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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
Gene Brewer (KI6LO)
on
August 1, 2004
View comments about this article!
How many times have you been listening to that rare DX station and waiting for just the right moment to call, when some turkey decides that their amp isn't tuned up just perfect to make that call to the DX station and they key-down and tune right on top of the DX station and the pileup.
I was looking for a few new DX contacts this weekend (yes I'm one of those who has been active for almost 30 years and still doesn't have DXCC) and I heard the above scenario more than once.
My solution to this problem is two fold:
We, as a ham fraternity, try and get the word out to the TUT's (my shorthand for Tune Up Turkeys) that this sort of operating isn't in the best interest of Amateur Radio. They should develop better operating techniques and invest in some off-the-air equipment to setup their stations.
We, as a ham fraternity, petition the FCC and ARRL and whomever else needs to be petitioned, to setup and identify on each segment of the band (CW, Phone, etc.) a narrow spectrum (on HF, a 3-4 Khz slice should work since a SSB voice signal is only 3 Khz wide) to be used as the NATIONAL TUNEUP FREQUENCY (NTF). This way the TUT's can have a place to call home. Everyone would know where the NTF was located (after all, it would be in the ARRL Bandplan) and could avoid that spectrum, unless you wanted to add to the QRM that would be there constantly. One would not need to identify when tuning as they don't do it now so why change.
Seriously, this sarcasm is meant to point out a very poor operating practice that seems to be more prevalent today than in the past. As I said I have been active for almost 30yrs and during that time I have tried to make it a point to never knowingly tune up a transmitter / amp on top of a QSO and I always ID'ed after transmitting. I know there are times when luck of the draw will be that the station tuning will not know that there is a QSO in progress, but it pays to listen for a short bit before throwing the switch.
But to knowingly be on top of a pileup and touch up your tuning is a serious disrespect to your fellow operator.
With that said, I feel better already.
73 and good DX'ing (and hopefully the TUTs won't be on your frequency)
This article has expired. No more comments may be added.
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by AC5E on August 1, 2004
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The frustration is understandable. Few things in life are more aggravating than to be enjoying a nice conversation and have an S9+60 carrier dropped into the middle of the audio passband for minutes on end. Unless it would be to have a fifteen minute propagation window into something like a 12 hour operation to 3Y and have a local start tuning up zero beat with the DX's TX frequency.
It's been my experience that most of the "tuner uppers" think the rest of the world does not know who they are so they don't care how much QRM they cause or to who. And to a certain extent that's true. It's also true many tuner uppers are sick individuals who do so deliberately to see how much of a rise they can get out of the rest of the world. No one wants to talk to them so they QRM everyone else.
Another bunch can afford to buy the latest and greatest amplifier - but their story is they cannot afford even a used cantenna. Or an antenna/dummy load switch.
Still another group is absolutely certain that they will not be heard at all if they do not squeeze the last possible watt, usually 2,000 plus, out of their "export" version amplifier. Or that they will damage their tubes if they run even slightly "off resonance." So they tune up on the air every 5 kHz, and take five to ten minutes to "get it just right."
It sometimes helps to speak harshly about the offender on the air, and to be rude and uncouth if you can run him down in person. It also helps when the community starts DF'ing the source of interference on the QRMers frequency.
But as long as there are head cases out there I'm much afraid we will have tuner uppers. Just keep cool and eventually time and the grave worms will take care of the problem.
73 Pete Allen AC5E
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KA4P on August 1, 2004
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This might get out of hand. You would also need a national whistling and blowing in the mic frequency as well as a, "OOOOOOOOOOOLA OOOOOOOOOOOOOLA" frequency.
We wouldn't want to leave out any of the LIDS or hurt their feelings.
KA4P
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KD5ZNC on August 1, 2004
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I always thought that this was a good idea. I'm glad I'm not the only one.
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by W5GNB on August 1, 2004
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I would propose that the new frequency would be 14.313. This would take care of the LIDS that congregate on that "CHANNEL". We could also consolidate all CONTESTS on this frequency since they are all trying to work each other anyway, they wouldn't be chasing around the bands to find thier buddies and disrupting ALL other communications.
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by W4TYU on August 1, 2004
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Using a no-tune transceiver and an index card of pre-sets for the antenna tuner, I have felt that if it took me longer than 5 to 10 seconds to tune up on a frequency, I should turn my key in and get out of the business. Of course I avoid the DX stations calling and listening frequencies if at all possible.
