PRESIDENT’S SOAPBOX
The October issue of QST has a number of articles of interest to the
technically inclined ham. One of them was a review of four power
supplies capable of supporting a typical HF transceiver and station
accessories. Three of them were modern switchmode units, and one was a
classic, some would say “old fashioned,” linear unit. I’ve never been a
fan of the switchmode units for HF equipment because of the noise
interference they can generate. Fair to say, advances in switchmode
technology have come a long way toward reducing the problem. The three
units in this review show RF noise levels below the limits set by the
FCC. I noted, however, that the two least expensive ($100 to $145)
units did have broad noise profiles below 30 MHz. The third unit was
quite clean in that regard, but had no meters, and carried a price tag
of $440. Finally, the linear unit showed very low noise, a very pure
(less than 10 mV variation) DC output, separate meters for voltage and
current, and multiple output connections, all for only $270. If I
needed a power supply for a fixed HF station with accessories, the “old
fashioned” linear unit would be my choice. _…_ Don’t forget to send
me your nominations for PARS president, vice-president, secretary, and
treasurer for the coming year. The election will be held during the
October meeting. …_._ de WM3X, Bill Michne, 252-249-1175,
drmichne73@gmail.com.
DXCC’S MOST WANTED
The “DXCC Most Wanted” entities list was updated on ClubLog as of
October 3rd. There are 340 entities on the list. The top 10 entities are:
- P5 DPRK (North Korea)
- 3Y/B Bouvet Island
- FT5/W Crozet Island
- BS7H Scarborough Reef
- CE0X San Felix Islands
- BV9P Pratas Island
- KH7K Kure Island
- KH3 Johnston Island
- 3Y/P Peter Island
- FT5/X Kerguelen Island
The complete “DXCC Most Wanted” entities list is available at:
https://secure.clublog.org/mostwanted.php
SOLAR NUMBERS TODAY
NOAA reported that solar activity was very low during the 24 hours
ending yesterday at 5 pm local. There are no sunspot regions on the Sun
facing Earth this morning. On Sunday the observed Solar Flux Index (SFI)
at Penticton was 71. The index is predicted to register 71 today and
then 70 Tuesday and Wednesday. The more important SFI 90 day trailing
average is 71.
The Earth’s geomagnetic field was quiet yesterday. It is expected to be
quiet today through Wednesday. The estimated Kp-index of 1 reported at 5
a.m. local this morning indicates we are currently experiencing quiet
conditions.
For today, we can expect fair daytime and good nighttime operating
conditions on 80 and 40 meters and fair conditions on 30 and 20. Expect
poor conditions on the higher HF bands. The VHF bands are quiet.
For an explanation of numbers used in our PARSgram, see the excellent
article written by Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA at
http://arrl.org/the-sun-the-earth-the-ionosphere.
HAM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, TRADE, OR WANTED
For listing in the PARSgram send me your amateur radio related items
that you have for sale, trade, or wanted. PLEASE let me know when you
have have sold your item or your listing is no longer needed. Listings
will EXPIRE AFTER 90 DAYS unless I hear otherwise.–Jim.
**FOR SALE**
Cushcraft R-6000 vertical antenna for 6, 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 meters.
Rated for 1500 watts, and no redials required. This is a pre-MFJ
version. Current HRO retail is $439.95 plus tax and shipping. My price
$150.00. Local pickup only. A portion of the proceeds will go to PARS.
Bill Michne, WM3X, 252-249-1175. (20200810)
PARS CALENDAR:
* Oct 31, PARS MONTHLY MEETING, Saturday, 9am, Virtual Meeting via
“Zoom”. For more info, contact Bill Michne, WM3X, 252-249-1175 or
drmichne73@gmail.com.
* Nov 28, PARS MONTHLY MEETING, Saturday, 9am, Virtual Meeting via
“Zoom” or at Brantleys Restaurant, Oriental. For more info, contact Bill
Michne, WM3X, 252-249-1175 or drmichne73@gmail.com.
LOCAL NETS OF INTEREST TO PARS MEMBERS:
* Wednesdays, Pamlico Emergency Net Practice and Rag Chew/ARES, 7:30
pm, Oriental Repeater, 147.210 + (PL151.4).
* Thursdays, “DownEast/Pamlico Six Meter Net”, 8 pm local, 50.200 MHz,
USB. A non-directed open net to promote operation on the ‘Magic Band’.
(For more nets see www.arrl.org/arrl-net-directory-search )
PARS WEB SITE: https://www.n4prs.org/
Our Web Master is Paul Jodoin, K4MMB, 561-308-3456, PARSwebman@gmail.com
YOUR PAMLICO AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY OFFICERS
President–Bill Michne, WM3X, 252-249-1175. drmichne73@gmail.com
Vice President–Bruce Perkins, K4ONC, 252-249-6015, k4onc2020@gmail.com
Treasurer–Gail (Wally) Wallace, KK4ASP, 410-804-1750,
wallyandwill@gmail.com
Secretary/Newsletter Editor–Jim Hartmeyer, AI4WL, 252-249-1984,
jth350@embarqmail.com
PARSgram ITEMS
We are always looking for items of interest to PARS members to put in
the PARSgram. If you run across a timely item or think of something you
believe would interest our folks, please send it to me. Thanks.
SO WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE POLLING LOCATIONS WITH COVID-19
Here’s what to expect when you head to the polling sites to vote:
https://mailchi.mp/678df06114d1/covid-19-and-voting-what-to-expect-at-pamlico-county-polling-locations?e=adb5dfd6c4
PHASE 3. WHAT’S NEW AND WHAT’S NOT
North Carolina moved to Phase 3 on Friday. We will be in Phase 3 of the
NC COVID-19 recovery plan through Friday, Oct 23:
https://mailchi.mp/d57b3a7af74f/phase-3-what-is-the-same-and-what-has-changed?e=adb5dfd6c4
- Please mask up in public and stay safe. Jim AI4WL
——
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