Re: coax recommendations?
Wow! LMR400 connected to softrock with BNC connector. That will be interesting.
--
VY 73,
Wes AE6ZM
Sierra Vista, AZ
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Re: coax recommendations?
Agreed.? But my recommendations for RG-58 was based on two factors.
1.? The rigs in question are Softrocks, which I presume means that it'll be used primarily for LF or HF.
2.? The poster of the question indicated that cost was a big factor, and that would preclude use of LMR-400 (overkill at lower frequencies).
Now, having said that.? Here is what I personally use. . .
1. For the 88' dipole it is fed with 450 Ohm ladderline and a balun into a tuner.? Works well on all bands 75-10M with nice low loss.
2. Comet CHA-250B is fed with 40' of RG8X (maximum power here is 200Watts) on 75-10M.? NOT a great antenna, but it fills an occasional? need for a vertical (14x65' mobile home, NO large yard, no room for radials? or anything).
3.???? Active whip and Wellbroke loop (receive only antennas) fed with RG8X.
4.???? The Diamond Discone and Comet GP6 & GP3 antennas fed with appropriate lengths of LMR-400.
<>< 73 From "The Beaconeer's Lair" <><
Specializing in DXing NDBs (Longwave Beacons)
Phil, KO6BB,
HF/LF RADIOS:
YAESU: FTDX-101MP Xceiver, Dual SDR Receivers (~2020)
YAESU: FTDX-3000 Xceiver, DSP IF, 300Hz Roofing filter (~2019).
Uniden: SDS-200 Scanner, 25-1300MHz (2020)
Portable: Eton Elite 750 (2), AKA Grundig Satelite 750 (2020)
Sangean ATS-909X2 (2021), Tecsun PL-990 (2021)
HOMEBREW: 7 Tube+Rect 1v3 Regen RX for LF (built 2015)
SDRS: Perseus 10KHz-40MHz (2020)
Softrock Ensemble II LF Receiver (kit, 2017)
Softrock Ensemble II HF Receiver (Kit, 2019)
ACC: MFJ-993B Auto Antenna Matcher.
HOMEBREW LF-MF Pre-Amp, 8Hz Audio Filter.
HOMEBREW 4 Port Antenna Multicoupler, Feeds 4 RX's.
ANTENNAS: 88 foot Long Ladder-line fed dipole, ~35 feet AGL for MW/HF.
Top Loaded Tee (Dipole fed as single element) ~35 Feet AGL.
Comet CHA-250B HF Vertical at ~24 Feet AGL For HF.
Ratzlaff Active whip, 5 Foot Long, ~16 Feet AGL For LF/MW/HF.
Wellbrook ALA1530LN Loop For LF/MW/HF at ~17 Feet AGL
Diamond Discone ~35 feet AGL for Scanner.
Merced, Central California, 37, 18, 37N 120, 30, 6W CM97rh
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Show quoted text
On 6/15/2021 4:15 AM, w2ttt wrote:
For above 28 MHz and VHF/UHF, I would use LMR 400 for cable lengths up to
70-100 ft.
73,
Gordon Beattie, W2TTT
201.314.6964
Get Outlook for Android <> ( )
________________________________
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> ( [email protected] )
on behalf of Philip Atchley <ko6bb1@...> ( ko6bb1@... )
Sent:
Monday, June 14, 2021 11:46:38 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]> ( [email protected] )
Subject: Re: [softrock40] coax recommendations?
Hi, For receive only I'd
recommend using RG-58, relatively low cost and you can buy it with
connectors already attached from places like Amazon etc (probably eBay too
though I don't do eBay). Just go to amazon and do a search for RG-58
cable. You could also buy from HRO (where I uasully get my LMR-400) but
it would cost you more there. The loss through 50 feet of RGB-58 will be
minimal, for Vhf/Uhf I usually use LMR-400, but it can be very pricey. . .
<>< 73 From "The Beaconeer's Lair" <><
Specializing in DXing NDBs
(Longwave Beacons)
Phil, KO6BB,
HF/LF RADIOS:
YAESU:
FTDX-101MP Xceiver, Dual SDR Receivers (~2020)
YAESU: FTDX-3000
Xceiver, DSP IF, 300Hz Roofing filter (~2019).
