This is a look at the NAS Narrowband Broadcasting situation in Melbourne:

[LBP]

Tuesday July 5, 2011 - This is a look at the NAS Narrowband
Broadcasting situation in Melbourne:

NAS Narrowband Broadcasting status in Melbourne

Out of 11 Mediumwave MF NAS channels that are all assigned, only 5 are
on the air and active
1611, 1620, 1629, 1638, 1701 kHz

1620 & 1629 kHz carry identical programming

Assigned MF NAS frequencies not on air.
1647, 1656, 1665, 1674, 1683, 1692 kHz these are all silent

MF NAS status in Melbourne

11 MF NAS licenses assigned in Melbourne

5 active
6 in-active

MF NAS Station's choice of Language:

4 are non-English language
1 is only English language.

The VHF NAS

151.450, 151.600, 151.675, 151.675, 151.750, 151.800, 151.850,
151.875, 151.950, 152.050, 152.075, 152.125, 152.300, 152.425 mHz
all are active and carry programming.

Assigned VHF NAS frequencies not on air.
151.775, 152.250, 152.350, and 173.525 mHz

18 VHF NAS licenses assigned in Melbourne
14 active
4 in-active

VHF NAS Station's choice of Language:

12 are non-English language
1 is a mix of non-English and some English language
1 is English only Language

Melbourne has 29 NAS Narrowband broadcasting licenses of which 19 are
active and on-air

There are no mid-band VHF NAS frequencies assigned in the following
bands in Melbourne:

70.00000 to 70.24375 MHz
77.29375 to 77.49375 MHz

Australia wide status of the mid-band VHF NAS spectrum allocations

70.00000 to 70.24375 MHz Nil NAS assignments anywhere in Australia
77.29375 to 77.49375 MHz only 1 NAS assignment in this band - on a
frequency of 77.4 mHz assigned to a station in South Australia

When I get time I will look at the situation in the other states as it
makes for interesting statistical reading:

Sydney NSW is the Number 1 location for VHF NAS.

[LBP]

Post by LBP
Tuesday July 5, 2011 - This is a look at the NAS Narrowband
NAS Narrowband Broadcasting status in Melbourne
Out of 11 Mediumwave MF NAS channels that are all assigned, only 5 are
on the air and active
1611, 1620, 1629, 1638, 1701 kHz
1620 & 1629 kHz carry identical programming
Assigned MF NAS frequencies not on air.
1647, 1656, 1665, 1674, 1683, 1692 kHz these are all silent
MF NAS status in Melbourne
11 MF NAS licenses assigned in Melbourne
5 active
6 in-active
4 are non-English language
1 is only English language.
The VHF NAS
151.450, 151.600, 151.675, 151.675, 151.750, 151.800, 151.850,
151.875, 151.950, 152.050, 152.075, 152.125, 152.300, 152.425 mHz
all are active and carry programming.
Assigned VHF NAS frequencies not on air.
151.775, 152.250, 152.350, and 173.525 mHz
18 VHF NAS licenses assigned in Melbourne
14 active
4 in-active
12 are non-English language
1 is a mix of non-English and some English language
1 is English only Language
Melbourne has 29 NAS Narrowband broadcasting licenses of which 19 are
active and on-air
There are no mid-band VHF NAS frequencies assigned in the following
70.00000 to 70.24375 MHz
77.29375 to 77.49375 MHz
Australia wide status of the mid-band VHF NAS spectrum allocations
70.00000 to 70.24375 MHz Nil NAS assignments anywhere in Australia
77.29375 to 77.49375 MHz only 1 NAS assignment in this band - on a
frequency of 77.4 mHz assigned to a station in South Australia
When I get time I will look at the situation in the other states as it
Sydney NSW is the Number 1 location for VHF NAS.

Well I have just finished counting how many VHF NAS broadcasting
stations there are in NSW
and the number is quite staggering:

52 VHF stations the two HighBand VHF spectrum allocations
151.425 - 152.475 and 173.300 - 174.000 mHz

These figures do not include the ACT.

