! Work DX and ragchew wih anyone. Just tum on select bband on your transceiver and operate. 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K4 Direct-Sampling SDR and KPA 1500 Legal-Limit Amp KPA1500 Features Direct sampling SDR Modula, hybrid architecture Single or dual 1800 Very compact design Fst, sient PIN diode TA switching Buln panadapter- High resolution tuning aid+Comprehensive/OFullremote ATU with dual antenna jacks Compatible with nearly any transceiver ~ control via Ethemet 7" olor sereen with touch and mause control Custom cables avaiable 160-6 meters-CE for Europe + ATU with 102+ range-3 antenna jacks - Upto receive antenna sources &) ELECRAFT’ elecraft.com + 831-763-4211phront@ord org Us Prose LEG-O-HAM Atlast year's Western Carolina Amateur Rao Society (WARS) Hamiost in Waynosvila, North Carona, th ‘chairperson, Ruth Bemer, WA4VT, decided to ry some- thing diferent. Ruth and her husband, Doug, KNAAYW, are bath “AFOLs' — Adult Fans of LEGO. Iti an artistic activity vith adult pasticipants throughout the world, Ruth come bined amateur radio and LEGO art at the event, cling ItLEG-O-HAM 1.0. The exhibition was a hit ana attracted 2 great deal of intrest. Rumor has it LEG-O-HAM20 vill appear a the 2020 WCARS ; Hamfest on July 25 at the Haywood County North (Carolina Fairgrounds, Ruth Bemer, WAAVT, a the LEG.O-HAM 10 dispiay, 20. February 2020 WOFK, notes that cone of the fringe benefits of ving in St Louis, Missouri is that Hell Sound Is ust across the Mississipoi River in Fairview Heights, Winois. When Lou visited the company, he was able to park in one of two spedally resoned spaces.ALINCO Quality. Style, Penformances AUINCO ED Posanoe TP tetcncinie 1 seat ew pects fe Bomsecocter Figure 1 — Windows 10 Device Manager. This Is whore you can determine how Windows has. assigned your vitual COM ports 40 February 2020 CAT Over TCP/IP In recent years, CAT has also been implemented over TCPIIP (an internet standard communications pro- tocol pair), often for use with software-defined radios. For example, in the FlexRadio Systems SmartSDR program, a TCP/IP port can be added that responds to CAT commands. So, the base protocol remains the same, but the communications transport mechanism is TCPIP. The FlexRadio SmartSDR approach to CAT supports integration with software that was designed for more traditional radios. This means that your logging pro- {gram should communicate smoothly with a FlexRadio transceiver, but may be somewhat limited in what it can do. After all, the CAT standard didn't anticipate that we would see the day when a single transceiver would be able to receive on several frequencies simultaneously. Connecting with CAT Most modern transceivers support CAT control and they do it through a cable connected between the radio and your computer, or between the radio and a hardware interface that supports CAT. In years past, ‘making the physical connections could be compli- cated, depending on the types of connectors needed. Thanks to the advent of USB, however, itis much easier today. If you are using a USB interface that supports CAT, a single cable will connect the interface to your com- puter. Another cable, or set of cables, connects the interface to your transceiver. If you are blessed with ‘owning a radio that has its interfacing circuitry builtin, you may need only one or perhaps two USB cables ‘between your computer and racio. Ineither case, when you plug in the USB cables, Win- dows (the operating system used in the vast majority of stations) will recognize the device — your interface or your radio — and will automatically set up one or more virtual COM ports. It wil assign specific num- bers to each port and you'll need to know these num- bers before you attempt to configure your software. In Windows 10, click on SETTINGS in the START menu. Now type “Device Manager’ in the search window. Windows will display the search resutt; click on it Soon you will see a list of devices similar to what you se¢ in Figure 1. Click the arrow beside PORTS (COM & LP7) and you will be presented with a lst ofall ports presentty in use. The port for your radio or interface ‘may be laboled with a name you may not recognize.I you are unsure, unplug the USB cable and notice which port suddenly vanishes. Plug the cable back in and write down the port number when it reappears. ‘The image in Figure 1 was taken from my station ‘computer. My