The AM Forum

I am tuned up on 7141 +or-  a few points and will be trying today when ever I am near the shack. I am there because my American friends can get there as well. Sometimes being an AM operator is like being a Quaker at a War rally. Not a lot of places I can hear it. I am not putting out a lot of power , maybe a watt. so it wont be easy but I am going to give it a try. 7290 and around is gone 70% to eastern broadcast station as it 7220. I Dont want to crash anyone else group but I would like to know where I am getting out. Anyone who would give a listen and a report would be appreciated. It is a tube rig (glows in the dark!)
Don VE3LYX

 Will be on morning and afternoon tomorrow (Saturday_ at every oppourtunity. There is some SSB activty sometimes just below. If it is a problem I will move up just enuf to get out of it.
Don VE3LYX

Oke, when you all use these freq....
I listen (monitoring) 7141 khz!
And give you the results, when I hear a station! ;D

Henk

..don..very successful on 7120, last sunday, 2pm...gonna look today for va3aex, and maybe sunday, as well...typical 3725, 9am as usual...

..tim..

..sk..

Henk Dank u well.
Tim I received my 365 cap friday but it is a mini cap with spacing too small for a final or probably any tube set so my plan to change it in the rig went out the window. So I took a 220 pf and clipped it in Too much. I may have to try a few till I get it. Maybe I will try a 68pf next. I can get close to 80 meters but not quite in the tank. the osc covers it completely. I had not included the idea originally in my plan but when I mapped the osc I discovered it was just as happy in 80m as 40m. The Pa I built covers it easily as well. I am also doing a rework on the PA this week . Adding an extra untuned stage between the Exciter and the PA final tube. I think if I have caculated right it will be enuf to bring the drive up to get into the more workable power levels. I know in bad conditions sometimes nothing gets through. In good conditions sometimes a peanut whistle makes it. I got an unconfirmed report today from the eat coast but it appears he heard me . I willl just keep working till I get it.  Tuned up a portable rec for the XYL and had her do some listening from a distance. Worked on setting the screen to the proper lever to allow good modulation She said the difference was very noticable one setting to the other so I have that sorted out. I sat on a DX35 today on ebay but couldnt bring myself to buy it. I just like building I guess. Anyway I read the mail last sunday but couldnt get out. If I hear you fellows on 7120 tomorow aft I will give it a shot. I am still going to work the 7141 on the hour tomorrow. 40M has been really open afternoons. Sounded Like 20 M on a good day.
Don VE3LYX

The freq. 7141 already standing in 'memory' Kenwood R 5000. ;D
This morning we (F6AQK, 9H1ES and me) were on 7185 in AM.
But today bad, very bad conditions on 40 mtrs...

Greetings, Henk, pe1mph, Dokkum, The Netherlands

Dokkum? I have been to Wokkum and Makkum but am trying to remember if I have been to Dokkum. My XYL has cousins (Peeck) in Schoorl but that is probably south west of you, yes?
The band is noisy today here too however I have a 930 AM sked  on 7141(9,30 EST) It is probably hopeless today but I will be on sked anyway.
Don VE3LYX

Don, I think you mean Workum & Makkum.
Province Friesland in the South, but Dokkum is in the North.
Not far away from Holwerd and The Waddensea. ;D
Schoorl is in the West of Holland (in Bovenkarspel living my uncle & aunt :)).
But I keep my 'eyes & ears' on 7141 next days...

Greetings, Henk, Dokkum, The Netherlands

What time? Todd - KA1KAQ and I listened for you several times between 0600 and 0630 Z (0700 your local time) and we heard nothing.

Workum Yes. my mistake.
We will be in the Netherlands again next spring. It is always very interesting to visit there. I can read Hollands well but dont speak it. Must be my square head (De)
I will keep plugging away on 7141. I have built a preamp of sorts for my PA . Since the TX works well (here it is monitored on a recvr some distance away   http://www.youtube.com/user/Don225slant6#p/a/u/0/5QPL-xgAOPk  ) I know if I can bring the power output to a decent level , say 10 watts I will have a fighting chance. Now it is just pure luck when I get through and it is never a solid QSO.
I will stay working on 7141. I should have my preamp deal working well this week. I am waiting for a set of 6L6 tubes to arrive too . I know you can push them a lot harder. When I try to push this PA right now it just quits. I have it working as of this morning. I dont have the amp idling properly so i have to kill the B+ but it works. is lighting my thermal power meter for the first time ever. From the brightness perhaps 4 to 5 watts. Today I will sort out the ruf spots intil it is functioning as i want and will stay testing on 7141.
Hereis the preamp deal hanging off of the PA. We sare in test mode but will switch to finished and pretty soon I hope. If I can get this pre amp amp thing workingas I wish I can put almost any modulated exciter i might make in front of it and be on the air. I monitor power in my ant tuners output.
Tim:
 I heard you folks in there today but I couldnt raise you. I could just barely hear you but VE3MGA ( ??) I could here S9. Anyway more power is coming. I will not quit till I get this deal working.
Don VE3LYX

Hi Don,

Tim VE6PG and I had a good QSO on Sunday afternoon from abt 2pm on 7120kc.
We'll keep an ear out for you. Do you know Ron VE3UGU from Belleville?

Al VE3AJM

I believe I know of whom you speak. He was the guy who used to climb towers for everyone. He was a Hydro employee I believe. He was for many years a customer of mine. I dont see much going on at his house these days but I will check to make sure he isnt a SK. I forget his last name for sure but I am thinking it was Hunter or something like that. I drive by his house several times per week. Are you the one in Stouffville?
Don VE3LYX

Sundaymornings we are often on 40 mtrs: +/- 7185 khz.
Between 06 - 06.30 our time = 05.00 - 05.30 London GMT.

Before I go to my work, Mo. - Fri., I listen only. :)
Mostly between 06.15 - 06.45 = 05.15 - 05.45 London GMT.

This morning (Mo.) I heard on 7142 weak ssb from the USA.
And on 7123 an Italian ssb station calling very long: cq, cq USA.

Greetings, Henk, PE1MPH

I heard the Italian station here too. Weakly but I noticed it right away.
Today I took my first PA apart and married it with my preamp i built on the weekend. I used an exisiting circuit to work from so it should work. Tonite I ran out of daylight and energy and finally quit. in the morning I have to find the grid wire I soldered on but didnt feed out. Solder the Tank tuning coil to its tunining capacitor and I have three bypass caps to add. Then maybe.  It is supposed to produce 15 watts max. Then we will see. 10 or 15 would be wonderful.  I tried several times today . I simply need more power.
Don Ve3LYX

can you test weekday I can try see if I can hear ya I'm in nwpa not sure how well i am going hear ya I should turn DX-60 back on i have not ran my 7 watts for some time but it's fun to run pw rigs see how far you can reach or just plain old pw no one hear me any way

                                                        Carl

YEs sure can. I will test on the hour when I am in the house . Today i am running bare foot while I finish my new amp. Hopefully today or tomorrow it will be done. In fact I will give it a try right now 8:05 AM (gotta warm it up. )
Don VE3LYx

The results!
On 7140 I heard fair a F1 station (from France) in ssb qso.
But I could not hear other(s) on this freq.
Around 06.30 (05.30 London GMT) I thought to hear some audio on 7141 khz.
Not in AM (to weak!), but in lsb/usb mode it sounding like very weak (am) mode...

On 7120 many Russians (sounding like...) in qso!

I keep on listening, from Mo till Fryday on obove freq. :)
Maybe more (strong) USA stations 'can use' 7141 khz....

Good dx, Henk, pe1mph, Dokkum, The Netherlands

I was meaning in the afternoon but getting hard find a freq. for me to transmitt on broadcast been coming strong around 1 but i can set receiver on there if i hear ya i'll post it let you know!

                                                                               KB3RadioDoesn'tTtransmitt Carl

We will get an opening. Today was very noisy. Just be ready and patient. I went on SSB for a minute today when I heard a VU7 station in there. I also tuned my hartley CW on 7141 and gave it a quick go when the band was quiet.  Today I recieved some 6l6 tubes from Ve3BJk (I think I have it right. Jim anyway.) I finished the new amp and have it working. It shows 22 times the rise on the tuners power indicator. I counted the meters divisions without amp and with amp. The power supply which is just a two tube amp with the tubes pulled and I plugged into the socket to steal power. You can see the caps empty as you make it work. I have a supply but will get everything working right and boxed in before I try for a smoke show. My monitor rx in the shack is about to have a heart attack. This is all encouraging.
I have to go out in the morning for fruehstueck with an old friend but will be home by 10;30 ESt. and will be on the minute I get in the door if it is clear.
Here is the new amp . I will make its cabinet by the weekend.
Don VE3LYX

going to say nothing there but slopbuckets!

