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Masthead Image
Feedback
To Plan or Not to Plan fo oN ome wT
From Ross MONNK:
Morse Training Net
What is ppCW?
Why ppCW?
Pros of ppCW:
Cons of ppCW:
Brain Teaser
Exam Questions:
Answers from last week’s Quiz:
Di-dah-di-dah-dit
Next Tuesday’s Net
Reports
Post Morsum
Teamwork
PSE QRS

Looks like we had a good turn-out of stations on Tuesday night again… and most reported having a terrific night of QRS fun.

Thank you to those who submitted the reports you’ll see below – I really enjoy reading your comments and I know others do as well – so thank you all for being there and for your comments.

This week Elizabeth and I were on holiday at a nice resort on the Murray River West of Albury at a spot called Yarrawonga on Lake Mulwala (the locals pronounce the first a as a hard sound (ie mul-whale-a) – we’ve been here three times before and always enjoy the place.

However, as I note below in my report, we travelled here by public transport carrying backpacks – so no radio gear…. just Elizabeth’s nice MacBook computer so I could put this newsletter together.

Here’s this week’s list of the 40 stations heard:

Fter next Tuesday’s net, please send me a list of who you worked and / or who yo eard using our new web form here: bit.ly/CQQRSNET

Getting reports from stations and listeners is important to me – even if you listened and didn’t hear anyone or weren’t able to copy anything – the fact that you had a go needs to get recorded so we know that the net is working and attracting new and old team members to have a go.

Thanks again to Nigel G4RWI for building the Google Form, the Python software back-end that does the processing, the new link and the QR code.

And a special thanks to Armin VK2GAS for letting me know well before the net on Tuesday that the Form wasn’t working – phew!

Welcome this week to Peter VK6AIF at Noranda and lan VK4IAN in Brisbane. lan heard about our net on the VK6 news broadcast on Sunday morning, and has learning the Morse Code on his radar; so hopefully we’ll start getting receive reports from Peter, and before long we’ll hear him on air having some QRS fun himself; we’ve had many First CW QSOs on our net (we have a little award for them) so hopefully Peter will be there soon too.

[40m] * Some weird propagation early on in wellington + ZL3TK gave me a 311 via email! First couple of QSOs with a straight key, then on to a paddle to save people the pain 🙂 3LAD you could make it on again Ben.]

From Grant ZL2GD at Oxford, North Canterbury

[40m] + a bit noisy tomight and local signals were well down on usual. +

From Ross VK/MONNK at Exeter UK via the VK6SR Remote in Perth WA

[40m] + I was sitting at home in the UK but working the VK6SR remote radio in Perth WA and using the callsign VK/MONNK + This caused some understandable confusion – four out of my five contacts got my callsign wrong + But I was delighted to work these guys + Nice and slow; nice and clear; very few mistakes

[80m] + Had my first ever QSO on 80m with Donald in Esperance * Thanks, Donald * Also worked Rich VK6HRC + I heard him with some light QSB, but he was experiencing bad QSB so I don’t think he heard much of what I sent + This has been my biggest session on amateur radio by far – what a morning!

[was really pleased to hear you on using the Southern Electronics Group Remote near Perth Ross; welcome to a world of back-to-back QRS QSOs and rag-chews should you choose… and should your CW capacity allow.

The team will quickly get used to your odd VK/MO callsign as Nigel G4RWI found after a couple of week on air here. Now you’ll need to twist Mike DL3YZ’s arm to join in on transmit too!

And thank you to Ron VK6KHZ for sowing the seed of an idea for you both to join in. Meanwhile, here’s a couple of images of Ross’ normal means of on-air operation.}

Ross’ normal mode of operation – using a mag mount on the car roof a a counterpoise for the coil and mil whip antenna.

[40m] * Sorry I had to apply some tough love to one of my mates for running his CW together confusing those he was trying to QSO with – me included * Apart from that good night * Regards lan VK5CZ

[40m] * Good to hear quite a lot on 40m, seemed to be occasional deep QSB ‘

[40m] « It’s been a while since I had the chance to listen to the QRS Net – I had a bit of free time for a listen on 40M but things were too busy at my end for aQSO * Great to still hear so much activity on the band on a weeknight * My keys have been getting rusty from lack of use so I’ll need to get them back on the air soon * Speaking of rusty keys, I’ve pulled apart my WT 8 Amp No 2 to give it good clean and polish so I hope to have it back on the air soon.