transceiver is an Icom IC-7300. ‘When | plugged in the USB cable between the "7300 and my computer, Windows assigned it to virtual COM port 9. You'l see it labeled in the port list as “Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COM 9)’ |'can use this connection to fully control the IC-7800, but | do some peculiar things with soft- ware and | needed to run CAT on a separate line. So, to meet my needs, | purchased a USB CIV interface on eBay for about $30 and | have itconnected separately. Windows assigned it to @ sates 7 x Ceremd | Rado | nde TeNeoss Rego Prenencta | Core Ro: a =) renee sesivat [a Om seutret reer on One Ose Bat sep reas ane @oe Ove om Crm un Bouse One — @rore stop Ovcnncer © teromre Gre OR Ontest ‘COM 8 and labeled it accordingly. You'll see it on the list as well Now let's turn to your software. In this example, {will use the popular WSJT-X application. Other programs will display different menus, but the fundamentals are the same. Figure 2 is the WSJT-X radio settings menu. Look at the top of the menu and you will see that have selected the IC-7300 from the list of radios. By doing 0, I've told VWSJT-X that it needs to use the proper language to communicate with my transceiver. In other words, I've asked WVSJTEX to “speak the IC-7300 CAT dialect. (On the left-hand side, you'll see an area labeled car Control. This is where | set the parameters necessary to communicate with my radio. From the top down, the first selection is the serial port. For me, that is COM 3. Matching the Data Parameters ‘Aside from speaking the command dialect your trans- ‘ceiver understands, successful CAT communication requires matching these four data parameters. Baud Rate: Baud isthe unit for the symbol or modula tion rate in symbols or pulses per second. So, 9,600 baud means 9,600 symbols per second. Data Bits: The number of bits used to represent one data character. Eight bts are the norm in CAT communi- cation, ‘Stop Bits: In CAT communication, a star signal tells the receiving device (your radio or your computer) to get ready for new data. You won't be asked to specify this, Figure 2 — The radio setup menu in WSJT-X. For CAT contol, we're interested in the choices on the leftnand side of the menu ‘The next descending rung on the ladder is the baud rate. All transceivers that support CAT have a default baud rate — a rate that is set at the factory. Look in your manual and find the default rate. You can always ‘change it, of course. If you are using an older radio, or a used radio, the rate may have changed. Access the data rate menu in the radio and check to be sure. In my case, | have set the rate to 19,200 baud. That is much faster than most operators need, but once again, | have odd requirements. If you plan to do a lot of data handling over the line, such as transferring a in your software setup. However, you do have to choose the number of stop bits. These bits essentially execute a teset so a new data sequence can begin. In most instances, one stop biti all that is needed. Parity: A simple form of error checking, When data is transferred electronically, i's not uncommon for bits to “for — change from a 1 t0 a 0, of vice versa. A parity ccheck can detect these errors. Le’s say you have a binary sequence thats using “even” pari. In that case, a parity check counts the total number of ones and ifthe sum is not even, that means an error i likely to have ‘occurred. I you're asked to set parity, your choices are typically odd, even, or none at al. For CAT, the choice is often “none.” February 2020 41Figure 3 ‘requencies with just.a cick. panoramic display from your transceiver to your com- puter, faster is better. Your manual will usually specify ‘an appropriate rate. Finally, below the data rate selection, | have set 8 bits, 1 stop bit, and no handshaking (handshaking isn’t needed in most CAT systems). This is the standard CAT configuration although, once again, consult your transceiver manual. With WSJ7-X communicating with my transceiver, | ‘can change frequencies — and switch to the correct, {frequencies in each band — by just clicking my mouse on the drop-down menu (see Figure 3). I've provided another example in Figure 4. This is the CAT menu used by NSFJP's Amateur Contact Log software. Notice that the COM port, the data rate, the BS irc cu ce om ore ernie oF oat: With WS1T-X communicating with my transceiver, | can change bands