HSCW Bulletin Board
HSCW Bulletin Board
The Windows version of the 9A4GL's MS_DSP HSCW program, WinMSDSP 2000, has been released!.
It should run OK on most brands of modern audio boards, so it should run on most W95 or W98 computers! Early versions of W95 may require the addition or update of a few files (which are available from the MS Web site - URLs listed in the Help files).
This is shareware, with a limited run-time and lacking some of the functions, but will allow you to test it to be sure it runs OK. If it does, you can Register it with 9A4GL, and it will then become a fully-functional version (registration instructions can be found in its Help file).
It is similar in operation to the DOS version, so if you've been using the DOS version you already know how to operate the main features of this one. Specific instructions for its use and for the new features will be found in its Help (Index) file (download as a separate HTML file). General cable, interface, PTT circuit, etc. information is the same as is found in the Manual and Operating Tips for the DOS version, available from the W6/PA0ZN Web site (recommended if you do not already have them).
The program and help file are available at
Tihomir's Web site, URL http://ham2.irb.hr/9a4gl
They are also available at a mirror site, URL http://www3.sk.sympatico.ca/freed/projects/9A4GL
NOTE - A "#6 error" probably means that you do not have an up-to-date DirectX in Windows. This, and a faster method of registration, are being investigated. Watch these "Announcements" for any updates, etc.
Many have downloaded the program and its Manual, and are finding this to be just what they've been asking for, so give it a try! However, if you are not already involved in Meteor Scatter, be advised that you may not even understand the concepts. Several papers on the W6/PAØZN Web HSCW Web site, or the W8WN Web site. "FAQ" and "Semi-Technical FAQ" will help, as will OH5IY's "MSSoft" program. But the primary reference for MS is still the W4LTU articles, reprinted in Beyond Line of Sight from ARRL.
SERIOUS BRENDAN TROPHY TRANS-ATLANTIC ATTEMPTS
Two groups are planning a serious attempt at a trans-Atlantic 144 MHz contact this summer. Here is a brief summary of their plans:
GM4KHE, GM0NAI, GM3YOR and GM0ICF is on schedule, and plan to operate from Ardnamurchan Point, IO66VR, from Saturday June 26 to Sunday July 4, 1200-0000 UTC. (They will monitor and will make skeds at other times, also). Rig will be 2 * 17-el Yagis, GaAsFET preamp, 3CX800 amp. Beam heading will be fixed at around 270 degrees. Callsign will be 2SØICF/P on frequency of 144.075, CW only at about 18 WPM. The 20 (14.345) and possibly the 80 meter VHF net frequencies will also be monitored. For further information, contact GM0ICF at aurora@elec.gla.ac.uk
A second group will be operating on July 5-July 13, 24 hours per day, probably from IN77 or IN78. Equipment, frequency, exact location and other data not available yet. But it is planned to be a serious attempt, also.
Watch these "Announcements" for updates on the plans of both of these groups. North American operators, please pass this information on to all serious operators on the East Coast of the US and Canada!
PREVIOUS NEAR-MISS
Did you realize that on 14 August 1959 W1REZ in Fairfield, CT had a "partial" MS to possibly ES enhanced QSO to AJ2GA which was a US Military MARS station in Torrezon, Spain which was on a plateau overlooking the Atlantic Ocean? Since AJ2GA was not an amateur station and operating out of the 2M band, there was no written reports in QST.
A new programmable keyer kit, capable of HSCW operation, is now available. K1EL has just released his "K10" single-chip semi-kit. Speeds of 5-59 wpm and 1000, 2000, 4000, and 6000 lpm, with provisions for output of a keyed tone (apparently square wave). Cost is very reasonable. Operation is said to be very smooth, and one is currently being used on the air for HSCW. A few additional programming changes are said to be in progress. For more information, go to K1EL's Web site at http://members.aol.com/k1el/ . A review of the K10 keyer and comparison with the "CMOS Super Keyer 3" is expected soon.
| Shower | Date, Time | Shower Data | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boötids | June 27 | New shower??? | |
| beta Taurids | June 28, 2000 | Daylight, little info available | |
| S. delta Aquarids | July 28, 1200 | ZHR 20 | |
| N. delta Aquarids | Aug 9 | ZHR 20 | |
| Perseids | Aug 12, 2300; Aug 13, 0500; Aug 13, 1300 | ZHR variable, 100-160 | |
| Sextantids | Sept 27, | Daylight, little info available |
REMEMBER that this list of showers and these notes are not complete nor exhaustive. They are simply a remindeder of some of the upcoming events. For more details, see some of the special visual meteor Web sites.
But if you're on HSCW, don't wait for even a minor shower. You can make HSCW QSOs any morning with only sporadics! Get on and make those skeds!
These Announcements are updated whenever there is new information for the HSCW/MS group.
73, Shelby, W8WN