• I’ll send some before- and after- photos once it’s re-assembled which will give the purists time to sharpen their pitchforks! [Great to hear you made it back on Brendan; I was beginning to worry that you didn’t love us any more!

A good haul of signals in your net this week too well done, depite the local distractions. Looks like you weren’t the only one disassembling WT8 Amp No2 keys…. see later. I look forward to your report and images for a future edition.]

[80m] + Trying a new configuration of CW generation in the 80 metre radio + It needs refining as it has a backwave but it now puts out about 80 watts on CW + I am revising the 40 metre Tx beast but when finished it will put out 100W on CW + My 40 metre Rx is the first serious radio I built and is stil a very nice radio to use, it has Collins filters including a narrow CW filter which is great for rejecting most of the noise either side of the received station + So in the near future I will join the net on 40 + lost Richard VK6HRC in the noise after a good start + MONNK using a VK6 remote was a good copy * VKGEN said he would pop up but I did not hear him – probably due to his antenna being too close to the ground, or it could be hurt pride as I have told him I am putting up a taller antenna than his one * VK6KRC must have been there but was buried in the noise as so often happens with the elusive Bob + I did not hear VK6OI so I will have to pay him a visit when I am in Kalgoorlie next + We can’t have people saying they will join the net and then not fronting up can we?

+ Shut the station down at 1030 UTC as the brain refused to decode any more cw [Terrific report – thank you Donald. Yes I heard what you called the “backwave” on your transmission; low-level carrier.

I think I’d heard something similar before, but that may have been a carrier on your opposite sideband on key-down. I have a feeling you’re using your home brew SSB transmitter keyed with audio – perhaps if you are using a balanced modulator, what 1 heard sounded like the balance just wasn’t quite right – and carrier was sneaking through?

Isn’t that wonderful – the RX you built being a joy to use. And with the serious noise on 40m and 80m, and the congestion our net is causing on 40m (wonderful eh?), your narrow CW filter will be doing wonders. Max had a note from his mother….

But as for Bob KRC and the elusive Louis… ] *

[40m] « Running 20 Watts tonight made a few contacts but got called away early ¢ Looking forward to next week thanks everyone for coming up [Thanks for squeezing in a hand-full of QSOs mate.

I see you snuck across the border into Tassy last week before anyone noticed. Did you find out why the VK7S have such good signals into Australia?

[40m] + Had fewer but longer QSOs this week + All four ‘Today in History’ messages were sent, and each resulted in constructive discussion + Learner operators were observed wisely using generous amounts of Farnsworth (can there ever be too much?) Unfortunately we’re hearing some who maybe have always sent faster but have also developed bad habits, and those who have come up through the ranks and now send faster but need to retake control of their spacing and character formation + Three stations were practically unreadable on 18 June because of bad sending, setting a very poor example * Dashes are NOT meant to be the same length as dots + In the same way shyness needed to be cast aside to use PSE QRS without embarrassment, so bad senders should be asked to insert proper spacing etc, else no one learns and everyone will just continue to suffer slack sending + Such requests usually need to be issued numerous times + It’s a disappointing trait, but after a few minutes of improved sending, most slack operators will revert-to-type before the QSO has finished + Make several recordings and listen critically to yourself, then ask, ‘how do I really sound?!

• It’s a disappointing trait, but after a few minutes of improved sending, most slack operators will revert-to-type before the QSO has finished + Make several recordings and listen critically to yourself, then ask, ‘how do I really sound?!

[80m] * Switched to 80 ma couple of times but nothing at all was heard or seen on the scope [Any thoughts from others about whether or not such feedback is a good thing?]

EF PTCA CAN ERE WOLCAL ES WEIN OTE PEI CA ALUAY TEE EOE I

[40m] + Lots of strong signals to be heard on 40m * Had a chat with Arthur VK2ASB and tried to have one with Armin VK2GAS but we were defeated by QRM * In between household chores, I also enjoyed listening around the band to as many QRS QSOs as I could find * It’s great to see so much activity that I can copy

[80m] * 80m seemed almost deserted from my QTH tonight + My CQs went unanswered – or I could not hear any responses

[Hi Stephen; terrific that you’re enjoying tha pinousinga iM activity that nie not jo

IA el pA AALS PLAS NE SADIE f DIA Ned BNA CAS providing; me too! I’m keen to encourage more use of 80m – for the first 2-2 years the net was on 80m only – which many of our team can’t yet use – but we had good fun nonetheless.