and number of data bits, and the number of stop bits are the same. Amateur Contact Log gives you the billy to select panty error checking. You'll usually set this to “none” for CAT applications, ‘Amateur Contact Log also allows, you to set the polling rate, which is a parameter that dictates how often the software taps your trans- ceiver on the shoulder and re~ quests an update, 50 to speak. Every 2 seconds is enough for me. The CAT is in Control ‘There is certain satisfaction in seeing your operating frequency suddenly displayed in your software. And as you spin the VFO knob, the software display changes ‘as well. Your computer and radio are carrying on a friendly conversation and all is well with the world CAT may seem like a luxury to some, but once you've got it up and running, I'm willing to bet you will never go back. ‘Stevo Ford, WBSIMY, al stord@arr.org, the Editor of QST. You can reach him For updates to this artice, ‘see the QST Feedback page at www.arrlorg/feedback. | ma ome om ow j a eT neacteeaien | Figure 4—The Rig Interface Sotup monu in N3FJP’s Amatour Contact Log software 42 February 2020Lavelle Us ualite or amplifier balks Ele re len) at a specific roel Bill Conwell, K2PO Any feed-line mismatch can be brought to a 1:1 ‘SWA with a single shunt capacitor, provided its value land the location where it bridges the coaxial center and shield conductors is chosen correctly. This is because there are two locations at every half-wave along a mismatched feed line where the impedance is exactly 50 Q in parallel with a reactive component. By extending or shortening the coax so that one ot these locations is at the transmitter-end of the coax, ‘a counter-reactive shunt component can be applied using a coaxial T connector (see the lead photo), thus bringing the SWR to 1:1. The shunt component can be unscrewed when desired to restore the ‘antenna to its original tuning. Using the Smith Chart The Smith chart, invented by Phillip Smith, is @ tool that enables us to determine the value of the neces sary reactive component and its transmission line location to achieve a match — in my case, trans- forming a 4:1 SW in the 80-meter RTTY band to ttn? Net) asimple fix. ‘The SWR-Shiting T at the station end of the transmission line. ‘To determine coax extension and shunt reactance with the Smith chart, we start by using an antenna analyzer to measure the impedance the feed line presents to the rig at the frequency of interest, and then normatizing it to plot on the Smith chart. Nor- malizing simply involves dividing the resistive and reactive parts of the measured impedance by the transmission-line impedance. The resistive axis of the Smith chart (see Figure 1) is the only straight line on the chart. Its normalized middle value is 1 0.To the left side, the values approach 0 22; to the right side, the values approach infinity. The reactive axis of the Smith chart is the outer perimeter. The normal- ized value at the top center is 1 of inductive reac- tance, and the value at the bottom centeris 1.9 of capacitive reactance. As with the resistive axis, values to one side of the chart approach zero, and values to the other side approach infinity. The 50.2 coax from my very short, 80-meter coil loaded rotatable dipole presented an impedance of 135 — /90 22 to my rig at 3580 kHz (the “-/” indicates a capanitive reactance). 135 — j90 normalizes to 2.7 — /1.8 andis plotted at point Z in Figure 1. February 2020 43Figure 1 —A Smith chart showing the inl feed:Jine impedance, 2, and how to determine {the value and location ofa shunt reactance needed to achieve a 1:1 SWR, BEFORE —AFTER Frequency (Mia) Figure 2 — SWR curves forthe author's 80-meter antenna ‘before and after connecting o the SWR-Shifing T Point Z establishes the radius of SWR circle C1, which is concentric with the center of the chart. The SWR circle traverses all the impedances along a half-wavelength of the coax (the impedances repeat ‘every halfsvave). The right-most value where circle 44 February 2020 C1 crosses the straight, resis- tive axis indicates the SWR on the coax (4:1 in this case). We want to get from circle C1 to the center of the chart, which rep- resents a perfect 1:1 SWR. | achieved this by extending the coax 0.30 wavelength and using a shunt capacitor of 1,200 pF. Finding the SWR Value ‘The measured impedance is expressed as a series circuit —a resistance in series with a