Ole man JEAN
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency' -- is impract
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by NE1RD on August 1, 2004
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Some High-Q design antennas, such as the magnetic loop antenna
from AEA (the Isoloop) (http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/611)
or the Super Hi-Q Loops from MFJ
(http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/174 and
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/2992) cannot simply pick some
arbitrary frequency upon which to tune. Even somewhat lower Q
antennas such as screwdrivers on mobiles will need to tune up
on a frequency near to the one they'll be using. Selecting a special,
dedicated frequency 25 or 100 KHz away from the desired frequency
will not work for any of these users.
The problem isn't with the band plan; the problem is with the lids.
So long as these folks believe their needs are more important than
your needs, we'll have this type of problem. Maybe they were dropped
on their heads as small children. Maybe they weren't accepted in the
"in crowd" when they were growing up. Maybe they've gone off their
medication. Maybe they are just horrifically bad operators!
The last time I had a carrier thrown on me, the QRM lasted,
non-stop, 6 minutes. Either it was done deliberately, or the
stupid lid can't figure out how to tune his antenna after 5 minutes
of hard work. I think I find explaination #2 more funny! :-)
-- Scott (NE1RD)
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by WA1RNE on August 1, 2004
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This might be considered as fighting a losing battle......one that has been ongoing since I can remember which is circa 1972, but with a major difference; the culture.
I think the problem is the culture has changed - and cultural changes can be very difficult to turn around, requiring different methods to fight the battle.
When I was first licensed, it was considered taboo to do such a thing; you usually got an earful from 2-3 guys and you felt a bit embarassed.
But more importantly, it was considered by all as the mark of an inexperienced operator, a stigma I didn't want associated with my call sign, so I tried my best to follow the rules. But once in a while, I goofed and tuned up on or close to some QSO - but I would usually announce myself, apologize and move to a different frequency.
I believe it is this culture and mindset that needs to be restored. But how do you get the message out in a way that it will be read and then followed?
One way might be to create a guide titled something like "The Amateur's Quick Guide of Best Operating Practices" and attach it to the front of some document or chart that everybody needs and reads.....like the amateur band chart?
If you go through the effort to write the best operating practices and bury them in a 200 page book with other information, chances are, many people won't read them or will miss them entirely.
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by G0GQK on August 1, 2004
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The "Old Man" was complaining about exactly the same thing in 1926
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by N6AJR on August 1, 2004
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I go up or down 3-5 kc's drop power, tweek it then slide back to the gang.. raise power and join the discussion , pile up etc.....works but sometimes in a contest I may be on some one I can't hear, and my appoligies.. but we can all try to do better, and thank goodness for noch filters..
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KA2YBP on August 1, 2004
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When is the FCC going to demand that IDers be built into radio equipment. Tuner uppers will be caught by Riley.
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KE5BPE on August 1, 2004
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You know, instead of griping about what people do WRONG, why don't you make it more widely known how to do it RIGHT. I, for one, am about to upgrade to extra (from technician), and I don't have a load of operating manuals, but I DO want to learn how to do things right. With my current level of knowlege, I would probably piss you off worse than this, but if you said what TO DO, I probably wouldn't.
-MrM
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by WB4QNG on August 1, 2004
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It wouldn't work. Some antennas you just can't tune up on one part of the band and operate the whole band. I know I will get a lot of disagreement on this but I think the problem with tunner uppers is less now than it was 20 years ago. Even though a lot of your tuning could be done into a dummie load you still had to get on the air to finnish your tuning with your rig, amp. and antenna. Now with no-tune radio's, auto antenna tuners and a growing number of no tune amps, I just don't hear as many as I use too. I know I don't do it one tenth as much. If I would brake down and buy me an auto tuner I never would have to.
Terry
WB4QNG
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by N5YPJ on August 1, 2004
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I thought that we already had a NTF. It usually seems to find me whenever I get a chance at working some DX on 20.
Running 100 watts into a resonant antenna, I can move around quickly to catch a DX spot. Being in central US you don't seem to be heard by the coastal stations, and they will trounce you. Although they are by far not the only guilty parties
It really sucks when some hemmoroid tunes up right on the DX station's frequency. Go somewhere else!
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by W3DCG on August 1, 2004
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Auto tuner. 10W. Bleep. Hardly a blip.
If I had an Amp though.... hmmmm.
I guess I'd search for a clear freq.
QRL several times. Make sure it was clear.
Get a Big Auto Tuner. Set it all up.
