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10.1400050 MHz

"vk5djw"
 

Hi All,

I am currently transmitting My call sign (VK5DJW) in QRSS3 from an inverted V dipole I set up the Hans Summers QRSS kit today using a calibrated frequency counter at work. it was a Racal Dana 1992 if anyone is interested.

Would appreciate if anyone lets me know any reports. if they have a chance. I will leave it on and check out some nearby grabbers.

-Dan
Re: QRSS grabber network?

"javeaflat"
 

Clayton,
I downloaded the receiver project and it looks good, congratulations on your win.

I have a few websites I look after although I have retired from full time work but there should be space enough on my hosting account to do this.
I have some experience with MySQL database development and could knock up a db to store the information from each grabber and write php scripts to add it and display it on a page(s).

I have not looked at the firmware for the MBED as yet but presumably
it could send the parameters back to the server as a get command string similar to that which can be produced when a form is completed on a web page, I say this because I am familiar with form handling and would be able to interface this with the database without too much problem.

Ian M0BXR

What do you think???

Clayton
VK1TKA/ZL3TKA

----- Original Message -----
From: Clayton G
To: knightsqrss@...
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2011 10:52 AM
Subject: QRSS grabber receiver & server project


I recently entered a design project with a QRSS application. I was luck to get amount the winners with my entry. See:






The project was a small (and hence cheap) receiver (a SDR) and DSP processor + ethernet interface. The idea is that with these receivers doted around the world sending their small bandwidth of sample data to a central server we could get a central webpage to a worldwide network of grabber receivers (much like the WSPR network manages the WSPR spots). My project was the receiver end of the project only - the server itself was beyond the scope. The receiver used a cheap GPS module to calibrate its internal oscillator and hence obtain frequency accuracy (with the central server doing the necessary calculations and managing this).


The hope was to be able to build the receiver for < $100, with the only need beyond that being the power supply, antenna, and ethernet connection (ie no radio or computer required). I got the basics working, but there is still plenty of scope to improve the receiver (such as reduction of the amount of data transferred - currently it would use about 3.5GB/month), sort out the receiver design PCB etc, and to get the server operating to accept the data and manage the receivers.


Anyway, the details are in the entry documents on the website above. I would love this project to move beyond just this contest entry. Is anyone interested in being part of such a project. The main need at present is someone to take on the server side, and a suitable place to host it; although receiver work is also required. Anyone interested? I'm a bit tied up with other project at present, but can do some more work on the receiver.


Regards
Clayton
VK1TKA/ZL3TKA
Re: QRSS grabber network?

Daniel Wiering
 

Sounds like a good idea in principle perhaps share some more info with us ?
Re: [Knightsqrss] QRSS grabber network?

Clayton G
 

It looks like I've set the world on fire - or at least a few Knights! Thanks for the feedback.

To answer a few questions:

The details of my receiver can be found in my design entry at:

I am however further developing the software including improving my test server application.

The receiver sends raw sample data. This is currently IQ sample data at about 600SPS, but there is some work needed to optimise this - sampling rules indicate it could be a lot lower. I think it works out to about 3.5GB per month, which could be an issue for those of us with data limits (which is the usual case here in Australia). I think there is still plenty of scope for data compression to keep the traffic down. I don't think the CPU would have the processing power to perform the actual FFT operation.

My intention was to use a VPS (virtual private server) service to host the network. Some of these services are available for <$10 per month. I have yet to follow up with such services to see if the system is compatible. A donation button on the website would help fund the system.

However the network is not something I can tackle alone. As much as I'd like to, I'm current knee deep (or more like neck deep) in KiwiSAT development so my spare hobby time is limited. I can probably address the design and firmware needed for the receivers, but someone to help with the server is needed.

My idea for data presentation was a web pages with rows of images (one per receiver) showing activity over the past hour or so. Smaller images would be shown by default, with the option to enlarge for more detail. If we have a large number of receivers we could have limited stations shown on the home page by removing locations that are near each other.

The server would also have the ability to manage receivers, including the ability to upgrade firmware. Receivers can therefore be set and forget in operation.

