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Author Topic: Piss Weakers Net  (Read 15763 times)
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W1UJR
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« on: March 11, 2005, 07:13:30 AM »

Sometime before I moved to New England, I understand Tom K1JJ, Rich K1ETP and some of the other gentleman built little PW rigs, using a 6AQ5 I recall.

A few months back I had a little QRP rig on AM, running first 5 watts and then 1 watt, the guys in the QSO were amazed, as was I, how well it got out.

So, with that in mind, sounds like fun to have a PW net, wonder if there is any interest in reviving such?

Perhaps early afternoons, or weekend mid-mornings when the band is not so jammed up. Let me know you level of interest and I'll work to get it going.

My little PW here, remember the Vintage Radio Company selling the cakepan kits a few years back?


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N3WWL
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« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2005, 07:18:09 AM »

Very cool stuff, Bruce.  I wish those guys didn't go out of business.  Looks like an easy, fun project to build.
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Paul, K2ORC
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« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2005, 08:11:01 AM »

Count me in, Bruce.   It's always fun to see what you can do with 5 watts and a good antenna.  My homebrew 6V6/5V6 series modulation 75 meter PW rig is based on Tom 'JJ's design.   The xmtr I built is described in an article I wrote that appeared in March '04 Electric Radio.  Fun to build and fun to operate.  




Good idea to see about resurrecting the PW Net.  Thanks for suggesting it.
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Vortex Joe - N3IBX
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WWW
« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2005, 10:27:25 AM »

Bruce,
        Let's see if we could get something going. I was originally going to do a "PissWeak and Yhellowy" net on 75M. There's no reason we couldn't do it on 40 or 160M either. I have a TCS-12 setup that I can run on all three lower bands.

BTW, your PW rig looks definitely FBOM!

Possibly, the weekend would be best since there are more people home then.
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Joe Cro N3IBX

Anything that is Breadboarded,Black Crackle, or that squeals when you tune it gives me MAJOR WOOD!
K1JJ
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« Reply #4 on: March 11, 2005, 11:03:21 AM »

Yep, good idea to bring it back!

It was in Janruary of 1996 that we all started the PW Net. The challenge went out to build your own <10W or 1 watt AM transmitter. Many of the guys designed their own and sent around schematics.

Would you believe on the FIRST official PW Net session on Sunday afternoon in  March '96 we had 25! TWENTY FIVE check ins using their own homebuilt PW rigs??  Color certificates were sent around making these guys "founders".  I still have mine on the wall today.

My rig, still in service, is a single 6AQ5 series modulated by another 6AQ5. It uses a third tube as an audio preamp.  The RF final is a VXO crystal controlled power oscillator. Imagine, the whole RF ciruit is one tube... It had big audio and was hi-fi running 5W out.

PW Rig schematic:
http://www.amwindow.org/tech/htm/series.htm

The best time to hold the net this time of year is about 3:30PM. Later on make it 4PM, etc. You want the local signal peak and stability of ~2 hours before sunset. Usually the net control station runs at least 200 watts to keep the freq clear, etc, but it might be done with a 10 watt station with a linear ready to switch on.  Weekends, like Sunday, were perfect for that time slot.

Usually, after acknowledging all the callsigns,  we had the net control turn it over to each station and the PW station would describe his rig and newest PW activities in ONE minute or less. If time permits, it went around a second time.  The net control was always ready to alert others who came in too close to the freq due to not hearing the PW signals.

We had one-on-one Elmering "check out" sessions where an official  member would hold an on air session with a PW candidate to see if his rig qualified... was homebrew and <10 W.    Later, during the net, these newbies were inducted into the net officially and had the privilege of coming in first with the official stations next net session.

Lots of fun. There's much satisfaction building a little PW rig and sharing stories on the air.  BTW, the kit PW rigs came after the net, but they would certainly be accepted as an official  PW rig...  Cheesy

The thing to do now is start getting on every day at 3:30 til' dark and talking up your rig and getting others to do the same. Call it a "Pre- PW Net Rally", or something like that. Set a date in the future for the first official PW Net call up and talk about it in the meantime. Encourage others to get their old PW rigs back on and build new ones. I would expect at least 15 PW check-ins for an official  new PW Net with even a modest effort.

BTW, my own 6AQ5 PW rig smoked three weeks ago - gotta get it fixed ASAP and will see ya on PW soon...

73,
Tom, K1JJ
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« Reply #5 on: March 11, 2005, 11:15:18 AM »

Quote from: K1JJ


BTW, my own 6AQ5 PW rig smoked three weeks ago - gotta get it fixed ASAP and will see ya on PW soon...


What happened? On the bright side,
at least you don't have to find
replacement mod iron.
Thoughts are with you and the
Pisweaker in this difficult time.
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Vortex Joe - N3IBX
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« Reply #6 on: March 11, 2005, 11:42:58 AM »

Quote from: K1JJ

My rig, still in service, is a single 6AQ5 series modulated by another 6AQ5. It uses a third tube as an audio preamp.  The RF final is a VXO crystal controlled power oscillator. Imagine, the whole RF ciruit is one tube... It had big audio and was hi-fi running 5W out.



Tom,
       I heard your 6AQ5 rig once on 75M a few years ago. I think you stated the output was about 3W. Conditions were good. You were neither PissWeak and definitely NOT yhellowy! I couldn't believe how good it sounded.

Hope you get it straightened out soon. If you need anything to fix it that may be in my "stash" please feel free to let me know.
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Joe Cro N3IBX

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« Reply #7 on: March 11, 2005, 12:10:10 PM »

You have done it again! Gotta come up with one of these.
Keith
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W1UJR
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« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2005, 01:22:13 PM »

Quote from: K1JJ
The thing to do now is start getting on every day at 3:30 til' dark and talking up your rig and getting others to do the same. Call it a "Pre- PW Net Rally", or something like that. Set a date in the future for the first official PW Net call up and talk about it in the meantime. Encourage others to get their old PW rigs back on and build new ones. I would expect at least 15 PW check-ins for an official  new PW Net with even a modest effort.

BTW, my own 6AQ5 PW rig smoked three weeks ago - gotta get it fixed ASAP and will see ya on PW soon...

73,
Tom, K1JJ


Hey OM, good to hear from you!

Given your experience and may I add eminence in the AM community, can we draft you at the first NCS for New and Improved PW Net?

We can get guys to take turns later as things roll along.

If the 1st PW net started in March 1996, should we roll out the new net this March '05?
It would be the 9 year anniversary of the PW Net.

This would be a fun thing to get going with winter band conditions, cold outside WX.

Calling the PW net, Calling the PW Net.....
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« Reply #9 on: March 11, 2005, 03:35:14 PM »

now for a run on 50C5s
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K1JJ
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« Reply #10 on: March 11, 2005, 04:01:43 PM »

Hola Bruce and guys,

Got the 6AQ5 rig repaired and right now we're on the air with Rich/K1ETP and Pete/W1VZR- both have their original PW rigs on!  3871.  Herb, K2VH broke in with his 10W too.

Signals are about S9+20 at 3:30PM.

Yes, I can do the NCS first session if you like. I've got the original net pre-ramble script still here.

I plan to be active with the PW rig in the near future.  Let's all get them on and play it by ear for the new net!   And encourage others who have never built one to do so...

Will you have your Cakepan running tonight, Bruce?  Rich has his on now.

73,
T
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Wise Words : "I'm as old as I've ever been... and I'm as young as I'll ever be."

There's nothing like an old dog.
W1UJR
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« Reply #11 on: March 11, 2005, 04:12:21 PM »

Quote from: K1JJ
Will you have your Cakepan running tonight, Bruce?  Rich has his on now.

73,
T


Looks like we are going to get socked with snow...AGAIN.

So, yes, I'll bring it home this evening and get it on the air.

I'm rockbound, so what freqs should I bring home with me?

-Bruce





.
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Glenn K2KL
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« Reply #12 on: March 11, 2005, 04:17:27 PM »

Sounds like fun guys!... I'll start on mine this weekend!...

"calling the PW net, calling the pw net..."


Quote from: K1JJ
Hola Bruce and guys,

Got the 6AQ5 rig repaired and right now we're on the air with Rich/K1ETP and Pete/W1VZR- both have their original PW rigs on!  3871.  Herb, K2VH broke in with his 10W too.

Signals are about S9+20 at 3:30PM.

Yes, I can do the NCS first session if you like. I've got the original net pre-ramble script still here.

I plan to be active with the PW rig in the near future.  Let's all get them on and play it by ear for the new net!   And encourage others who have never built one to do so...

Will you have your Cakepan running tonight, Bruce?  Rich has his on now.

73,
T
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« Reply #13 on: March 11, 2005, 05:10:48 PM »

Count me in!  Sounds like great fun.

I'll do mine with 3904 transistors!

73
NEO
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Jack-KA3ZLR-
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« Reply #14 on: March 11, 2005, 05:50:14 PM »

Great Idea, I've been giving this some thought you know i have an assortment of the old 25B Chassis laying around i collect for parts, that old 25B chassis and Case would make a Nice PW'er Xmitter and the Recieve can be tuned down...Crystal Synthesiers...Hey this could work...Thinking..  :idea:
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Glenn K2KL
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« Reply #15 on: March 11, 2005, 06:14:17 PM »

You mean Comstat 25B? One of my all time favorite tube CB rigs! I agree! it would make a cool PW rig!... It beats drilling, filing, reaming, sanding.... I love homebrewing but the metal work is the worst part.



Quote from: Jack-KA3ZLR-
Great Idea, I've been giving this some thought you know i have an assortment of the old 25B Chassis laying around i collect for parts, that old 25B chassis and Case would make a Nice PW'er Xmitter and the Recieve can be tuned down...Crystal Synthesiers...Hey this could work...Thinking..  :idea:
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Jack-KA3ZLR-
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« Reply #16 on: March 11, 2005, 07:05:51 PM »

Quote from: Glenn K2KL
You mean Comstat 25B? One of my all time favorite tube CB rigs! I agree! it would make a cool PW rig!... It beats drilling, filing, reaming, sanding.... I love homebrewing but the metal work is the worst part.



Quote from: Jack-KA3ZLR-
Great Idea, I've been giving this some thought you know i have an assortment of the old 25B Chassis laying around i collect for parts, that old 25B chassis and Case would make a Nice PW'er Xmitter and the Recieve can be tuned down...Crystal Synthesiers...Hey this could work...Thinking..  :idea:


Good Evening Glenn,

 Yup that's the one, the 25B Circuit it was used in a Number of Versions for alot of different MFG's, But It has what's needed for what the fellas are talking about here, AND, it's of the Right size...Big Plus..And the Power supply is more than enough...another Plus...So Now that yunns guys got my dander up I will have to effect a search in the dungeon for the Culprit....I need Crystals though ...anyone have any rocks they'd like to part with...?.. i'm in serious need of rocks...for 75/80...
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w3jn
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« Reply #17 on: March 11, 2005, 07:46:32 PM »

The 50C5, I believe, is a functional equivalent of a 6AQ5, 'cept for the fil voltage of course.
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« Reply #18 on: March 11, 2005, 08:02:38 PM »

I’m ready….
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Steve - WB3HUZ
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« Reply #19 on: March 11, 2005, 08:25:08 PM »

Ah yes, the original "Call to PW Arms" by Tom, K1JJ. I found it getting dusty in the HUZ Radio archives. Note the date, 19 January 1996.

------
 WE WANT YOU!


   A Class: B Class: 1-10 watts output

   from:
   Tom Cathey - K1JJ
   Internet Adr: K1JJ@aol.com
   January 19, 1996

   "You've finally got a GOOD REASON to play PisWeaker once in awhile! "

   * Got Winter cabin fever yet?...Here's a way to beat the blues! We're
   about to play your FAVORITE hobby: 75M AM !