reactance. For a shunt compo- nent match, i's easiest to think in terms of a parallel circu, which provides multiple path- ways for current to flow. How- ever, impedance calculations get intricate when dealing with Parallel circuits. Consider two resistors, Fiz and Rp The series resistance is simply Ry + Ay while the resistance of the two resistors in parallel is 1[(1 / Fa) +(1/ R,)]. Adding the reac- tance complicates the parallel calculations even more. Therefore, let's dive briefly into the inverted world of admittance. ‘Admittance is the reciprocal of impedance. To com- bine two circuit elements in parallel, we simply add their admittance values. We're back to the simplicity of a+ Ry. To convert my starting normalized imped ance of 2.7 ~ j1.8 to admittance, we draw a line from the starting impedance at point Z, through the center of the chart, across to a point ¥ where it intersects the ‘SW circle C1 on the far side. The coordinates of intersection point Y are 0.25 + /0.17, indicating, respectively, conductance and susceptance (the ‘complement of reactance) — both measured in nor- malized mhos, the reciprocal unit of ohms and a pre- vious unit of measurement for electrical impedance. (Don't simply invert 2.7 and —1.8 separately.) Admit- tanoe point Y and impedance point Z represent the same original mismatch, just in different units. ‘As we move away from the mismatch on the Smith chart, we move along the SWR circle C1 ina clock-wise direction. So, from the original mismatch expressed by its point admittance, we advance clockwise along circle C1 by adding feed line until we ‘cross the unity circle, labeled C2. This unity circle is the set of all points where the normalized ‘conductance and resistance are 1.0 —i.e., 50.0 in real resistance terms. (This circle is ‘among the curves pre-printed ‘on the chart) The SWR circle C1 and the unity circle C2 actu- ally cross at both points A and B, each a shunt-matching ‘opportunity. ‘The intersection point A, along the top halt of the unity circle, the point where an extended ‘0ax can be matched with a shunt inductor. We continue to the other point of intersection, B, along the bottom half of the unity circle, which is the point where extended coax can be matched with a shunt capacitor. Studying the chart coordinates, we find B has normalized admittance coordinates of 1 ‘and -1.35. If we shunt an admittance of 0 + /1.35 at point B, the two admittances sum to 1 + j0, and we ‘end up at the center of the chart — a perfect match. ‘The needed length of coax extension is the length of the ate from point to point B. Using markings on the outer perimeter of the chart, we find this length to be about 0.30 wavelength. | used RG-BX coax with a velocity factor of 0.80. In this coax, a wavelength at 8.58 MHz is (984 x 0.80) /3.58, or 220 feet. Thus, the extension needed is 66 feet. In the admittance world, measurements are normal ized to a value of 0.02, the reciprocal of 50.0 to which impedance is normalized. So, the normalized 1.35 value needed for a shunt match indicates a true susceptance of 0.027 mhos. To convert this value to a reactance, we take its reciprocal, and get 87 ©. This is the value of capacitive reactance that needs to be placed in parallel with the end of the extended coax to achieve a 1:1 SWR. Figure 3 —A Smith chart showing how to determine the length of open-ctculted coax (D1) senving as a 37 0 capacive reaclance, or a short-circuited coax (02) serving as a 37 2 Inductive reactance To convert a reactance of 37 © into picofarads, we use C= 1,000,000 / 2nfX, where fis the frequency in MHz (3.58), and Xis the reactance in ohms (37). This formula indicates a needed capacitor value of 1,200 pF. Silver mica capacitors are well-suited for RF applications due to their low loss and stability Coax Length Variations While most installations will use an added length of coax to put the reactive element at one ofthe circie-crossing points, tis equally possible to reach points Aor B by putting the reactive element closer tothe antenna (i. ‘moving counterclockwise from point Y). You might have ‘more feed ine than you need to reach your rg, which you could shorten for this purpose. Or you could cut the ‘existing coax short ofthe ig and insert the T and the reactive component at the cut location. In my case, instead of extending my coax 0.90 wavelength to apply a shunt capacitive reactance, | could have timmed