And blip quickly, albeit more loudly.
The best is, considerate operating. Good old fashioned link-coupled tuned Zepps are such good antennas, even when Amp owners of such antennas have the the settings marked, it still takes longer than a blip.
And as long as the frequency is clear and you're far enough away from others, touching up the old KW Matchbox or HB link-coupled box and adjusting the Amp doesn't much bother anyone at all.
I know I've been wiped out before by inconsiderate TUTs. I'll be wiped out again, too! hi. I know this happens a lot to QRPers, expecially QRPp. So for now, doing QRP from home, it is nice to have the option of 80-100w, because sometimes, the TUT or potential TUT, simply does not hear the person you're listening to in a QSO. Might not even hear your reply even if they do QRL? first, at QRP. So one might bump up the power to respond YES or C C C at full Low Power, and then bring it back down again. I try to handle it this way whenever I am with with QSO, in close proximity to QRP frequencies.
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by W4BQF on August 1, 2004
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I agree this has been going on for a long time, but it sure has prolifitated since the establishment of DX clusters. It did not take me long to realize that you NEVER spot DX until AFTER you work them. Simply because just as soon as you spot the DX, his frequency becomes the NTF! Hams know how to quickly get on the spotted frequency, but they sure as heck don't know what to do after they get there.
Is the solution to delete DX clusters and go back to the old fashioned way of finding them yourself?
And what can we do to help the poor folks who love to call the DX while he is in QSO with someone?
And please, let's not ignore the Tech who is upgrading to Extra, who is asking 'what to do'!
Tom - W4BQF
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KI6LO on August 1, 2004
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All,
Before I add comments, I would ask that those of you who thought this was a serious gripe about TUNER-UPERs, I suggest you reread the article. I was simply pointing out a problem that I have noticed becoming more prone than not on HF.
As for those new hams would want to learn how to do tuning in an acceptable manner, I would suggest 2 things. First, get a copy of the ARRL Operating Manual. No it doesn't have every answer to every question about operating, but it does have insight into many years of successful operating by hams on both sides of the DX QSO.
Secondly, find out who in your area is a successful DX'er or just a very good operator for that matter, and ask them questions or just listen to their methods.
Best of Operating whatever the reason,
Gene KI6LO
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KA8NCR on August 1, 2004
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It all has to do with general courtesy and the lack thereof.
Tuning-up hasn't increased nor decreased and I doubt the formation of such a frequency (technical issues aside) is going to stop the inconsiderate operator from tuning up on an ongoing QSO.
Why? Because it's all about _them_. Spinning the VFO to the tune-up frequency is a burden upon _them_. They can't be bothered to worry about causing interference to someone else's QSO, it's about _them_ making sure they squeeze every last ounce of power out of the PA. It's about _them_, and to ask them to think of someone else for a change is tantimount to asking them to Ebay their gear and cease being a radio amateur.
Until general courtesy and common sense are the rule of the day, the tuning-up problem isn't going anywhere.
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Tuner Sweepers, Jeepers Creepers
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by KA4KOE on August 1, 2004
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What about the tuner-sweepers? These guys tune up and swisssssssssssssh their vfo knobs up and down the band. I dunno whats worse?
Why is this small ignoble group being ignored/neglected in this discussed? Curious minds wanna know.
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RE: Tuner Sweepers, Jeepers Creepers
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by WB2WIK on August 1, 2004
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This is cute. I like the idea.
Unfortunately, a lot of hams are amateurs in the truest sense of the word and really don't understand that the tune-up process needn't take an eternity and can usually be done in 2-3 seconds. Which is still offensive to those listening during those 2-3 seconds, but at least it's not half a minute.
I developed this habit a long time ago: If using a manually-tuned amp, make sure bandswitch is in the right position, and don't bother tuning up, at all. When it comes time to make a call, tune up while calling. If you know your amplifier, that's all the time you need to accomplish a tune-up. I can do it on SSB or on CW, using a PEP (true peak) wattmeter, and just turning the TUNE and LOAD controls while making my first call, even if it's a short one.
If you get within 1 dB of full output power this way, it's definitely close enough!
I just watch the wattmeter and the grid current meter, and tune for max smoke coincident with the lowest possible grid current, controlled by the LOAD control. A call like, "WB2 Whiskey India Kilo" is long enough to complete the entire tuning process.
Having a PEP meter helps a lot.