I still have a lot of unanswered questions and ideas, but if there are a few people interested in helping build such a system, I'm willing to do my part and make it happen!

Clayton



On 8 June 2011 06:49, Soeren Straarup <xride@...> wrote:
Hi Clayton and other knights,

On Tue, 7 Jun 2011 21:21:26 +1000
"Clayton G" <clayton@...> wrote:

> The other benefit of the network is the ability to expand the grabber
> base. As the receivers will be cheap (I think the component cost can
> be as little as $50) and not require a PC or anything (only a power
> source, antenna and internet connection) more operators should be
> able to install them.
>
> What do you think???

YES..

Do you have any of the idea's online? schematics, flowcharts/box
drawings?

Though i don't have much time, i might be able to fidn some time for
this (8

After all i tend to call QRSS the familly friendly part of hamradio (;

Set it up and wait.

Though i totally agree more grabbers are needed.

Though the price of making it and running it is up there.

Somethings that could be done without a computer and dirrectly
connected to the net would be nice.

What data would be exchanged between "server(s)" and clients?

Raw streams or more like the "premade" pictures?

vy 73 de OZ2DAK, Soeren

--
Soeren Straarup ? | aka OZ2DAK aka Xride
FreeBSD committer | FreeBSD since 2.2.6-R
?If a program is not working right, then send a patch
Re: QRSS grabber network?

Arv Evans
 

开云体育

Clayton VK1TKA/ZL3TKA

I too have proposed new things for QRSS, only to find a strong view that
"we don't do it that way" which resists change and new ideas.

Your idea does have merit, and some spin-off capabilities that could be
used to further enhance the ability and usefulness of QRSS as a serious
communication mode.

At risk of sounding like one of the nay-sayers, here are my thoughts regarding
your proposed system:
  • Go ahead and do it, even if the Luddites don't want to participate.
    If it catches on they will come around, and probably claim that they
    invented it.

  • Receivers can be constructed for very much less than your figure.
    An SA612 IC costs less than USD $3.00 from Chinese sources.
    A single 2N2222A following the SA612 gives AF levels sufficient
    for driving the PC audio input.? Crystals for QRSS frequencies can
    be either cheap or expensive, depending on which QRSS band is
    being received.

  • It will be difficult to determine which band the centralized signal is
    coming from unless the source ID includes band information.?

  • It will be difficult to know which grid square the centralized signals
    are coming from unless the source ID includes location information.

  • Some sort of coverage plan, or at least a coverage map may be
    be required to make most effective use of the system.

  • Aggregated data should probably be available in both visual (web
    page map), and in raw data formats so that others can use your server
    output for further automated processing.

  • What is in it for those who will be installing receivers and the thin-
    client access to to Internet?? What would be the motivation for many
    to participate with getting and maintaining their facilities to provide
    data to your system?

  • Who would be the target clients of your system and it's data?? Why
    would they be interested in it?

  • I'm guessing that the central server would be receiving audio (VoIP...?)
    information from simple QRSS receivers, and would need to process
    this audio from many different sources.? That seems like it would
    require a dedicated sound card based ADC processor for each input
    signal.? That is a lot of sound cards for one computer unless some
    method can be designed to multiplex AF signal processing.? Have you
    worked out a method for doing this?

  • The amount of equipment for the central aggregation and processing
    system may become significant.? How would you pay for this, and who
    would install and maintain it?? This brings to mind ideas about using
    "cloud computing" methods to distribute the processing and data
    management, but software for that has not yet been written...are
    you going to do it??? Hmmm...maybe we need to just add a downstream
    data link for existing QRSS reception software so that ARGO and/or
    Spectran could send received signal info to your centralized (or distributed)
    QRSS aggregation system?

  • Maybe the best approach if you are really interested in making it happen
    would be to go ahead on your own and build it, with the assumption that
    "if it gets built, they clients will use it".? I'm not wholly convinced that this
    is a good assumption, but there is one way to really try the concept...build
    the system and see if anybody wants to play in your sandbox.
As mentioned earlier, I too have discussed with others the possibility of doing
more with QRSS, only to run into a wall of indifference, criticism, and resistance
to change.

About a year ago I built a rudimentary QRSS receiver and put it on the Internet
via my own local QRSS viewer and web server:

???? ??? .

To say that nobody was/is interested would be a significant understatement.?

Today the aggregation of QRSS servers known as the QRSS Compendium

??? ???

is dominated by a few long-time participants who apparently have large
antenna installations and excellent receiving systems.? Those with lesser systems
or less time in the group are not even mentioned in the Compendium.? Because
of this apparent good-old-boys-club aspect of QRSS activity, your proposal might
potentially be seen as competing with, and disruptive to, their well established
system.

My suggestion is to go forward with your idea, even if you don't get volunteers
who are begging to help build it and want to become participants in the result.
If you make announcements here as certain parts of your system become
available for general use, some of us will try it.? We might even like it.? :-)

73's

Arv K7HKL
_._


On 06/07/2011 05:21 AM, Clayton G wrote:

?

Hello Knights!
?
I didn't get much response to my email last month, but I'll try another tact before giving up.
?
For a while I've had an idea of developing a server system with remote 'thin' receivers around the world. These receivers would send in their sample data of a narrow QRSS band to the server, which would then generate a worldwide view of the signals being grabbed. Data could also be logged and overlays generated etc etc - it is kind of like the WSPR net but for visual MEPTs. At minimum it would allow for a worldwide instant display of activity with the ability to roll back in time.
?
Anyway I implemented the 'thin' receiver for a design contest, and got among the winners. Subsequently the magazine (Circuit Cellar) has asked if I'd like to turn my project into a published article. As I'd get paid for this, it could be a source of seed funds to make the QRSS network a reality.
?
The real question though is do the Knights think such a network is of value, or do you find the aggregators and ad-hock grabbers sufficient? Personally I found it inadequate when I was running my MEPT, but this is in part due to the solar power and low duty cycle of my MEPT - I had to watch at just the right time to see it.
?
The other benefit of the network is the ability to expand the grabber base. As the receivers will be cheap (I think the component cost can be as little as $50) and not require a PC or anything (only a power source, antenna and internet connection) more operators should be able to install them.
?
What do you think???
?
Clayton
VK1TKA/ZL3TKA
?
----- Original Message -----
From: Clayton G
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2011 10:52 AM
Subject: QRSS grabber receiver & server project

I recently entered a design project with a QRSS application. I was luck to get amount the winners with my entry. See:


The project was a small (and hence cheap) receiver (a SDR) and DSP processor + ethernet interface. The idea is that with these receivers doted around the world sending their small bandwidth of sample data to a central server we could get a central webpage to a worldwide network of grabber receivers (much like the WSPR network manages the WSPR spots). My project was the receiver end of the project only - the server itself was beyond the scope. The receiver used a cheap GPS module to calibrate its internal?oscillator?and hence obtain frequency accuracy (with the central server doing the necessary calculations and managing this).

The hope was to be able to build the receiver for < $100, with the only need beyond that being the power supply, antenna, and ethernet connection (ie no radio or computer required). I got the basics working, but there is still plenty of scope to improve the receiver (such as reduction of the amount of data transferred - currently it would use about 3.5GB/month), sort out the receiver design PCB etc, and to get the server operating to accept the data and manage the receivers.

Anyway, the details are in the entry documents on the website above. I would love this project to move beyond just this contest entry. Is anyone interested in being part of such a project. The main need at present is someone to take on the server side, and a suitable place to host it; although receiver work is also required. Anyone interested? I'm a bit tied up with other project at present, but can do some more work on the receiver.

Regards
Clayton
VK1TKA/ZL3TKA
Re: QRSS grabber network?

Stephen Farthing
 

Hi Clayton,

I think this is really an interesting thing to try and achieve. I am not on the air much now due to a shack/antenna/life reorganization but when i was it was always an exercise in patience to wait for a grabber to pick my signals up. Hans and i have sold well over 400 beacon kits now and I often wonder how many people built them only to give up when they had no "grabs"....someone once said that QRSS is a bit like fly fishing...it takes a lot of skill and patience but ?once you get a DX grab its all very worth while....

73s Steve


On 7 June 2011 12:21, Clayton G <clayton@...> wrote:
?

Hello Knights!
?
I didn't get much response to my email last month, but I'll try another tact before giving up.
?
For a while I've had an idea of developing a server system with remote 'thin' receivers around the world. These receivers would send in their sample data of a narrow QRSS band to the server, which would then generate a worldwide view of the signals being grabbed. Data could also be logged and overlays generated etc etc - it is kind of like the WSPR net but for visual MEPTs. At minimum it would allow for a worldwide instant display of activity with the ability to roll back in time.
?
Anyway I implemented the 'thin' receiver for a design contest, and got among the winners. Subsequently the magazine (Circuit Cellar) has asked if I'd like to turn my project into a published article. As I'd get paid for this, it could be a source of seed funds to make the QRSS network a reality.
?
The real question though is do the Knights think such a network is of value, or do you find the aggregators and ad-hock grabbers sufficient? Personally I found it inadequate when I was running my MEPT, but this is in part due to the solar power and low duty cycle of my MEPT - I had to watch at just the right time to see it.
?
The other benefit of the network is the ability to expand the grabber base. As the receivers will be cheap (I think the component cost can be as little as $50) and not require a PC or anything (only a power source, antenna and internet connection) more operators should be able to install them.
?
What do you think???
?
Clayton
VK1TKA/ZL3TKA
?
----- Original Message -----
From: Clayton G
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2011 10:52 AM
Subject: QRSS grabber receiver & server project

I recently entered a design project with a QRSS application. I was luck to get amount the winners with my entry. See:


The project was a small (and hence cheap) receiver (a SDR) and DSP processor + ethernet interface. The idea is that with these receivers doted around the world sending their small bandwidth of sample data to a central server we could get a central webpage to a worldwide network of grabber receivers (much like the WSPR network manages the WSPR spots). My project was the receiver end of the project only - the server itself was beyond the scope. The receiver used a cheap GPS module to calibrate its internal?oscillator?and hence obtain frequency accuracy (with the central server doing the necessary calculations and managing this).

The hope was to be able to build the receiver for < $100, with the only need beyond that being the power supply, antenna, and ethernet connection (ie no radio or computer required). I got the basics working, but there is still plenty of scope to improve the receiver (such as reduction of the amount of data transferred - currently it would use about 3.5GB/month), sort out the receiver design PCB etc, and to get the server operating to accept the data and manage the receivers.

Anyway, the details are in the entry documents on the website above. I would love this project to move beyond just this contest entry. Is anyone interested in being part of such a project. The main need at present is someone to take on the server side, and a suitable place to host it; although receiver work is also required. Anyone interested? I'm a bit tied up with other project at present, but can do some more work on the receiver.

Regards
Clayton
VK1TKA/ZL3TKA






--
It is vain to do with more that which can be done with less.
QRSS grabber network?

"Clayton G"
 

开云体育

Hello Knights!
?
I didn't get much response to my email last month, but I'll try another tact before giving up.
?
For a while I've had an idea of developing a server system with remote 'thin' receivers around the world. These receivers would send in their sample data of a narrow QRSS band to the server, which would then generate a worldwide view of the signals being grabbed. Data could also be logged and overlays generated etc etc - it is kind of like the WSPR net but for visual MEPTs. At minimum it would allow for a worldwide instant display of activity with the ability to roll back in time.
?
Anyway I implemented the 'thin' receiver for a design contest, and got among the winners. Subsequently the magazine (Circuit Cellar) has asked if I'd like to turn my project into a published article. As I'd get paid for this, it could be a source of seed funds to make the QRSS network a reality.
?
The real question though is do the Knights think such a network is of value, or do you find the aggregators and ad-hock grabbers sufficient? Personally I found it inadequate when I was running my MEPT, but this is in part due to the solar power and low duty cycle of my MEPT - I had to watch at just the right time to see it.
?
The other benefit of the network is the ability to expand the grabber base. As the receivers will be cheap (I think the component cost can be as little as $50) and not require a PC or anything (only a power source, antenna and internet connection) more operators should be able to install them.
?
What do you think???
?
Clayton
VK1TKA/ZL3TKA
?