                                                  Carl KB3RDT

Unless you put out a call on AM ... :)

They actuallly dont care about you I find. They just turn their SSB rig on and go squaking away. Anyway I have some power now so I will be giving it a go tomorrow. I will probably give it a shot in a few minutes too before I turn if if the band is quiet.
I have the cabinet half built. Trying to figure out a drive control for the amp much like a volume control in an audio amp. Then I can use it with almost any thing I might want to build. Control the grid or cathode.
Don VE3LYX

Results for this morning (30 nov., 06.20 - 06.45 by me):
7141 khz. totaly free/clean, no station heard.
7146 plenty ssb stations (IA, YO, K4, F5)
7137 often an IA (Italian) ssb station calling cq.
7120 many Russians? on air.

Tomorrow I listen again,

Henk, PE1MPH, Dokkum, The Netherlands

Thanks I shall try on the hour in the morning 8 AM till 11 AM which is _ 6 hours for you I think.

The results! ;D
- 7146 many ssb, strong (Italian and France) stations.
- 7141 ssb, but it could be am-lovers. :)
Because 2 stations were talking and talking, no R/S and gone!
I heard one with a K in his call, the other has a 'dark' audio.
Both were talking over fishing, and other things. :)
- 7140 ssb, it sounding like Russians stations
- 7136 ssb, many stations from Europe talking with USA ssb stations.
- 7120 ssb, strong stations sounding like Russians.

Yes this morning, many stations on 40 mtrs.
I think 7120 is not a good AM freq., often in use...

Tomorrow, Frydaymorning, I monitoring again,

Henk, pe1mph, Dokkum, The Netherlands

Sorry been busy but i hear nothing there but ssb and don't much like hearing quacking in my ears sounds kinda wide maybe there strong here but still i like hear am people not ssb not sure why they have be like they own the whole band!

I also notice that . I am used to running SSb on 20M but here on 40 it seems like the SSB takes up huge band width. I will be on early tomorrow morning as soon as I rise , between 6 and 7 am EST. I have the amp working better now. I am making a 4 th design. If nothing else i have learned a lot about screen modulation and rf PAs. You know the stuff they  never put in books. My Pa was hand sensitive and I had the variable cap right at the front. I realized tonite that since I used a dual gang stollen from a 1930s broadcast set I could switch to the back set of plates and that would give me a couple of inches distance. Man what a difference. The hand thing is gone.
I heard a weak am signoal on there this morning but it was almost unreadble. I could just tell he was there and that is all.  I will give it a try when i rise . I will be gone from after 7 till about 1 Pm tomorrow. (I have to go play my fiddle  at The 1802  Station) Thanks everyone for giving a listen for me. i appreciate it.
Don Ve3LYX
BTW with this Pa design I also have CW mode. . I didnt on this rig before. I turn the modulation control up full which really gives full carrier (Raises the screen voltage above the point where the modlator circiut can modulate it much) and then key the PA.

I like screen modulation my DX-60 is screen modulation with controled carrier nice to run a amp with like a pair of 813's

Yes, I just realized I have a big amp downstairs one of my drag racing buddys gave me when he was cleaning out his shop. he had a neighbour build it for him in the seventies. He was a CB er of the bandit variety. I said thanks and just took it but never looked inside. Probably if I wind two  40M coils (input and output) it will work as is. Seems pretty well built. Two TV Sweep tubes (6CL6 G or something like that). Probably around 500 watts. The guy who built it was US Navy trained in electronics and retired up here after a medical discharge. I feel like a cheater though when I use something I didnt build. WhyI dont know. Anyway I may do that and tell myself it is only for emergencies. Like when I need a lot more power! I watched a DX 35 and a DX 40 on Ebay but both ended when I cannot be home. But this one works and sounds good at least from a rx up the road so i will just have to get off my duff and give it more and more stop. After Jim (VE3BJK) sent me his 6l6 tubes which I am now using I stumbled onto a pair of 6l6eh tall boys. I doubt they are any better but they sure look impressive. I would be curious to listen for your rig from this end if your want just give me a sked. That would give me some idea of what to expect. Don VE3LYX
And I would listen fuer Henk PE1MPH also.