WB2WIK/6
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RE: Tuner Sweepers, Jeepers Creepers
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by AL2I on August 1, 2004
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Perhaps a regulation REQUIRING that each amateur always have a Dummy Load and/or written presets for any tunable RF system in the shack could mitigate some of the bad practice. Much of the other bad practice we hear on the spectrum might not be hostile in nature so much as it is due to simple ignorance. I was guilty of this myself recently.
I accidentally QSOed with a DX station for 5 minutes on top of W1AW's code practice this week and didn't even know it until I heard the a faint W1AW call a little later. A guide that contains all of the special frequencies is available at http://www.qsl.net/wa6ybn/conop.html
but that list is not comprehensive enough, and certainly didn't warn me about W1AW. Consolidating operating practices, band plans, frequency lists and so forth into a single document would really help those of us who are less experienced or less active, but who wish to be "good guys". If there is a document like that already out there, please tell me where it is!
And folks, I was an avid listener an occaisional participant on the HF bands in the 60s, and things are definately a little better now. I think there are about the same number of sweepers as there were in the 60s, but there are lot fewer TUTs. There were plenty of hams in the 60s who I would hear tuning their tanks over and over again while I was trying to copy an interesting QSO. Now, when I hear one, it is usually brief.
The problem is probably less now because there are far fewer of the old tank curcuits to dip the grid on, and a lot more autotuners. The approximate same number of sweepers indicates that human nature -- and ham nature -- is not suffering the huge degradation that is sometimes perceived. At least I hope its not! LOL!
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RE: Tuner Sweepers, Jeepers Creepers
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by KF4VGX on August 1, 2004
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If you tune on one frequency ,your tuned for that frequency, on that frequency. May not be tuned to where your going to transmit etc.
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by WTF52 on August 1, 2004
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Chapter One--Gene wakes up one morning and discovers he lives in a world that is not of his own making!
Seriously, it is a problem, but it's certainly not in the top 1,000,000, so lighten up!
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by AA4PB on August 1, 2004
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I thought 14.313 was already the national tunup frequency :-)
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by AB8RU on August 1, 2004
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So what is wrong using a Antenna Noise Bridge and a Antenna Analizer ? also Dummy Loads I have owned a couple and even inexpensive to build.
the OOOOOOOOOOOLA nonsense is from the Radio Operator Wannabees If you lay a 360 Degree compass flat with 0 & 360 degree mark look to the North and then approx 180 degrees to the country which originates this nonsense, of course I don't expact any action by their Radio Enforcement Bureau, maybe does not exist !
little laugh maybe a Little BPL noise their way may force them off the Air ( smiley )
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by V73NS on August 2, 2004
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As DX, the most annoying thing are the Lids that feel they must tune up on the freq you are on, or the one they are to call on if its splits. Like they can't move off 5, 10 or 15kc and come back?
They might lose 3mW watts if they aren't on the exact freq???
Usually they are the slow tuning stations who have to peak the tuner, then the amp, then the tuner, then the amp then the tuner so that the kW will break the pile up. It sure does... since everything has to stop with they QRM (or is that tune?) the pile up.
I normally will flip in the RIT and narrow CW filter and make it so that I can pick them out when they do call... then I give them the NO TUNE ON FREQ and usually a 119 report.
Other times when Mr Tune comes on I take that as time for an op break and a smoke or pull the plug and exit the shack.
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by AD7BK on August 2, 2004
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May I say maybe that is why it is called that. Dummy Load it is a load of people who are too lazy to use the Load that is used to tune a frequency. Also that is what a antenna analizer is for too and maybe write tuneing charts to thier antnenna tuners and use that to get close then low level tuning up. Sometimes I think this world is going back to stoneage.
With the ffuture is going to the Jetsons and now they have a button that tunes a antenna while it tunes it memorizes the sweet spot and dont transmits. I wonder what is going to happen when they make a anteanna that can do any freqency 1.8 to 60 mhz continous 1:1 but that is never going to happen. Hi hi
At least tbey havent found a way to do it where you can tune your liner perfectly to any frequency and no matter how high they crank thier audio and use more bandwidth they are allowed during contests and splatter all over the entier band and they are 3000 miles away it wouldnt matter they only use the bandwidth as it reshapes it and limits the ALC perfectly if that happens pigs will fly as the earth stops rotating they fly off the planet as the world ends. There is no room for perfectly. NO one is innocent of anything anymore it seems.
AD7BK
<off rant box>>
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KX2S on August 2, 2004
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I think you all have it wrong.