Freq Location in NSW

151.425 BULLI LOOKOUT
151.450 YAGOONA
151.475 BLAXLAN
151.525 PENNANT HILLS
151.550 BELMORE
151.600 WEST PENNANT HILLS
151.625 SOMERSBY
151.650 ROSELANDS
151.675 HURLSTONE PARK
151.675 OAK HILL
151.725 WEST PENNANT HILLS
151.750 BELMORE
151.775 BLACKTOWN
151.800 BLAIRMONT
151.800 QUEANBEYAN
151.850 CHARLESTOWN
151.850 LAKEMBA
151.875 NORTH SYDNEY
151.900 HURSTVILLE
151.925 LAKEMBA
151.950 KATOOMBA
151.975 PENNANT HILLS
152.000 SYDNEY
152.025 SYDNEY
152.050 HORSLEY PARK
152.050 KNIGHTS HILL
152.075 SYDNEY
152.100 SYDNEY
152.125 HECKENBERG
152.150 SYDNEY
152.175 REVESBY
152.200 HORSLEY PARK
152.225 SYDNEY
152.250 SYDNEY
152.275 LAKEMBA
152.300 PENNANT HILLS
152.325 BELMORE
152.350 WEST PENNANT HILLS
152.375 CARLINGFORD
152.375 CASINO
152.425 SYDNEY
152.425 NEWCASTLE

173.350 LAKEMBA
173.375 MOUNT PRITCHARD
173.425 HORSLEY PARK
173.500 KNIGHTS HILL
173.525 SYDNEY
173.600 BULLI
173.625 KATOOMBA
173.700 HORSLEY PARK
173.700 KNIGHTS HILL
173.750 SYDNEY

One thing I noticed about NSW over Victoria is that NSW does have a
number of "double ups"
where the same licensee owns more than one VHF NAS license within the
one State often on the same frequency
which makes me realise that NSW has some large regional or sub cities
that have sufficient populations to warrant
their own VHF NAS outlet aside from Sydney itself.

[vk3ye]

Post by LBP
There are no mid-band VHF NAS frequencies assigned in the following
70.00000 to 70.24375 MHz
77.29375 to 77.49375 MHz
Australia wide status of the mid-band VHF NAS spectrum allocations
70.00000 to 70.24375 MHz Nil NAS assignments anywhere in Australia
77.29375 to 77.49375 MHz only 1 NAS assignment in this band - on a
frequency of 77.4 mHz assigned to a station in South Australia

These would be great frequencies to build LIPD transmitters for (with power
levels up to 100mW permitted under the class licence)

http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_1278

If you knew people who lived near the top of half a dozen or so of the
housing commission flats in the inner suburbs and had them
network your transmision (them receiving 152 MHz and transmitting 70 MHz)
you'd get some quite amazing coverage.

Just make sure you avoid the 'Sports Ears frequencies'!

http://www.vk2zay.net/article/241 & http://www.vk2zay.net/article/242

[LBP]

Post by vk3ye

Post by LBP
There are no mid-band VHF NAS frequencies assigned in the following
70.00000 to 70.24375 MHz
77.29375 to 77.49375 MHz
Australia wide status of the mid-band VHF NAS spectrum allocations
70.00000 to 70.24375 MHz Nil NAS assignments anywhere in Australia
77.29375 to 77.49375 MHz only 1 NAS assignment in this band - on a
frequency of 77.4 mHz assigned to a station in South Australia

These would be great frequencies to build LIPD transmitters for (with power
levels up to 100mW permitted under the class licence)
http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_1278
If you knew people who lived near the top of half a dozen or so of the
housing commission flats in the inner suburbs and had them
network your transmision (them receiving 152 MHz and transmitting 70 MHz)
you'd get some quite amazing coverage.
Just make sure you avoid the 'Sports Ears frequencies'!
http://www.vk2zay.net/article/241 &  http://www.vk2zay.net/article/242

That's right Peter - actually I am very interested in doing some
things on the LIPD bands
- even 27 mHz looks interesting - LIPD is permitted with 1 watt EIRP
on 27 mHz - you have to go 5 kHz off a CB channel
but that's ok, besides there's no one down there anymore .. So an 11
meter 1 watt LIPD station could be fun and
also crossband it up to 152 mHz at 100 mW narrowband FM.

I posted some stuff just recently about LIPD possibilities and I am
glad someone else finds this interesting too.

My favourite VHF band is 151-152 mHz because it's very practical and
most 2 meter rigs can receive
into this band. 100 mW is actually pretty good power - even with just
a 1/4 wave GP or a 1/2 wave vertical dipole
a 100 mW would still get some distance.