   *Remember the warm glow and "radio smell" of your first little rig
   when you were a JN ? Please block off some Relaxation Time, find a
   comfortable chair and read on.........

   * With thoughtful, sensitive, provocative questions from our ham
   correspondent:

   Joesph B. Strapper, esq.....K4KW

   Ques from Joesph: " What the hell are youse guys bothering me with
   this PW crap for " ?

   Thank you for your enlightening question , Joe.

   We are looking for indications of interest from "roll your own" type
   AMers interested in becoming a FOUNDING Official PisWeak Station
   "(FOPS)". If you get excited like many of us have about building and
   operating PW rigs , let us know...or just read this over and show up
   on the air with your own creation!

   Over several weeks, please listen to the 75 AM on-the-air PW
   activities starting up and read this document over a few times to see
   if you are interested in getting involved. Lets have some FUN!

   QUES from Joe: " Fun my ass! I'm a BIG- BIG gun on 75 ...I've got a
   reputation to protect! I'd rather slide down a 50 foot razor blade
   BARE-ASS into a vat of alcohol before I'd ever be PisWeak on 75 !.....
   So.......who are these bums already on board " ?

   Based on our conversations, the following guys are interested and
   potential Founding "Official PisWeak Station" CANDIDATES: (no one is
   yet a Certified FOPS or OPS .....a few do have PW rigs built already
   and may start making the required 25 different AM logged contacts
   soon)!

   * Present "Pre-Founders" Listed by: name/call/ "threatened" power and
   modulation designation

   Steve/ WB3HUZ / B1...... Carl/ WB1EYE / B2 ...... Dean/ WA1KNX / B?
   ........ Tim/WA1HLR / B?, ....Joe /WA2PJP/ B? ...... Rich/ K1ETP/
   B2....... Rick/ N3RIL / B1...... Bob/ W2ZM / B? .......Tom/ K1JJ / A1
   / B1, Joe/ K2UX/ B2, Ed/W1QD B2 schematic request, Steve/ KA1SI/ A4,
   Steve/ KD3HT/ B?....... AND....Still gathering potential FOPS's... to
   become the Founders......at least 25 of us needed to start.

   QUES from Joe: " Yeah yeah...I know some of dem guys...some of 'em are
   ALREADY PisWeakers!...

   And there are still more regulars to be contacted, and knowing you
   radio gangsters, I'll bet most of you're game:

   Frank/ WA1GFZ, Chuck/WA1EKV, Eric/WB2CAU, Joe/ WA1IWQ, AL/N2SHG,
   AL/K1JCL, Ed/N3LHB, Dirb/N3DRB (from North Dakota of course),
   Fred/KC4MOP, Nick/KC1ZU (if his new XYL lets him play) , Jeff/KA1WLZ,
   Dave/N1RBM, AL/W1EOX, Dave/K3ZRF, Willie/W3DUQ, Greg/ N1EXI,
   Doug/AA1JB, Pete/W1VZR, (3rd BA audio) Chris/AJ1G, Bill/KB1DX,
   Fwaf/WA1FAF, Warren/NY2H , Jamie/KF2VM, Gary/N2NIR (big rig guilt),
   Paul/WA3VJB, Greg/K3EWZ, Ron/WA3WBC, Chuck/WB3FJJ, Bill/K1KV,
   Tom/WA3KLR, Mark/N2ZAB, Pete/WA1SOV, Alan/KA1ZZC, George/W1UAX,
   George/W1GAC, Larry/NE1S, Pete/N2IDU, John/N1MMD , Gerry/W2TPL

   Now THERE's 50 well known East Coast AMer's..........I know I missed
   others...who are they ?

   THESE are guys who have been on the air lately... I'll bet there are
   many more who would probably get back on if they had a fun project
   like this to get into....Many are looking for a little more insanity
   in their lives.

   *I've only got a few packets left... so please make a copy for your
   buddies if they want one.

   QUES from Joe: " Hey!.... I recognize a few of my COMPETION there!
   Dose guys will eat me fer breekfest if I show up wid a lousy 10
   watts....GEEZ" !

   QUES from Joe: " What's the PURPOSE?...Ain't my $ 5,000 ricebox good
   'nuff fer ya " ?

   Our purpose is to take a needed break from appliance radios of all
   kinds, old and new.... and remember a time back to our roots in the
   50's and 60's....when men were men and... well.... when homebrewing
   and operating simple, low power (10 watts and less), miniature tube
   type 75 meter AM transmitters were a lot of fun. To further encourage
   and provide a somewhat organized, fun environment to share ideas, work
   others for awards and show off our PisWeak creations.

   QUES from Joe: Yoose guys got a plan or ya just flying by the seat of
   ur pants, like my bum son?

   Our initial goals are to encourage others to build and get NEW PW AM
   rigs on the air and successfully check into the PW Net. To encourage
   as many diversified A/B Class and 1-5 modulation configurations in as
   many states as willing. (*see power classes and modulator designations
   below)...Once a good, strong enthusiastic PW group is developed, we
   will work on making good use of our rigs through PW awards chasing ,
   the PW Net, and usual on the air fun.

   * Important Note: If later, you find yourself out of control like the
   rest of us, try to get your rig built and Pre-Approved before the end
   of February, 1996 to be certified as a Net FOUNDER..... since ALL new
   PisWeakers coming on board AFTER we have our first official net
   call-up will become simply "OPS's" (Official PisWeak Station). This
   "Founder" designation will stick with you the rest of your natural
   PisWeak life and will entitle you to the privilege of checking into
   the net BEFORE all of the poor PisWeakers who get sucked in, in the
   future.

   By the way...We're looking for a good PisWeak Net slogan/motto
   ........anyone Huh *Late Update...one suggested by Tim/WA1HLR on the
   air tonight...."The weaker they are, the longer they talk "
   ..PisWeakers First Law..... Or, how about "Good things come in PisWeak
   packages??..... naw.
   Like anything else, the more fluent you become in "PisWeakeze" as
   discussed in these SUGGESTED PW guidelines, the more fun you will have
   becoming a part of the game. If you learn these guidelines well....the
   terminology is especially important.... you may test review a OPS
   PisWeaker Candidate on the air soon once YOU have become a (Founding)
   OPS through this same process.

   QUES from Joe: " So... what will youse Founders all do...prance around
   in your ivory towers like my boss barking orders to us working stiffs
   down at the mill " ?

   There are no officers, etc. We all work together based on a voluntary
   basis . You want to be a Net Control "Shepherd for All PisWeakers"
   (the net SAP) ? OK, if you got a strong signal. Want to be one of the
   Designated Awards Stations (DAS) ?, great... you need a computer with
   a fancy certificate making ability.... Ever make a HARP contact
   Huh....Want to be a OPS Elmer and help some poor PisWeaker get up,
   running and approved?...many of us expect to do this on the air in the
   near future once we get our own rigs going....

   Want to be the only PisWeaker to hold and WEAR the coveted UAN CUP?...
   Well, then ya gotta work like hell and give out a lot of PisWeak
   contacts...or lose it to someone else...... Or you can work towards
   SIX different PW awards (beautiful laser generated certificates) such
   as the Worked all States PisWeak (WASP) award requiring 25 different
   states (AM) contacts using your homebrew one or ten watt 75 meter PW
   rig! They're all available to you as a PW Net Certified "Official
   PisWeak Station" (OPS) .....Not to mention the anticipation and fun of
   designing and putting together your own PW rig...



   Comment from Joe: " Yeah, and the PAIN IN THE ASS of getting it
   running right and sounding decent "!

   QUES from Joe: " OK, OK...I'm waiting for the punch line...how much
   green stuff this gonna cost me? The XYL's gonna have my ass already
   for dat four grand Commander linear I got her for Christmas " !

   ONLY a small one time fee of $1,000 paid in small bills, Joe! I guess
   it goes without saying, but its worth saying to make sure: There is No
   Money involved...no dues....all awards , schematics, etc. are
   free........ SASE's, FAXes, Internet, telephones and Ham Radio pass
   our info. We as PW individuals absorb the costs of whatever we wish to
   contribute via time, guidance, parts, mailings, award services, etc.
   on our own. We advise no one to accept money for ANY services, perhaps
   with the exception helping someone with occasional radio parts and
   shipping if you feel it is appropriate.

   QUES from Joe: " Ya mean, I don't gotta raise no CASH MONEY " ?

   QUES from Joe: " What's this PisWeak stuff? I thought this was FAMILY
   RADIO " ?

   * Note: The word "PisWeak" or "PisWeaker" in our organization is ONE
   complete word and thus does not have the "four letter word"
   connotation / definition...at least we hope not. The two word phrase,
   "piss weak" was originally coined by WA1QIX (now KA1SI) in the early
   1970's..... back in his more crass days. It still means the same
   things: An extremely weak signal or someone who is extremely weak. As
   a "new" more socially acceptable word, just as the word "pistol" has
   the same prefix sound, it means something entirely different than when
   it's broken down into two. For a few straight lacers, this new word
   STILL may take some getting used to. But let's use it freely and give
   it a new acceptable meaning just like any other of the estimated
   200,000 new words people invent each year.....But if they STILL can't
   take a joke..........well, you know the rest !

   * As you have probably already guessed, the MAJOR reason for the new
   spelling is certainly not to satisfy stiffs on the air, but rather to
   keep the door open for listings in some of the many publications
   without having to change our name down the road. What the hell do you
   think the editor of QST would say when he came across the name "Piss
   Weaker Net" ??... We're already stretching it as it is !

   * Note: Throughout this document "A Class, B Class , or C Class "
   refers to the PisWeakers's Power class, NOT "Class A ", the usual
   final amplifier conduction angle category. Explained later. Notice the
   reversal in order....our power class is stated as "A Class" NOT Class
   A to avoid confusion.

   QUES from Joe: " So... Where do I get the BLUEPRINTS to build an
   OUTFIT like this?...there's nothin' in the '95 handbook ...I even
   called HRO...after arguing with them for 10 minutes they called me a
   damn miscreant and hung up....what the hell's a miscreant anyway " ??

   *Here's a couple of rig designs I've spent alot of time on, and use on
   the air effectively (at least the 50C5 rig for now) ....The 750
   Milliwatt 6BA6 rig is being built at the time of this writing , though
   it will be completed in time for February, I'm sure. You may use these
   circuits or develop your own unique ideas from them........

   The K1JJ PisWeak Rig schematics are available to all: Send a SASE for
   schematics if interested. Or design your own...see if I care! (I'm
   looking to HUZ to make 'em look like a million bucks on his computer)

   The JJ DUAL PW "A Class" and "B Class" integrated system...shares VFO,
   P.S. and low level audio: *built on two separate chassis to meet PW
   guidelines requiring separate finals and modulators for each power
   class....The 750 MW rig can be operated completely alone or operated
   as an RF driver for the 9.9 watt rig by flipping three self contained
   switches. Both rigs' finals and modulators are driven by common,
   self-contained homebrew solid state low level RF and audio drivers for
   simplicity and stability.

   A Class) PW Net A1 Class, 756 milliwatts out. A single " Class C" 6BA6
   Miniature pentode RF final, plate modulated by a homebrew 7 watt solid
   state modulator (for big audio headroom, and to be different)! The
   6BA6 is a 2.5 watt tube often used in receiver VFOs , IF strips, front
   ends, etc.) It runs 120 VDC X 9 ma X 70% estimated efficiency = 756 MW
   output. The rig is fully self contained including audio, power
   supplies , and built on a 11x14 inch chassis. It features a single FET
   VFO and a solid state RF pre-driver....this is a micro-power "hi-tech"
   rig with an old buzzard tube touch). From initial scope tests, I think
   this little mosquito will actually sound better than my big rig which
   uses a Class C 4-1000A, plate modulated by a pair and employs
   broadcast iron!.....I guess good things DO come in PisWeak packages.