AM Lovers,
Sometimes I am a little crazy! ;D
To monitor early mornings the 40 mtr band, like I did this morning. :)
But, sorry, to many ssb around 7141 khz, and such is not nice listening!!
I can not give you good results for this Fridaymorning.
Because on 7140 & 7143 many strong ssb stations.
And, for them normale?? ???, a quick R/S and they calling again.
That is 'not' my style, I want to talk longer with another station(s).
I think.... 7141 is not a good choice/option for an AM freq.
Maybe, read this good, maybe we must find a better AM freq. lower or higher on 40 mtrs??
If you have another freq. to test, I want to listen...
No problem for me early mornings, I will monitoring for you and me (us!)!
But I think it should be a good idea, there were MORE USA AM stations using the same freq.!
Above 7200 khz is now, early mornings, no free/clean freq. to use...

Greetings, Henk, PE1MPH, Dokkum, The Netherlands

Henk , Two things. First, this morning at my music deal I was talking my friend with John Devries. I mentioned talking with you and named your town. John said to tell you he is from Bidderdart. He said even if I spelled it wrong you would know what town I am talking about.
Secondly us Canadians can go low in the band on fone. What do you think about 7120? I dont know your rules but if so we could try that. That elimnates a lot of the QRM but not everyone can work there.
Don VE3LYX

One: I falling nearly from my chair: John de Vries, Birdaard?
My family comming from Birdaard (Wanswerd aan de Streek).
My grandfather Hendrik and his son (my father Johannes) lived in Birdaard.
Hi, hi... I played, many years back, football in: Birdaard.... :)
Second: Please not 7120, often Russians around that freq.
May/can you transmit lower then that freq.?
Have you another freq.-suggestion, which I can monitor?

Greetings, Henk, PE1MPH, Dokkum

I am thinking. I can go anywhere BUT I do not like going below 7120 on fone because when i was licensed it was not available for fone use. It was Cw and still pretty w is. I always thought that worked very well. (Es ist fuer mich in stein gemiezelt)Now we can go anywhere but I dont. Just doesnt seem right.
Tim (VE6PG )and the fellows have been running on 7120 sunday around 2 pm here. I suppose you are too close to the Russians for us to be in the clear then. I can go anywhere 7120 and up . I can also get up early and try. Iwas quiet this morning at 4.30 Am my time. 
Don Ve3LYX

7120 is often in use!
How many khz you may go down?

Greetings,

Henk, Dokkum

I would go all the way to 7100 as long as I wasnt on anyones freq.  if you have a chance. Listen though on 7120 today. They had 3 hours in the clear on Am the last two sundays. Do you think I do not have enuf power or do you think we just need the right conditions?
Don VE3LYX

Oke, I monitor next week AM! between 7100 - 7120!
And I give you my results...

Greetings,

Henk, PE1MPH

I think  will try at 8 and 10 hours(unless 8 hours goes good. ) on 7120 with my Kenwood SSB using the exact same antenna system as the Am then I will know is this antenna ok oder? I can even back my ALC way down to low power to see if I can still be heard. If 7120 is busy I will QSY down to the first open spot. This will tell me if the antenna is ok.
Don Ve3LYX

You might consider globaltuners.com.  Registering is free and it gives you access to receivers around the world.  You can stream the audio and control the remote receivers.  It's real handy to check propagation, signal quality, etc.  It's pretty neat even for non-hams.

Good idea, but I give you my results, from yesterday and today.
No change for me to copy (weak) am on 7120 khz!
Many ssb on and around these freq., mosty from the East (Russians).
Between 7100 - 7125 pleny ssb stations on air early mornings by me.
I think between 7180 - 7195 or around 7130 khz can be  the best part.
Just above the Arabic? broadcaster on 7175 khz.
Check, for example: http://www.globaltuners.com

