Yupiteru MVT-9000
November 30, 2008 by Darren
I first laid eyes on a Yupi scanner during a stay in Sydney with a radio mate in 2001 who had an impressive little MVT-7300EU. After that, I set my sights on getting one, and not long after, purchased an MVT-9000 for $750 from Syncro Communications – just before Jos and Bev brought the company over to Queensland from Lesmurdie in Western Australia.
In addition to its great construction, display and keypad, the Yupiteru MVT-9000 does about everything you would ever want from a scanner and doesn’t skip a beat. Like the old MVT-7100 I used to own, its big black brother has exceptionally clear and crisp audio – especially through an external SP-23 Kenwood speaker which gives it added volume.
Following a recent comparison I carried out with other scanners thanks to the help of a few mates here in Brisvegas, I found that the Yupi MVT-9000 is much more sensitive than some of the Yaesu and Alinco types. While the 9000’s SSB reception is quite good, the VR500 has SSB audio like pelting rain on a tin roof, firmware issues and so much intermod that I returned it to my mate Kev’s house down the road the very next day. The Alinco ate batteries faster than a professional pie eater let loose in a bakery, scanned at a slow 5-7 channels/sec, and had a very frustrating user interface. The MVT-9000, on the other hand, scans at about 30 Ch/sec which is quite fast, and, once you get used to it, has a very easy programming/ operating scheme that even the most cognitively challenged communications enthusiast could navigate round.
One of my favourite aspects of the MVT-9000 is the super flexible scan and search abilities. At last count, I have about 500 channels programmed on my Yupi out of the 1000 available, and all the 20 search ranges set up. These are linkable, like the memory channel banks, and it’s very convenient to have when you’re trying to hunt something down.
If you’re keen to get into the world of scanning and want a product that does the job and doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg, then I would certainly recommend picking up a Yupiteru scanner from Syncro Communications. A quick visit to the Syncro website’s product directory, their excellent range of Yupiteru scanners and on-line shop will have you scanning air, military, police and other frequencies in a just a few days.
73 de Darren
43DA010/001
Welcome to 26DA101 Mike
November 29, 2008 by Darren
The European epicentre of DX, England, welcomes its latest addition to the Dx Adventure Radio Club ranks with the arrival of 26DA101 Mike. Formerly 26AT182, 26RI010 and 26GC0182 respectively over a hobby career spanning many years, Mike is a professional and friendly radio operator with a particularly strong interest in portable and field DX work.
When he’s not behind the mic of his Icom 737A and in the home comfort of his radio shack, or going portable in Central North Yorkshire Moors within proximity of landmarks such as the spectacular melt water channel Newtondale Gorge or the remarkable line of hard igneous rock known as Cleveland Dyke, 26DA101 Mike is a dedicated and passionate sports fan, with a love of playing soccer (football) and darts – just to name a couple!
With almost 200 DXCC worked and confirmed (See Mike’s wonderful collection of QSL cards on his personal website at http://www.26DA101.tk Mike joins the Dx Adventure Radio Club via the DX Chaser entry classification and has already identified potential ‘Most Wanted’ IOTA destinations for the near future to announce his presence in the Club.
On behalf of everyone, welcome to DA-RC, 26DA101 Mike.
The Dangers of QSLing
November 27, 2008 by Darren
Exchanging QSL cards is not only a dent on the bank account but also on the health and physical wellbeing of a DXer. The fact is, every time you lick a stamp, you’re consuming 1/10 of a calorie. When you take into account that most international QSL packages require at least 3-4 stamps, then it’s safe to say that your calorie intake is much higher than it would be if you were a non-QSL’ing, non-stamp licking Freeband civilian.
According to some DXers, such DX-cessive calorie intake without regular DX-ercise and a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables and cereals, leads to excessive weight gain and these factors can lead to more serious health problems such as chubbiness, high blood pressure, cardio vascular disease, even death.
With this in mind, is it worth subjecting yourself to potential life threatening situations merely for the purpose of receiving a small piece of card containing abstract digits and prose? Is it honestly worth the heartache?
And what for the poor QSL Managers of the world whose tongue comes into contact with thousands upon thousands of stamps following any one DXpedition? Spare a thought for those guys and gals – dedicated DX disciples who put their life on the line for the rest of us; heroes of the hobby; fearless Freebanders who are willing to sacrifice their own physical happiness for the good of the eleven metre DX world and the millions of QSO paper collectors who worship them. What for these poor souls of the DX Community who go about their business each day with the stench of stubbiness over their head?