I’ve now issued a deep winter update to our schedule (see the end of this newsletter) to encourage an earlier cross-over between 40 and 80m – so! hope you’ll start hearing more activity on 80m as well.]

From Richard / Rich for the QRS net! VK6HRC at Padbury

[40m] + Not much activity locally early on worked Ron VK6KHZ and monitored the Eastern states on an SDR in VK65 until conditions improved + Fairly bunched up at one stage making for hard copy

[80m] * Good to catch up with Donald and Ross, the VK/ MONNK caught me out for a while ! Think I got it right eventually [Yup – there’s a plot by our international friends to cause confusion with the VK/xxxx callsigns on CW; Nigel G4RWI started the campaign when he was here – and he kept everyone on their toes for a while – most ops in VK and ZL are expecting a digit after the letters VK….

And so when they hear dah-di-di-dah-dit, a circuit breaker pops… and the brain misses the rest of the callsign. Took me several goes to decode Nigel’s callsign – so you’re not alone mate. I’m sure Ross will get used to the responses: QRZ? AGN? or just plain ?

• From me VK2KI via the Tecsun KiwiSDR at Araluen NSW ©

[40m] © Elizabeth and I were holidaying at a nice resort on Lake Mulwala at Yarrawonga NSW for the week. And what’s more, Tuesday was Elizabeth’s birthday, so we were out having a quiet dinner… and not playing Morse Code this time. © Well not much anyway!

I did sneak a quick listen to the Tecsun KiwiSDR when Ms E went to the bathroom… and heard Manny VK3DRQ at Blackburn and Grant ZL2GD at Oxford calling.

© had toyed with the idea (actually, Elizabeth’s idea) of bringing some sort of portable CW gear along this time (I have a tiny light-weight truSDX transceiver that has never worked properly despite being brand new… so repairs would be needed).

However, I didn’t bring the gear because: = the net was on E’s birthday, and a nice dinner was on the cards, and = on most of our recent holidays, we’ve been experimenting with low- carbon travel – using public transport.

Ya can’t fit a week’s worth of clothes, computer… and a transceiver in a back-pack. © So this time, we took a coach to Albury, another to Benalla, and yet another to Yarrawonga. And we’ve now decided that next week, we’ll continue on to Lorne Victoria…

By coach to Albury, train to Melbourne, train to Geelong and coach to Lorne. What fun!

• We weren’t the only people who said “no car” when asked for our vehicle registration on check-in! ¢ This couple dropped in for a game of golf on their way from Sydney to Ballarat. ¢ One day…

• Also from me VK6QI vis the VK6QS KiwiSDR at Brookton. °

[80m] © A bit later in the evening I snuck another peek at the VK6QS KiwiSDR – and I was pleased to hear Donald VK6JRC chatting to Lin VK6NT.

• I thought it would be fun to try “Chromecasting” the SDR display from my phone to the TV in the room… but the web browser I was using didn’t support it – probably should have used Google Chrome I suppose. ¢ Probably wasn’t a good idea anyway!

[40m] + Just a short session for me this week +

[40m] * Once again 40m was abuzz with activity + For most of the time I stayed on one frequency but occasionally I tuned around + The waterfall showed plenty of activity + All very satisfying

[80m] + As usual I went over to 80m late in the evening and as usual, there were few signals + It was noisy but not excessively so (for 80m) and the QSO was pleasant with good copy both ends + 80m is a good band, we should use it more + Certainly it can be noisy but the signals are usually good with little @SB and not as crowded as 40m can be +

From David VK6KD at Carawine Gorge, East of Marble Bar

[40m] + Lots of strong signals heard from around Oz

[80m] + Very little heard on 80m + I tried calling on 3.555MHz a number of times during the evening but nothing was making a hop in my direction

Antenna: home made 5 foot helically (loosly) wound whip. A faulty VHF ant was stripped down to wind wire to the external surface then heat shrink applied. A minimum length was required for the SG237 to tune down to 3.5MHz.