   B Class) PW Net B1 Class, 9.9 watts out, a pair of "Class C" 50C5's
   plate modulated by a pair of push-pull 50C5's, featuring modified
   heising and a Ranger II modulation transformer. ( This smaller 8x11
   inch chassis holds only the RF final tubes , modulator tubes, and
   associated iron.....the VFO, RF drive, assorted voltages, and audio
   drive are all borrowed from the 6BA6 rig above. It runs 300 VDC X 47
   ma. X 70 % estimated efficiency = 9.9 watts out. Using a split H.V.
   supply produces a cracking 600 VDC on the modulators....those poor
   50C5's sing for their supper and actually show plate color when
   hitting 200% audio peaks!

   Other schematics of different designs available from other fellow
   Founding PisWeakers by SASE request. Please send to callbook
   addresses....more on this as their rigs hit the airwaves soon.

   QUES from Joe: " OK, I'll get my bum son to run down to the Post
   office today.... Let's just assume I might be interested........ when
   does the joint get hopping " ?

   Starting Time: Sometime in late February...giving everyone time to
   build up a PW Rig, work 25 AM stations with it on 75 meters, learn
   this document well, and get their first rig pre-approval .

   QUES from Joe: " At what time do we meet and on what CHANNEL " ?

   Meeting times: To be determined, though due to current Winter 75 meter
   conditions, an initial 2:30 -3:00 PM Sunday afternoon starting time
   might be a good idea for now to allow for optimum PW signals before
   the skip rolls in... General PW activities, rag chewing, awards
   chasing, etc. can go on at any time, 7 days a week. Conditions will
   improve in the Spring for later net times. We will always try to shoot
   for the best time /conditions for the PW Net as the season and solar
   cycle changes......so stay informed by being an active PisWeaker on
   the air. As for the "channel", somewhere in the AM window between 3870
   and 3890....design your tank circuits centering on 3880 Mhz.

   QUES from Joe: " How do I keep up to date on what's going on? All my
   buddies on SSB ever talk about is who got the best deal on their rice
   boxes or the best mike to use....I still love my lollipop D-104 no
   matter what those rednecks say.



   It would be a great advantage to get on the Internet in the future (if
   not already) to receive late breaking PW news...New OPS plans/rigs on
   the air, new OPS states, UAN CUP threats, etc..... In fact a lot of
   guys can be reached by simply addressing to "Their ham callsign @AOL
   ". Steve, KA1SI has given the PWN permission to use his Internet Site
   for info posting. He presently has a "Ham Radio" site with the address
   as: "http://HTTP://hamradio.bicnet.com" More on this area at a later time. We
   expect to have this document on soon so that new PisWeaker candidates
   can download it. Of course, the best way to stay informed is to listen
   in the AM window, or better yet, get on the air yourself and give out
   some PW contacts to others!

   * Late breaking news: The PisWeaker Net is now WORLDWIDE!..... Tell
   your PW buddies to download this document off the Internet:
   "http://hamradio.bicnet.com" once you have registered with Steve's
   site, no doubt.



   QUES from Joe: " When did you idiots ever dream this one up " ?

   PWN First thought of: January 6, 1996 (day of the great Blizzard of '
   96 ') by a renegade band of PisWeak gangsters.

   QUES from Joe: " Youse guys got everything running smooth as a
   Bridgeport yet " ?

   Not Yet...The FIRST HURDLE: To get at least TEN A Class and/ or "B
   Class " OPS (Official PisWeak Stations) operating and certified on the
   air. Let's get those rigs built and running, make the required 25
   contacts, and get ourselves pre-approved to have our first PisWeak Net
   call-up in late February!

   Remember, you are a NET FOUNDER if you complete these steps and check
   into the FIRST net session for your official certification.



   QUES from Joe: " So whose gonna test YOOSE guys? The chicken or the
   egg? Gotcha.... wise guys......Or ya gonna make yourselves the kings
   while the rest of us poor slobs suffer in the trenches " ?....

   * We will all go through the very same certification procedure as
   future PisWeakers will. Once two of you, and I work the required 25
   different regular AM stations using our "candidate" PW rigs, I will
   give out the first two tests/approvals... and one of you will give me
   the test/approval. Then these two of you will approve four more of us
   and so forth until we are then approving AMers other than the Founding
   PisWeakers. Then we will all get certified on the FIRST session of the
   PW Net.

   * Any OPS can make himself an "Elmer" at any time, and then
   pre-approve an OPS Candidate/rig on the air in a private QSO.....but
   the candidate must survive the final "Live PisWeaker Net quiz".
   Remember, only the Net control "SAP" can officially "Certify" a
   station during a live net..... for all OPS's to hear.... and object to
   the certification if they have a good reason....like say the candidate
   had at one time tried SSB or Mary Jane......... or the PW rig once saw
   service as the "Voice of Communism".



   QUES from Joe: "Mary Jane???.........So how does a REAL man like me,
   Joe Bubba Strapper, get to be a PisWeak Station " ?



   HOW TO BECOME AN OFFICIAL PISWEAK STATION: (OPS)

   Build yourself a simple 1-10 watt (PWN B Class ) OR less than 1 watt
   (PWN A Class ) OUTPUT 80 meter AM transmitter, learn the rules and
   guidelines set forth in this document, work 25 other different AM
   stations with at least 5 of these being existing Official PW Stations
   (OPS), meet with an OPS Elmer on the air for a one on one pre-review
   and quiz of you and your rig qualifications. Then successfully check
   into the PW NET using your PW rig for a quick final test. Always be
   ready to give the call signs of the stations you worked from your PW
   log at the request of the "SAP" (Shepherd For PisWeakers) net control
   station or OPS Elmer, and answer any random quiz question concerning
   the guidelines of this document and general suitability for your rig
   to be approved as a new OPS. At minimum, a PW log is required to be
   kept of ONLY other OPS stations or OPS candidates since new candidates
   may need you to verify they worked you.

   The log needs only five items: His Call, Your Report, His Name, His
   State, and His Class/mod designation. To further clarify, A or B Class
   designations are ONLY given out to individual stations by the net
   after meeting certain guidelines and all other stations outside the
   net are C Class regardless of their power .


   QUES from Joe: "Ya mean I can tap off the 12BY7 driver of my FT- 101
   and I'm a PisWeaker "!!!! ?



   MIMIMUM TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSMITTER:

   The RF Final and Modulator circuitry MUST be HOMEBREW. It must
   transmit AM, 75 meters. A " B Class" rig (1-10 watt output PW rig)
   must use TOTAL RF final dissipation ratings of no more than 20 watts.
   Likewise for the modulators. Similarly, an "A Class " rig (LESS than 1
   watt output... always quote it in milliwatts for fun) must use TOTAL
   dissipation ratings of seven watts or less for the RF finals or
   modulators. The RF final and modulator circuitry may be tube or solid
   state....but MUST be homebrew.

   All OTHER transmitter components can be ANYTHING..... outboard, solid
   state, commercial or whatever you wish . The RF final amplifier must
   have real time metering for the RF final input plate current and plate
   voltage while on the air to determine your power INPUT to within 1\10
   of a watt under dead carrier conditions. (This metering can be
   outboard if you wish ). Have a clear, updated schematic copy of your
   rig and be willing and able to FAX or mail it out to any ham SASE
   request.



   QUES from Joe: " Yeah, well, what if some guy opens his yap up once
   too many... can I still turn on my "CASH HEAT" to smoke em' " ?

   You can change your power anytime (with a variac if you wish) as long
   as its within your certified class limits. Once a PW rig is certified
   as either an A Class or B Class by the Net "SAP" it will always remain
   in that class unless the rig is rebuilt with different type finals or
   is to be put into another permanent power class. In this case, another
   fellow OPS must approve that it still holds to minimum PW technical
   and construction specifications and then a formal request is made at a
   net session to re-certify it. The PWN prohibits reducing the drive of
   a B Class rig to masquerade as A Class and vice versa for net
   functions and activities...INSTEAD, please build a smaller CAN,
   however, change the modulation configuration anytime you wish WITHOUT
   PW Net certification. This will give fellow PWer's more "WAD" (Worked
   ALL Designations) Awards contacts! Just tell the station you are
   working the modulator designation you presently are using. This
   modulator designation will be described shortly.

   * As you probably realize, you can run you PW rig any damn way you
   want during non-net related activities....regular rag chewing,
   etc...though when pursuing awards, giving out an official PW contact
   for any reason requires you to stay within the PW Class guidelines for
   which you had your rig certified.



   QUES from Joe: "Yeah, Yeah...You didn't think BIG JOE was gonna turn
   down the heat on his Big Maw, now did ja? Now......... what's all this
   AB 1-2 -3 stuff about, anyway "?

   RIG CLASSES:



   PWN POWER CLASSES: Power Output

   A..................................................... less than 1 watt
   
   B..................................................... 1-10 watts

   NON- NET POWER CLASS:

   CLASS POWER

   C ................ Any power

   ALL OTHER SET-UPS OUTSIDE OF the PW NET REGARDLESS of POWER,
   COMMERCIAL/HOMEBREW, etc., that are NOT Certified PisWeak rigs are C
   CLASS . If YOU own a certified PWN rig and happen to be running a 10
   watt output ricebox at the moment, you are running a C Class
   station....(in this case C5.... a non-approved rig , running a linear
   final) In other words, C Class means ANY non-certified rig. By saying:
   " I'm running C5 / 10 watts " , etc........this could be a 10 watt
   rice box.



   MODULATOR DESIGNATION



   Modulation Designation "Modulation Classes": (relating to how the
   FINAL Power amplifier is modulated:

   Modulator

   Designation: Modulation Configuration:

   1...................... Plate or Collector Modulation

   2...................... Series Modulation (PDM usually uses series
   modulation.... but it deserves its' own deseg.).

   3...................... Grid/Screen, Base Modulation

   4...................... Pulse Width Modulation (PWM or PDM)

   5...................... All Linear RF Finals using low level AM drive.


   *** A Solution for Non-builders: You may convert a little CB set,
   etc., etc. type rig and run it in the 1 or 10 watt class, though it
   cannot be certified since the finals/modulators are not homebrew.
   Thus, you cannot qualify for awards...... though, you can still make
   PW contacts as a C1, C2, C3, C4, or C5 class like the other PisWeakers
   and still have fun! When you give your designation, say "C1/ 10 watts
   " ......or whatever designation and PW power class you're simulating
   at the time.

   However...if you've got the time and expertise to convert and get on
   the air with it, you've got time to slap together a little homebrew PW
   rig and be a CERTIFIED PisWeaker!



   Examples:

   A 6BA6 putting out 750 milliwatts and PLATE MODULATED by a solid state
   modulator is an A1 Class station ONCE it is certified by the PW net.
   BEFORE it is certified, it is a C1 Class station , and simultaneously
   a A1 Class OPS "Candidate"

   A pair of 50C5's plate modulated by a pair putting out 9.9 watts is
   "B1 Class " once certified by the PW Net. As in the last example,
   before certification it is a C1 rig while at the same time a B1
   "Candidate" while in the process of making the required 25 AM contacts
   for certification.