These people are not tuning up.
The are warmimg their amps up for the DX.
Since they do not want to miss it they are doing it on the same frequency.
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KC0KBH on August 2, 2004
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20M PSK31 has to be the worst in my mind, right when a weak DX station is about to give their name, location, qsl info, someone just has to tune up right on top of them.
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KA5N on August 2, 2004
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If you don't tune up on top of a QSO you have no way of knowing if you're getting out. So find a QSO or better a weak DX station tune for 2-3 minutes and wait to see if the frequency police yell at you. The louder and more lewd the yells the greater your signal strength is.
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by N7UQA on August 2, 2004
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We already have one, it's called a dummy load. If I have to tune up on the air I either find a quiet spot 4-5 kHz off my center frequency or zero beat and tune up at reduced power (10-20 w range). While tuner uppers are annoying it can be minimized, but by all means use a dummy load.
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KE4ZHN on August 2, 2004
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Simple courtesy. If you need to tune up, then listen first! Why is this so hard for some to do?
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by K0RFD on August 2, 2004
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This whole thread is a good example of what several people have been saying for years: A decent antenna system is worth more than the equivalent dollars in amplification.
Sure, an amp will get you out. But unless and until you can actually hear, you haven't gained anything.
This whole argument assumes, of course, that the a-holes who tune up on top of other people can't hear and aren't doing it on purpose. After all, what licensed Ham would cause willful or malicious interference to another station?
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by X-WB1AUW on August 2, 2004
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That is why I thought that external "DSP" units that could null out a carrier were so great!
I always thought that just below the begining of the SSB sub band was the tune up frequency? OR, just below the begining of the general portion for CW?
Bob ;)
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by WA2JJH on August 3, 2004
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How about using WWV at 10MHZ! So what if you mess up avionics that uses it.
How about 243 or 122.5 MHZ. Nobody is using it, unless their aircraft crash lands!
How about 7.335MHZ, who uses CHU anymore.
How about the first 2kc's on all bands for CW tuneup.
The last 10KC's anyband for SSB tune up. NCT's can use those 10KCs for HF ops.
How about 28.5mhz.
Seems like them new 5 60M channels would be good too!
Go in between the channels!!!!!!!!
How about a tune up freq for QRP hams. A tune up freq. for legal+++++ hams.
How about the dead center of each HF band. This way you can tune for the whole band.
3.800mhz, 7.150, 10,18.100, 21.250, 29Mhz. ect.
How about 3.58MHz. How about 27.900-27.995MHZ. Nobody is supposed to be their....right?????
Silly idea's for a silly topic. I am not a DUMMY--load!
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by NE1RD on August 3, 2004
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One more suggestion: Please don't tune up on any of the
QRP calling frequencies. Even if you listen, and can't hear
anybody, there still might be somebody there just out of
earshot trying to have a QSO.
So, for example, please don't tune on 7.030, 7.040,
14.060, 10.116, and so on. Give us poor QRP'ers a
break! Thanks. 73!
-- Scott (NE1RD)
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KI6LO on August 3, 2004
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Obviously there are a lot of operators WITHOUT a sense of humor.
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KC8VWM on August 3, 2004
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>>> Please don't tune up on any of the
QRP calling frequencies. Even if you listen, and can't hear anybody, there still might be somebody there just out of earshot trying to have a QSO. <<<
Well that certainly seems to eliminate the 27.185 national QRP calling frequency prospect out of the question doesn't it...
>>> Simple courtesy. If you need to tune up, then listen first! <<<
If I need a tune up, I usually look both ways before backing out of my driveway first... Then I listen second, Otherwise my neighbor offers me a free 1 finger rotation included with my tune-up.
>>> We already have one, it's called a dummy load.<<<
I lost the load part after it broke. But hey..! look on the bright side.. the dummy part still remains in my ham shack to use right...?
>>> Also that is what a antenna analyzer is for too and maybe write tuning charts to their antenna tuners and use that to get close then low level tuning up. Sometimes I think this world is going back to stone age. <<<
Fred Flintstone often used his teradactal teletype analyzer chart at his ham cave to properly calibrate his dinosaur wish bone beam antenna. Now that's what I call progress.
>>> So what is wrong using a Antenna Noise Bridge and a Antenna Analyzer ? <<<
Well for one thing, it just makes too much sense. Please refrain from making sense on these matters...