it by 0.20 wavelength and put the there. February 2020 45,‘With the capacitor at a 50.2 point as part of this, matching process, the peak voltage is about 390 V at 1,500 W. A 1,000 V silver mica capacitor from Mouser of Digi-Key is less than $5 and will work well, I mounted the capacitor in a plastic enclosure with a short length of coax and PL-259 to connect to the T, as shown in the lead photo. Figure 2 shows the un- matched and matched SWR curves. ‘While point 8 on the bottom half of the Smith chart in Figure 1 indicates where a capacitor can be shunted to bring the SWR to 1:1, point A on the top hat indi- ‘cates where an inductor can be shunted to bring the SWR to 1:1, Not coincidentally, the magnitude of reactance required is the same as in the capacitive case: 37 ©. The formula to compute the inductor value from reactance is L (microhenries) = X/ 2nf, where Xis the reactance, and fis the frequency in MHz. ‘The length of coax extension needed is the distance from point Y to point A, oF 0.15 wavelength. | could also have achieved a 1:1 match by adding a 0.15- wavelength section of coax, using a T to shunt a 87 2 inductive reactance (1.6 microhenries) at that point. Using Coax as a Capacitor or Inductor You can also use the Smith chart to find a length of ‘open-circuited coax to use as a shunt matching capacitor. We want 37 © of capacitive reactance, which normalizes to 0.74 in 50 0 coax. An open cir- cult has an impedance of infinite ohms of resistance, So we start at the far-right end of the straight axis in Figure 3. Proceed clockwise until we reach 0.74 on the perimeter reactance axis. That's a distance (D1) ‘of about 0.15 electrical wavelength, or 83 feet in FG-8X, which would be connected to the T adapter in lieu of a 1,200 pF capacitor. Be sure to insulate the ‘open end of the coax because high voltages can be present. Conversely, a length of shorted coax can serve as a shunt inductor. A shorted coax starts as an imped- ance of zero ohms resistive, so we start at the far-left ‘end of the straight axis. We proceed clockwise until we reach a normalized impedance of 0.74 on the top perimeter reactance scale. This is a distance (D2) of 46 February 2020 about 0.10 wavelength, or 22 feet of shorted RG-8X, that can be connected to the T adapter at point A in ligu of a 1.6 microhenty coil Conclusion ‘The SWR-Shifting T desoribed here can create a single frequency matching solution to deal with almost any mismatch. You can happity run your rig on 4160 meters using your 40-meter dipole if you want However, the efficiency of such a system would be oor, as the original mismatch persists on the other side of the reactive component, resulting in SWR- related feed line losses. But for tasks such as tuning a 160-meter or 80-meter antenna system to a aif- ferent in-band frequency, this arrangement is hard to beat. And when you want to restore the antenna to its original resonance, simply unscrew and remove the shunt reactance. (You may wish to place a bare PL-259 in the unused T socket so the coax center ‘conductor isn't so exposed.) ‘Some popular software tools capable of doing the calculations described in this article include Richard Dean Straws, N6BV, Transmission Line for Windows {included with The ARRL Handbook and The ARRL Antenna Book), and Ward Harriman's, AE6TY, SimSmith program (www.ae6ty.com/Smith Charts. htm), Notes "Smith, Philp, Transmission Line Calculator, Electonics, Vol. 12, No.1. p.28~31, Jan. 1939, Smit, Philip, An Improved Transmission Line Caleulaor, Eleclones, Vol. 17, No.1, 190, an. 1944 For more on Philp Smith (1905 ~ 1987, licensed as 1ANB), see the IEEE oral history at https:i/ethw.org/Oral-History: Philip: H._Smith Bil Conwel, K2PO, got his Amateur Extra-cass license as a ‘eenager in Murray il, New Jersey. In 1876, he ordered Smith charts fora high schoo! math project from Smith's company, and ‘was surprised when Phil Smith, who turned aut to Ivo nearby, Salivared thom to his door Bil went on got an electrical eng ering degree from Georgia Tech (here he did bret sins in ‘2ntanna-related work for RCA and Radio Free Europe), and a lay degree from Emory University. He now resices in Portand (Oregon, where he works as a patent attorney for Digimarc Cor- poration, dealing with data hiding technologies. You can contact Bil at biil@ conwellpdx.com. For updates to this article, ‘see the QST Feedback page ‘at wwwarrLorg/teedback.