[IRCA] FM DXing on Ultralight Radios

[D1028Gary@xxxxxxx]

Hello John C. and Kevin,
 
     There is indeed some serious interest in FM DXing  with Ultralight 
radios, but those of us with interest in this "niche hobby  within a niche hobby" 
have been reluctant to use the medium-wave DX resources of  the IRCA and 
ultralightdx Yahoo list reflectors to disseminate information and  technical 
suggestions for promotion of this special activity, surmising that it  would not be 
suitable for the accepted AM-DXing orientation of these important  forums.
 
     In general, the best performing AM-DX pocket  radios are also the best 
FM-DX performers, with the Eton E100 and Sangean  DT-400W both exceptional in 
FM sensitivity (the E100 with a whip antenna,  and the DT-400W with its 
headphone-wire system).  Obviously, serious  FM DXers are not likely to be satisfied 
with these simple antennas for chasing  serious DX, and I have experimented 
with the inductive coupling of  FM 2-element cubical quad antennas to these 
simple antennas, with very  promising results.  Any FM DXers with effective 
external antennas can  inductively couple these to the Ultralights, and receive a 
monstrous boost in  signal strength for DX (in some cases, impedance matching 
networks can be  useful).  I have an external FM loop antenna on my 40' tower 
pointed  north, and almost all the Vancouver and Victoria (BC) FM stations boom 
in  on the Ultralights, when inductive coupling is used.
 
     If there is sufficient interest in this FM-DX  aspect of Ultralight 
DXing, I suppose the best option would be to form a  distinct group specializing 
in the promotion of this activity, rather that to  attempt trying to fit it in 
to the AM-DXing resources.  A  separate "ultralightfmdx" Yahoo group might be 
an option, assuming there is  sufficient interest for such a development.  Any 
comments or suggestions  would be most appreciated.
 
     73,  Gary  DeBock     
**************New year...new news.  Be the first to know what is making 
headlines. (http://www.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000026)
_______________________________________________
IRCA mailing list
IRCA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca

Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers

For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org

To Post a message: irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx