THIS is CRI at 500,000watts!

[ridgescan]

2340UTC-CRI transmitting to Japan from a site in China...a half million watts, which is why they are coming through fine here in SF

 

[SCPD]

I thought CRI goes threw Canada. Maybe im wrong.

 

[SCPD]

I thought CRI goes threw Canada.

It depends on the time. Sackville retransmits a lot of stations from around the world, so they can be picked up in North America.

You can tell from Ridge's video that this signal is hopping due to the fading in and out - just watch the s-meter.

The R71A looks like a nice backup receiver. I may have to look into it. I was trying to find a Kenwood R-5000 but I was scared away by so many that are modified and/or in bad shape.

 

[ridgescan]

I say do it Nick-I know you would enjoy the hell out of one of these. What do you use primarily? Is it that computer controlled one?

 

[SCPD]

That's right Ridge - you were not around when I posted this:

http://forums.radioreference.com/hf...ion/183098-horrible-new-radio-experience.html

It really sucks. :twisted::lol:

 

[ridgescan]

DAMMMM! That is a beauty! I had no idea you were a ham too. I guess I am one of the very few who just listen. I tried to see that model # what is it? I have the HRO catalog here so I can drool all over the page where your rig is

 

[SCPD]

It's an Icom 7600.

 

[ridgescan]

Wow that's an expensive toy there Nick! I saw it has nothing but 5/5 reviews from other users. Looks like Icom really did well on that one I think I'll stick with my two gems here I love them-and the price was right (free 71A, and $600 R75)

 

[SCPD]

I had no idea you were a ham too.

Yes, I was a Technician-licensed HAM for 17 years. I (finally) upgraded to General back in February of this year.

In studying for the General license, you learn a ton of stuff that really helps to sync the information I sort of already knew but never pieced together - such as HF propagation and HF antenna fundementals.

I'm currently studying for the Extra license, which adds the hardcore 'electronics' expertise. It doesn't look super difficult but you need to understand basic principles to pass the test.

Some people cheat by just memorizing the questions and answers - which can be done on the General and Tech tests - but it's much more difficult on the Extra. (You have to answer 50 questions versus only 35!)

The fun part is playing with the antennas and learning why certain designs are more efficient than others. Obviously, this can really help with SWL work and understanding which antennas work best (for your given configuration, etc.)

A great example: my 300-ft longwire SWL antenna is rarely used now, and I'm even thinking of taking it down. My vertical antenna is far quieter and picks up DX much better than the wire antenna. There are a few exceptions but the vertical is overall winner.


-Nick

 

[SCPD]

Wow that's an expensive toy there Nick! I saw it has nothing but 5/5 reviews from other users. Looks like Icom really did well on that one I think I'll stick with my two gems here I love them-and the price was right (free 71A, and $600 R75)

Yes, it really is a super radio and I look at it like an investment. I really don't have the desire to buy anything new or replace it. This should last a long time and give many years of enjoyment.

I was hoping it would curb my thinking about buying more radios, but now I just want to buy more antennas.

I admit I am also getting a hankering to try SDR. The SDR-IQ and WinRadio Excalibur look really cool!

 

[ridgescan]

Congratulations on your achievements and all the best in your next endeavor Nick! I feel honored to knock around here with you being that I am just a lowly tinkerer for me this hobby sort of stayed where it is now...I am just an avg guy making a living (permanently retired now due to a 6" deepvein bloodclot that took up permanent residency from my neck into my upper right arm) and am very careful with the money so never reached too high in this. I think your choice of radio was an excellant one. That particular rig seems to be the ultimate of everything you'll need for years to come. I have heard around- that vertical is a good way to go. I cant put up something that is 28' but what I have suffices although I would love to learn of a better antenna system for HF that I could fit within my 50ft limitation. A discone with a 50' random wire attached does the job pretty good but I know it can be a lot better.

 

[k9rzz]

Going back to the original post ... I just can't believe that is 500kw - *only* S9 to 10db over?

I didn't catch where the xmtr is located, but BY to JA would basically be in the direction of North America, so 500kw would have to be louder than that.

Going back in time, that good 'ol Russian Woodpecker back in the '80s was ~500kw (right?) and they were pinning the S meter most of the time. LOUD! So obnoxious, so annoying. I mean, so annoying that you'd rather just turn the radio off kind of loud.

Here in the midwest, in the fall, around sunset, 41 meters is just crammed full of Chinese stations peaking 20db over 9, and they can't all be running more than 50kw or so.

500kw? I dunno. Sounds like some red propaganda to me! =:^]

 

[ridgescan]

Whatsup k9 where ya been????? Yeah it was transmitted from china and the power said 500,000 watts-and it was just before 5:00PM Pacific here which isnt quite peak signal time for me yet. But that signal was pretty decent from all that distance IMO. PS I want som VIDS man welcome back
oh and PPS dont forget I aint running the greatest SWL antenna either