>>> I just watch the watt meter and the grid current meter, and tune for max smoke coincident with the lowest possible grid current, controlled by the LOAD control. A call like, "WB2 Whiskey India Kilo" is long enough to complete the entire tuning process. <<<
Ok, I tried your idea and called out "WB2WIK" over and over as you suggested on 6.000 MHz. I heard some guy talking about running a radio in Cuba or something like that. I was turning all the big shiny dials all over the place in all directions and pushed all the shiny black and red buttons for about 3 solid hours and it still didn't work. ...any ideas?
>>> Spinning the VFO to the tune-up frequency is a burden upon _them_. They can't be bothered to worry about causing interference to someone else's QSO <<<
"Spin the VFO" is a recreational pastime in itself. To play the game, you first have to guess 6 numbers. Then when it is your turn to spin the VFO you must quickly hit the TX key on your mic and hold it for 30 seconds to make the display on your radio stop spinning. The one that comes closest to guessing the right numbers on the frequency display wins the game called - "Spin the VFO"
3rd prize - Your will be provided with the one of a time opportunity to meet with the friendly FCC personnel. They will only be a few minutes away from your home at any time for your added convenience and comfort. Look for the FCC "Prize Van" located just down the street to claim your winnings.
2nd prize - Mr. Riley cordially extends you an all expense paid personal visit and signs his personal autograph on a piece of paper for you to proudly display on your ham shack wall.
1st prize - Receive an all inclusive all expenses paid bread and water dinner for 1 at your favorite rehabilitation and recreational facility of your choice. You will even have the opportunity to meet with national celebrities like Martha Stewart.
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by NE1RD on August 3, 2004
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> Well that certainly seems to eliminate the 27.185 national
> QRP calling frequency prospect out of the question doesn't it...
Um, that would be in the middle of the 11m band. And, while the
CB crowd should be using under 5 watts, I don't consider them QRPers.
Just for the record, I'm fine with you tuning up there, if you like. :-)
If you want to go up about a MHz, the 10m QRP calling frequency
is 28.060.
-- Scott (NE1RD)
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KC8VWM on August 3, 2004
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Thanks for that most informative tip Scott !
You're a fine elmer and scholar.
73
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by NE1RD on August 4, 2004
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Thanks, dude. Actually, I thought your post was pretty funny.
The Channel 19 reference (27.185) was great. Subtle. I
like subtle! :-)
See you on the bands. 73!
-- Scott (NE1RD)
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by NE1RD on August 4, 2004
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KC8VWM wrote:
> Thanks for that most informative tip Scott !
> You're a fine elmer and scholar.
Aw, I bet you tell that to all the kids who laugh at your jokes! :-)
Actually, I thought your post was pretty funny. The Channel 19
reference (27.185) sent me rolling. All I could hear in my mind
was C.W. McCall's "Convoy" with the deep voice saying, "Breaker
19, we got us a convoy... but let me tune up first..." :-)
Maybe the whole thread wasn't as serious as I was taking it,
but it would be nice if folks didn't tune up on the spots allocated
for QRP calling, PSK31, SSTV, etc. I was just hoping that a little
reminder that the band plan is divided into more sections than
CW/Phone would be helpful. :-)
OK. Back to the real world, now in progress... 73.
-- Scott (NE1RD)
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by W4VR on August 4, 2004
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Nonsense! Get yourself a modern-day radio with an inboard or outboard DSP Auto-Notch filter. Meanwhile, keep your hopes up that some day in the not-too-distant future every ham will have a solid state amplifier with a built-in automatic tuner such as a PRO2 and PW-1.
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by G4DYO on August 5, 2004
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During my 20+ years of avid DXing (long over) I can't ever recall having used a "live" frequency to tune up other than when I was working on a new antenna... and then it was using very QRP. All my antennas were resonant and I didn't possess an ATU. I knew the approximate settings for my amp on all bands and if I needed to tweak it I would switch to the hefty dummy load. There really is no need for all the whistling and noise on the bands..
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by W5NIG on August 5, 2004
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The idea sounds good, it really does. ...except if your lid enough to tune up on a freq that is already in use you certainly aren't going to be using the tune up freq. lol.
...and as for High Q antennas, spend the 30 bucks to buy a noise bridge on ebay or order the parts and make one, nice quiet transmitless tune! :)
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KC4COP on August 5, 2004
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I agree with your idea of having national tune up frequencies on each band. May be it should not be necessary, but you can listen to a quiet frequency for 15 minutes before transmitting a CQ or a lo....ng "T" and find out that you are interfering with signals that the man in Kentucky is hearing 5 by 5.