   A Viking II, a 4-1000 rig, a homebrew 5 watt rig NOT approved by the
   PW Net, a rice box, etc. are all Power "C CLASS .....".....but with
   there appropriate modulator designations. A Viking II is "C1 Class ."
   A rice box is "C5 Class."

   * You need to know this designator info for your PW log to qualify for
   the six PW awards, etc....its really quite easy.



   QUES from Joe: "So NOW I'm ready to peak this little sucker for
   maximum smoke, right "?

   POWER MEASUREMENTS: ...Nothing's perfect....

   The final amplifier tube DC input voltage and current should be
   continuously monitored. If you are using a series modulator of any
   kind make sure you measure voltage ACROSS the final only; do not
   include the modulator in the voltage circuit. To determine the output
   power estimate with a power meter is difficult because most scales
   read near the bottom for PW low power, swr error effects, meter
   tolerances, etc. It is better if we all do the same thing to arrive at
   a standard method...(Assuming we all have reasonably accurate VOM's
   and current meters) We will take the power INPUT (DC current X DC
   Voltage UNDER LOAD while transmitting a dead carrier) and multiply
   this input power by the PW Net standard efficiency factor to come up
   with estimated output power.

   Designation: PW NET Standard Efficiency Factor (SEF)



   ANY Plate, Series , or PDM modulated final

   (PWN designations 1,2, 4).......... 0.70 (70%)

   Any Grid/ Screen modulated final

   (PWN designation 3.................... 0.30 (30%)

   Any Linear Amplifier

   (PWN designation 5)................... 0.25 ( 25%)

   * These conservative efficiency figures will give everyone a chance to
   see similar or better results. They are ballpark and may change
   somewhat based on our future technical discussions.

   Example: If your rig is an A1 Class (

   QUES from Joe: " Hey Stash!...Look at yur S-meter.......I'm strapping
   the W5's and I'm only on my Class A3

   350 Milliwatt rig...get aload of dat!....That PROVES Big Joe's got the
   best location and antenna in the world"!

   PisWeaker Integrity...



   All of us have heard the dependable and strong 15-20 watt signals from
   Eric/WA2CAU, Joe/K2UX, Bill/W3DUQ and Carl/WB1EYE who choose to run
   this level a lot of the time.... Even 10 db down, ( running 1.5 - 2
   watts) their signals would still be great copy! Notice they run QRP
   mostly during good conditions, and have bigger rigs on tap.

   Since everyone's rig will have slightly different final amplifier
   efficiencies for each configuration , the builders with the more
   efficient techniques will have an edge over the PWN efficiency
   factors. It is well and good to reward good PisWeakers this way...
   HOWEVER, a word concerning the dark side to this..... I'm sure it
   exists in all of us from time to time. Some operators may choose to
   buy efficiency by means of a Variac for ego's sake. We've all been
   there at one time or another....the big DX pile-up, the AM strap
   contest, QRM battles, etc...sometimes its gets emotional, no doubt. We
   all have egos - it's part of being human.

   Since the point of being PisWeak is to have fun and not try to prove
   how loud we are, (in fact, in the PW game, the more PisWeak you are
   while still being heard is actually cooler)! Instead, pour on the
   audio! Notice Tim WA1HLR/mobile when his carrier is S5 and his audio
   seems to peak up over S9....unbelievable! It is very important to
   adhere strictly to your VERBALLY stated power levels. This keeps
   everyone from second guessing the other and discounting each others
   accomplishments, etc....all bad news.

   The two PW power levels are broad...1-10 watts, or 0.00000000001 -
   0.9999999999 watt...alot of room for variation. RUN what you SAY
   you're running...there's no FCC rule to govern this power range like
   the big rig limitations which force us to be more than forthright
   sometimes about our power out. On 75 meters we all know that
   conditions favor everyone at different times and to boost our power
   for egos' sake and say you are running less will only result in your
   losing the fun that the whole PisWeakers spirit is about. If violated,
   in a very short time most will know that you are not really running
   what you say you are since it averages out over time... Burn yourself
   out with the BIG AM rig first...strap everybody...WORLDWIDE , THEN
   turn on the PW rig. As for LOCAL CONTACTS, NO ONE has an advantage
   over anyone else when it comes to long term high angle
   propagation....You will be EXTREMELY PisWeak at times and at others
   expect to be the top strapper even running in A Class ! In short,
   forget the "strap ego" for a little while and watch how much fun all
   we have...



   Now....... let's have a little "Ham Watching" fun:

   If YOU, like many of us, have healthy, competitive personalities,
   there may be a way to get a good "ego strap stroke" if you choose,
   without upsetting the balance.... High power isn't the answer. First
   of all, the reason MOST hams (there's exceptions) do what they do;
   chase DX awards, compete in contests, wear callsign badges, send QSLs,
   run high power, put up big antennas, even spend long hours ragchewing,
   etc., etc. is for one major thing.... RECOGNITION ! We all crave it in
   most of life. Why do people want hospital wings named after them, or
   are more motivated by a new title and peer recognition more than the
   raise, or want fancy cars...etc. How did you feel checking into that
   QSO and finding no one remembers your name, and then left you out of
   the rotation from neglect?...It's happened to all of us. How about
   when EVERYBODY knows AND wants to talk with you?

   After spending a lot of time in both the 75m DX window (3790 area) and
   AM window (3880 area) and getting to know many of the stateside
   personalities quite well, I've come to the conclusion that we hams
   look for recognition in two forms of ego stroke compliments depending
   on the activity. If we are rag chewers, like most of us AMer's, the
   highest compliment to give another (besides a good audio report) is
   that you have heard them on before, and that you know who they are,
   even though they may not know you.

   (" O' boy, I listen to you ALL the time, Timmy"!) Doesn't that make
   you feel good ? ....We think to ourselves.....Hey, guess I'm doing
   something right!

   For a DXer, this is also true by telling them they are one of the big
   guns that you often hear on. But the ULTIMATE recognition compliment
   to a DXer is: "Man, I can't believe how well you can hear the DX
   stations...you hear better than anyone else on the band "!.....ad
   naseum....which is saying that the guy has arrived into the
   fold.....As a result of THEIR superior efforts, they have a great
   location, focused antennas, trained ears, etc....Notice I didn't
   mention transmit signal.... most guys play it down as to not sound
   like an alligator....the worst insult is a big transmit signal and
   poor ears! In fact many DXer's give out overly generous BS signal
   reports just to look good to their local buddies and demoralize others
   who can hardly hear the DX....it's true, believe me. I've spent many
   hours listening with a pair of 3 el yagis at 130 feet on Europe....
   and how many times have I heard the local BS'ers pulling the crap over
   everyone's ears and saying that some Eastern European DX station is
   loud when they're BARELY PisWeak! I do it myself sometimes, ha ha.

   I've listened to my DX buddies (and myself) work the same Europeans
   over and over every night...saying the same things: "Good to HEAR you
   again, Pascal. You're S9 +45! CU later, Chow....ad infinitum. It's
   actually fun sometimes! BUT....I ask you. Even if it were FREE, would
   any of us call Pascal PRIVATELY on the telephone night after night
   just to say "good to hear you" (yeah, almost a stranger) and tell him
   he was 59? I doubt it! We all do it 'cuz we know our buddies are
   listening and others we hope will hear us who do not know us yet....we
   are trying to build a radio reputation...very much like back in High
   School, etc....you know what I'm talking about.

   The "Struggling Fish" scenario.

   One last observation is the "struggling fish" scenario. A buddy and I
   were boat fishing in the Gulf a few miles off of Key West a few years
   ago. I had just caught a small 3 lb sea bass and threw him back in.
   The bass was injured from the hook, and just flapped on top of the
   water for a few seconds ......until .....BANG! His severed head flew
   out of the water as blood gushed everywhere. Then a four foot long
   barracuda slowly plowed by like a nautilus submarine....I saw the
   whole thing in slow motion....unbelievable!

   The same thing happens on 75 sometimes. Just watch what happens when
   some poor local bastard in the DX window cannot quite pull a DX
   station through and is struggling to save face.....he'll desperately
   gag: "someone threw a carrier on... or the QRN just got louder.....or
   you faded way down, etc. When he signs off, you will hear all the big
   guns calling the DX station like CRAZY to prove that THEY can do
   it...like sharks and blood. It's so predictable sometimes, I would bet
   heavily on the outcome....How do I know? 'Cuz I do it myself,
   sometimes.... its a perfect set-up to help further your "RX-DX"
   reputation amongst the listening barracudas.

   Now, based on this "RX DX" ego factor that many competitive "strapper"
   people have, it could be easily adapted to the PW arena in a VERY
   positive way. I think a good way for someone to blow their recognition
   strap load with PW activity is to make a great effort in being able to
   hear ANY damn PW AM signal on the band. When some station is
   transmitting 450 milliwatts and you're the only guy who can copy him
   amongst your buddies, there's the stroke....This is a "reverse strap"
   reciprocal measurement of your stations' efficiency. A closer look
   into high angle beverages and other ideas to improve the ability to
   pick out the LOCAL PisWeakers may be in order. Check out the last few
   QST's on short, (120' long or so) high angle, LOW, (8 feet high)
   beverage antennas for receive with great F-B ratios to null the QRM
   off the back. Just pick a couple of your favorite directions and go to
   town.. Hey, what the heck.

   So when you hear us PisWeakers saying to each other: " I can't believe
   how strong you are!..... You're almost against the pin with your 450
   mw rig.....By the way, could you please repeat your call , my report,
   and your name one last time? .........You'll know the score " !





   Comment from Joe: "As long as you can barely hear me, that's ALL I
   care about"............Yeah, RIGHT! , Mr. Strapper.



   QUES from Joe: " What's this CANDIDATE - pledge crap? Ya mean, I,
   Joesph Bubba Strapper, the pride of the Elks BPOE #163, Iron Workers
   Union Steward, can't be King of the PisWeakers right away? What the
   hell are my buddies on 78 gonna think of me...they'll be saying I went
   queer or sumtin " .



   A or B CLASS OPS CANDIDATES:



   As an OPS Candidate (Official PisWeak Station Candidate) , you must
   first complete the above requirements. Lets further clarify the
   station contacts requirement: With your new PW candidate non-certified
   rig, you must work at least 25 AM 75 Meter stations (any A/B/C Class )
   with at least 5 being OPS's outside the net on 75 meters. (Net
   contacts do not count). You must obtain his Call, your report, his
   Name, his State, his Power output, and attach a class/modulation
   designation (C1, A2, B3, C5, etc.) to each contact in the log.
   Everyone starts with one contact (themselves) for the same rig
   designation they are running. The reason for this will be explained
   later. As you start making your first few qualifying contacts, start
   looking around for an existing OPS Elmer who can help you along if
   needed and give you your Pre-Approval review once you've worked your
   25 stations and have learned this document well enough to generally
   explain it to someone else by memory. All you need to know is spelled
   out here somewhere. Remember, you can check into the PW Net even if
   you are running the legal limit, but it will be near the end of the
   session with the C Class stations. As a new OPS A or B Class
   Candidate, you may call in with the Candidate gang which goes after
   the certified OPS/ B Class PisWeakers.



   Ques from Joe: " Now, lesseee....A silver plated chassis, silver
   plated tank coils, gold contact switches, I'm just getting started,
   Stash !....trying for 90 % efficiency! ......When the boss leaves,
   lets say me and you pay a little visit to the plating shop " !

   SUGGESTED (Desirable setup) STATION: (NOT REQUIRED, but guidelines to
   have more fun)

   If you are a new builder, don't be intimidated. These small building
   parts are all over the place and there are many Elmers OPS's willing
   to give you a hand. You might build your first rig on a piece of wood
   to learn and get the bugs out. Once its working and tested, write the
   final design down and start it on a clean chassis. Don't make the
   mistake of building the rig on too small of a chassis. It becomes a
   layered spider web after a while and real tough to troubleshoot....ask
   "Surgeon" George/W1UAX about his "little rig". My own 6BA6 750
   Milliwatt self -contained plate modulated rig is on a 11x14 inch
   chassis and it's filled up! Many of the parts you find in the junk box
   may be regular size and not miniature 750 mw stuff. Besides, I decided
   to power my bigger B1 Class 10 watter 50C5 rig off of it, thus the
   bigger components... so think ahead to features you may add on later
   and you'll be glad there's more room in there.

   Try to build a completely self-contained unit. The ONLY outputs should
   be the RF power SO-239 connector and the scope probe to sample some RF
   and monitor your AM waveform . The ONLY inputs are LOW LEVEL audio
   input, PTT keying, and AC power. The unit is built on a single simple
   aluminum chassis WITHOUT a front panel to make touching and viewing of
   PW tubes more fun. The entire rig circuitry is built under the
   chassis, except for the tubes... and maybe the power transformers
   sitting on top. Everything else is closed off with no chance of coming
   in contact with any voltages. You should be able to molest your 50C5's
   while on the air without a fear of being shafted by accident.

   The tubes should be 7 or 9 pin miniature types (though not required to
   be so) and running near their full ratings... preferably being
   slightly pissbeat showing a little plate color for effect! Suggested
   tubes: the tiny 6BA6, 6AU6, etc. for A Class rigs..... use a heftier
   50C5, 6AQ5, etc. for bigger B Class rigs....etc. you get the idea. I
   find the tetrode/pentode to be much better than the triode for RF
   final PW work. They are stable as can be without nerd-ralization,
   modulate better, and I just noticed something......the triode has some
   feed-through power because of high G-P capacitance and from higher
   drive requirements w/o neutralization. When playing around with the
   milliwatt range, I found it difficult to get a negative 100% modulated
   carrier due to this unmodulated feed-thru drive power . Switching from
   a 12AU7 triode final to the 6BA6 pentode solved all of these
   problems!...This 750 mw rig is now very stable, will modulate upwards
   of 200% with clean 100% negative pinch-off, and is gonna be a real
   Jumbo Shrimp on the air...I'll tell you! Tonight while testing this
   rig into a light bulb at 550 mw, I actually tried sticking my tongue
   on the output and socking a Yallo into the mike (at the same
   time)...didn't feel a thing....try it and see for yourself, sometime.
   Better yet, try to talk your YL/ XYL into doing it!

   As of this writing, Steve/WB3HUZ is building up a temporary, JS,
   haywire, breadboarded 10 watt 6AQ5 plate modulated by a pair...a
   mighty fine set-up... he plans to rebuild it nice and pretty into an
   actual breadbox once it's working right....no kidding .......AND, by
   God,...... he's even threatening to STICK IN a pair of 50C5's
   modulators for 200% audio....pins first !

   We're gonna try to persuade the PDM boys, Steve/KA1SI, Frank/WA1GFZ
   and Larry/NE1S to build up a few A Class and B PDM tube or solid state
   rigs to give everyone some very hard to get modulator designators for
   the WAD "Worked All Designators" Award. * update: Steve has expressed
   an interest in putting something together solid state.

   Tim/WA1HLR claims to have a PW rig already built waiting for him in
   Syracuse....come on Tim, build something NEW like the rest of us!....I
   can see it now, a single TPTG tube type 01A DFO (drift frequency
   oscillator) with a transformerless plate supply running 450
   MW.....carbonium mike.... ......Oh CQ, can anyone PLEASE hear me!!!?

   While Rich/K1ETP recently called me looking for last
   minute details about putting his own 50C5 rig together....he was
   inquiring about the best lubricant to use. The last time I heard him
   on, Dale/VE3VJA had his gears turning about a solid state PW rig.

   Dean/WA1KNX claims to have at least two PW rigs in his "neat"
   shack....I've actually heard his 50C5 rig that runs directly off of
   the AC line, transformerless...just like the All American radio and
   50C5 were intended to do!.....And Rick N3RIL has his plate modulated
   5763 plate modulated by a pair of 12B4's almost finished in the B1
   class....it should be one of the first ones on...I'll let HIM tell you
   more about it.

   *Late breaking news: Dino/KNX just called me all excited about his NEW
   550 milliwatt "A Class Candidate" 12AU7 series modulated by a
   12AU7.... it's in the shakedown mode. His first contact was with no
   other than (who else?) Irb. He built it on a tiny 1X3 inch
   chassis...self contained with a little LM386 audio chip driver and
   using a tiny Radio Shack backwards 8 ohm to 2K audio transformer to
   drive the 12AU7 modulator.....Said the audio peaks are still not good
   enough yet, needs work. He said he worked Irb and W3ZGW in the
   afternoon with ("OK FINE"!) S8-9 reports for about an hour! GOOD GOING
   DEAN! This may be the FIRST "A Class Candidate" contact so far! Just
   work 23 more AMer's and you're ready for your rig's pre-net
   certification review, Dino!

   HUZ says he heard Tim on with his little PW rig talking to
   Chuck/WA1EKV about Chuck building something up. Knowing Chas, it will
   be something VERY unique and clean.

   Perhaps we will have to add a WACP Award someday..."Worked All
   Continents PisWeak".

   There was a W2 with a 59 +25 signal, can't remember his call, that
   broke in last week with a little PW AM rig he said he just pulled out
   of his cellar...he built it 25 years ago for mobile....... heard all
   of us on discussing the PW concept the previous day..... said couldn't
   resist getting it going again! I know we're gonna hear from a lot of
   these guys who just gotta get back to their roots......if for only one
   last fling.



   * Hmmm perhaps an "AA Class"....... 10db less than "A Class" would be
   100 mw or less....Now THAT would be great HARP "Hit And Run PisWeak"
   material!

   Now that my own 6BA6 "A Class" rig is almost complete, I'm thinking of
   building something VERY simple...smaller and VERY PisWeak. How about a
   few 2N2222A transistors powered off of a 9V battery, 50mw..... Build
   it in into a little Sucrets box?...hook it to the big antenna... Get
   on during a thundering Sweepstakes Contest with a bad aurora at 11:00
   PM.......... "O' Boy, CAN ANYBODY, ANYWHERE HEAR MY PW
   SIGNAL???.........ah, OVER!.......

   And there's many more like us... some are probably just listening and
   building right now. Its only been a week or so since the idea
   started..... but you' ll hear them on the air soon. It oughta be real
   interesting to see what the various personalities come up with. I'm
   getting quite a kick out of hearing most of us struggle for days
   trying to get these little animals sounding decent...IT AIN'T EASY!
   But they're saying: "It ain't done, but it sure is fun" !

   * Another Earth shattering news- flash update: Rich/K1ETP has just
   informed me of his startling decision to "can" the 50C5 idea and has
   actually paid $18 dollars for a new chassis to mount a 6AQ5 plate
   modulated by a LM384 seven watt audio chip.....that's makes the third
   little PW rig getting built now that uses this little chip. He's
   talking about meters, another 6AQ5 driver, potential VFO, etc. That is
   going to be an nice B class rig combination. Rich was in a panic and
   contemplating suicide due to having plenty of big variable tuning
   caps, but very little SMALL parts to work with!....I advised him to
   drop the razor and start asking around......I bet I know what will be
   popular at DeerChester this year!



   Anyway, back to the "desirable" rig discussion ......no matter what I
   say, please do what suits YOU best!

   Strive to homebrew everything and put the four major rig components,
   the power supply, VFO, final/modulator, and audio driver self
   contained on the same chassis. We highly recommend using a VFO instead
   of crystal control since the ability to QSY at will is one of our main
   QRM solutions in the world of the PisWeaker. I mean you're gonna be
   really out of sync when the PW Court groups get going and you're too
   weak to be heard off frequency 3 kc away. A single FET VFO works well,
   is easy and stable....with a buffer stage, that is. In addition, a
   slight, built-in VFO SBE effect is a welcome feature since whenever
   you speak, it testifies to your rig being a homebrew OPS... Plus it
   will help keep the SSBers' QRM at bay...yeah, keep dreaming!

   It is highly desirable to have at the FLIP of a switch, a 75-100 watt
   carrier linear amplifier ready to use for sudden QRM emergencies. A
   Collins 30-L1 (4 811A's) is a great choice for its' 100 watt carrier
   and the instant warm-up feature...though a homebrew linear would be
   even better. Try to use this linear VERY infrequently...it's better to
   be using a "Class A" ( It is encouraged to give out your final
   amplifier voltage and current ( with resulting power) frequently to
   others to keep the spirit of accurate PisWeak measurements and to let
   others know how big a MAW you're really swinging there... I've
   strapped a pair of large 3 inch meters on a plate bolted to the top of
   the 6BA6 rig showing 0-500 volts, and 0-50 ma. This reads both rigs'
   parameters real time (depending on which is turned on. In your face-
   you can't miss it.

   * A word on power supplies: Many of us hearing "only 10 watts" think
   we're going to get away with a tiny walnut sized plate transformer.
   Well, think about it. Ten watts output 100% modulated = 40 watts out
   PEP. This has a modulator efficiency to contend with too, so lets say
   the overall efficiency is 60%. That's 40 watts / .60 = 66 watts PEP
   input instantaneous power requirements! NOW... try modulating it 200%
   for tough times.... 66 watts X 2 = 133 watts input requirements for a
   10 watt carrier output! The point here is to minimize voltage sag.
   (poor regulation). Only a TV type transformer with the minimum core
   size of an apple will give you the regulation you need for these big
   audio peaks...otherwise expect to pay the price with audio peak flat
   topping...... causing distortion , splatter, less audio than you want,
   etc. Like it or not, HEADROOM is the name of the game for big, clean
   audio...ask Dean/WA1KNX HIS opinion about it sometime.



   * Last comment: A matter of opinion, but from personal experience I've
   found that an ALL solid state rig, though "high tech", neat, and
   compact, gets boring.... real fast.......nothing to look at but
   plastic and silicon. .... Just like riding a Honda. So, when thinking
   about building your big 10 watt rig, think about a Harley......then
   put a few friendly miniature tubes in it.....The warm glow is fun to
   look at and the majority of guys on the air will probably be MORE
   interested in what you "hollow stated".............THEN carve your
   other PisWeak 950 milliwatt rig in silicon, if you must. In other
   words, mix it up a little.



   QUES from Joe: " How do I know all YOOSE GUYS are gonna hear me when I
   open my YAP " ?

   For more advanced PisWeakers:



   High fidelity audio is a bonus. We do expect however to hear our share
   of carbon microphones for self contained simplicity... I think a mix
   of everything is good for everyone....plus a weak signal carbon mike
   sound is kinda neat once in awhile! In the PW game, do try to get as
   much asymmetrical audio on the carrier as possible. Make sure your
   modulator tubes are at least as big or bigger than the final....Or run
   a higher voltage on the modulators, or idle a series modulator way
   down for big headroom, or load a linear real heavily and use maximum
   plate voltage. It's obvious when dealing with PW power, what needs to
   be done here to SWING A BIG MONKEY: You need BIG AUDIO!!! Use a low
   level negative peak limiter of some kind , or a high level three diode
   limiting circuit (ala WA1HLR) and some speech compression, maybe 10-15
   db or so. Accent the highs more than normal, say in the 1500-3500 hz
   range. An audio equalizer is real nice to have with pre-settings for
   punchy tough guy audio, or laid back in the middle of the day wide
   body audio at the slide of your fingers.

