W6IFE Newsletter

President Dick Bremer WB6DNX 1664 Holley St
Brea CA 92621, 714-529-2800, [email-masked]

VP Chris Shoaff N9RIN 2911 Calle Heraldo
San Clemente CA 92673, 949-388-3121, [email-masked]

Recording Sec Mel Swanberg, WA6JBD 231 E
Alessandro Blvd Riverside, CA 92508, 909-369-6515, [email-masked]

Corresponding Sec Kurt Geitner, K6RRA1077 E
Pacific Coast Hwy #142 Seal Beach, CA 90740, 310-718-4910, [email-masked]

Treasurer Dick Kolbly, K6HIJ 26335
Community Barstow, CA 92311, 760-253-2477, [email-masked]

Editor Bill Burns, WA6QYR 247 Rebel Rd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555, 760-375-8566, [email-masked]

Webmaster Chip Angle, N6CA 25309 Andreo Lomita, CA 90717, 310-539-5395,
[email-masked]

ARRL Interface Frank Kelly, WB6CWN 1111 Rancho Conejo Blvd. #501 Newbury
Park, CA 91320, 805-499-8047, [email-masked]

W6IFE License Trustee Ed Munn, W6OYJ 6255 Radcliffe Dr. San Diego, CA 92122,
858-453-4563, [email-masked]

At the 1 July 2004 meeting of the SBMS, 1
July SBMS meeting Chip, N6CA; Mel, WA6JBD and Wayne, KH6WZ will give a 10-15
minute talk on their 10 GHz rig using it as a visual aid. They will try to do a
module-by-module description but nothing elaborate. Explaining why particular
modules were chosen, where they were obtained, about how much they cost, good
and bad results, etc. This could help others to avoid mistakes and give somebody
an idea for an add on or improvement to their rig. There maybe opportunity to
squeeze in the noise measurements if possible. The SBMS meets at the American
Legion Hall 1024 Main Street (south of the 91 freeway) in Corona, CA at 1900
hours local time on the first Thursday of each month. Check out the SBMS web
site at http://www.ham-radio.com/sbms/.

SBMS meeting parking- We have become a great number of members at meetings.
We park next to the church in the adjacent lot or on the street and or in the
lot across the street. Across the street the sign on the building shows: 1025
Main Street. MAIN STREET BISTRO. The sign on the parking lot says: CLIN
CHIROPRACTIC CARE Dick, WB6DNX

A reminder that the third Saturday of each month is Microwave Activity Day
starting after the Pomona/ Cal Poly Swap meet through mid afternoon.

Last meeting_ Bill, WA6QY; Dick, WB6DNX;
and John, give a 10-15 minute

talk on their 10 GHz rig using it as a visual aid. July 10 was tentatively
set for a measurement party for 10 GHz rigs like years in the past, but need to
check to see if Kerry can do it and Dick, WB6DNX would look into a location. Our
visitor was Peter, G3SMT an active EME'r from the UK. Welcome to new members
Coll Barfield KC6RWR in Redondo Beach, CA; John Hoot N6NHP of San Clemente CA;
Mike, W6YLZ declined the post of VP and Larry K6HLH was elected for the year
term. Pat, N6RMJ and David, KI6FF were out looking at hotels to have the
Microwave Up Date 2005 in. 22 people present

Bill, WA6QYR talking about his Qualcomm parts within his 10 GHz transverter
at the June SBMS meeting. Bill used the "Texas" synthezer modules with TCXO and
gold boards to produce the 10 GHz signals. He has a power amplifier from one of
the "brake drum" Qualcomm units that gives about 700-mw output. He has the EXV
multiple switching power supply to power it all. It is all housed in an old
HP430 power meter case. Metering uses the large power meter meter on from to
read voltages inside and an RF output to note if it is operating OK.

Scheduling.

10 July Tune Up Party Costa Mesa Fairview Park (see map)

5 August. Planning for the up coming contest.

7-8 August ARRL UHF Contest

21-22 August ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest

11-12 September ARRL September VHF QSO Party

18-19 September ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest

14-16 October 2004 Microwave Update in Texas

"Wants and Gots for sale"

2 Rack Cabinets Free for pick up - call to make arrangement. Both about 6 ft
high and accept 19" panels. See photo at the bottom of
http://www.hamtv.com/Specials.html Tom O'Hara, Arcadia 626-447-4565

Want six 100 ft runs of used 7/8th inch hardline and connectors Mike W6YLZ
818-349-8525

Want 10 GHz 1-4 watt RF transistors Chris N9RIN 949-388-3121

Want WR-90 to WR-75 transitions (2) and 8930 tubes John KJ6HZ
909-683-1434

For Sale HP432A Power Meter with cable and 10 GHz n head $100; medium duty
tri pod w/head $50,