Perhaps the idea would be accepted better by the high power crowd if a monthly contest were held on the various national tune up frequencies. The winner would be the one with the "biggest signal". Your idea continues to get better.
My experience with stations identifying their transmission covers a period of time from 1960. "Hello Radio" is followed by a call sign a little less frequently now than it was years ago.
Today's ID is often a constant reminder of F.C.C. rules. The call sign followed by "for ID". Who started this "for ID" business? The tail comment is redundant and a little foolish.
KC4COP for ID
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by WR8D on August 5, 2004
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One dummy load to tune to the freq you're gonna operate on.
One antenna analyzer to set swr on each freq you operate on without putting a signal on the air =
NO QRM!
73,
John WR8D
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KD5OWO on August 6, 2004
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When I first got my antenna up, I found a frequency that was not in use, on each of band the antenna can tune, and tuned in RTTY mode on the radio. I wrote down the positions of the tuner. Now I usually can tune when I switch bands, and I usually get really good SWRs the first time I key up, if my SWRs are alittle too high I just go down 5Khz (or intill I am not on top of anyone I can here) and I tune real quick. It usually only takes me 3-5 seconds now that I have it written down.
73'
+Steve/KD5OWO
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by WA4MJF on August 6, 2004
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Most rigs are no tune now anyhow.
Back when I had rigs that did need
tuning, I just tuned in the dummy
load and switched to the antenna
appropriate for the frequency that
I gonna use. The only thing now that
needs tuning is my Amp and I hardly
use it, however, I follow the steps
above. On occassions, rare as I have
a coupla B&W T2FDsfor those freqs
no resonant antenna is available,when I don't
have a proper antenna, I use an antenna
null meter, which allows to load and dip
for minimum reading on the meter and
sends almost all RF to dummy load.
There really is no excuse for on
the air tuning. I think this practice
would qualify as POOR amateur practice.
73 de Ronnie
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by K9CSM on August 6, 2004
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C'mon! Are you in serious belief that the intentional interference we're all hearing is legitimate tuning up???! It is in fact those that resent hearing others enjoying their hobby with good conversation or real DXing. Worse part of this problem is that(after many years of research) most of these guys are American licensees. These are the sick folks that we need to encourage Riley & Company to DF and assess some serious fines so they might quit after they're busted a few times. Lets get real and understand that the guy you're standing next to at hamfests is possibly the QRM'er you've been notching out or trying to hear around his unidentified comments & noises for years.
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by VE7ALQ on August 7, 2004
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I could understand why, 20 or 30 years ago, it would take one minute to tune up a tube rig and manual antenna tuner. Not today. My ICOM IC-706mkiig transceiver needs no tuning, and my ICOM AT-180 automatic antenna tuner gets the job done in two (2) seconds flat(!) And even that tuning is done at reduced power...
I agree that common courtesy is lacking on th HF bands today (as compared with 20 to 30 years ago). I was a regular check-in to the BC Public Service Corps Net which met on 3755 kHz on LSB. We quickly disciplined the members to tune up OFF net, then QSY to net frequency to check-in. Worked great, even though the tube rigs used in those days could take 30 seconds to tune up (more if you used a manual antenna tuner).
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KT0DD on August 7, 2004
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I suggest a national tune-up /OOOOOLAH OOOOOOLAH frequency be designated to any and all frequencies on which K1MAN "BROADCASTS". 73
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KC0NPF on August 8, 2004
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k, I understand your complaint, but what about the 'old' rigs, how long should it take me to tune up the finals of my HW-101? (no amp) I always tune with about 5w out, then bump it up for 2-3 seconds to check the final tuning. Tuning at 5w sometimes takes 10-15 seconds because of my manual ant tuner but I always make sure both USB and LSB (doesn't matter what band) are clear before hitting tune. That way I'm not putting one of those lovely squealy noises on top of someone 3khz up or down. Finding a tuning spot this way sometimes takes a minute, but if you just changed bands, give it a shot before you hit the DX station.
my 2/10 of a cent worth,
KC0NPf
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KX5RW on August 8, 2004
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Although I have to agree with all the replies and opinions on this particular subject, I feel compelled to point out that there are so many 'improprieties' on all our bands today. Such as, stateside ragchews in the 20 meter DX window, the 'self appointed' band cops who constantly bash other op's with rules and reg's reminders while in the mean time violating several themselves, etc etc etc. The list is much too long for this medium. Think about this... We consider ourselves a 'self policing' group. I too try to adhere to the rules and reg's as well as the 'gentlemen's agreements' which have been in place for many years. My thought is that we need to police our SELF and I think all these little problems will go away. Wouldn't you agree?