Uniden: SDS-200 Scanner,
25-1300MHz (2020)
Portable: Eton Elite 750 (2), AKA Grundig Satelite 750
(2020)
Sangean ATS-909X2 (2021), Tecsun PL-990 (2021)
HOMEBREW: 7
Tube+Rect 1v3 Regen RX for LF (built 2015)
SDRS: Perseus 10KHz-40MHz
(2020)
Softrock Ensemble II LF Receiver (kit, 2017)
Softrock Ensemble II HF Receiver (Kit, 2019)
ACC: MFJ-993B Auto Antenna
Matcher.
HOMEBREW LF-MF Pre-Amp, 8Hz Audio Filter.
HOMEBREW 4
Port Antenna Multicoupler, Feeds 4 RX's.
ANTENNAS: 88 foot Long
Ladder-line fed dipole, ~35 feet AGL for MW/HF.
Top Loaded
Tee (Dipole fed as single element) ~35 Feet AGL.
Comet
CHA-250B HF Vertical at ~24 Feet AGL For HF.
Ratzlaff Active
whip, 5 Foot Long, ~16 Feet AGL For LF/MW/HF.
Wellbrook
ALA1530LN Loop For LF/MW/HF at ~17 Feet AGL
Diamond Discone
~35 feet AGL for Scanner.
Merced, Central California, 37, 18, 37N 120,
30, 6W CM97rh
On 6/15/2021 12:30 AM, JonI via groups.io wrote:
For the first time in three decades, I'm going to need to buy about 50
feet of 50 ohm coax. I am installing an outdoor antenna, so will need it.
I am on a limited budget. It will be used for the Softrock RX. The
antenna and Softrock both use BNC, so would prefer to stick to that since
adapters add to the cost. So, what coax brand is recommended? Thanks.
|
Re: coax recommendations?
For above 28 MHz and VHF/UHF, I would use LMR 400 for cable lengths up to 70-100 ft. 73, Gordon Beattie, W2TTT 201.314.6964 Get Outlook for Android<> ________________________________ From: [email protected] < [email protected]> on behalf of Philip Atchley <ko6bb1@...> Sent: Monday, June 14, 2021 11:46:38 PM To: [email protected] < [email protected]> Subject: Re: [softrock40] coax recommendations? Hi, For receive only I'd recommend using RG-58, relatively low cost and you can buy it with connectors already attached from places like Amazon etc (probably eBay too though I don't do eBay). Just go to amazon and do a search for RG-58 cable. You could also buy from HRO (where I uasully get my LMR-400) but it would cost you more there. The loss through 50 feet of RGB-58 will be minimal, for Vhf/Uhf I usually use LMR-400, but it can be very pricey. . . <>< 73 From "The Beaconeer's Lair" <>< Specializing in DXing NDBs (Longwave Beacons) Phil, KO6BB, HF/LF RADIOS: YAESU: FTDX-101MP Xceiver, Dual SDR Receivers (~2020) YAESU: FTDX-3000 Xceiver, DSP IF, 300Hz Roofing filter (~2019). Uniden: SDS-200 Scanner, 25-1300MHz (2020) Portable: Eton Elite 750 (2), AKA Grundig Satelite 750 (2020) Sangean ATS-909X2 (2021), Tecsun PL-990 (2021) HOMEBREW: 7 Tube+Rect 1v3 Regen RX for LF (built 2015) SDRS: Perseus 10KHz-40MHz (2020) Softrock Ensemble II LF Receiver (kit, 2017) Softrock Ensemble II HF Receiver (Kit, 2019) ACC: MFJ-993B Auto Antenna Matcher. HOMEBREW LF-MF Pre-Amp, 8Hz Audio Filter. HOMEBREW 4 Port Antenna Multicoupler, Feeds 4 RX's. ANTENNAS: 88 foot Long Ladder-line fed dipole, ~35 feet AGL for MW/HF. Top Loaded Tee (Dipole fed as single element) ~35 Feet AGL. Comet CHA-250B HF Vertical at ~24 Feet AGL For HF. Ratzlaff Active whip, 5 Foot Long, ~16 Feet AGL For LF/MW/HF. Wellbrook ALA1530LN Loop For LF/MW/HF at ~17 Feet AGL Diamond Discone ~35 feet AGL for Scanner. Merced, Central California, 37, 18, 37N 120, 30, 6W CM97rh On 6/15/2021 12:30 AM, JonI via groups.io wrote:
For the first time in three decades, I'm going to need to buy about 50
feet of 50 ohm coax. I am installing an outdoor antenna, so will need it.