Not surprising then that many QSL Managers, as well as compulsive QSL senders, are carrying that little bit extra around the waste line or even worse, banging on the door of obesity. With all the calories they are ingesting into their body it’s not surprising their guts look more like wheat silos rather than rippled wooden washboards…
For years, these fellows have attributed weight gain to an over indulgence of beer or ‘Shack Snacks’, bearing the weight of XYL ridicule of eating habits and time spent with mates swilling beers at the local watering hole. Little did they know, however, that the root of all evil was entrenched right at the very heart of their DX-sistence; that the QSL album was really a eulogy of sorts for a more slender physical frame, now confined to the memory of aging black and white photographs.
In conclusion, next time you decide to send a QSL card to confirm a contact with a DX comrade, keep in mind that every lick is doing you damage. Moreover, next time you move to question a QSL Manager about the delay of a card, take into consideration they’re probably on the tread mill or sweating it out on the open road in a desperate bid to rid themselves of years of QSL induced fatness.
73 de Darren
Radio Brand Monogamy
November 23, 2008 by Darren
Radio communications is full of hobbyists who advocate the virtues of particular radio brands; diehard DXers who’d rather cut off an arm and feed it to a Territorian crocodile then introduce another brand into the sacred confines of their radio shack.
We’ve all met blokes like them. Idiots who idolise ICOM; creeps who crave for Kenwood; Yankee-doodles who yearn for Yaesu; passionate preachers that slam products with metaphorical baseball bats which DON’T carry their fave logo on the casing…
But what for those few radio devotees who mix and match? Where does that leave the radio communications enthusiasts whose shack haven is more an amalgam of radio brand collectables; a hybrid of Yaesu, Kenwood, ICOM and others – all working in perfect harmony? What for the communications cross breeder who channels his audio through a Heil Heritage microphone wired to an Alinco transceiver, then to a Kenwood antenna tuner, running to a DOSS SPS-8400 power supply? Where and how does HE fit into the mix?
We ‘bastards of the airways’ can’t help but feel a little chastised when DX geeks start sermonizing the specs of their favourite brand and condemning those of us who prefer not to step up onto the soap box and join the choir of trademark monogamy. Those same anti-polygamous product pushers might say we’re wedged in an identity crisis of sorts… Or worse still, climb on board the XYL nag train and call us ‘indecisive’. Well to hell with them, I reckon!
I can assure you that sitting on the DX fence when it comes to choosing a radio brand as the ultimate of ultimates in our PENTULTIMATE hobby is a perilous pursuit – especially when hobby comrades line you up as an easy target and start hammering away on the ideology of ICOM or the uniqueness of Uniden or the appeal of Alinco… These make for some serious splinters in the backside, let me tell you.
So, where do YOU sit in the world of product purchase? Are you a dedicated one brand man – loyal to the very end? Or are you a mix and matcher; a concocter of communications commodities whose shack can be described as a ‘fusion of the best from the best’?
Something to think about anyway!
73 de Darren
TS-2000 Commemorative Rig
November 23, 2008 by Darren
Ask most DXers what the latest premier rig release for Amateur Radio Communications giant Kenwood was and chances are they’d say, “The TS-2000.” They’d be half right too – a magnificent, top of the range transceiver with dual DSP performance cased in a striking grey chassis and ideal for DX adventure.
What most DXers do not realise, however, was that Kenwood actually released a limited edition black version of the All-Mode Multi-bander as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations back in August 2006 and that this particular rig remains one of the most sought after rigs in modern times!
Kenwood launched the sale of its TS-2000 black commemorative model during a period of global implementation of various business promotion programs and brand strategies in accordance with its birthday festivities. The company positioned these 60th Anniversary Models as a prestige series, equipped with the highest performance and class, built on the full range of technology and expertise accumulated over the years in the fields of ’sound’ and ‘wireless radio’, as well as Kenwood’s consistent core competence since its foundation.
As a leading manufacturer of amateur radio and audio equipment, fields that have been supporting 25 Division’s post-war economic growth in pursuit of sophisticated hobbies, the Kenwood 60th Anniversary Model adds uniform black colour finishing in its various components, including its front panel, main turn knob, and carrying handle. While retaining the multi-functionality and high quality of the original model, luxurious touches have been added to realise a product that deserves to be called a prestige model.