--... ...-- es gud DX OM de Ron, KX5RW ... -.-
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by K4KAL on August 9, 2004
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How about using 14.200.0 whenever VE3OGZ is transmitting!
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by WA3UOO on August 9, 2004
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The solution to this problem is simple. Buy a dummy load and a coax switch. Tune up into the dummy load, then switch over to the antenna. What's the big deal?
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by HF2PWA on August 10, 2004
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SWISH YOUR XIT AROUND WHILE TUNING UP.
THIS WAY NO ONE SINGLE STATION GETS ALL THE qrm!!!
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by HF2PWA on August 10, 2004
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SWISH YOUR XIT AROUND WHILE TUNING UP.
THIS WAY NO ONE SINGLE STATION GETS ALL THE qrm!!!
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by HF2PWA on August 10, 2004
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SWISH YOUR XIT AROUND WHILE TUNING UP.
THIS WAY NO ONE SINGLE STATION GETS ALL THE qrm!!!
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by HF2PWA on August 10, 2004
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SWISH YOUR XIT AROUND WHILE TUNING UP.
THIS WAY NO ONE SINGLE STATION GETS ALL THE qrm!!!
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by WA4MJF on August 10, 2004
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Jeez, and poles wonder why they're the
butt of so many jokes. How many of all
y'all does it take to "swish" the dial? :-)
73 de Ronnie
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by W6PMR3 on August 10, 2004
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As far as I have observed over the years the "National" tune up frequency has been 7.240 mhz, right on top of the weekend West Coast swap net!!
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by HF2PWA on August 10, 2004
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ALWAYS USE OVER DEVIATED FM! NOBODY WILL CATCH YOUR CALL :) USING MODULATED FM OR AM WILL SHOW YOU HOW WELL YOUR SIGNAL IS TRAVELING.
IF YOU CAN GET MORE THAN 2 CALL AREA'S AND RARE DX O COMPLAINING ABOUT IT AND YOUR GETTING FULL OUTPUT, YOUR DOING SOMETHING RIGHT!
AFTER ALL TO QUOTE AN HAM ON EHAM HERE....HAM RADIO IS JUST A HOBBY!!!
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by HF2PWA on August 19, 2004
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THIS IS THE ONLY PROBLEM THE ARRL CAN SOLVE.
SIMPLE ALLOW TUNE-UPS ON ALL W1AW FREQS.
THEY DO NOT OWN THOSE FREQS!
THEY REPEAT THE CODE PRACTICE ALL THE TIME. THOSE WORKING ON CW SPEED SHOULD GET USED TO REAL RANDOM QRM!
SO SIMPLE
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Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by W0RW on September 16, 2004
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Interference reduction across the entire SSB portion of the bands could be acheived by going to 2.5 kHz spacing.
Most equipment is capable of the accuracy.
There seems to be a trend for operators to choose
round number operating frequencies but the next frequency in the logical sequence seems to be undefined.
i think there would be a lot less interference if we
tried to maintain 2.5 kHz spacing.
e.g.: 14,300, 14,302.5, 14,305, 14,307.5, 14,310, etc..
Paul w0rw
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by KB3JLZ on October 13, 2004
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I thought the National Tuneup Frequency was any frequency your trying to pass traffic on. Preferabley H&W traffic. Thats when the key-klowns usually show up.
"Hey Cletus...Ah sold me mah trailer house and got me one o dem-dar alpha amps. Lookee how it swings dat dar meeter when Ah puts this 12 pack on mah key WOOOOO DAWGEEE We gonna have a key down on 75 tonight"
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RE: Proposed 'National Tuneup Frequency'
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by N8KJT on June 12, 2005
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Tuning into a dummy load then switching to an antenna sounds like a solution to someone that never compared their results to tuning directly into an antenna. Unless your antenna has an SWR identical to your dummy load you will most likely not be in tune. Too bad this method does not work. If it did somebody probably would have included a dummy load in their amp that would automatically be selected when you hit a "tuneup" switch. I like the solution of marking you dials so you can return to a frequency and be in tune quickly. Regarding "swishing", could that be called a "spread spectrum tuneup"?
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