Re: AlexLoop HamPack w/RC2 Remote
V1 AlexLoop and ManPack version very different, not compatible for RC. 73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
?
On Mon, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:05 AM, Eric via groups.io <gliderboy1955@...> wrote: I don't believe it is compatible with older AlexLoops, but I will take a closer look.? I have my 1st Gen AlexLoop here, but my 2nd Gen is in Chester.? I think the tuning box is nearly the same.??
HOWEVER, if your loop capacitor has a very, very low drag, it might be possible to jury-rig something, especially with access to Hiroki's grandkids' Erector set.? Having seen some of Alex's previous configurations, I am amazed how elegantly simple this one is.? Alex really nailed it.? The new Hampack model also has a built-in tuning indicator--I'm guessing it's an rf current led indicator.??
If memory serves, the capacitor turns more freely on the current model, it may have a different ver?ier ratio.? The remote motor is powered by a 9v battery, so it can't develop much torque
I'll take a look tomorrow.??
I was pleased to see that a fragme?t of the video we shot maybe 12 years ago at Baylands is still present in one of Alex's videos on his youtube channel.??
On another note, I worked the Austrailian Maritime Museum destroyer on 20m cw tonight, VK2VMP.? Interesting QRZ page.? Cliff, have you guys ever worked them from your ship?
David, why did you go with the Alpha instead of the AlexLoop?
One final final.? Eons ago I gave a talk on mag loops at a club that met at the Covington Jr. High cafeteria, and at the end set up my 1st gen AlexLoop.? We were able to copy a UA0 on 20m.? As luck would have it, a club member had a brand-new 2nd gen AlexLoop, which we also set up.? No difference in signal strength.? 73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
? On Mon, Jul 15, 2024 at 1:39 AM, David via groups.io <dkvarn@...> wrote: Wow, the remote control box looks way cool! Clearly a ton of development. Any idea whether it is compatible with the previous version AlexLoop?
You *must* view Alex's short videos on the loop generally and on the remote specifically--links below.
Best, --David KM6RI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=TJuRFbssvDs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6ZAJYNCg2k
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I have an old rspry pi you can have. 73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
?
On Mon, Jul 15, 2024 at 1:22 PM, Doug Hendricks <ki6ds1@...> wrote: I have a good friend,? Tommy? Gober, N5DUX who is a volunteer instructor at the ARRL Teacher Institute every year.?
?
We have been batting around ideas for a project that will keep the interest going and be ongoing.? ?We came up with the idea of having the teachers learn how to set up a wspr listening station at their? school.? ?They would then report their results to wspr.net.? it would add 15 more reporting stations listening for our wspr transmissions.? ?And they would be all around the US.
?
But there is a problem.? ?We need rtlsdr dangles and raspberry pi computers.? ?Anything will work,? 3,4, 0 w,? ?It's time for the shoe to drop, do any of you guys have rtlsdr dangles or raspberry pis that are excess to your needs?? If so. I know a good home for them.? Let me know.?
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Regarding dangles, err dongles.
I have an RTL-SDR dongle.? It's one of the knock-offs.? I later purchased one from RTL-SDR.COM.?
I was about to offer you the cheap one, but decided it won't work for this project.? Among other things, the low-band feature doesn't work.? Won't receive below about 30 MHz.?
Don't waste any time on units that don't look exactly like the ones on the web-site.?
Paul
On Monday, July 15, 2024 at 01:22:38 PM PDT, Doug Hendricks <ki6ds1@...> wrote:
I have a good friend,? Tommy? Gober, N5DUX who is a volunteer instructor at the ARRL Teacher Institute every year.?
?
We have been batting around ideas for a project that will keep the interest going and be ongoing.? ?We came up with the idea of having the teachers learn how to set up a wspr listening station at their? school.? ?They would then report their results to wspr.net.? it would add 15 more reporting stations listening for our wspr transmissions.? ?And they would be all around the US.
?
But there is a problem.? ?We need rtlsdr dangles and raspberry pi computers.? ?Anything will work,? 3,4, 0 w,? ?It's time for the shoe to drop, do any of you guys have rtlsdr dangles or raspberry pis that are excess to your needs?? If so. I know a good home for them.? Let me know.?
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Dongles,? I hate autocorrect?
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I have a good friend,? Tommy? Gober, N5DUX who is a volunteer instructor at the ARRL Teacher Institute every year.?
?
We have been batting around ideas for a project that will keep the interest going and be ongoing.? ?We came up with the idea of having the teachers learn how to set up a wspr listening station at their? school.? ?They would then report their results to wspr.net.? it would add 15 more reporting stations listening for our wspr transmissions.? ?And they would be all around the US.