In fact, I remember many many years ago when walkie talkies were
everywhere and 27.240 mHz was the choice frequency -
nearly everyone used powers of 100 mW and up to 1 watt and you could
still get some good coverage.

If you decide to take it further and build something - I wouldn't mind
you getting in touch with me as I am curious as well.

LBP

http://members.boardhost.com/australiaradio/

[vk3ye]

Post by LBP
If you decide to take it further and build something - I wouldn't mind
you getting in touch with me as I am curious as well.

I'll be building something but doubt you'd hear it. Though I'm happy to go
up on hills etc for tests.

Some xtals from Rockby that come out on LIPD or other interesting freqs
arrived today:

36.864 MHz - LIPD freq. Use in 1 transistor overtone osc for double
sideband or AM tx / local oscillator for direct conversion rx

18.432 MHz. Should be able to shift for NBFM and double for above freq.

20.480 MHz. Should be able to shift for NBFM and double for 40.96 (1w power
limit on this one!)

28.636 MHz (amateur use - suitable for 10m walkie talkie or similar)

So it looks like all my tinkering will be 36 - 40 MHz. 152 MHz has small
antennas and good propagation but it's too
many multipliers for the ultra simple stuff I like.

[LBP]

Post by vk3ye

Post by LBP
If you decide to take it further and build something - I wouldn't mind
you getting in touch with me as I am curious as well.

I'll be building something but doubt you'd hear it. Though I'm happy to go
up on hills etc for tests.
Some xtals from Rockby that come out on LIPD or other interesting freqs
36.864 MHz - LIPD freq.  Use in 1 transistor overtone osc for double
sideband or AM tx / local oscillator for direct conversion rx
18.432 MHz.  Should be able to shift for NBFM and double for above freq.
20.480 MHz. Should be able to shift for NBFM and double for 40.96 (1w power
limit on this one!)
28.636 MHz (amateur use - suitable for 10m walkie talkie or similar)
So it looks like all my tinkering will be 36 - 40 MHz.  152 MHz has small
antennas and good propagation but it's too
many multipliers for the ultra simple stuff I like.

Yes that's what I thought could be the case as well with the higher
frequencies - building a TX on such a high frequency
brings about it's own set of complications.

You're right about the 40 mHz band 40.660 – 41.000 mHz with 1 watt is
quite an interesting slice of spectrum - low band VHF just outside of
HF.

There are no assignments in Victoria between 40.775 - 41.000 mHz but
there are assignments elsewhere in Au.

However 40.775 mHz looks to be a clear channel no matter where you
are, adopting a 25 kHz channel spacing type criteria.

My issue is I haven't got anything that receives on this frequency ..
Unless my FT857D (which I've never used) can receive into this band
(doubtful).

My 2 metre handhelds will receive up to 174 mHz but not down to 40 mHz

The Sangean ATS-505 radio I've got goes up to 30 mHz and then skips to
VHF BSB 87.5 - 108

However, I'm sure something could be done to receive into this low
band VHF space.

In the 100 mW category there's quite a few bands available for LIPD
expeditions.

13.553–13.567

1. 29.7–29.72
2. 30–30.0625
3. 30.3125–31
4. 36.6–37
5. 39–39.7625
6. 40.25–40.66

1. 70–70.24375
2. 77.29375–77.49375
3. 150.7875–152.49375
4. 173.29375–17

[vk3ye]

Post by LBP
However, I'm sure something could be done to receive into this low
band VHF space.

I'd have thought your 857 covers 30 - 40 MHz - my 817 does.

But if it can't a converter just needs an oscillator module (say 20 to 30
MHz), FET or diode mixer and preferably an RF preamp to downcovert to HF.

[LBP]

Post by vk3ye

Post by LBP
However, I'm sure something could be done to receive into this low
band VHF space.

I'd have thought your 857 covers 30 - 40 MHz - my 817 does.
But if it can't a converter just needs an oscillator module (say 20 to 30
MHz), FET or diode mixer and preferably an RF preamp to downcovert to HF.

If it does then I'm in luck - I got it a few months ago and it's sat
here never had power applied .. In the summer time I may give HF a
go ..

[atec77]

Post by LBP

Post by vk3ye

Post by LBP
However, I'm sure something could be done to receive into this low
band VHF space.

I'd have thought your 857 covers 30 - 40 MHz - my 817 does.
But if it can't a converter just needs an oscillator module (say 20 to 30
MHz), FET or diode mixer and preferably an RF preamp to downcovert to HF.

If it does then I'm in luck - I got it a few months ago and it's sat
here never had power applied .. In the summer time I may give HF a
go ..

your Ft857D covers almost dc to well over 440 mhz on rx , tx is another
matter that takes a good 25 minutes to change and is not advisable
unless you really know what you are doing
open the covers and lose that factory warranty

[LBP]

Post by atec77

Post by LBP

Post by vk3ye

Post by LBP
However, I'm sure something could be done to receive into this low
band VHF space.

I'd have thought your 857 covers 30 - 40 MHz - my 817 does.
But if it can't a converter just needs an oscillator module (say 20 to 30
MHz), FET or diode mixer and preferably an RF preamp to downcovert to HF.

If it does then I'm in luck - I got it a few months ago and it's sat
here never had power applied .. In the summer time I may give HF a
go ..

your Ft857D covers almost dc to well over 440 mhz on rx , tx is another
matter that takes a good 25 minutes to change and is not advisable
unless you really know what you are doing
  open the covers and lose that factory warranty
--
X-No-Archive: Yes

Just a thought, building a 1 watt LIPD transmitter for 40 mHz doesn't
have to be FM, could just as well be
AM - in the old days a lot of people used to build AM transmitters for
6 meters (52 mHz) - so AM at 40.775 mHz
(my choice frequency) would be quite realistic (made me think of Tandy
for some reason).

Talking of Tandy, I still have a couple of those walkie talkies they
used to sell that operate somewhere around the 40 mHz band ..
does anyone remember those..

[vk3ye]

Post by LBP
Just a thought, building a 1 watt LIPD transmitter for 40 mHz doesn't
have to be FM, could just as well be
AM - in the old days a lot of people used to build AM transmitters for
6 meters (52 mHz) - so AM at 40.775 mHz
(my choice frequency) would be quite realistic (made me think of Tandy
for some reason).

AM would be good for a bit better low signal performance but 99% of cheap
scanners only do FM so you're reducing your audience. An FM
tx is easier to build (provided you can get enough deviation). AM though
allows 3rd overtone crystals to be used directly without multipliers.

In relation to 40 vs 70 MHz, a lot of the cheap Aussie scanners covered our
68 - 88 MHz band (whereas I think the American versions
did 30 - 50 MHz instead). Less of an issue now as cheapie scanners (eg the
UBC340 CRS) do both.

While 40 MHz allows 1w vs 100mW on 70MHz the efficiency of indoor receiving
antennas is way less at 40 MHz so some of the higher power
advantage is cancelled out. Though it's easy enough to build a dedicated
narrowband magnetic loop or whip that would give OK performance
from something less than 1m long.

Post by LBP
Talking of Tandy, I still have a couple of those walkie talkies they
used to sell that operate somewhere around the 40 mHz band ..
does anyone remember those..

Where they FM things that came in 27 MHz and 40 MHz versions or am I
thinking of remote controlled cars? Tandy and DSE also had 55 MHz
transceivers as well and there was also some stuff on 29 MHz FM (just above
the amateur band).

[LBP]

Post by vk3ye

Post by LBP
Just a thought, building a 1 watt LIPD transmitter for 40 mHz doesn't
have to be FM, could just as well be
AM - in the old days a lot of people used to build AM transmitters for
6 meters (52 mHz) - so AM at 40.775 mHz
(my choice frequency) would be quite realistic (made me think of Tandy
for some reason).

AM would be good for a bit better low signal performance but 99% of cheap
scanners only do FM so you're reducing your audience. An FM
tx is easier to build (provided you can get enough deviation).  AM though
allows 3rd overtone crystals to be used directly without multipliers.
In relation to 40 vs 70 MHz, a lot of the cheap Aussie scanners covered our
68 - 88 MHz band (whereas I think the American versions
did 30 - 50 MHz instead). Less of an issue now as cheapie scanners (eg the
UBC340 CRS) do both.
While 40 MHz allows 1w vs 100mW on 70MHz the efficiency of indoor receiving
antennas is way less at 40 MHz so some of the higher power
advantage is cancelled out. Though it's easy enough to build a dedicated
narrowband magnetic loop or whip that would give OK performance
from something less than 1m long.