Apparently, the sales quantity of this special rig within the worldwide market was limited to 570 rigs (260 in the Americas, 210 in Europe, 40 in China and 60 in Japan, with a limited serial number affixed to the back of the product as a token of Kenwood’s hope for many years of enjoyment. Note that limited serial numbers were assigned per model to the individual radios, starting with Number 1.
Also, as for the Americas and Japanese versions, the popular DRU-3A (digital recording unit) and VS-3 (sound synthesizing unit) were accompanying accessories, with the ARCP-2000 (radio control program) included; the three together making the product an attractive all-in-one package.
73 de Darren, 43DA010
Welcome to 43DA020 Geoff
November 21, 2008 by Darren
Joining the burgeoning ranks of 43 DA-RC is 43DA020 Geoff from Australia’s Far North Queensland. Formerly 43AT146, 43TR051 and 43LD120 respectively over a period of 30 years behind the microphone, OC-001’s Geoff is now with the Dx Adventure Radio Club and brings with him an abundance of 11m know-how and DX chasing accomplishments second to none in the Oceania region.
One of 43 Divisions leading Freeband DXers, Geoff gladly trades his microphone and the comfort of his immaculately kept Icom themed radio shack for the fibreglass feel of a fishing rod when spare time permits, chasing giant Barramundi and Mangrove Jack on lures and soft plastics in the State’s far northern waterways.
It’s this same strength of mind and a love of the thrill of the chase which Geoff applies to hunting ‘most wanted’ DX contacts – which explains his presence in the majority of the world’s premier DXpedition logs over the last decade!
On behalf of the World Headquarters Team and all DA-RC members, it’s a very warm welcome to 43DA020 Geoff. We look forward to enjoying the hobby with you and speaking on the air when propogation allows.
What is Ham Friendly?
November 19, 2008 by Darren
The term ham friendly is most commonly applied to DXpedition accommodation (hotels, resorts, holiday homes, chalets, bungalows, etc.) where radio communications, including the erection of an antenna array, is permitted. Furthermore, judgement that a dwelling is ham friendly communicates to others in the hobby – not just if lodgings are suitable for DX operations – but also if their operations are tolerable.
With this in mind, accommodation is legitimately described as ham friendly when the owner of that accommodation provides formal consent that radio operations may take place there. Before giving their blessing, most landlords will usually demand some sort of assurance that any interference will not occur. In the event that prior consent is not obtained, the DXpedition team run the risk of forfeiting any bond, being evicted from the premises, or even receiving a visit from the local law enforcement agency as penalty.
In cases where the owner might be apprehensive about allowing the establishment of an antenna array, the DXpedition operator or team might offer to pay a sum of money as security (ie. a bond) so that if damage does occur then the owner at least has a safeguard in place. In all likelihood, this will not eventuate but it does give the owner peace of mind and can often prove the clincher when seeking approval to operate a station from the premises. The bond then can be refunded if no damage is incurred.
Due to the growing emphasis on dx adventure, it is understandable then that ham friendly accommodation is a particularly valuable commodity, one that must be preserved at all costs. For this reason, many DXpedition teams staying at ham friendly accommodation often go to great lengths to ensure that that the building and grounds are protected so as to uphold the tag in the face of future operations by the same team or other visiting DX enthusiasts looking to find a suitable abode for conducting DX work.
These Ham Friendly Hams also take great safety measures and precautions when setting up radio equipment, antenna masts etc. (eg. guying the antenna where possible) to avoid damage to neighbouring structures during extreme WX and ensuring that transceivers and antennas do not interfere with other technology devices on the site, such as televisions and computers. Sound-proofing the room where radio transmissions is taking place is another precaution recommended to ensure the stay of other patrons is not sullied and that radio hobbyists are welcomed there in the future.
Common sense says that if a DXpedition team does violate that privilege and does not show respect for the accommodation, rules of the site and towards those who stay and work there, then radio operations will be frowned upon in the future.
If, on the other hand, radio operators are not only seen as open, respectful, friendly and courteous, but also leave the accommodation in the same (or better) state in which it was found, then permission to use that premises in forthcoming operations is much more likely to be granted.
History tells that some DXpedition operations have been terminated early following complaints from other guests, as well as the owners, about noise, unsightly arrays hindering ocean or mountain views and/or a fear of possible damage to the structure of the accommodation. Many of these events took place with little regard shown by participating team members for the immediate environment, lodgings and guests sharing the accommodation so of course they suffered the ultimate sacrifice in having their expensive trip cut short.
Some might term this sort of behaviour as ham UN-friendly!!!
73 de Darren 43DA010Welcome 43DA162 Brett
November 13, 2008 by Darren
DA-RC is delighted to herald the signing of 43DA162 Brett to the club. One of Oceania’s elite 11m DXers and a mainstay of Freeband DX in Australia, Brett farewells a five year association with Alfa Tango to concentrate his efforts with Team DA-RC and is super excited to be part of the line-up.
Starting out in the hobby back in February 1980, Brett brings with him more than 25 year’s experience and a reputation as arguably 43 Division’s number one DXer.
Whether it’s as front man for one of New South Wales’ most dynamic heavy rock bands, as a retired serviceman in the Australian Navy, or as a former life saver safeguarding the beaches of his home town, 43DA162 Brett lives and dies by the philosophy that one should “live life to the fullest”.
In his down time though, Brett enjoys spending time with his wife Marty and diminutive dog Nipper in his small country town in Northern NSW, as well as keeping physically fit, snorkelling in the nearby Pacific Ocean, enjoying picnics on the beach and watching his favourite sport rugby league on television.
A portable DX enthusiast, in addition to work behind the mic in his home radio shack where he has undertaken special event (SES) operations for his previous group, Brett has his sights set on some of the extraordinary lighthouses along OC-001’s east coast for some Lighthouse On The Air (LOTA) activity in the near future and joining with other members of the 43 division DA-RC Team for ‘most wanted’ dx adventure.
On behalf of the World Headquarters Team and all DA-RC Members, welcome to the Club 43DA162 Brett.
NEIM1031 Noise Eliminating In-Line Module
November 9, 2008 by Darren
If you’re looking to perk up the quality of your RX and don’t have the cash to throw at a new transceiver with the marvel of Digital Signal Processing (DSP), then this next wonder gadget may be for you. Clearly, the major benefit of using any DSP unit is that you don’t have to put up with the harsh noise that can often dominate 27 MHz and render 11m DXing useless. Enter the NEIM1031 which incorporates the latest DSP technology to remove unwanted background noise and interference from speech, and you’re entering into a DX-citing new world of RX!
A while ago for Delta-Alfa, I reviewed the NES10-2 Noise Eliminating Speaker and also the terrific Noise Cancelling Headphones by Heil, but this next DSP product, for my part, ranks on the same stage. The NEIM1031 is what’s called an ‘In-Line module’ and from all reports was developed by manufacturer bhi as a response to DXer feedback about the NES 10-2. Evidently, some radio shack operatives indicated that they would like an inline unit without a speaker, not as a surrogate, but as an alternative profile.
Besides the improvement to RX and being able to pull in weak signals, another sizeable attraction for me was that it can be fitted to an existing speaker. This allows the fashion conscious DXer to stick with some of the more stylish speaker systems on the market rather than trade them in for a smaller, less sophisticated looking type with DSP. The NEIM1301 module straight from the External Speaker socket, for example, worked effectively with my preferred Kenwood SP-23, which I would be hesitant to exchange on a full time basis as it compliments my TS2000 so well.
At just 170 x 85 x 34 mm, the NEIM1031 was very easy to set up with my existing speaker and begin operation. In fact, once power and audio leads were connected, including my Heil ‘Quiet’ headphones into the NEIM1031’s headphone socket, it was all systems go to start testing my new setup on some weak signals from other 43 Division states and territories.
As you would hope, noise cancellation can be switched ON and OFF on the unit which provides some flexibility in use. The input audio level can also be adjusted and a green LED indicates the input audio level is okay while a red LED illuminates if the level is too high. With an eye on the LED’s, you can also adjust the audio input control. Additionally, there is a control for audio output as well to set the volume for up to 2.5 Watts RMS into 8 Ohms. That is stacks for most users by the way, but external amplification can be added post-bhi if you are greedy, lol.