HP5245L Counter w/ manual, 5253B 50-500 MHz Plug-in, 5254A .3-3 GHz Plug-in,
5254B .2-3 GHz Plug-in, 5255A 3-12.4 GHz Plug-in $100 Kurt K6RRA 310-718-4910
[email-masked]

Activity reported at the June SBMS meeting
were: Gary W6KVC went to Dayton convention with the rain; Larry K6HLH down
loaded some rain scatter software; Dick, K6HIJ still is getting 55 dB isolation
in the mods to the WR42 waveguide switches and is building a feed system for the
Owens Valley project; Mike W6YLZ has a 1 w 10 GHz amp and is going to XE2 for
June contest; Ken, W6DTAworked on new 10 GHz rig, modified a 432 IF radio for
use on 24 GHz and will be in DM22 for contest; Larry, KE6EG has a new 10 GHz
LNA; Wayne, KH6WZ rebuilt his 10 GHz rig for June; John, KJ6HZ has a noise
figure test set up; Jeff, KN6VR has new tower up; Bob, WA6VHShas his 10 GHz rig
in a box now, a NB6NT 5 GHz transverter built and a 11-12 GHz synthesizer;
Dennis, WA6NIA did a 10 GHz demo for his company, will be out for a Scoutorama
in Long Beach; Doug, K6JEY has a 1980's Japanese 1296 transverter; Scott, K0SMC
did some VHF contacts; Peter G3SMT is getting back into microwave; Greg, K6QPV
indicated that Santiago beacon is working; Ed, W6OYJ talked about SDMG having a
tune up party and SBMS in July should have 10, 24, and 47 GHz gear; Chuck,
WA6EXV put u a car port, will have the 10 ft dish running on some French
software and boards, and is building a 1296 MHz rig; Dick, WB6DNX did honey dos;
Mel, WA6JBD working on a next generation 10 GHz rig; Chris, N9RIN has been to
Dave's shop to do LNA work, Has DB6NT 10 GHz rig working with 1.7 dB NF and 400
mw out.

2005 Microwave Update Planning

On the Microwave Update 2005 Pat N6RMJ is the leader and Dick, K6HIJ is the
registration person. Initially they are looking at the Sheridan in Cerritos, CA
for the site. The operation needs a list of surplus electronic hardware places
to visit on Thursday tour. The list needs to include where the store is located
and hours of operation and what types of materials are available. Bill, WA6QYR
is collecting the list of stores. Judy, KC6UTF has volunteered to help with the
XYL/ Spouse tours. .

Where is the info on your favorite surplus or shopping spot for electronic
goodies? You haven't forwarded that to [email-masked] yet.

Dick, WB6DNX spoke at the June SBMS meeting about his "temporary" 10 GHz
transverter that he build several years ago that has turned out to be the rig
ever since. Dick has used the Celentex up and down converter modules with
Qualcomm syntheses to provide the 10 GHz LO. The reference is an internal double
ovenized crystal oscillator that can be replaced with an external source of
tighter tolerance. Dick has a "brake drum power amplifier at 250 mw.

Getting to Mount Soledad in San Diego (see enclosed map with old street
names)

I am writing these notes for anybody to use getting to our famous 822 ft
Mountain. (More real DX has been worked from here, than from Pike's Peak!)
Getting to Mount Soledad in San Diego is easier now, but still confusing. Most
maps do not show the following changes. The name of Ardath Road has been changed
to La Jolla Parkway. The Hidden Valley Rd intersection has been moved.

1A. If you are arriving on I-5 from the South (Downtown San Diego), take the
La Jolla Parkway Exit (It used to be named Ardath Road). Follow it over the
summit, stay in the left lane. Turn left at the first signal onto Hidden Valley
Rd. Go to Step 2.

1B. If you are arriving on I-5 from the North, Stay on I-5 at the I-5/I-805
junction. After passing Gilman Drive, take the Hwy 52 East (Yes East!) Exit and
continue about 3/4 mile on Freeway 52. Take the Regents Road Exit, turn left
under the Freeway 52 overpass, and turn left again to get on Freeway 52 WEST.
Move into the far left lane and continue as it goes up over I-5 and merges with
La Jolla Parkway. Stay in the left lane. Turn left at the first signal onto
Hidden Valley Rd. Go to Step 2.