Post by LBP
Talking of Tandy, I still have a couple of those walkie talkies they
used to sell that operate somewhere around the 40 mHz band ..
does anyone remember those..

Where they FM things that came in 27 MHz and 40 MHz versions or am I
thinking of remote controlled cars? Tandy and DSE also had 55 MHz
transceivers as well and there was also some stuff on 29 MHz FM (just above
the amateur band).

M'mmh you have me curious ... (time passing)... I've just found one of
them here .. Realistic FM transceiver
and the frequency is 55.060 mHz I have no idea as to the power ..
probably 100 mW or something ..

BTW Peter, before I was into doing radio up here in Murr, I came into
DSE in Carnegie and checked out the ham section
and had a talk with you - this is when they sold A.R. equipment - then
DSE got rid of this line of gear and you moved on..

Back then I never realised that you were a radio experimenter and
constructor etc .. At that time my main interest was really
with music and recording but radio was always in the back of my mind.

[LBP]

Post by LBP

Post by vk3ye

Post by LBP
Just a thought, building a 1 watt LIPD transmitter for 40 mHz doesn't
have to be FM, could just as well be
AM - in the old days a lot of people used to build AM transmitters for
6 meters (52 mHz) - so AM at 40.775 mHz
(my choice frequency) would be quite realistic (made me think of Tandy
for some reason).

AM would be good for a bit better low signal performance but 99% of cheap
scanners only do FM so you're reducing your audience. An FM
tx is easier to build (provided you can get enough deviation).  AM though
allows 3rd overtone crystals to be used directly without multipliers.
In relation to 40 vs 70 MHz, a lot of the cheap Aussie scanners covered our
68 - 88 MHz band (whereas I think the American versions
did 30 - 50 MHz instead). Less of an issue now as cheapie scanners (eg the
UBC340 CRS) do both.
While 40 MHz allows 1w vs 100mW on 70MHz the efficiency of indoor receiving
antennas is way less at 40 MHz so some of the higher power
advantage is cancelled out. Though it's easy enough to build a dedicated
narrowband magnetic loop or whip that would give OK performance
from something less than 1m long.

Post by LBP
Talking of Tandy, I still have a couple of those walkie talkies they
used to sell that operate somewhere around the 40 mHz band ..
does anyone remember those..

Where they FM things that came in 27 MHz and 40 MHz versions or am I
thinking of remote controlled cars? Tandy and DSE also had 55 MHz
transceivers as well and there was also some stuff on 29 MHz FM (just above
the amateur band).

M'mmh you have me curious ... (time passing)... I've just found one of
them here .. Realistic FM transceiver
and the frequency is 55.060 mHz I have no idea as to the power ..
probably 100 mW or something ..
BTW Peter, before I was into doing radio up here in Murr, I came into
DSE in Carnegie and checked out the ham section
and had a talk with you - this is when they sold A.R. equipment - then
DSE got rid of this line of gear and you moved on..
Back then I never realised that you were a radio experimenter and
constructor etc .. At that time my main interest was really
with music and recording but radio was always in the back of my mind.

Here is the same walkie talkie that I just did a google search on -
although they say here that it's 49 mHz whereas mine is 55 mHz

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/REALISTIC-FM-TRANSCEIVER-TWO-WAY-RADIO-WALKIE-TALKIE-/110675535406?pt=2_Way_Radios_FRS

[LBP]

Post by atec77

Post by LBP

Post by vk3ye

Post by LBP
However, I'm sure something could be done to receive into this low
band VHF space.

I'd have thought your 857 covers 30 - 40 MHz - my 817 does.
But if it can't a converter just needs an oscillator module (say 20 to 30
MHz), FET or diode mixer and preferably an RF preamp to downcovert to HF.

If it does then I'm in luck - I got it a few months ago and it's sat
here never had power applied .. In the summer time I may give HF a
go ..

your Ft857D covers almost dc to well over 440 mhz on rx , tx is another
matter that takes a good 25 minutes to change and is not advisable
unless you really know what you are doing
  open the covers and lose that factory warranty
--
X-No-Archive: Yes

Thanks atec - well that's good to know .. I remember you have an 857
as well. Actually I would have liked to have got the QRP rig FT817
as I really want to give Land Based Portable field operations a go and
a 100 watt rig even when running at low power draws quite a bit of
current whereas
the 817 is better suited for SLAB powered operation. Anyways, as this
covers the LIPD and mid band VHF misc/NAS bands I can see no reason
for not
getting an LIPD happening on either the 1 watt 40 mHz band or the 100
mW 70 and 77 mHz bands.