Tuner: SG237 Auto-tuner mounted under the roof-rack. SG237 will auto tune from 80m up to 6m on the same antenna. [Thanks for the antenna description David – you’ve demonstrated that it works like a beauty! Interesting that you’re hearing so much on 40m…

Yet a few weeks ago, Stuart VK6MK was struggling to hear anything! Marble Bar – hottest place in Australia! I look forward to following your travels and hearing about all the fine weather David.]

[40m] + plenty of stations there tonight, between all of that static

[80m] * still need some more WA OPs here ¢

[40m] * Stan’s “today in history” challenge was fun * There are things about Francis Drake that I never knew! ¢

40m] ¢ I only worked Manny VK3DRQ on 40 tonite. ¢ Poor Manny suffered through my (shall we say) QLF and this is my excuse

From Richard VA6GHRG A good turn up on Wednesday morning’s Post Morsum on the AllStar network. * ZL3TK Stan * VK6KHZ Ron * VK6FN Max * VK6PAW Glyn * VK6QI = Mark * VK6HRC Richard * and our shortwave listeners.

In spite of the variable conditions last night Stan managed to pass on a few “This day in History ” messages and received the replies. Stan also reported that he did not have that many contacts but the ones he had were lengthy and enjoyable.

Ron had some trouble with QRM and QRN last night, as confirmed by Stan a lot of stations were not separated by much making for trying conditions. Glyn joined the net briefly on his way to work to say hello and signed off.

Next cab off the rank was young Max just recovering from a debilitating migraine hence his absence from the net last night, hope alll good for next week.

Mark called in from Yarrawonga on the Murray River to make sure we were behaving ourselves and sent the WhatsApp group a beautiful photo of the sunrise at the same time, thanks Mark. Another busy and enjoyable net by all accounts. on to next week , thanks Mark.

73 Richard [Thank you Richard – outstanding work once again.]

Next cab off the rank was young Max just recovering from a debilitating migraine hence his absence from the net last night, hope alll good for next week.

73 Richard [Thank you Richard – outstanding work once again.]

Feedback

Thank you to those who took the time to provide feedback about the net and our RagChew newsletter. Please keep them coming; |’ll continue to compile the thoughts for a future RagChew.

To Plan or Not to Plan fo oN ome wT

Few will agree out of guilt, but… failing to plan is planning to fail. There are already a number of CW training nets in VK on 80 m, but most are only once-a-week and are essentially unidirectional.

Further to the brief Post Morsum discussion on the 12TH in which it was mentioned that ‘meat and potatoes’ once a week is demonstrably insufficient to bring about any real growth.

The matter has to be taken seriously and Morse has to become one’s second language. My proposal is for a traffic net conducted at no more than 10 wpm including Farnsworth, Mon Wed Fri Sat and Sun on 7.0674 MHz, to fulfill the need for seven day activity in which the ad hoc Group can participate.

Not Tuesday for obvious reasons, and not Thursday when the SAS Net is on same time and frequency. Although I love Telegram forms, none will be used, only a written record as shown at https://as|.net/zi3tk/traffic 05-2024.htm The word ‘Net’ is used here in accordance with its definition, ie the session will be run formally by a net control station (NCS).

The goal of the net is to provide an opportunity for all to develop the confidence and competence to perform the NCS. role – it will not be a closed shop.

Because this is such a big commitment for a single NCS, a rota of NC stations needs to be established within a few weeks, but someone has to lead the way.

The expectation is that exactly like the NZ Net, most participants will never step up the ladder any further than to check-in with a QRU.

Disappointing, but it doesn’t really matter because such a regular net establishes a routine and requires some personal discipline to attend, a technique which has proven to work rather well.

It has worked so well in fact that NZ net now runs 7-days a week (as a trial), but so far has resulted in only the same boring QRU, QRU, QRU on Sat and Sun from a much smaller group of notional ‘enthusiasts’ – which is why the word ‘Traffic’ was dropped from its title long-ago.

What say? 78 de Stan [What do you think folks? A doable thing to extend the huge success of our CQQRS practice QSO net, or too much for your busy life? Email your thoughts to Stan 2i3tk.radio@gmail.com and to me caqrsnet@gmail.com ]

From Nigel G4RWI After yet another successful run of his Python CQQRS Log Generation Software Is this getting boring for you? Would you like me to introduce a few bugs? [Heh heh… thank you Nigel – it’s great!]

