Re: [IRCA] Building a "state of the art" MW DX station

[Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mark,

Excellent points regarding the change in "mindset" when using a SDR 
receiver. Hadn't really thought it about it that way.

I might be able to erect a "fold over" vertical antenna that I could 
deploy only during listening sessions. Assuming something like 30 feet 
in length, what would I need for a matching transformer?


Les Rayburn, Director
High Noon Film
130 1st Avenue West
Alabaster, AL 35007-8536
(205) 621-7500
(205) 621-7505 FAX
(205) 253-4867 CELL
http://www.highnoonfilm.com


On 1/2/2012 6:23 PM, Mark Durenberger wrote:
> Hi Les...good for you!
>
> As a general comment addressing two of your questions:  The "real" SDR 
> is a tool you'll fall in love with.  However...you'll have to make 
> somewhat of a tradeoff from the original way of thinking.  We've all 
> used loops to pinpoint and tune a specific frequency.  That's sort of 
> counter-productive when you're using an SDR to capture the entire band 
> because you usually don't want to favor a unique channel.
>
> So if you're doing wideband with SDR you're probably going to want to 
> do a Beverage or a vertical.  Sounds like a Beverage is out for you.  
> I've had tremendous luck with a 30-foot vertical and a Perseus SDR.  
> No amplification needed; just a matching transformer.
>
> It also sounds like you expect a lot of local noise.  So you'll 
> probably want to look at a real noise-cancelling antenna.
>
> Google Dallas Lankford's vertical antennas and some of Mark Connelly's 
> work.
>
> Regards,
>
> Mark Durenberger
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Les Rayburn" <les@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Monday, January 02, 2012 6:02 PM
> To: <am@xxxxxxxxxxx>; <irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>; <Tvfmdx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [IRCA] Building a "state of the art" MW DX station
>
> > iAfter an absence from medium wave dxing due to a move to a new 
> > deed-restricted QTH, I find myself itching to get serious again. 
> > While my present home is far from idea (HOA, and high local noise 
> > levels), I'm determined to make the best of it.
> >
> > Presently, I have the following equipment available for us:
> >
> > Icom 746 Pro transceiver
> > RF Space SDR-IQ receiver
> > Wellbrook AL-1530 Loop antenna
> > Radio Plus Quantum Phaser
> > LF Engineering M-601C Active Whip antenna
> > LF Engineering H-800 Active Whip antenna
> > LF Engineering N-300 Group loop isolator
> >
> > My questions are numerous, but here are the general ones:
> >
> > 1.) To build a state of the art system, would you recommend 
> > up-grading the SDR-IQ to the Perseus or new WinRadio SDR?
> >
> > 2.) Are there active whip antennas that perform better than the LF 
> > Engineering models? (I have mounted these to my roof vents, painted 
> > them black--and so far, no complaints from the neighbors.
> >
> > 3.) I have a undeveloped drainage ditch next to my home that offers 
> > the possibility of a beverage on the ground antenna that would run 
> > N/S for 500-800 feet. What couplers would you recommend for this use?
> >
> > 4.) Anyone tried the LF Engineering M-607 Active Loop antenna? Pricey 
> > at $390 but perhaps worth it?
> >
> > 5.) Any other station accessories that would improve things for me?
> >
> > Primary interest is in domestic MW DXing, though I don't mind logging 
> > TA signals when they "in" (rare here). Love to DX stations in the 
> > Western part of the country most of all.
> >
> > Thanks for the advice, and 73,
> >
> > Les Rayburn, N1LF
> > Alabaster, AL (Near Birmingham)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Les Rayburn, Director
> > High Noon Film
> > 130 1st Avenue West
> > Alabaster, AL 35007-8536
> > (205) 621-7500
> > (205) 621-7505 FAX
> > (205) 253-4867 CELL
> > http://www.highnoonfilm.com
> >
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