1C. If arriving on I-15 from the North, stay right and take Freeway 163 at
the I-15/Fwy 163 split. Then after a few miles take Freeway 52 West. Go several
miles, stay on 52. After passing the Regents Road Exit move into the far left
lane and it will merge with La Jolla Parkway. Stay in the left lane and turn
left at the first signal onto Hidden Valley Road. Go to Step 2.

2. Continue ahead on Hidden Valley Rd. Pass the stop sign. Follow the double
yellow lines as it curves while gaining altitude. Eventually you yield and turn
right at a Tee-intersection onto Via Capri. This steep road climbs through
residential areas until it reaches the roadway summit with a sharp right turn at
a yield sign. Stop here at this blind corner, signal a left turn, and wait until
the traffic from the right is clear. They do not stop! Turn left into Mt Soledad
Park. (Gate here supposed to open at 7 A.M.)

3. On your immediate left is a paved parking lot (overflow parking). The
north point of this parking lot is a good spot for working stations to the NW,
N, and NE. It is blocked by the higher part of the Park toward the ENE, E, and
ESE. From this same parking lot, on the side next to the Park entrance road, you
can find a spot with a view to the SE, over Downtown San Diego. This location
works for direct shots to Baja. The problem with this location is that you
cannot work Arizona or some of the SD locals due to the terrain blockage to the
East. There are usually VERY FEW TOURISTS HERE.

4. The main part of the Soledad Park is the area just east and NE of the big
Cross at the summit. As you proceed up the park road, stay to the right as it
goes counterclockwise around the Cross. There are only four parking places in
the first parking area East of the Cross. These are closest to where you want to
be, but you have to be lucky to get one. Further around the Cross on the North
Side are about 20 parking spaces. This is where most of the tourists congregate,
but they will find you in either spot. From these two locations you can attempt
to work Arizona. The first spot is best overall, though due to recent concrete
"improvements" at the Veterans Memorial surrounding the Cross, you will have to
move North a bit to allow direct shots toward Gaviota (304 degrees true).

5. True Beacon headings from Soledad: Palos Verdes=314, Frazier=324,
Santiago=344.5, Mt San Miguel (San Diego)=119. The grid square here is
DM12ju.

6. Bulletproof shielding and filtering is a must for Mt Soledad due to
megawatts of TV, FM Bdcst, Paging, and commercial radio comms.

7. The above references to the Cross on Mt Soledad may be OBE soon. Court
rulings have voided the transfer of the Veterans Memorial Land and Cross from
the City to the Veteran's Memorial organization. The Cross may soon be removed.
Also, since the name of San Diego refers to a "Saint", the City may soon just be
called "Diego". or even "Dago". The Calif. maps will soon be revised with major
cities called Ana, Barbara, Jose, Francisco, and even Monica!! Go figure.

8. If you want to go home on I-5, you will have to retrace your movements
back to Regents Road and again do a U-turn under the 52 Freeway, so you can go
west and take the "Los Angeles" ramp to I-5 North.

73s from Ed, W6OYJ 858-453-4563 [email-masked]

John, KJ6HZ with his 10 GHz rig at the June SBMS meeting. John used some of
the modified MACOM modules to make up his rig. He purchased them from
[email-masked]. He has a Qualcomm brake drum power amplifier that puts out some
900 mw. His preamp is one of the Qualcomm brake drum series receive modules and
a system noise figure of 2 dB. His IF receiver is a Kenwood 2 meter TR9000
multimode transceiver. He used a photographers shoe to mount the rig to the top
of the tripod for easy roving. The dish feed is attached to the transverter box.
The dish then mounts to the box once mounted on the tripod.

73's Bill

Bill, WA6QYR with his first SSB 10 GHz microwave transverter. This was using
modified MACOM modules, 3 switching power supplies, an ovenized crystal
oscillator, plus metering of DC and RF out put. This was put on the back of a 4
ft dish which was trailer mounted. Between the transverter and dish were preamp
and TWT both mounted on the dish.

The San Bernardino Microwave Society is a technical amateur radio club
affiliated with the ARRL having a membership of over 90 amateurs from Hawaii and
Alaska to the east coast and beyond. Dues are $15 per year, which includes a
badge and monthly newsletter. Your mail label indicates your call followed by
when your dues are due. Dues can be sent to the treasurer as listed under the
banner on the front page. If you have material you would like in the newsletter
please send it to Bill WA6QYR at 247 Rebel Road Ridgecrest, CA 93555,
[email-masked], or phone 760-375-8566. The newsletter is generated
about the 15th of the month and put into the mail at least the week prior to the
meeting. This is your newsletter. SBMS Newsletter material can be copied as long
as SBMS is identified as source.

San Bernardino Microwave Society newsletter

247 Rebel Road

Ridgecrest, CA

93555

USA