From Martin VK6ZMS via WAHAMS: This is a very simple easy-to-understand discussion about the ionoshpere hitps:/Awww.youtube.com/watch?v=hNpl_LIASPA

The WT 8 Amp gets its first clean and lube in probably 80 years. I just hope I can get it back together again! Ross MONNK

Out of the four messages sent on this week’s net, two near perfect replicas were returned. Through use of the simple repeat-request protocol, 100 % perfect returns should be possible. NW QTC TODAY IN HISTORY 18JUN24 DE ZL3TK KN 1.

SOVIET COSMONAUT VALENTINA TERESHKOVA BECAME FIRST WOMAN IN SPACE TODAY 1963 COMPLETING 63 ORBITS IN 71 HOURS ABOARD VOSTOK 6. Sent to: VK4DRK 2. HENRY FORD AND ELEVEN INVESTORS FOUNDED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY TODAY 1903 IN DEARBORN MICHIGAN WITH 256 THOUSAND.

EMPLOYEES AT PEAK IN 1970. Sent TO: VK5AO 3. CALIFORNIA WAS CLAIMED FOR ENGLAND BY NAVAL TACTICIAN FRANCIS DRAKE TODAY IN 1579 LATER BECOMING MAYOR OF PLYMOUTH AND MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT.

Sent to: VASKFG 4, MUMTAZ MAHAL DIED IN CHILDBIRTH TODAY 1631 RESULTING IN THE 20, YEAR CONSTRUCTION OF HER TOMB THE TAJ MAHAL BY HUSBAND EMPEROR SHAH JAHAN 1. Sent to: VA6NT

EMPLOYEES AT PEAK IN 1970. Sent TO: VK5AO

4. MUMTAZ MAHAL DIED IN CHILDBIRTH TODAY 1631 RESULTING IN THE 20 YEAR CONSTRUCTION OF HER TOMB THE TAJ MAHAL BY HUSBAND EMPEROR SHAH JAHAN 1. Sent to: VK6NT

From Ross MONNK:

It’s good to know that you could hear me (and recognise my callsign!). Mike DL3YZ and I have spent the last few days getting his radio connected to remotehams. It took a bit of figuring out but we are full license holders and that’s what we do.

So now I can use his FT-991 in Stuttgart if it’s raining and I can’t get out portable (I’m a fair weather operator).

Macros and typing on the keyboard were used for troubleshooting some set-up problems but now that those are sorted I only use my straight key with a serial-to- usb lead. In the attached image, the black cable comes from my key and goes to pins 7 and 8.

| joined the Southern Electronics Group so that I could access their VK6SR and VK6CRO radios. It’s been a busy morning for me on the CQQRS net – but very enjoyable.

I had a go on VK6CRO but there doesn’t seem to be anyone to speak with up there so I dropped down to Perth’s VK6SR and have had lots of fun on 40m and then 80m. I’m completely knackered now but lunch will be on the table in half an hour.

I think I shall probably give the Post Morsum a miss this evening but I have another RagChew article in the pipeline and will send it to you later. [Outstanding Ross – welcome to operation in VK]

‘Today in History’ Upselling its Benefits By Stan ZL3TK There has been no activity resulting from the invitations to the CQ QRS team to initiate messages designed to relieve the tedium of ‘meat the three veg’, necessitating positive action be taken.

To advance the “Today in History’ project, prior to each message a request to return the message to the sender during the current QSO will be introduced. This policy carries a number of benefits for all participants: 1.

The recipient will have to write the message rather than head read as if it were formal traffic; 2. In order to return the message verbatim, the recipient may need to request a repeat of any missed words; 3.

To perform that repeat-request function efficiently, one needs to be familiar with the simple, commonly used repeat-request protocol; 4.

Since both letters and numbers make up the messages, the parties get good practice in accurately sending and receiving whole sentences. 5. Intrinsic subconscious training will eventually enable all parties to become confident and agile CW operators.

Repeat requests: At the end of each message the sending station will send ‘QSL?’ This signals the time send , meaning WAIT while I carefully read the message to check it is complete. Take your time.

If the message is complete then send QSL and proceed to return the message. If not, this is the time to request a ‘fil using the following commonly-used protocol, note that the protocol is used without any of the usual flannel: Callsigns are still needed if any 10 minute (VK) or 15 minute (ZL) period is exceeded, then pleasantries may be resumed when both operators are happy with the result.

Morse Training Net

Nic VK7WW runs a Slow Morse training net every Wednesday at 7pm EDST on 3580 for 30 mins. He uses the callsign of the Northern Tasmania Amateur Radio Club VK7TAZ on that net.

Many of our team learned Morse code with the support of Nic, and the weekly training session comes highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn the Code, or simply brush up. Everyone’s welcome – 3580KHZ at 7pm Eastern time every Wednesday.

The NTARC also feeds the CW live via the Discord phone / computer audio stream, and previous weeks’ recordings are available. Contact Nic VK7WW for more info nicholaschantler@hotmail.com – or just join in on Wednesdays.

VATIE/ VAZOL This version created Saturday 13 April 2024

EVIVPLEVCALIVETE. Returning to the hobby after a 22-year break with guidance from Rob Brownstein K6RB, I’ve rediscovered my passion for CW, using it almost exclusively now. While MORSE RUNNER and RUFZXP have helped, I’m missing interactive CW practice.

A ‘ping-pong’ style exercise on air would fill this gap, but it’s not available. Mark Bosma VK2KI has been instrumental in supporting this idea.

What is ppCW?

PpCW is an interactive method of practicing Morse code between radio operators. Participants engage in a ‘ping-pong’ style exchange of Morse code messages. ppCW sessions offer hands-on experience, allowing skill refinement and adaptation to varying conditions.

The interactive nature fosters camaraderie and skill development. Whether seasoned enthusiasts or novice operators, ppCW offers a dynamic way to hone skills and enjoy radio communication.

Why ppCW?

PpCW injects excitement and motivation into Morse code practice. Real-time communication in challenging conditions prepares operators for on- air scenarios. ppCW fosters camaraderie and collaboration among operators.

It allows skill adaptation to varying conditions, enhancing proficiency.

Pros of ppCW:

Offers an enjoyable way to practice Morse code. Appeals to those seeking a rewarding challenge. Allows customization to suit preferences and skill levels. Accessible to operators of all levels. Tailorable to accommodate different competitiveness levels.

Promotes teamwork and camaraderie. Improves Morse code proficiency and communication skills.

Cons of ppCW:

• Finding a partner may be challenging. ¢ Sessions may be interrupted due to real-world conditions. ¢ Technical issues may disrupt communication. ¢ Competitive aspects may cause stress for some. ¢ Consistent engagement may require dedicated time and effort.

• First, we can try to initiate as follows: QRV ppCW? + The correspondent can simply answer Y or N. + IfY, the maximum word Length, the number of Words, and the number of Repetitions for each word should be decided before the start of a ppCW session.

+ The number of letters used per word can be between 1 and the maximum decided. + Puctuation and digits can constitute or be part of a ‘word’, and a word doesn’t have to have a particular meaning, with random characters.

Example: LWR 321, which means in this case maximum 3-letter words, 2 Words sent in a row, each word sent once only. * QRS or QRK can be used to adjust the transmission speed. + QRX can be used if a pause is needed.

* Allthe usual Q codes can also be used as necessary. * One of the correspondents can request to stop a running ppCW anytime with a QRU.

We have 2 correspondents, A & B. Asends QRV ppCW? B sends Y back. Asends LNR 311, which means 3-letter word, 1 word per sending, and that word sent once only. B sends RR 311 to acknowledge the pre-conditions followed by K.

Asends her first word: DOG B sends: DOG, followed by his own word: CAT. Asends: CAR (Error: should be CAT), then sends her new word: ROW B sends: ROW then sends the word CAT again because A got it wrong the first time (he might have to resend the word CAT several times until she gets it right) Asends: CAT, which is now correct, and sends: PIG B sends: BIG (Incorrect), followed by: TOW Asends: TOW and resends: PIG B sends: ?, asking for a repeat.

A repeats: TOW and resends: PIG B sends: PIG followed by: RIG… and so on until one correspondent sends QRU to end. That’s about it! There may be more to add or modify over time… Cheers, Claude VKITE / VK2CL Thanks Claude – this is a terrific initiative.