   It really pays to audio sweep your little PW rig, just like any big
   rig, with a an audio tone at the mic and a scope on the RF output to
   observe how good the in/out sinewave is. Once you do this kind of
   test, you know MORE than anyone can tell you on the air...you'll just
   need your buddies to help you tailor the audio equalizer for your
   particular voice.

   Do everything right and you just might get the ultimate PisWeaker
   compliment.... Picture this: One of your buddies 5 KC down frequency
   comes up and tells you you're QRMing his QSO.......you gotta admit you
   smiled - you're running 200% audio peaks on your 650 milliwatt rig !

   And one last area: A Variac on the final plate supply is a great tool
   for initial testing, and zeroing in on the desired power you want to
   run. If you like the idea of running " A Class" at 750 milliwatts
   output, it is easy to juggle final loading and the variac around to
   come up with a good output estimate using the PWN standard efficiency
   formula. Plus when operating OUTSIDE PWN operations doing regular rag
   chewing, its quite OK to run the Variac up to make a 10 watt "B Class
   " rig run 15-25 watts out if you want. In fact, my pair of 50C5's
   plate modulated by a pair will put out 20-25 watts with the variac run
   all the way up...though it now sees the vast majority of its service
   at a fixed 9.9 watts output.



   QUES from Joe: " So, watda I do...just call around the band with my
   PisWeak rig until I hear another PisWeaker like me..... like mating
   birds " ?



   PisWeaker NET PROCEDURES: *Note: These procedures are actually
   relatively short when handled efficiently in real time....with
   transmissions never lasting more than 55 seconds from most stations.
   However, we've spelled them out in detail to catch all the subtlties
   you as a "SAP" (Sheperd) may encounter.

   SUMMARY:

   The Net Call-up Order: Introduction, OPS Elmer Award, UAN Cup, A Class
   Founders, B Class Founders, A Class regulars, B Class regulars, All
   Certification Tests, C Class - 10 watts or less, C Class- 10 watts
   more, Close Net.



   An Official "SAP" STATION, "Shepherd for All PisWeakers" Station will
   be Net Control. He will be required to run AT LEAST 125 watts of AM
   carrier, and preferably the legal limit to protect the PisWeakers'
   frequency from the wolves. A dipole at least 50 feet high is highly
   recommended and the approval of the net will be required to insure
   this station meets these requirements and is not REALLY a PisWeaker in
   disguise due to living on a UAN Research Foundation RF black hole, or
   living in Florida or some other reason no one can hear him scream.
   Remember, it's a proven fact that no energy, EVEN 75 meters, can
   escape from a UAN black hole.



   As a "SAP" net control for the PW Net, you will start the session by
   reading the purpose and goals of the net, how to become a PW member,
   OPS minimum requirements, etc as explained in this document, how to
   obtain a schematic of a rig you hear on the net (send him a SASE), a
   listing of OPS's with their current designations , a quick summary of
   PW Net Awards and a list of stations currently holding these awards.
   We will reduce this information load later as everyone gets more
   familiar with everything. Then giving the PWer's 30 seconds to tune up
   their PW rigs, a PW Net call up is started. (Be ready to say, " the
   frequency is in use" alot during PW transmissions..

   During the Call-up, you should initially just obtain the Callsign and
   power output from each check in:

   As a SAP you will already have a current OPS listing to say names,
   etc.

   QUES from Joe: " So here's where I get to talk at everybody , right "
   ?

   The very FIRST Call-UP if for the current monthly recipient of the
   highly regarded PisWeakers Elmer Award or (PEA). This is for the OPS
   who has personally helped and officially certified the MOST NEW
   Candidate PisWeakers the previous calendar month. To show our respect
   and praise we have the entire OPS Class A, then B Class stations key
   their PisWeak transmitters 5 times in a row...and remembering that
   some of those signals would be silent now without this great
   PisWeakers' Elmer guidance. He will then check in and say a few words
   of encouragement, then tell about his rig/plans in normal fashion. As
   a holder of the PW Elmer Award, he will get up to 2 minutes rather
   than the normal 55 seconds to speak.

   QUES from Joe: " I get gab for 15-20 minutes now, right " ?

   The very second call-up is for the current holder of the UAN AWARD. He
   is to be held in high regard, for he has paid his dues in the PW
   battle trenches more than most, and is the king strapper in a world of
   PisWeakers. More on this award later. He will be expected to say a few
   words of encouragement before conducting other business. At his option
   like, the Elmer Award holder, he may initially check in using high "C
   Class " power for all to hear, and he may break back in at any time to
   finish his regular PW dialogue on the PW rig later. Normally, the
   holder of the coveted UAN award and Elmer Award are the only OPS
   station besides the SAP who are permitted to run more than "B Class "
   ( max 10 watts) unless there is a temporary sudden QRM emergency
   requiring everyone to temporally go to "flip a switch" 100 watt
   linears......

   QUES from Joe: 100 watts? The hell wid 100 watts....there ain't a
   sidewinder in North America that can run my 4X5 off the band. By God,
   I'll have my fat little finger pulling on that Big MAW breaker faster
   than a rattlesnake if I even hear a peep of QUARMMM!

   By the way, since most of our PisWeak life will be spent having fun
   outside of the official net as you will see later , its not a big deal
   if propagation and QRM conditions dictate we ALL have to run HIGH
   POWER to be heard amongst ourselves for the entire net. On the other
   hand, consider us lucky if we can sometimes hold the net under great
   conditions and we can all run our PW rigs.... its just an additional
   bonus...either way the net is a success. Remember, that the world of
   the PisWeaker is a little like guerrilla warfare...you have to strike
   on your own terms when conditions are right. You wouldn't get on
   during an aroura at night on 75 and call CQ with 750 milliwatts and
   expect to work a
Logged
W1UJR
Guest
« Reply #20 on: March 11, 2005, 08:36:02 PM »

Wow, that's great!

Like the FAQs of PisWeaking.

I'd love to see a website with the posting and other guys rigs, this might really take off!

Bruce 1UJR
Logged
Steve - WB3HUZ
Guest
« Reply #21 on: March 11, 2005, 08:43:35 PM »

.... continued from the previous post.


QUES from Joe: " Can I phone directory information and see if they
   know where I can get me a blueprint for a PisWeakers rig " ?

   After each A Class station is finished, repeat the rig details
   quickly.... and then HOW to obtain a schematic from him. For example:
   " You just heard his rig.....K1ETP is running A2 Class , a 500
   milliwatt 6BA6 series modulated by a 12AX7...send Rich an SASE via his
   callbook address, etc. Do this for each OPS after their transmission.

   Next do the same for the Class B stations.

   QUES from Joe: " Ok, OK...we've been jerking around long enough...when
   do I get that there OOOFEESHAL badge? You don't want me to have
   another QRO bad spell, do ya " ?

   NEXT: Call up A Class Candidates ready to take their OPS certification
   test...Have fun with it. All candidates must be Pre-approved by an OPS
   outside of net time before they get a short mini test in front of the
   whole PW net. Their PW rig had better not crap out or the test is
   forfeited until next week. If a PisWeaker Candidate already has a
   previous rig certified, you can concentrate more on the rig itself or
   another Candidate since he already passed the guidelines once before.

   Time permitting, quiz them BRIEFLY on a random requirement or two as
   stated in this document and determine if you can then grant them
   official OPS status now. Time permitting, it is best to gruel one of
   the OPS candidates at random real good once in awhile to keep all
   potential listening PisWeaker Candidates on their toes for future
   sessions. Don't ever let them think it's easy unless of course they
   have studied the material and then it IS easy. Since an OPS Elmer has
   already approved him, the OPS Elmer's reputation is also on the line
   if the new PisWeaker Candidate fails.

   QUES from Joe: " Say WHAT? What's the difference between a power mike
   and a roger beep " ?

   The pre-net one-on-one OPS approval process should take about 15
   minutes on the air in a private QSO to determine that the candidate's
   rig meets the minimum requirements for the class and he knows the
   guidelines of this document, including net procedures, SAP procedures,
   and the various awards particulars. Once he learns his way around, a
   good OPS Elmer could probably handle a few guys TOGETHER in one
   pre-planned, scheduled short session. A good question ALWAYS for any
   test is: What is the difference between blank and blank? A sample
   question: What is the MAJOR difference between the WAP award and all
   the other awards? ANS: Other than their obvious objectives, the WAP
   "Worked All PisWeakers" is the only award open to EVERYONE
   ...(everyone means all Non-certified stations running any power or
   rig) while all Net-certified OPS's must still use their PW rigs for
   the award.

   QUES from Joe: " Sceezmatic Huh !....... of my rig?.... Ah.... No
   problem.....Just see my buddy Freddy....Freddy can lift a car radio in
   seconds...... He's got a garage full of em'. Fer a sawbuck ya don't
   gotta never build nothing!... ya sound like a million bucks when he's
   through ".

   An OBS Candidate should also have his rig fully completed with a
   schematic ready to mail out to any ham requests via SASE. To mentally
   prepare yourself, a good 2 hours over a period of a few days studying
   this document will probably be enough time and the rest can be picked
   up on the air.



   QUES from Joe: " OK, I'm ready! Let me hear the magic words! My
   buddies are all listening "!

   If the candidate looks OK then the SAP will state the "CERTIFICATION
   SCRIPT" in formal words:

   "As the acting SAP , Shepherd for ALL PisWeakers on behalf of the
   PisWeakers Homebrew AM Net, I hereby officially certify you and your
   rig as an Official PisWeaker Station, (OPS) " Class B1" (or whatever
   class he is). You may now participate in all PW Net awards, check in
   with the regular Class A (or Class B whichever) stations during the
   net call up. Expect to be a highly sought after PisWeaker for award
   contacts AND you now have the responsibility of helping others to get
   their rigs on the air by providing your own customized schematic to
   all that request it via SASE. You will be listed in various documents
   and publications as an OPS/ B1. However, if you permanently tear this
   rig down, or do not make at least ten AM contacts with one of your
   certified PW rigs for more than 90 consecutive days, you will lose
   this certification... To reactivate will require your re-qualifying
   and meeting the candidate requirements again. CONGRATULATIONS as a new
   PWN (A or B) Class Official PisWeak Station!

   * Since you can change your modulator scheme (and thus designator 1-5)
   at any time without net re-certification, we do not give a modulator
   designator in this certification ceremony.



   If there is a large group of PisWeakers waiting to be certified, as in
   a group wedding, you can certify them all together. Just fill in each
   power class/designation assignment for each call sign while reading
   the same certification script above....

   By the way, each certification is assigned to each individual rig. If
   you tear a rig down or change the final/modulators, you lose the
   certification for JUST that rig. But if YOU are PW inactive for over
   90 days, you lose certification for ALL of your PW rigs.

   NEXT: Do the same for OPS "B Class " candidates ready to be certified.


   NEXT: Call up all " A Class " regular candidates not ready to test yet
   and then "B Class " regular candidates not ready to test yet.



   QUES from Joe: " How long do I gotta be dog meat and wait around while
   everyone else gets to gab on the mike " ?

   Notice the order of call ups...from existing OPS/ A Class members to
   OPS/Candidates not ready to test yet. There is a call-up hierarchy
   based on your accomplishments in this net.

   Later as we get more stations certified as OPS's and they begin to
   receive awards, we will call up say "A Class " stations with at least
   2 awards, etc. as the first check in group. This adds to the fun, and
   gives certain dedicated PisWeakers the recognition they deserve....



   QUES from Joe: " Breakity, break-break ....Big Joe here..... Hey SAP!
   I got some real important, big gun buddies been listening that just
   called me on the twisted pair....they sez they all wanna check
   in...they're all running smoke...but I gotta tell ya....I think
   they're real interested in joining this here PisWeaker Club since ol'
   Joe here led the way fer em' ".