[vk3ye]

4. 36.6–37

This one is good. Plenty of room, not much interference and cheap crystals
from Rockby! (either on frequency or double from 18.432)

36 MHz Test results

Setup: 1 transistor transmitter/1mW output/double sideband suppressed
carrier/indoor dipole antenna

Receving ant: 1.5m whip

* Good signal out to 10-11 houses away (say 150 - 200m)
* Signal detectable 18 houses away
* Powerline and other noise a problem (the Americans were smart to move
their FM b/cast band from 44 to 88 MHz or so in the early days)
* Phone exchanges chuck out a lot of hash - never buy a house near one

Possible improvements:

* boost output power to legal 100mW (x100 power should x10 to range)
* put antenna outdoors and raise

Should easily get 2-3km with this sort of setup.

But is anyone listening to weird stuff broadcast on a weird mode on a weird
frequency in a weird band?

Probably not!

So this stuff is good for the tinkerer who doesn't care much about audience.

[www.format3.com.au | www.stationx.com.au]

Post by vk3ye

4.  36.6–37

This one is good. Plenty of room, not much interference and cheap crystals
from Rockby!  (either on frequency or double from 18.432)
36 MHz Test results
Setup: 1 transistor transmitter/1mW output/double sideband suppressed
carrier/indoor dipole antenna
Receving ant: 1.5m whip
* Good signal out to 10-11 houses away (say 150 - 200m)
* Signal detectable 18 houses away
* Powerline and other noise a problem (the Americans were smart to move
their FM b/cast band from 44 to 88 MHz or so in the early days)
* Phone exchanges chuck out a lot of hash - never buy a house near one
* boost output power to legal 100mW (x100 power should x10 to range)
* put antenna outdoors and raise
Should easily get 2-3km with this sort of setup.
But is anyone listening to weird stuff broadcast on a weird mode on a weird
frequency in a weird band?
Probably not!
So this stuff is good for the tinkerer who doesn't care much about audience.

Now I'm all up for tinkering! But there needs to be some potential to
catch even a small audience! That's the other part of radio -
entertainment. Maybe that's why the Ham Regs now say - no material
called entertainment can be transmitted. That really puts crossbanding
in a shade of grey! Memory serves me it was "not allowed to recieve
payment or charge" for delivering messages "on behalf of third
partys".

To me that says you could "crank up" on 160 meters and play music & be
entertaining. I'd say the playing of ADDS would be coming under "third
party" and that's a no no back then. But yep crank the tunes and go
for it.

People seem to misunderstand my intensions. I'm trying to get
Microbroadcasting fixed as a service category. Because Ham radio is no
good for the "music playing" variety of us tinkering types! For those
"so pour they can't even pay attention" that's me!

[LBP]

I think you can have a mix of the tinkerers, experimenters and the
audience chasers.

Ham radio and broadcast radio are different and frankly I don't think
the two should merge because what could happen is that
you'd end up with people dominating certain frequencies with 24 hour
transmissions and leaving key frequencies and bands
unusable for other stations. Ham radio is a shared spectrum medium -
whereas broadcasting uses the assigned frequency model
which is more appropriate if you have a broadcast station.

Both have their own benefits - the good thing about amateur radio is
that you can operate portable and mobile, build your own stuff
and use a variety of different bands. Plus it allows for a lot of
experimentation but it's not really a permanent key-down type radio.

For the 40 mHz topic that for me is for experimentation and really I
wouldn't expect to have an audience other than myself and maybe
a fellow experimenter. But that should be no reason why not to do
it ..

People tinker and experiment with all sorts of things from model
trains, restoring cars, maintaining boats or collecting stamps .. most
of these activities aren't
about catching an audience - but there's enjoyment to be had in these
activities for the people involved never the less.

[atec77]

Post by www.format3.com.au | www.stationx.com.au

Post by vk3ye

Post by LBP
4. 36.6–37

This one is good. Plenty of room, not much interference and cheap crystals
from Rockby! (either on frequency or double from 18.432)
36 MHz Test results
Setup: 1 transistor transmitter/1mW output/double sideband suppressed
carrier/indoor dipole antenna
Receving ant: 1.5m whip
* Good signal out to 10-11 houses away (say 150 - 200m)
* Signal detectable 18 houses away
* Powerline and other noise a problem (the Americans were smart to move
their FM b/cast band from 44 to 88 MHz or so in the early days)
* Phone exchanges chuck out a lot of hash - never buy a house near one
* boost output power to legal 100mW (x100 power should x10 to range)
* put antenna outdoors and raise
Should easily get 2-3km with this sort of setup.
But is anyone listening to weird stuff broadcast on a weird mode on a weird
frequency in a weird band?
Probably not!
So this stuff is good for the tinkerer who doesn't care much about audience.

Now I'm all up for tinkering! But there needs to be some potential to
catch even a small audience! That's the other part of radio -
entertainment. Maybe that's why the Ham Regs now say - no material
called entertainment can be transmitted. That really puts crossbanding
in a shade of grey! Memory serves me it was "not allowed to recieve
payment or charge" for delivering messages "on behalf of third
partys".
To me that says you could "crank up" on 160 meters and play music& be
entertaining. I'd say the playing of ADDS would be coming under "third
party" and that's a no no back then. But yep crank the tunes and go
for it.
People seem to misunderstand my intensions. I'm trying to get
Microbroadcasting fixed as a service category. Because Ham radio is no
good for the "music playing" variety of us tinkering types! For those
"so pour they can't even pay attention" that's me!

We should have a chat about how much room you have as after
experimenting with a cobweb for 160M I am convinced it offers a very
simple way of getting an essentially unity gain omni directional antenna
ideal for local tx on the lower bands , think 1/8th a wavelength per
side meaning a 5mhz fits easily into a residential block
My 1.9 mhz antenna fits into the back yard and performs very well for
a bit of wire folded a little fed with RG214

[LBP]

Actually atec I just posted a video made this morning while listening
to One Sixty

However I would have to have a cobweb for 80m if I was going to do it
as mine is a standard not advanced license.

[atec77]

Post by LBP
Actually atec I just posted a video made this morning while listening
to One Sixty
http://youtu.be/IY0hi_JNw8g
However I would have to have a cobweb for 80m if I was going to do it
as mine is a standard not advanced license.

Two complaints
way to little volume , record at a level almost uncomfortable for you
and hold the camera steady please :P

[LBP]

Actually atec I just posted a video made this morning while listening
to One Sixty

http://youtu.be/IY0hi_JNw8g

If I had more space I wouldn't mind trying out some transmitting
antennas for 80m and 40m

[atec77]

Post by LBP
Actually atec I just posted a video made this morning while listening
to One Sixty
http://youtu.be/IY0hi_JNw8g
If I had more space I wouldn't mind trying out some transmitting
antennas for 80m and 40m

7.1225 most days

[www.format3.com.au | www.stationx.com.au]

Post by atec77

Post by www.format3.com.au | www.stationx.com.au

Post by vk3ye

4.  36.6–37

This one is good. Plenty of room, not much interference and cheap crystals
from Rockby!  (either on frequency or double from 18.432)
36 MHz Test results
Setup: 1 transistor transmitter/1mW output/double sideband suppressed
carrier/indoor dipole antenna
Receving ant: 1.5m whip
* Good signal out to 10-11 houses away (say 150 - 200m)
* Signal detectable 18 houses away
* Powerline and other noise a problem (the Americans were smart to move
their FM b/cast band from 44 to 88 MHz or so in the early days)
* Phone exchanges chuck out a lot of hash - never buy a house near one
* boost output power to legal 100mW (x100 power should x10 to range)
* put antenna outdoors and raise
Should easily get 2-3km with this sort of setup.
But is anyone listening to weird stuff broadcast on a weird mode on a weird
frequency in a weird band?
Probably not!
So this stuff is good for the tinkerer who doesn't care much about audience.

Now I'm all up for tinkering! But there needs to be some potential to
catch even a small audience! That's the other part of radio -
entertainment. Maybe that's why the Ham Regs now say - no material
called entertainment can be transmitted. That really puts crossbanding
in a shade of grey! Memory serves me it was "not allowed to recieve
payment or charge" for delivering messages "on behalf of third
partys".
To me that says you could "crank up" on 160 meters and play music&  be
entertaining. I'd say the playing of ADDS would be coming under "third
party" and that's a no no back then. But yep crank the tunes and go
for it.
People seem to misunderstand my intensions. I'm trying to get
Microbroadcasting fixed as a service category. Because Ham radio is no
good for the "music playing" variety of us tinkering types! For those
"so pour they can't even pay attention" that's me!