Greetings, Henk, PE1MPH, Dokkum, The Netherlands

I tested the antenna. It is fine. Easy contact first try on SSB (Kenwood TS830S) so i can eliminate that as a problem. I joinedGlobal tuners to as they have a rx in Bufflo which is a reasonable distance to expect results. I also found a hi-ratio Audio transformer i and installed it in my modulation circuit. it producesdouble the ac output from my carbon mike. I checked and audio is definatley stronger and I can run more carrier with it although not full  tilt. So the ant is good , the modulator is working well. the power is reasonable. I need just two things. Good conditions (quiet with good propagation )and someone on the other end.Time will supply both. I will have double the power soon when my choke comes for the big PS. I tried it sunday but the small rcvr choke began sending smoke signal sso I gave it a rest and ordered a 90 ma one. I have a HF linear soeone gave me years ago. A homebrew. It was damaged but I fxed it yeaterday however it is a Grounded grid and probably on its best day a 1/4 kilowatt. I am sure this little rig doesnt have enuf soup to drive it. SO I a building another 6l6 amp. I can easly put in a pair and probably will once I get it running on 500 Volts. It is double tuned , both in and out. The current one is Capacitive coupled input from a 3 turn antlink in the main set. Since the coax to the amp isless than 8 inches it is notto my thinking signifcant enuf distance tat the ampwill know it isnt part of the same radio. Power as best I can measure is up huge with the amp over the no amp. Maybe 20+ times. other than be patient there isnt much else to do I  guess.
Don Ve3LYX
Don Ve3LYX   

On which freq. I can hear you? :)

Good dx, Henk, pe1mph

Henk,
I reworked the tank yesterday so i can tune down to 3725 . It seems to work decent down there so I will try that today and then make sure I can get back on 40 as well. I plan to try 3725 around 10 oclock. EST  If that is successfull i will try back on 40 as well and will find a spot and let you know here.
Don VE3LYX

Sorry, oh sorry Don!
On 3725 often ssb very busy..... (today weak am on 3875 from usa heard).
If you can try between 3707 - 3710 khz, mostly Jean & Fortunato are qrv.
On 40 mtrs this morning +/- 7135 clean/free, so I monitor comming mornings these freq. again.... :)

Greetings, Henk, Dokkum.

Do you know Ron VE3UGU from Belleville?
for Al VE3AJM
Yesterday morning as I was driving to town VE3UGU passed me going the other way with his ve3 vanity plate in full view. He is stil around obviously.
Don Ve3LYX

Hello,
First I were this morning on 3710 khz with F6AQK.
To see if my ant. were hanging after a stormy evening and night.
All ant. are oke, so I can receive and transmit. :)
(But just in the news I hear we get more storm!)

Later this morning, in the livingroom, I listen on 40 mtrs.
Again around 7135 not many ssb, only on 7140.
Evenso mostly between 7180 - 7185 not many ssb 'traffic'. ;D

Greetings,

Henk, pe1mph, Dokkum, The Netherlands

For  some reason I am not getting out. I have checked with a receiver up to a mile away and it sounds fine but have been unable to get a good solid QSO. I now have a full 10 watts out. I would think that would be enuf on a good day for someone to hear me. I have to think this through.
It does not make sense to me.
Don VE3LYX

..don, i likely will hear you, on 7120...saturday at 2pm?...other than that, if it is stable, try the ssb net on 7055..

..tim..

..sk..

I will Tim but I am convinced 5 to 10 watts just doesnt cut it most days on 40 and 80 for AM. Probably be fine on 10M . Often I can hear the nearest station fine but anything much farther away unless he is running "POWER " is barely discernable. It will change as we get deeper in winter I suspect. I have heard you on several times and have hooped in but most times I am just too weak. My testing says I am getting out and the signal is not bad . I have a local SWL who is also a EE who has volunteered to help me check propagation. Meanwhile I designed and built a 1 tube (#56)transceiver for CW. Dumb thing actually works quite well. That has been a lot of fun. I have developed a noise in my big power supply so I wll have to fix the smaller one but I have everyhing here so it should just take a few minutes. (replace rectifier tube with diodes. ) I am figuring I need about 40 to 100 watts out for decent work.40 being almost the bare minimum except on exceptional days.
Don VE3LYX

I forgot. I reworked the tank in the transmitter final for 80 M and I cant quiet get into the 7100s. I am stuck on 80/75 meters.
I am going to make a new TX. I have learned so much I think I can do a better job on the next one. It will have more power before and after the central tube where the Rf and Audio mix. Drive harder both Rf and AF and then a good stout class A amp after what is now the final in my rig. 4 tubes in all. (I will build the central ixing section first then extend it out from that. On wood with tubes of course. I have a 500 Watt linear some ex US marine tech built that I frien gave me with a pair of 6cl6s cathode driven. I think I would need about 7 or 8 watts to drive it full . I think I can make 15 to 20 out with my new design. I have decided I willl build rather than buy. I get beat out on every Ebay atem anyway then it shows up the next day as a new listing. (Shame shame) In the  meantime I am monitoring 3705 and 3710. Tubes are warmed up and I am ready to jump in if possible.
Don VE3LYX