   Next call up all General C Class non-net stations. Let them also check
   in with the SAME format... Give them an example how...Encourage them
   to ask questions or discuss their PW rig plans (in 55 seconds or less
   like everyone).

   Before closing the net you have the option of giving the net over to
   another SAP and running your own PW OPS rig if you like with the same
   format as the others....or you can just talk about it on the SAP rig
   and wait until next time you check in as an OPS yourself with someone
   else as SAP.

   By the way, because of weak signals and time constraints, the giving
   of phone numbers and addresses on the net will not be done. Simply get
   yourself a Callbook, CD ROM, Packet Racket, or ask someone else on the
   air OFF the net for the address of an OPS to obtain a specific
   schematic via SASE.



   QUES from Joe: " OK, SAP.... So now I'm an OPS...... My XYL says BIG
   DEAL!...MY buddies been kidding me 'bout why I ain't got no wallpaper
   to show fer it...I mean a tough guy like me knows how handle the
   competition with an iron fist! You know what they say, when the tough
   get going....ah.....yoose know what I mean ".



   The PISWEAKERS HOMEBREW AM NET....... SIX AWARDS



   Summary of Awards: WASP Award, WAD Award, WAM Century Award, WAP
   Award, the highly respected PEA Award, and the coveted UAN Cup.

   *Important Note: The WASP Award is the only one requiring you to
   qualify on EITHER the A Class or B Class rig. The others can be done
   on both rigs combined.

   * All Award Recipients will receive a BEAUTIFUL laser printer
   generated certificate (suitable for framing, of course) AND
   recognition at the beginning of every PW Net.

   THE HARP QSO: "Hit And Run PisWeaker"

   * While it isn't always easy to get on with less than 10 watts (or
   even 800 Mw) and make long "old buzzard" transmissions and expect to
   be heard ALL the time....it is still quite possible to have "hit and
   run" fun MOST of the time. HARP QSOs' are quick contacts, getting the
   data exchange, and then moving on..... When there's a big group on and
   you feel like having some quick PW award fun, be a Hit And Run
   PisWeaker!.... Just gang bang 'em all and hit the road! "HARP"
   technology - PW Gorilla Warfare at it's best !

   When working towards the SIX awards, all contacts are to be made on 75
   meters to other 75 meter Am stations, unassisted. All award contacts
   need to be logged.....with the 5 magic entries for each
   station......The data exchange: The other stations' callsign, YOUR
   signal report, his State, his Name, and his Class/designation. (His
   class/designation is determined by you after asking the other station
   what his output power is, and his modulator configuration. If he can
   HEAR you ask this question, it is indeed a good contact...though no
   one is permitted to relay any info for you during a PisWeak Award
   contact. If its another OPS, then just get his rigs' official
   designation, B1, A2, etc. QSL's are NOT needed as QSO proof. Give a
   tree a break!

   As for information from you, just like any normal contest contact, the
   minimum info he must "roger" is your call and your report to him,
   unassisted.



   * By the way, the first 25 contacts you made to pre-qualify as a
   PisWeaker do not count towards any awards since you were not a
   certified PisWeaker while making them. It was your rig "shakedown" run
   and your own initiation into becoming an efficient PisWeaker. We all
   start fresh with one QSO (worked ourselves) the moment we receive our
   official net certification.

   * Another recent quote heard from Tim/HLR: "Why not 40 meters "
   ?....Let's export the revolution !" ... Once the 75 meter PWN gets on
   solid ground, we may some or all of these awards available for 40
   meters. We need to think out how to do it for each award and still
   keep it fair for the PisWeakers who choose not get on 40m. Perhaps the
   WASP should be a separate 40m award and the other awards can be earned
   on both 40/75. Look over the awards with this concept in mind. Give us
   your opinion and keep updated as to what we vote as a group.

   Ques from Joe: " Hey Sap! Say...whatda say I slip ya this Grant and ya
   let me pop the cash- heat on once in awhile to body slam the QUARMMERS
   when I'm doing my PisWeaker thing " ?

   For the WASP Award, you get two separate awards....WASP/A or WASP/B ,
   etc. It is permitted to build a new or different rig with the same
   power class and get it certified to continue your progress where you
   left off in the SAME power class.... This again being less than 1 watt
   OR 1-10 watts. There is no time limit, just get it done before the
   year 2050 if possible before we're ALL old buzzards.

   Probably the thing to do is to first build up a "B Class " 10 watt rig
   and make a good dent in the awards, then later build a second 950
   milliwatt or so "A Class " rig to have even more fun starting over for
   a tougher challenge. For each operating session pick the rig you want
   to use based on conditions. Fire up the A Class milliwatt rig on those
   rare times to pick up a few far off states that are elusive but coming
   through now.

   Consider having some local fun and get together with other mixed A and
   B Class PisWeakers looking to hold "PisWeaker Court" (PWC). This is
   when one PisWeaker calls CQ for the group (usually the stronger
   stations in the group, but you all can take turns) , and when a
   station answers, you all gang bang him in succession......then tell
   'em to hit the road! Actually, each guy works him in round robin with
   an exchange of info to work towards PW awards.

   Make sure that you follow the rules and make each contact "unassisted
   ." What this means is that after you work him, and you turn it over to
   the next PisWeaker in your group to work the guy, you say: "Please
   stand by while another friend of mine gives you a call".....go ahead
   Tim. (the name of your buddy). If you say Tim's call, then the other
   station is really getting an illegal relay by you. The other station
   should be able to "roger" each PisWeakers' report and callsign without
   help.

   The only assistance from the PW group members is an "over" if the guy
   doesn't respond to your buddy, or by telling them that the call or
   report was incorrectly received or they both doubled, etc. Of course,
   a station could easily listen to your group for awhile and get all the
   calls down easily enough...but by giving each new guy a specific
   signal report each time, such as 59 +25, 59 +10, etc., you can tell if
   he can really copying you when he rogers it back. Give each PisWeaker
   three tries for a good contact and move on....unless you've got a REAL
   rare one that someone badly needs for an award.



   QUES from Joe: " Hey SAP.....What you say ur name was anyway? I was
   thinking..... I'm not too good at writing and dat sorta stuff.... What
   if I get my XYL to sit in the shack every day and log in all the
   PisWeak contacts for me....Hell, I'll bet she'll get a real, big kick
   outa dat!...after all she still gets excited as hell every time she
   makes out a check payment for our $5,000 Commander linear I bought her
   for Christmas. Too bad she never got her ticket though " .

   As an easy, painless way to handle logging contacts for awards, try
   keeping a separate dedicated notebook labeled PisWeaker Awards as your
   log. Simply log everyone in that you work on AM with your OPS rig with
   no regard to what award they may be credited towards. After awhile you
   will begin to go back over the entries and see that you are starting
   to qualify part way for several awards. Then you can start zeroing in
   on what you are missing for the awards that interests you the most.

   As an OPS, if you are not interested in chasing PW awards yourself,
   there are many PWer's that would still appreciate your valuable
   contact for their own progress....the fun is still there either way.

   To receive an award, send in a copy of the contacts that qualify you
   for the award to the Designated Awards Station (DAS) with a Smile and
   SASE.



   * There will be a few "loose" appointments as time goes by. I would
   like to nominate Tim/WA1HLR as the CHIEF PTA, "PisWeaker Technical
   Advisor"....someone the OPS Elmers consult when even they don't know
   the answer to difficult technical PW questions. I'll bet Paul/WA3VJB
   would make a great "PPR" PisWeak Public Relations man, considering
   his journalism background. The HUZ man, WB3HUZ would also make a great
   DAS "Designated Awards Station" considering he knows how to read and
   type.....I think.

   *And perhaps someone will nominate Irb as the OPL. "Official PisWeak
   Lawyer" in case the PWN has a scrape with the law.

   I'm sure these and other titles will be invented as the need arises.



   * By the way, there is no award for it at this time, (maybe later) but
   all PisWeakers are always encouraged to brag about their best watts
   per mile (w/m) contact. A contact to say Georgia (1500 miles from the
   Northeast) using 10 watts is 150 miles per watt. The same contact
   using 100 milliwatts is 15,000 miles per watt! There are guys in QST
   running 40 meter CW Microwatt levels setting records that makes us
   look like QRO!



   Now...The PisWeaker Awards in detail:





   QUES from Joe: " I got lots of buddies in lots of states and thay all
   know Big Joe..fer sure!...this here WASP Award.....John Birch or
   whatever you call it.......it's gonna be Johnycake " !

   The WASP AWARD.... >a/b/c "Worked All States PisWeak"...Required to
   work ANY 25 states. If you work all W1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9, (closer in
   districts from the NorthEast) you've basically got it all. You are
   required to be an OPS first of course, and must use your designated
   OPS rig to do it without the help of a external linear...even for an
   instant. The reports exchange needed FROM THE OTHER STATION is as
   before: His Callsign, YOUR signal report, his state, his name, and his
   class/ modulator designation. Example: you just entered WB3HUZ in your
   log as a potential award QSO as : WB3HUZ, 59+10, MD, Steve, B1. You
   can work ANY AM station of ANY class as credit towards the WASP
   Award...."Worked All States PisWeak" refers to you being PisWeak, not
   necessarily the other guy.

   QUES from Joe: " Hell, that's too easy...a REAL man needs a
   challenge " !

   For more advanced PisWeakers, the a/b/c designation next to the WASP
   name above will continually change. It refers to how many of the Power
   Classes make up your total states worked. For example WASP 2/5/10
   means you've worked a total of two A Class stations, five B Class
   stations , and ten C Class stations for a total of 17 combined
   different states. Of course the toughest WASP award would be to work
   all 25 states with just A Class stations in each. This would be WASP
   25/0/0. To do this will the require us as PW Net Members to get more
   OPS states on line. Since new stations will be getting on all the
   time, the WASP award can become a continuing quest as you substitute
   old class C stations for harder to work A/B Class stations. PisWeaker
   WASPs, arm your stingers!



   QUES from Joe: " One of my buddies named Dirb is talking 'bout
   building up a "A Class " 950 milliwatt Linear amplifier from North
   Dakota....think anybody might like to work an A5 from there" ?

   The WAD AWARD

   "Worked All Designations"...(All modulator designations , that is).
   This award will require 10 specific contacts to qualify and all
   contacts must be OPS's of course.. To qualify you must work all of the
   different Power Classes and modulator designations: This includes A1,
   A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5 . We must all work together to
   make this award a reality since most people will probably build an A1,
   A2 or B1, B2, B3 rig. The "A4 Class " (PDM 600 milliwatt) and PDM "B4
   Class " ( PDM 10 watt) rig and the Linear A/B rigs as well as the
   grid/screen A/B rigs will have to be built, certified and used on the
   air.

   You can use your A or B Class rig or BOTH to obtain this award. As a
   reward to one who builds any PW rig, you will automatically receive a
   QSO for your designation at the instant you are certified on the PW
   NET (working yourself) since it may be awhile until the next one gets
   built? I can foresee as a strategy, someone getting the VERY FIRST WAD
   Award by building the last new designation! That's the fun of it....we
   must encourage our buddies to not only have a "bread and butter" plate
   modulated " B1 Class " (plate modulated 10 watt rig), but build
   something more unique, like say a second "A5 Class " linear running
   950 milliwatts output. Don't shoot your whole WAD on just one PW rig.