----- Original Message -----
From: Clayton G
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2011 10:52 AM
Subject: QRSS grabber receiver & server project

I recently entered a design project with a QRSS application. I was luck to get amount the winners with my entry. See:


The project was a small (and hence cheap) receiver (a SDR) and DSP processor + ethernet interface. The idea is that with these receivers doted around the world sending their small bandwidth of sample data to a central server we could get a central webpage to a worldwide network of grabber receivers (much like the WSPR network manages the WSPR spots). My project was the receiver end of the project only - the server itself was beyond the scope. The receiver used a cheap GPS module to calibrate its internal?oscillator?and hence obtain frequency accuracy (with the central server doing the necessary calculations and managing this).

The hope was to be able to build the receiver for < $100, with the only need beyond that being the power supply, antenna, and ethernet connection (ie no radio or computer required). I got the basics working, but there is still plenty of scope to improve the receiver (such as reduction of the amount of data transferred - currently it would use about 3.5GB/month), sort out the receiver design PCB etc, and to get the server operating to accept the data and manage the receivers.

Anyway, the details are in the entry documents on the website above. I would love this project to move beyond just this contest entry. Is anyone interested in being part of such a project. The main need at present is someone to take on the server side, and a suitable place to host it; although receiver work is also required. Anyone interested? I'm a bit tied up with other project at present, but can do some more work on the receiver.

Regards
Clayton
VK1TKA/ZL3TKA
NEW QRSS3 ON AIR !!!

"Fabrizio"
 

Hi everyone! Finally today on air, after
Hans G0GPL kit 30m QRSS , and amended in accordance
Aldo Iw2DZX I thank them both for the opportunity '
fun! My beacon 'set at the
10.140.04 Mhz frequency of about 100 mW of power,
the antenna and now 'a dipole positioned towards E-
W for physical reasons of space, but a vertical
dedicated 'already' under construction! I would appreciate it if
someone were to listen to my signal
Please e-mail to see if any adjustments are
to do or variants, as with autocode
Argo known that the signal and 'a little' distorted, but
I need to look for the cause of your relationships!
Thanking all in advance for your cooperation
I wish you good listening and good DX to all!
IK6ZEW op. Fabrizio D'Alessandro
JN72CK Pescara Italy
email: ik6zew@...
QSL via qsl.cc
Re: QRSS3 on 10.0030 - 10.0040MHz

Daniel Wiering
 

Hi All,

I have stopped transmitting for the time being i need to do some
adjustments to the setup.

Thanks to those who tried

-Dan
Re: QRSS3 on 10.140030 - 10.140040MHz

Daniel Wiering
 

Apologies...It is a typo... I mean 10.140030 - 10.140040MHz

-Dan
QRSS3 on 10.0030 - 10.0040MHz

"vk5djw"
 

Hi Guys,

In case any one is interested I am transmitting continuously QRSS3 callsign VK5DJW tonight on 10.0035MHz
Power is about 100mW

-Dan
VK5DJW
Re: Has any one caught this call sign before ? ZL1EEA??? or ZL1EE ???

Daniel Wiering
 

Thanks ZL1UJG,

-Dan
VK5DJW
Re: Has any one caught this call sign before ? ZL1EEA??? or ZL1EE ???

"zl1ujg"
 

Hi,
Its Murray Greenman ZL1BPU, who runs 100mW. Callsign he is using is ZL1EE.

--- In QRPLabs@..., "vk5djw" <daniel.wiering@...> wrote:

If you have a look in the photo section under VK5DJW there is a capture pic... if it is a ZL1 I would like to know the power output :)

-Dan
VK5DJW
Has any one caught this call sign before ? ZL1EEA??? or ZL1EE ???