We should have a chat about how much room you have as after
experimenting with a cobweb for 160M I am convinced it offers a very
simple way of getting an essentially unity gain omni directional antenna
ideal for local tx on the lower bands , think 1/8th a wavelength per
side meaning a 5mhz fits easily into a residential block
  My 1.9 mhz antenna fits into the back yard and performs very well for
a bit of wire folded a little fed with RG214
--
X-No-Archive: Yes- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Before you dig too big a hole LBP always remember where commercial
broadcast radio started. I understand it was the "experimenters" that
got the whole idea working. They would be the "hams" of the day! Then
someone would have seen "commercial potential" from there.

[vk3ye]

Post by vk3ye
36 MHz Test results
Setup: 1 transistor transmitter/1mW output/double sideband suppressed
carrier/indoor dipole antenna
Receving ant: 1.5m whip
* Good signal out to 10-11 houses away (say 150 - 200m)
* Signal detectable 18 houses away
* Powerline and other noise a problem (the Americans were smart to move
their FM b/cast band from 44 to 88 MHz or so in the early days)
* Phone exchanges chuck out a lot of hash - never buy a house near one
* boost output power to legal 100mW (x100 power should x10 to range)
* put antenna outdoors and raise

What a difference a 9m high outdoor antenna makes. Even if it's unmatched,
fed with mismatched lossy coax and is horizontally polarised.

Good coverage out to around 300-400m. Patchy beyond that but quite good at
some spots around 700m.

The secret is in the mode - AM is better than FM near the noise floor and
suppressed carrier is heaps better again (and easier to generate than AM).

[LBP]

Post by vk3ye

Post by vk3ye
36 MHz Test results
Setup: 1 transistor transmitter/1mW output/double sideband suppressed
carrier/indoor dipole antenna
Receving ant: 1.5m whip
* Good signal out to 10-11 houses away (say 150 - 200m)
* Signal detectable 18 houses away
* Powerline and other noise a problem (the Americans were smart to move
their FM b/cast band from 44 to 88 MHz or so in the early days)
* Phone exchanges chuck out a lot of hash - never buy a house near one
* boost output power to legal 100mW (x100 power should x10 to range)
* put antenna outdoors and raise

What a difference a 9m high outdoor antenna makes. Even if it's unmatched,
fed with mismatched lossy coax and is horizontally polarised.
Good coverage out to around 300-400m. Patchy beyond that but quite good at
some spots around 700m.
The secret is in the mode - AM is better than FM near the noise floor and
suppressed carrier is heaps better again (and easier to generate than AM).

Pete have you shot any video of your tests? sounds most interesting !!

[vk3ye]

Post by LBP

Post by vk3ye
The secret is in the mode - AM is better than FM near the noise floor and
suppressed carrier is heaps better again (and easier to generate than AM).

Pete have you shot any video of your tests? sounds most interesting !!

I did take the camera but lousy video from the nocturnal tests

A proper test would require:

* better low pass filtering
* a linear amp (maybe boost to 10mW - 2N2222A should be fine)
* a proper antenna (eg vertical dipole on squid pole)

With any luck this should give some worthwhile range

[LBP]

Post by vk3ye

Post by LBP

Post by vk3ye
The secret is in the mode - AM is better than FM near the noise floor and
suppressed carrier is heaps better again (and easier to generate than AM).

Pete have you shot any video of your tests? sounds most interesting !!

I did take the camera but lousy video from the nocturnal tests
* better low pass filtering
* a linear amp (maybe boost to 10mW - 2N2222A should be fine)
* a proper antenna (eg vertical dipole on squid pole)
With any luck this should give some worthwhile range

BTW will you be on One Sixty tomorrow morning?

[vk3ye]

Post by LBP
BTW will you be on One Sixty tomorrow morning?

No due to other stuff.

And not on the 16th either (and neither should you be listening as it's the
Cranbourne Hamfest)!

30th also booked out.

So there'll be little if any from me on 160 for the next month.

[vk3ye]

Pete have you shot any video of your tests? sounds most >interesting !!

You're too far to hear it from your place but it's doing tests on 36.8658
MHz (need an SSB receiver to hear) right now.