   QUES from Joe: " How 'bout a badge for working my Big Gun buddies Huh

   The WAM CENTURY AWARD "Worked All Maws'' 100 Stations, 100 times
   stronger than you.....finally a great advantage for the A Class
   stations! .....thought up by Steve/WB3HUZ



   A "Maw" or Mall was a large hammer used by ancient warriors in battle.
   It got to be known as a large transmitter on the air in the last
   decade or so. To qualify for the WAM Century Award you need to work
   100 different "Big" AM stations whose output power is at least 100
   times (20 db) higher than yours. The lower power (or class) you run,
   the easier it will be. In the first place, a B Class station must
   reduce his power to 3.75 watts output to be able to make a good WAM
   contact with a legal limit 375 watt output station. He may be wiser to
   go down to 1 watt output for this award since then his limit is 100 watt
   stations and up. However, as you can see, imagine the great advantage
   that an A Class station has running say 300 milliwatts. He can work ANY
   station running more than 30 watts or more output! That's nearly every
   AMer on the band except for the PisWeakers!

   To be ready for anything and be within the award guidelines, it pays
   to have a Variac on your rig to match the output power of the station
   you're working minus 20 db (100 times)....assuming you don't go below
   1 watt as a B Class station. In other words, a B Class station cannot
   technically work a station under 100 watts for this award, whereas an
   A Class station can reduce his power down to infinity and work even
   OTHER A Class stations if he likes. (if he runs 9 mw and the other A
   Class runs 900 mw, its a good contact).

   It is suggested that you have pre-marked settings for your variac,
   voltmeter, and current meters to easily adjust your rig to exactly 1
   watt, 2 watts, 3 watts and so forth.



   QUES from Joe: " What kinda sheepskin ya gonna give me fer working ALL
   the PisWeakers " ??



   The WAP AWARD...rhymes with Bap! (Everyone's' Award, including Power
   Class C strappers)

   "Worked All PisWeakers"...OPEN TO EVERYONE, ANY CLASS OR
   POWER....Non-OPS members included. Must work at least 50 Certified
   PisWeakers over time. (This number may increase later).

   A great way to get new people involved who have not decided to build
   up a PW rig yet. The requirement is to work FIFTY A Class and B Class
   stations over any time frame. At least 15 of the 50 must be A Class
   stations. (one of you own certified PW rigs, not a C Class rig like
   non-members can. Here is another award where we as "OPS Elmers" can
   make it a reality....if there's not 50 PisWeakers to work, how can you
   get the award Huh



   QUES from Joe: " Look, I'll be straight wid ya....I've been working my
   tail off helping all my buddies on 78, and guys I never even met
   before get their PW rigs up and running.....I think 'OL Big Joe
   deserves some kind of special gravy treatment for that, don't you
   think " Huh



   The PEA AWARD "PisWeaker ELMER AWARD "

   This is the most important.... and serious award of all....though the
   recipient will probably have more fun than anyone else getting
   it...not to mention the satisfaction....and new friends he will make
   in the process.

   It is given on a monthly basis to the ONE OPS who has helped and then
   given pre-approval to the most PisWeaker Candidates. We will base the
   award on the number of official net certifications as each new OPS
   Candidate comes through the net and says who is their OPS Elmer. Since
   most candidates will naturally gravitate to someone they know and like
   for the pre-approval test, all OPS's will be helpful to all who ask
   for help. This award works like a pipeline...you fill a pipe up at one
   end, and it takes time for the water to start pouring out the other
   end.....you stop filling the pipe, and it stops later on at the other
   end. Start working with PisWeaker Candidates this month to fill your
   pipeine and in a few months perhaps you will receive the Highest
   PisWeaker Award of all: The PisWeaker Elmer Award.......By the way,
   guess who gets to check into the net as numeral uno PisWeaker???



   QUES from Joe: " Whose this UAN guy anyway??? I'll bet all yoose guys
   been ghost talking all these years, huh ...I ain't heard NOTHin'...not
   a damn PEEP!..... out of Philadelphia for years!" ?

   And Now, The MOST Ambitious PISWEAKER'S AWARD of ALL!

   THE UAN CUP, presented on behalf of the UAN Black Hole Research
   Foundation, is affectionately named after the most famous PisWeaker of
   all time, Jeff, WA3UAN....A man who has spent most of his ham career
   furthering the cause of the unheard, the downtrodden, the constantly
   walked on and generally ignored PisWeaker.

   The UAN CUP, like the Stanley Cup, and the Americas Cup and other
   athlete supporters gets passed around to the latest winner. It is worn
   by the ONE OPS PisWeaker who currently holds the most PW awards...or
   in a close tie, the station who is the closest to completing the next
   one...., or has the hardest WASP A/B Class totals, etc. The two
   closest competing stations can argue it out outside the net and
   announce their decision on the net. Arbitration is available for
   stubborn PisWeakers who will not TAKE OFF the CUP but are clearly
   dethroned.

   The UAN CUP is physically worn only while on the air in the PW mode...
   and when not in use is displayed near the OPS's PW rig as a reminder
   that the only way to keep it is to get on the air...now...PisWeak !
   When the UAN CUP is officially challenged by someone else during a net
   session and taken away, it is to be mailed to the new holder within 48
   hours... at the losers' expense.

   Other stations lucky enough to work the current official UAN CUP
   holder station, and use it as a contact credit towards ANY award will
   receive a mini cup endorsement saying so on their new certificate. UAN
   Cup holders should add a "U" designation to there power/mod
   designator. Example: A regular B1 station is now a B1/U station while
   the Cup is in his possession. Once the net determines a New UAN Cup
   holder, at that instant the losing PW station loses his "U" and the
   winner gains the "U".

   * The actual UAN CUP has been rumored to be a fur lined, lead shielded
   JS. It is allegedly used to protect oneself when getting "stepped on"
   when in the PW mode. The fur is to warm oneself in the absence of big
   rigs, and the lead lining is to protect oneself from stray radiation
   when molesting the rigs' exposed final tubes while on the air. (You
   will have done a lot of tube molesting by the time you receive your
   cup). If a UAN CUP holder is ever caught violating PisWeakers First
   Law, and he should damn well know better, immediately after being
   cited for the incident by another OPS, he must then recite PisWeakers
   First Law 10 times in a row, on the air with the UAN CUP strapped over
   his mouth.



   * It is rumored that there will be a PW Rig "shootout" for certified
   rigs only at DeerChester this Spring. Rigs will be displayed, and
   judges will present awards for various categories. (perhaps the most
   JS, smallest fully self contained A or B rig, simplest, most features,
   most professional circuitry, best cosmetics, ugliest, strangest,
   funniest...categories to be voted on). Only the self contained
   RF/Modulator section need be brought. A group picture with the rigs
   will be sent in to QST, Electric Radio, etc. and knowing their thirst
   for the last remaining homebrewers in the world, IT WILL PROBABLY be
   printed.

   Last word from (Little) Big Joe: " Next time you tune the band be sure
   to stop in on BIG JOE and the boys. By the way, XYL's left.......they
   repo'ed my Commander .....I'm permanently PW..... lost 157 pounds
   ......know any hot babes?... ......need a new logger .....Electric
   bills' way down......having a real good time !



   END of Document.



   Personal Comments to founders only...NOT to be read on the air.:

   As we all know, the homebrew building parts needed for these projects
   are still very common...I'll bet there are many OT Elmers listening to
   us on the air who would love to get involved with this stuff again and
   help out some of the newer gangsters with parts... once we circulate a
   few good schematics around. Consider taking a few close pictures of
   your rig with a parts list and a worded description of how it works to
   help some of these less experienced homebrewers get it up and running.


   I've been absolutely amazed by the reaction to this whole idea on the
   air. A few of us talked about it only a few times so far! I would
   never put in this kind of writing effort unless we were fairly certain
   it would go. That is why its been developed it further here. Its time
   to get ready to launch the boat... I'm looking forward to see how big
   it can grow.... I personally want to get involved in the awards
   chasing, and being an "OPS Elmer" to help a bunch of the guys. Worst
   case?...O'well,..... at least we'll all have a PisWeak rig to get on
   with once in a while and have made a few more friends in the
   process...not so bad!

   I plan to put this document (once it is cleaned up and modified by all
   of our suggestions) on the Steve, KA1SI Boat Anchor Internet Site and
   let AMers know they can download it from there. Also, I MAY make a
   cassette tape of IMPORTANT PARTS of this to play a few times on the
   air with the big rig......just to give it an initial thrust of
   excitement, activity and get the guys talking on the air of their
   plans. I also have a few packets left over to mail out to anyone who
   requests, (postage paid by me) or anyone you tell me about, with the
   two B1 Class and A1 Class projects. ( 50C5 and 6BA6 rigs). Steve,
   WB3HUZ said he will input the schematics into his cad-disco duck
   computer and give us some real professional looking schematics....bet
   he'd do the same for you if you ask him....Tell 'em Big Joe sent ya.

   If a few of you get excited about it too, it would be great if you
   could make a few copies for buddies who didn't receive one on this
   first and only major mailing. I think once we give it an initial
   thrust, it will build momentum by itself with just a little effort on
   our part. Others listening to us on the air will also want to know how
   to join in on the fun.

   With a little luck, we may have 20+ certified OPS enthusiastic members
   on the air PW in a few months...even more fun than we all had during
   the mobile craze last year! Lastly, and most importantly, let's get
   our own PisWeak Creations shooting hot jazz ASAP. Then we all can
   become certified FOPS' to start reviewing/testing other OPS candidates
   on the air!

   QSL 0% sure via bureau, Chow. T.C. K1JJ 1-19-96

   P.S. Just show up on frequency next time in PROPER Piss Weaker
   transmitter attire, OK ?


------

Unbelievable! Tom cranks out a document with over 16000 words and around 2900 sentences. Then he photocopies dozens and mails them (yea via the USPS) paying for all the postage! Now that's dedication or insanity. And my how times have changed. Notice the references to this "thing" Steve, KA1SI (now and previously WA1QIX) has on the Internet for posting information. How many of you were even on the Internet in 1996?

Anyway, the document is a great piece of history and as much a blast to read now as it was when I read it 9 years ago.
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K1JJ
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Posts: 8893


"Let's go kayaking, Tommy!" - Yaz


« Reply #22 on: March 11, 2005, 09:56:50 PM »

WOW!

I musta been on speed when I wrote that in '96...  :lol:

There are no rules these days, other than the rig must be 10 watts or less and be homebrew... [or a Cakepan kit will do].

Simple and sweet.  The only thing of value there is to look over the suggestions concerning net operations and rig recomendations.  The stuff about rig class and awards are too complicated to bother with.

Though, working as many different states as possible would be fun.

T
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Use an "AM Courtesy Filter" to limit transmit audio bandwidth  +-4.5 KHz, +-6.0 KHz or +-8.0 KHz when needed.  Easily done in DSP.

Wise Words : "I'm as old as I've ever been... and I'm as young as I'll ever be."

There's nothing like an old dog.
Glenn K2KL
Guest
« Reply #23 on: March 12, 2005, 01:50:41 PM »

TOTALLY AMAZING TOM!!!!! You should author "The PW Handbook!

My wife came down the stairs while I was reading the posts and asked me what I was laughing so hard about!

I'm into it!!!....I'm actually off to the garage to collect the parts...

The "WAD" award! I love it!!!!!!


Quote from: K1JJ
WOW!

I musta been on speed when I wrote that in '96...  :lol:

There are no rules these days, other than the rig must be 10 watts or less and be homebrew... [or a Cakepan kit will do].

Simple and sweet.  The only thing of value there is to look over the suggestions concerning net operations and rig recomendations.  The stuff about rig class and awards are too complicated to bother with.

Though, working as many different states as possible would be fun.

T
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