?
But there is a problem.? ?We need rtlsdr dangles and raspberry pi computers.? ?Anything will work,? 3,4, 0 w,? ?It's time for the shoe to drop, do any of you guys have rtlsdr dangles or raspberry pis that are excess to your needs?? If so. I know a good home for them.? Let me know.?
|
Re: AlexLoop HamPack w/RC2 Remote
I don't believe it is compatible with older AlexLoops, but I will take a closer look.? I have my 1st Gen AlexLoop here, but my 2nd Gen is in Chester.? I think the tuning box is nearly the same.??
HOWEVER, if your loop capacitor has a very, very low drag, it might be possible to jury-rig something, especially with access to Hiroki's grandkids' Erector set.? Having seen some of Alex's previous configurations, I am amazed how elegantly simple this one is.? Alex really nailed it.? The new Hampack model also has a built-in tuning indicator--I'm guessing it's an rf current led indicator.??
If memory serves, the capacitor turns more freely on the current model, it may have a different ver?ier ratio.? The remote motor is powered by a 9v battery, so it can't develop much torque
I'll take a look tomorrow.??
I was pleased to see that a fragme?t of the video we shot maybe 12 years ago at Baylands is still present in one of Alex's videos on his youtube channel.??
On another note, I worked the Austrailian Maritime Museum destroyer on 20m cw tonight, VK2VMP.? Interesting QRZ page.? Cliff, have you guys ever worked them from your ship?
David, why did you go with the Alpha instead of the AlexLoop?
One final final.? Eons ago I gave a talk on mag loops at a club that met at the Covington Jr. High cafeteria, and at the end set up my 1st gen AlexLoop.? We were able to copy a UA0 on 20m.? As luck would have it, a club member had a brand-new 2nd gen AlexLoop, which we also set up.? No difference in signal strength.? 73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
?
On Mon, Jul 15, 2024 at 1:39 AM, David via groups.io <dkvarn@...> wrote: Wow, the remote control box looks way cool! Clearly a ton of development. Any idea whether it is compatible with the previous version AlexLoop?
You *must* view Alex's short videos on the loop generally and on the remote specifically--links below.
Best, --David KM6RI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=TJuRFbssvDs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6ZAJYNCg2k
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Re: AlexLoop HamPack w/RC2 Remote
Wow, the remote control box looks way cool! Clearly a ton of development. Any idea whether it is compatible with the previous version AlexLoop?
You *must* view Alex's short videos on the loop generally and on the remote specifically--links below.
Best, --David KM6RI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=TJuRFbssvDs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6ZAJYNCg2k
|
Now having a keeper tuning box, I decided to do a little experimentation on it. I believe as a result I found the cause of the tuning cap shorting problem. Best described in pix--see attached visual documentary. Summary: the Alpha assembly process places high mechanical stress on a vulnerable part of the tuning caps, resulting in shorting. Not sure whether to blame the assembly process or the cap or both. I put some suggestions in the attachment--additional ideas?
Best, --David KM6RI
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(Long post (sorry) but interesting IMO).?
As mentioned, I returned my non-runner Alpha Loop antenna for a full and prompt refund. The problem was that one section of the tuning cap was shorting. Alpha had sent a second tuning box, unfortunately with the same problem, which I also returned. Steve (Alpha pres) sent me a YouTube video showing their tech testing the returned boxes. In the video, the tech connects a DVM (Ohmmeter function) across the center pins of the SO-239 connectors on the box and rotates the tuning cap through its range. The two sections of the cap are in series via the cap rotor, so, of course, with one section shorting and one not shorting, this test showed no fault. No other testing was shown in the video.?
I respectfully (I think) replied to Steve that the tech did not understand how the box worked, that each cap section needed to be tested alone, and attached a pic of my home test. Steve thanked me for this tutorial and made an oblique reference to "the replacement box being sent." Since I had already received a full refund I took this as a mistake. Imagine my surprise when a few days later a third tuning box showed up on my porch! I asked Steve if there was a mistake and he replied that he sent the box as a gift in appreciation of my tutoring. Wow! Of course I tested it--third time's a charm! No shorts.?
It gets better... the box alone would not accomplish much, and I have no time now to build a loop around the box, so I priced the remaining Alpha Loop components. About $250 shipped. Coincidentally, Alpha had sent a message to their customer base to the effect that they were considering a mechanism by which prospective customers could make offers on Alpha products. I offered Steve $200 for the parts (shipped) and he accepted! So I now have another Alpha loop. They normally sell for about $580 (shipped to my QTH).?
OMG, you just gotta appreciate this guy and his company! Despite the problems, I have the utmost respect. More to come...
Best, --David KM6RI
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Very nice. Thank you for sharing. Doug
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Show quoted text
On Jul 13, 2024, at 10:55?AM, Eric via groups.io <gliderboy1955@...> wrote:
?Hi Verne,?
Elecraft K4D. 73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
? On Sat, Jul 13, 2024 at 9:57 AM, Verne Anderson via groups.io <verneanderson@...> wrote: What radio are you using Eric? Nice display.
--
Verne Anderson W6LPM,
--
Verne Anderson W6LPM,
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Hi Verne,?
Elecraft K4D. 73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
?
On Sat, Jul 13, 2024 at 9:57 AM, Verne Anderson via groups.io <verneanderson@...> wrote: What radio are you using Eric? Nice display.
--
Verne Anderson W6LPM,
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What radio are you using Eric? Nice display.
--
Verne Anderson W6LPM,
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Here's a short snippet. 73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
?
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Cliff, I didn't call, either.? In past years I have not been able to get through.
Now I'm kicking myself for not trying RTTY!
You can't miss that hard-keying sound! 73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
?
On Sat, Jul 13, 2024 at 9:10 AM, Cliff Sojourner K6CLS via groups.io <cls@...> wrote: Hi Eric, Did you call on any of the ham frequencies?? I had fldigi running CW decodes, K6KPH was perfect copy on 14050.? The op is a good friend.? But I chickened out.? Listened to RTTY on 12585 for a while.? Lots of nice memorial msgs.? Fun way to spend the evening.? Cliff K6CLS On July 13, 2024 1:10:21 AM PDT, "Eric via groups.io" <gliderboy1955@...> wrote:
Good signal on 6MHz here tonight.??
73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
?
On Thu, Jul 11, 2024 at 8:03 PM, Cliff Sojourner K6CLS via groups.io <cls@...> wrote: hey folks, not exactly QRP - more like QRO - but KPH is operating Night
of Nights tomorrow, Friday evening.? The story made front page of the
Mercury News
MRHS web site has frequencies and scheds:
When they took over and restored the Pt Reyes and Bolinas sites, they
resolved to carry on at 00:01 as if the station had never stopped operating.
Cliff K6CLS
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Hi Eric, Did you call on any of the ham frequencies?? I had fldigi running CW decodes, K6KPH was perfect copy on 14050.? The op is a good friend.? But I chickened out.? Listened to RTTY on 12585 for a while.? Lots of nice memorial msgs.? Fun way to spend the evening.? Cliff K6CLS
On July 13, 2024 1:10:21 AM PDT, "Eric via groups.io" <gliderboy1955@...> wrote:
Good signal on 6MHz here tonight.??
73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
?
On Thu, Jul 11, 2024 at 8:03 PM, Cliff Sojourner K6CLS via groups.io <cls@...> wrote: hey folks, not exactly QRP - more like QRO - but KPH is operating Night
of Nights tomorrow, Friday evening.? The story made front page of the
Mercury News
MRHS web site has frequencies and scheds:
When they took over and restored the Pt Reyes and Bolinas sites, they
resolved to carry on at 00:01 as if the station had never stopped operating.
Cliff K6CLS
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Good signal on 6MHz here tonight.?? 73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
?
On Thu, Jul 11, 2024 at 8:03 PM, Cliff Sojourner K6CLS via groups.io <cls@...> wrote: hey folks, not exactly QRP - more like QRO - but KPH is operating Night
of Nights tomorrow, Friday evening.? The story made front page of the
Mercury News
MRHS web site has frequencies and scheds:
When they took over and restored the Pt Reyes and Bolinas sites, they
resolved to carry on at 00:01 as if the station had never stopped operating.
Cliff K6CLS
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AlexLoop HamPack w/RC2 Remote
It will come as a shock to none of you that after learning of Alex's passing, I bought the latest version of the AlexLoop (that name was coined by Hiroki) complete with remote.??
Alex went through a lot of design iterations with the remote over many years, but the final result is elegant and simple.? It's a one-screw install, and Alex provides tools and spares.? Here are a couple of pics.? ?ooking forward to trying it out when it cools off.
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CapPlugs <<>> is a manufacturer of the hard plastic (polyethylene) and the soft vinyl kind.? These come on a lot of professional?gear.
They sell direct, but you can also find them at various distributors?(e.g. Grainger, McMaster).
?Dxengigineering sells 20 for $12+.? They are $8.65 for bag of 100 at Mcmaster Carr, part number?
9753K47.
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?Dxengigineering sells 20 for $12+.? They are $8.65 for bag of 100 at Mcmaster Carr, part number?
9753K47.
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David
Cliff Sojourner K6CLS