I am on a limited budget. It will be used for the Softrock RX. The
antenna and Softrock both use BNC, so would prefer to stick to that since
adapters add to the cost. So, what coax brand is recommended? Thanks.
|
Re: coax recommendations?
Hi, For receive only I'd recommend using RG-58, relatively low cost and you can buy it with connectors already attached from places like Amazon etc (probably eBay too though I don't do eBay).? Just go to amazon and do a search for RG-58 cable.? You could also buy from HRO (where I uasully get my LMR-400) but it would cost you more there.? The loss through 50 feet of RGB-58 will be minimal, for Vhf/Uhf I usually use LMR-400, but it can be very pricey. . .
<>< 73 From "The Beaconeer's Lair" <><
Specializing in DXing NDBs (Longwave Beacons)
Phil, KO6BB,
HF/LF RADIOS:
YAESU: FTDX-101MP Xceiver, Dual SDR Receivers (~2020)
YAESU: FTDX-3000 Xceiver, DSP IF, 300Hz Roofing filter (~2019).
Uniden: SDS-200 Scanner, 25-1300MHz (2020)
Portable: Eton Elite 750 (2), AKA Grundig Satelite 750 (2020)
Sangean ATS-909X2 (2021), Tecsun PL-990 (2021)
HOMEBREW: 7 Tube+Rect 1v3 Regen RX for LF (built 2015)
SDRS: Perseus 10KHz-40MHz (2020)
Softrock Ensemble II LF Receiver (kit, 2017)
Softrock Ensemble II HF Receiver (Kit, 2019)
ACC: MFJ-993B Auto Antenna Matcher.
HOMEBREW LF-MF Pre-Amp, 8Hz Audio Filter.
HOMEBREW 4 Port Antenna Multicoupler, Feeds 4 RX's.
ANTENNAS: 88 foot Long Ladder-line fed dipole, ~35 feet AGL for MW/HF.
Top Loaded Tee (Dipole fed as single element) ~35 Feet AGL.
Comet CHA-250B HF Vertical at ~24 Feet AGL For HF.
Ratzlaff Active whip, 5 Foot Long, ~16 Feet AGL For LF/MW/HF.
Wellbrook ALA1530LN Loop For LF/MW/HF at ~17 Feet AGL
Diamond Discone ~35 feet AGL for Scanner.
Merced, Central California, 37, 18, 37N 120, 30, 6W CM97rh
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 6/15/2021 12:30 AM, JonI via groups.io wrote:
For the first time in three decades, I'm going to need to buy about 50
feet of 50 ohm coax.? I am installing an outdoor antenna, so will need it.
I am on a limited budget.? It will be used for the Softrock RX.? The
antenna and Softrock both use BNC, so would prefer to stick to that since
adapters add to the cost.? So, what coax brand is recommended?? Thanks.
|
For the first time in three decades, I'm going to need to buy about 50 feet of 50 ohm coax.? I am installing an outdoor antenna, so will need it.? I am on a limited budget.? It will be used for the Softrock RX.? The antenna and Softrock both use BNC, so would prefer to stick to that since adapters add to the cost.? So, what coax brand is recommended?? Thanks.
|
Re: found the birdies issue, solution?
Switch to WiFi. Ethernet cables are notoriously bad for radio.
73, Mike AF7KR
|
found the birdies issue, solution?
Well, one of the last remaining issues continued to be birdies, with spacing varying depending upon band so sometimes they might be 20-30 Khz apart, other times more and also more frequent. Tonight, I discovered that is from the other router I use.? For my internet, I use a cat5 cable from the router to the laptop.? When I unplugged the cable, the birdies disappeared.? Now I ask, what can be done?? I guess I could always unplug it when accessing my SDR from the laptop remotely, but was hoping for something better.? I tried cat6 cable.? The tones were not as strong but still present.? Then I placed ferrite cores around the cable and didn't seem to make much difference, then tried the switching supply feeding the router.? No effect either.
