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K4NMG

Joined: Sat, Apr 4th 1998, 00:00 Roles: N/A Moderates: N/A

Latest Topics

Topic Created Posts Views Last Activity
RFI TO MAZDA CX-5 INQUIRY Feb 24th 2021, 18:13 1 6,438 on 24/2/21
18.180 - 18.243MHZ SIGNALS 4/11/2017 Apr 11th 2017, 16:56 1 6,871 on 12/6/17
LIGHTNING STRIKES TO HEXBEAMS Jan 4th 2017, 22:28 2 6,942 on 9/7/21
LIGHTNING STRIKES TO HEXBEAMS Jan 3rd 2017, 22:30 3 6,881 on 4/1/17

Latest Posts

Topic Author Posted On
RFI TO MAZDA CX-5 INQUIRY K4NMG on 24/2/21
Considering a purchase of an new (2021) Mazda CX-5 mini S.U.V.. Has anyone heard/read about or experienced any RFI issues to any 2020/2021 Mazda CX-5 mini S.U.V.'s? I operate 1KW on HF & have concerns of "computer frying" if idling in the driveway while transmitting from home station.
18.180 - 18.243MHZ SIGNALS 4/11/2017 K4NMG on 11/4/17
At approx. 1615Z 4/11/2017, I checked 17mtrs to see if it was open. Noticed a VERY STRONG/short duration signal at approx. 18.180MHZ on my Icom Pro III's "fishfinder". Quickly tuned up to it and sig was gone. Shortly thereafter it re-occurred up the band about 18.243MHZ again short duration and approx. 30-40db/S9 on my non-resonant 40mtr shortened dipole (Van Gorden SD-40). Sounds similar (but not exactly same) as a "pulsar". Signal strength sometimes begins at low level then increases rapidly as if turned up by RF POWER OUT control. Each time short duration (5 seconds or so), then a minute or 2 later re-appears on different freq somewhere between 18.180MHZ to 18.243MHZ. Must be VERY CLOSE to me and/or running a LOT of power. Watch your fishfinders in this frequency range and see if anyone else is receiving it. Would like to know WHAT and WHO it is? 73, NT0Y/Orlando, FL U.S.A..
LIGHTNING STRIKES TO HEXBEAMS K4NMG on 4/1/17
I incorrectly posted this question on the general "technical forum" so I will re-post it here in hopes of proper exposure and reply. My question: Has anyone heard of unusually high numbers of lightning strike claims/allegations to hexbeam antennas (possibly due to the ungrounded reflectors). I personally have NOT heard of any related issues, and a similar "polling" on qrz.com also revealed no issues thus far. Good news for me because I am about to erect one of these wonderful antennas, but I have this "last minute concern" since I live in Florida. I am not seeking lightning strike prevention or protection suggestions, but simply a "poll" of any who may have become aware of any major numbers of lightning strike occurrences to hexbeam antennas. FOR EXAMPLE: Years ago there were rumors of some popular fiberglass 10/11 meter vertical antennas with ungrounded vertical radiators which ALLEGEDLY had alarming percentages of lightning hits. Thanks/73...
LIGHTNING STRIKES TO HEXBEAMS K4NMG on 4/1/17
Thanks Glen/AA6E, but that was not my question. I am inquiring (polling perhaps) regarding any rumors/allegations of high numbers of lightning strikes occurring to hexbeam antennas. 73...
LIGHTNING STRIKES TO HEXBEAMS K4NMG on 3/1/17
Are there any significant numerous complaint rumors in ham radio land regarding any POSSIBLE high incident rate of lightning strikes to hexbeams (possibly due to the reflectors being ungrounded/floating)? Personally I prefer to have ALL antenna elements grounded when not in use as I have seen "St. Elmo's Fire" at sea on ungrounded antennas during lightning storms as well as ungrounded vertical CB antennas in Colorado exhibiting audible "hissing" just prior to a nearby lightning strike indicating high levels of static charge buildup. A.M. broadcasters see high static charge buildup on ungrounded A.M. broadcast antennas as well during lightning storms and those have "spark gaps" for discharge to ground. Years ago, it was rumored that a couple of very popular 11/10mtr fiberglass vertical antennas which had ungrounded radiators (only spark gap discharge and RF fed via a capacitor) which had (allegedly) high numbers of lightning incidents. I am preparing to put up a hexbeam and am sort of "polling" to see if anyone is aware of any serious issues of this nature with hexbeams? I PERSONALLY have heard of NONE and my similar "thread" on QRZ.COM has not revealed any issues thus far either.

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