The extent of noise cancellation by the NEIM1031 is inhibited by a small rotary BCD switch. Here, minimum noise cancellation is at position ‘0′ while ‘7′ is the maximum. As you would expect, the level of noise cancellation is adjustable too while the unit is in use, nevertheless this is still a big attraction. Essentially, how much noise cancellation you use is dependent of the operator, type and level of signal and amount of noise present on the band.
When noise cancellation is set at ‘7′ almost all noise is removed although the audio takes on a rather robotic sound when set at this level. Normally you would use such high processing for the most severely noise effected signals only or to draw out that rare DXpedition station which hovers at the back of the box amidst a wall of Indonesian fishing boat TX.
It most cases I use a setting of 3-5, however this is entirely subjective and it is my thinking that every user will choose a level that suits them and their listening needs best. Needless to say that some would favour no noise and accept some audio degradation, while others will have best audio and accept some noise.
This small rectangular unit is powered from an external DC plug pack, which is not supplied, with the acceptable input voltage range from 12-24 volts. The audio in and out is connected either via a pair of RCA or 3.5mm jacks at one end of the case. On the NES10-2 which I dealt with a few months ago, a dual in-line switch was used to adjust the degree of noise elimination whereas a rotatory switch performs the same adjustment on the NEIM1031. It’s a trivial line of reasoning but a high profile knob would be better in my estimation.
One concern I had with the module was with the size of the rotary switch. The numbers are tiny and require a microscope to see (almost!), although there is no real need to see them when all you care about it is the quality of the audio. The NEIM1031 does come with optional extras which include a horizontal label and a mounting stand which firmly holds the unit during operation and I would recommend these also.
If you are interested in adding DSP to your communications then the distributor for bhi in 43 Division is Andrews Communications in Sydney. Occasionally, a product such as the NEIM1031, with its greatly improved signal to noise ratio, pops up on VK Ham but due to the quality of the product and their effect on shack operations don’t hold your breath on anyone offloading one until something better hits the market.
73 de Darren
Diamond DMAX40E Preamplifier
November 9, 2008 by Darren
Every time I visit 43DA124 John I never leave empty handed. Sometimes it’s import radio magazines, antennas, new QSL cards, even radios, but last time it was a little known DMAX40E. Manufactured by Diamond and distributed in Australia by both Andrews Communications and Strictly Ham, the DMAX40E is a wide band preamplifier receiving from 0.5 – 1500MHz. After three nights of experimenting in the shack, the following is what I think about this little unit…
Let me start by saying that this preamp is for RX only and cannot be used for amplifying TX signals or on the same feedline of a transmitting station, something John was terribly disappointed about when the package arrived on his doorstep and the WARNING message was spied. The well packed box came with the preamp itself, as well as a 13.8v power lead, cigarette lighter power lead, four feet (cushions), magic tape and of course instructions.
My initial test was placing it in line with my scanner, a Realistic Pro 2006, connected to a VHF UHF discone antenna at 10m. As the scanner does not have a signal meter, my comparison was with the quality/ readability/clarity/volume of modulation only but having a background in studio sound engineering has gifted me with a pretty good ear for audio characteristics.
Firstly, the Southport Coast Guard tower (VMR 440) is approximately 80 kilometres away from my location and gives weather reports every hour throughout the day. Usually, I have a scratchy copy on their transmissions although it is mostly understandable. With the Diamond DMAX40E Preamplifier in line, I turned the gain control and the sign became a very strong 100% copy. Straight away I was surprised at how well it worked!
Scanning through the frequencies on my RP2006, I started to copy stations that I had never heard before. The Gold Coast Airport, approaching aircraft, and the Coolangatta Fire and Ambulance Service just to name a few, started appearing through my external speakers and this came as quite a surprise. What I found was that the Diamond DMAX40E Preamplifier improved my listening radius by about 40 to 60 kilometres from my location in one of the southern suburbs of Brisbane.
In my opinion, the preamplifier would work well in a car, especially for people living on the outer reaches of the commercial radio stations or those living in rural or outback areas of Australia with limited coverage of commercial radio transmissions. Like with scanning, no doubt, connect one of these units up to your car radio or stereo and suddenly you will have more stations to choose from!
In conclusion, I was very impressed with this little unit and was glad to have loaned it from John. I have owned other preamplifiers over the years which claim much but deliver little however this Diamond DMAX40E unit works particularly well. For the money, it is an asset in the shack or car and will bring many more hours of listening variety for scanning, SWL or personal radio use.
73 de Darren, 43DA010