Jon
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Re: Softrock Ensemble II and Raspberry Pi
These symptoms points that you have no getting two channels (stereo) from your cheap audio dongle. A lot of these are mono and the Softrock need the two channels to do the math correctly. I have 2 apparently identical USB audio dongles and only one is stereo, the mono one was the cheaper.
When you select one of this audio dongles check that the Mic/line input is specified as stereo.
The spike that you see in the center is caused by noise near the 0 freq (DC), only good quality audio cards can minimize this spike.
Regards,
Ignacio EB4APL
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El 11/06/2021 a las 23:45, Bob G4IOG escribió: After several trials, I had to use USBSoftrock command to check configuration of USB on my Raspberry Pi 3B.
I use a really cheap USB audio dongle to get the rx into the Pi.
That all working I re-installed Quisk which is wonderfully difficult to get working, but managed to make it work.
Biggest problem was making the audio work, and soon as I selected 'Pulse' I started to get the waterfall to display.
So now my Ensemble II is working on a Raspberry PI. I still have a spike at the centre of the screen, and it looks like it
always shows a reflexion of one half of the waterfall in the other half like the spike in the middle is a mirror. Maybe that is a problem between Quisk and
the latest versions of Python as I believe it was written for Python2.
So much progress made and shows it can work on a Raspberry PI3B.
--
El software de antivirus Avast ha analizado este correo electrónico en busca de virus.
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Re: Softrock Ensemble II and Raspberry Pi
After several trials, I had to use USBSoftrock command to check configuration of USB on my Raspberry Pi 3B.
I use a really cheap USB audio dongle to get the rx into the Pi.
That all working I re-installed Quisk which is wonderfully difficult to get working, but managed to make it work.
Biggest problem was making the audio work, and soon as I selected 'Pulse' I started to get the waterfall to display.
So now my Ensemble II is working on a Raspberry PI. I still have a spike at the centre of the screen, and it looks like it
always shows a reflexion of one half of the waterfall in the other half like the spike in the middle is a mirror. Maybe that is a problem between Quisk and
the latest versions of Python as I believe it was written for Python2.
So much progress made and shows it can work on a Raspberry PI3B.
|
Re: Softrock sometimes not connecting after boot up
I've tried different USB ports and in fact it is plugged into four plug hub right now. Thanks. Jon Playing USB is how I've rectified such problems. A common thing is a Keyboard/Mouse RX. Put that on a hub and often the problem is bypassed. 73 Alan G4ZFQ
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Softrock sometimes not connecting after boot up
I've had this issue off and on ever since setting up the Ensemble RX II a couple of months back.? I can't trust that it will be running, so the first thing I do when in Win 7 is check CFGSR to see whether or not the unit is connected.? About half of the time, it isn't and the only way to remedy is to reboot.? After one reboot, most of the time it then shows connectivity but every so often it will take two reboots.? A remedy for this would be welcome.? I've tried different USB ports and in fact it is plugged into four plug hub right now. Thanks.? Jon
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Re: ways to tackle USB keyboard interference?
After some adjustments yesterday, I have it now set up where I won't even need a keyboard.? A setting in Win RDP without password allows this.? Now if in the event I do need one every now and then, I can borrow the wireless one I use for my main desktop. That problem has been solved.
Before I leave keyboard comments, I decided to make one of these yesterday just as an experiment:
I didn't have the ferrite bead specified, so tried a couple I had in my parts boxes of around the same size.? I could never get it to work correctly.? Trying to plug in the USB keyboard, the three lights would blink every time I touched a key, but no response on screen.? Only way it works is if I disconnect the capacitors in the circuit.? If even one is still connected, the keyboard functions as I describe.? I'll bet I need the bead specified or one close is the reason.
Monitor was creating some interference, but easy to keep that turned off as I control remotely most of the time.
There is still a big noise around 5 Mhz.? I think this is coming from something outdoors as when I turn the loop, at certain spots I can null it out.
I also still have "birdies" with fairly even spacing, but varies depending on band.? These are more of a nuisance than a reception stopper as I can use HDSDR's filters to notch them.? However, would still be nice to locate the source.? With the monitor and keyboard eliminated, might be the desktop power supply.