Claude and I have tried this several times and Richard VK6PZT (Mister “I can’t head-copy”) and I spent 3/4 hour recently having a ball with this fun exercise. For those who think they might like to have a go…. let’s have some fun!

I hope to hear some ppCW exchanges on our net each week. QRV PPCW? Do you have anything you’d like to share with the group? If so, please let me know so we can share more thoughts and ideas; email to cq

Brain Teaser

Jules Perrin JP VK3JFP has created a terrific resource to help guide learning for all levels of amateur radio licenses: https://Awww.julesworkshop.net/Amateur%20Radio.html With thanks to Baz VK6MU for he idea, and Jules for the good learning website, here’s this week’s quiz questions from Jules’ Workshop example test questions:

Exam Questions:

When modulating a cartier signal with voice, what is the frequency range of the modulating signal? Bleeder resistors are included in power supplies to: * discharge filter capacitors after the supply voltage is switched off * prevent damage to filter during overload * reduce ripple in the output voltage * reduce the size of the filter choke Critical frequency is defined as: * the highest frequency on which it is possible to communicate with another ‘station * the highest frequency at which waves sent vertically are returned to earth * the frequency of the greatest skip distance * the highest frequency with which a station may be contacted by ground wave ‘An Advanced station using CW (Morse code) is restricted to a power output of: (a) 10 watts pY (b) 30 watts px (c) 120 watts pY (d) 400 watts px Answers next week.

Answers from last week’s Quiz:

What does the term USB LSB mean? Answer: Upper side band and lower side band To convert alternating current to direct current, use is made of a: * thermister * resonant circuit * diode * carbon resistor Answer: diode A 10.7MHz first stage IF is commonly used in VHF receivers to: * provide a high degree of adjacent channel selectivity * reduce noise generated in the receiver * achieve the high gain required * provide an adequate degree of image rejection Answer: provide an adequate degree of image rejection The “Q” code signal “QSY 3575” means: (a) Emergency traffic is being received on 3575 kHz (b) Please change the frequency of transmission to 3575 kHz (c) Please send a series of Vs (d) Your exact transmitting frequency is 3575 kHz Answer: (b) Please change the frequency of transmission to 3575 kHz even though it’s outside our chosen CQQRS band segment.

Di-dah-di-dah-dit

Next Tuesday’s Net

Our CQ QRS Net will be on as always on Tuesday from around 0700Z until about 1300Z; see below for details. Doesn’t matter whether you’re brand new and want to try just exchanging callsigns and RST reports, or you’re ready for a good old rag chew.

We’ll have fun. Reports Please let me know via our Reports form bit.ly/CQQRSNET who you work or hear on Tuesday’s net.

Reports

Post Morsum

Richard VK6HRC will run our Post Morsum on the South West AllStar net (via repeaters and hotspots all over WA) from 0600 WA time. If you’re in WA, all you need is an FM 2m or 70CM transceiver and an AllStar node nearby.

If you’re elsewhere in the world, you may be able to connect your local AllStar-enabled repeater to the net, or you can connect via Echolink. Let me know (cqqrsnet@gmail.com) if I can help with that.

Teamwork

By necessity, this week’s RagChew is a bit shorter than normal – after all I’m Nooo ER RR oA ee) Go OT ooo

Ne At A AIBA Ad fA ENS § Ad so much to our team of 29 contributors this week – especially for the interesting reports: DL3YZ, VK/MONNK, VK1TE, VK2ASB, VK2DLF, VK2EBN, VK2GAS, VK2RH, VK3ACU, VK3BAP, VK3DRQ, VK3JFP, VK4DRK, VK5AO, VK5CZ, VK5FD, VK5KFG, VK6BEK, VK6HRC, VK6IS, VK6JDM, VK6KD, VK6KHZ, VK6RR, VK7KPC, VK7TA, ZL2GD, ZL3TK, ZL4BDG, ZL4TE.

Thank you in particular to Claude VK1TE / VK2CL for the PingPongCW initiative. CU CW on Tuesday,

An Ode to CW – thanks to David VK3RU: In days of old, when ops were bold, And sideband was not invented, Words were passed by pounding brass, And all were quite contented. – Unknown author

PSE QRS

The opinions expressed in the RagChew newsletter are those of the individual contributors. The opinions do nat necessarily reflect that of the editor or of the C@ QAS Group members.

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