"vk5djw"
 

If you have a look in the photo section under VK5DJW there is a capture pic... if it is a ZL1 I would like to know the power output :)

-Dan
VK5DJW
Low power from HAns Summers TX

"zl1ujg"
 

Hi,
I have heard others mention that they had low power from their Hans Summers TX. Well one my fellow QRSSers in Hamilton has that exact same problem with his 30m one(after being modified to 12v PA operation) He has some test equipment and did some tests.
The 12v modification allows for ~ 320 mW (+25 dBm) output for around 50 mA current, and he stated that he had around +150 mW (+22) about 3 dB down from expected output level.
He seperated the 1nF from the PA. Its actually 10nF or 100nF in his one. He attenuated the power and measured oiutput power from the PA without filters to be +25 dBm.(This was measured with a Spectrum Analyser, with careful verification first.

Mmm.
I had told him that the filter is essentially 3 seperate filters so he connected the input C (270pF) and L (1.1 uH) to the output C 270 pF.
Still low by 3dB.
He took turns gradually off and the power returned. He then did the same for the other coils and reconnected it up. And about 320mW, with harmonics 50 dB or greater down.
Even though the Toroid coil turns have been reduced, we suspect that they arent the problem.
We will keep you posted on the results of further tests as they come to hand

Kevin
ZL1UJG
Unreliable oscillator startup

Kevin Murphy
 

Hi,
One of the fellow QRSS'ers in Hamilton while building the 80m TX, noticed a small problem. To achieve frequency he had to remove the inductor in series with the crystal, not unusual. He replaced that with a small? fixed capacitor (4p7) to get the crystal tuned on frequency.
He noticed a start up?problem, which is probably due to the small values of capacitor in series with the crystal. I suggested that he put a 10nF or 100nF across the collector resistor of the oscillator. This worked well. I suspect the negative feedback of the unbypassed?collector resistor was causing marginal operation
Kevin
ZL1UJG
40m qrss on air

timrob@...
 

Dear all

I have my 40m qrss beacon running now. Acording to my trusty meter, it is on 7.000.81 Any reports will be most welcome

Thanks

Tim
VK4YEH
Power on that 80m TX

"zl1ujg"
 

PS. He acheived 320 mW at ~ 52 mA PA current with a 13v PSU for the 2N7000.

About 50% efficient

Kevin
ZL1UJG
80m tx

"zl1ujg"
 

Hi
Re the Hans Summers 80m TX (and posibly other versions)
Tom ZL1THG was unable to get his 80m TX on frequency .
He bypassed the inductor with a short, leaving the tuning capacitor remaining.He still was at 3500.600 kHz...

This wasnt unexpected. I assume that these crystals supplied are cut for oscillation with a 30 pf load. Circuit components should give this load to acheive the rated frequency on the crystal. In this case 3.500 MHz or 7.000 MHz,, 10.140 MHz

However the frequency we want is nominally 850 Hz higher on the 80m and 40m bands. So the capacitance needs to be smaller than 30 pF.

Tom succeeded acheiving oscillation on 3500.850 kHz, by using the existing trimmer and an 8.2 pf instead of the toroid inductor in the VCXO. Depending on the crystal a larger or smaller capacitor may be needed

Kevin
ZL1UJG
Re: New QRSS beacon G1IVG in IO92NL

"G1IVG"
 

Sorry,

Freq is 10.140040 +/-

All reports welcome

73 de Colin G1IVG

--- In QRPLabs@..., "G1IVG" <colinlowe_home@...> wrote:

Hi all,

Just to let you all know I have built my 30m QRSS beacon kit (Hans Summers Kit) and it should be on 10.140085 more or less. It's only on 100mw as far as I know and I'm inteested if anyone can RX me. I have put the TX directly at the feed point of a 1/2 wave 30m dipole in the loft and run the kit from a 5.2vdc PSU.

73 de Colin G1IVG (Market Harborough, Leicestershire, England)

www.g1ivg.com
141561 - 141580 of 141818