As far as ground loops, I think they're gone.? Center spike is pretty narrow.? Can get a bit wider at higher frequency, and on some bands it hardly appears at all, so satisfied as far as that goes.
I will try and video the remaining noises today and post.? It will take some time.? I'm trying to find free screen capture for Win 7 that also allows audio.? If not, I can use the videocam.
Jon
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Re: ways to tackle USB keyboard interference?
I guess I can just turn off the monitor as I'm using RDP anyway and controlling everything from the laptop. I have a sketch of a HDSDR plugin and a tiny server to run on an Android phone, so you don't need to run a laptop. to stream the Softrock RX IQ output onto a local network. Currently it works only with an Peaberry SDR aka Omnia Basic. There is no official support for direct access to USB sound card on Android, one has to implement an USB sound card driver in user space oneself. However I am considering to try to add a support for Behringer UCA222, which is based on PCM2902. This chip work similarly to the USB interface of the Peaberry, it locks to the 1ms poll interval of the USB interface, thus the interface is simple to implement, at each USB frame the same number of bytes is handled.
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Re: ways to tackle USB keyboard interference?
I just did that, and the price at Wal-Mart for this combo is only twenty bucks. On Tue, Jun 8, 2021, 8:31 AM Chuck Yahrling <ab1vlqso@...> wrote: For the price of a logitec wireless mouse and keyboard combo you can
eliminate 2 usb wires and their ferrites and the rfi they bring to the
game. 73, Mike W0BTU
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Re: ways to tackle USB keyboard interference?
You may also try to replace the cable with a well shielded one. Some of the 2005-2010 stuff before the massive cost cutting era we are in now.
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Re: ways to tackle USB keyboard interference?
For the price of a logitec wireless mouse and keyboard combo you can eliminate 2 usb wires and their ferrites and the rfi they bring to the game. Less clutter and more flexibility for operating position too. I use them on all my rpi and computer rig controls. As long as mobos and consumer perpherals continue fo ignore the pin 1 problem I think this is at least a simple and partial alternative to unintentional usb antennas in the shack.
AB1VL Chuck in MT
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Re: ways to tackle USB keyboard interference?
Hi Mike,
I took special note of your comment below about the USB interference, asone of my student designs <> had some annoying problems with this USB type interference.? It was significantly better with the super-cap USB smoother than without it, but it was still present, (lines in the waterfall about 1 KHz apart).? Thanks for your comment.
73,
Rob
KL7NA
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On 6/7/21 2:06 PM, vbifyz via groups.io wrote: CAUTION: This email originated from outside the Walla Walla University email system.
Jon,
Interference to Softrock comes in 2 different flavors.
1. Interference coming through the audio connection ("ground loop") shows up as a symmetrical center hump, or some other symmetrical picture on the waterfall. USB devices typically show up as spikes at + and -1kHz for keyboards, and +-8kHz for higher speed devices. These humps/spikes don't move when tuning the VFO.
2. Interference coming through the RF input is typically periodic spikes, often widened, on the waterfall. Not symmetrical, but repeated every 11..18kHz (solar panel inverters, variable speed votors), 62..64kHz (PC and other switching power supplies), or some other step. These spikes move with the VFO change.
Which one do you think you are experiencing? The methods to fight the interference depend a lot on whether it is AF or RF.
73, Mike AF7KR
--
Rob Frohne, Ph.D. P.E.
E. F. Cross School of Engineering
Walla Walla University
100 SW 4th Street
College Place, WA 99362
(509) 527-2075
|
Re: ways to tackle USB keyboard interference?
Jon,
A couple thoughts.
The USB section of the SoftRock RXII is supposed to be electrically (DC ground and +V buses) isolated from the rest of the circuitry. There are optocouplers and a transformer to accomplish this. The “ground” of the USB section should have very high DC resistance to the “Ground” of the main board. If that isolation is compromised somehow then noise on the USB lines will get coupled into the AF/RF circuits.
There are add-on USB filters sold to clean up USB noise. I have never used one but know they are sometimes helpful depending on the situation.
See e.g.
Roger
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On Jun 7, 2021, at 2:40 PM, JonI via groups.io <ji425bt@...> wrote:
Hi Mike,
Well, when I unplug both the monitor and keyboard, the most of the offending "birdies" go away. I had just hoped to be able to keep the keyboard plugged in. Others are suggesting a wireless and I may go with that. Just as an experiment, I lined the non-key inside of the keyboard today with sticky aluminum foil, then stuck foil around the USB cable leading from the keyboard to the USB connector on the desktop. Did not make much difference.
I guess I can just turn off the monitor as I'm using RDP anyway and controlling everything from the laptop. Of course, would still like to solve it. I started using ferrite chokes on the monitor cable with success, but ran out of chokes.
There are a couple of other sounds I get from about 3- 5 Mhz. Not at the spike so I think it's RF, but not sure if it's coming from me. I will try and video and post those. I was able to null the loudest one out by turning the loop.
Jon
On 6/7/21 5:06 PM, vbifyz wrote:
Jon,
Interference to Softrock comes in 2 different flavors.
1. Interference coming through the audio connection ("ground loop") shows up as a symmetrical center hump, or some other symmetrical picture on the waterfall. USB devices typically show up as spikes at + and -1kHz for keyboards, and +-8kHz for higher speed devices. These humps/spikes don't move when tuning the VFO.
2. Interference coming through the RF input is typically periodic spikes, often widened, on the waterfall. Not symmetrical, but repeated every 11..18kHz (solar panel inverters, variable speed votors), 62..64kHz (PC and other switching power supplies), or some other step. These spikes move with the VFO change.
Which one do you think you are experiencing? The methods to fight the interference depend a lot on whether it is AF or RF.
73, Mike AF7KR
|
Re: ways to tackle USB keyboard interference?
Hi Mike,
Well, when I unplug both the monitor and keyboard, the most of the offending "birdies" go away.? I had just hoped to be able to keep the keyboard plugged in.? Others are suggesting a wireless and I may go with that.? Just as an experiment, I lined the non-key inside of the keyboard today with sticky aluminum foil, then stuck foil around the USB cable leading from the keyboard to the USB connector on the desktop.? Did not make much difference.
I guess I can just turn off the monitor as I'm using RDP anyway and controlling everything from the laptop.? Of course, would still like to solve it.? I started using ferrite chokes on the monitor cable with success, but ran out of chokes.
There are a couple of other sounds I get from about 3- 5 Mhz. Not at the spike so I think it's RF, but not sure if it's coming from me.? I will try and video and post those. ? I was able to null the loudest one out by turning the loop.
Jon
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 6/7/21 5:06 PM, vbifyz wrote: Jon,
Interference to Softrock comes in 2 different flavors.
1. Interference coming through the audio connection ("ground loop") shows up as a symmetrical center hump, or some other symmetrical picture on the waterfall. USB devices typically show up as spikes at + and -1kHz for keyboards, and +-8kHz for higher speed devices. These humps/spikes don't move when tuning the VFO.
2. Interference coming through the RF input is typically periodic spikes, often widened, on the waterfall. Not symmetrical, but repeated every 11..18kHz (solar panel inverters, variable speed votors), 62..64kHz (PC and other switching power supplies), or some other step. These spikes move with the VFO change.
Which one do you think you are experiencing? The methods to fight the interference depend a lot on whether it is AF or RF.
73, Mike AF7KR
|
Re: ways to tackle USB keyboard interference?
Jon,
Interference to Softrock comes in 2 different flavors.
1. Interference coming through the audio connection ("ground loop") shows up as a symmetrical center hump, or some other symmetrical picture on the waterfall. USB devices typically show up as spikes at + and -1kHz for keyboards, and +-8kHz for higher speed devices. These humps/spikes don't move when tuning the VFO.
2. Interference coming through the RF input is typically periodic spikes, often widened, on the waterfall. Not symmetrical, but repeated every 11..18kHz (solar panel inverters, variable speed votors), 62..64kHz (PC and other switching power supplies), or some other step. These spikes move with the VFO change.
Which one do you think you are experiencing? The methods to fight the interference depend a lot on whether it is AF or RF.
73, Mike AF7KR
|
Wes WB7BR
Gordon Beattie, W2TTT
W0BTU
Chuck Yahrling
Rob Frohne (KL7NA)