Heil Sound ‘The Fin’
April 25, 2009 by Darren
I’ve reviewed a number of Heil Sound products in the past such as the Quiet Phones and the Heritage mic, with all products getting the unequivocal tick of approval! This next Heil product titled The Fin is no different and is sure to capture your imagination, just as it did mine when I was first introduced to it by a mate of mine (Sam the Ham) who likes to incorporate a little bit of ‘funk’ into his shack by way of some pretty groovy radio gear.
The Fin is a high quality, live sound, commercial broadcast desk microphone suited for the professional Freeband or Ham shack suite and draws on the technological developments designed into the PR20 dynamic microphone used by many eleven metre band enthusiasts.
Like the Heil PR20, The Fin uses a proprietary magnate structure with a large 1 1/8″ aluminum low mass voice coil assembly. With a frequency response of 60 to 18 kHz, output level at -55 dB @1000 Hz and its concise cardioid pickup pattern, The Fin is perfect for a wide variety of applications, including studio audio functions which appear to be the new ‘in-thing’ in Freeband communications.
Intriguingly, the Fin is outfitted with four blue L.E.D lamps mounted inside the art deco show chrome body of the microphone that can be activated from the phantom power supply of a mixer. We used the Xenyx 802 by Behringer which forms part of Sam’s audio rack. According to him, L.E.D lamps give the mic a ‘Star Wars’ type quality during periods of shack darkness more likely seen in an Empire Space Station than in the precinct of a Freeband radio buff!
A blue moulded internal foam windscreen inside the grill enhances the looks and combines with a specially tooled Sorbothane shock mount, which combines shock absorption, vibration isolation and vibration damping characteristics to protect the mic element. If the Sci-fi type L.E.D. lamps don’t appeal, a switch on the underside of the mic turns the lamps off (or on!).
Sam and I tested The Fin by transmitting into a dummy load and listening through the same TX bandwidth in a nearby receiver with my Sennheiser HD280 Headphones. To achieve maximum audio quality, we adjusted the DSP settings of Sam’s Yaesu FT 1000 transmitter to the following…
- Menu #4-4 (TREDSP) 3
- Menu #5-9 (TFIL) 6.0
- Menu #7-7 (SSBT) 100-3100
- Menu #8-9 (TLSB) -200
- (PROCLSB) .08 + .06
- (TUSB) -200
- (PROCUSB) .08 – .06
- 4 dB processing
Overall, we found the pattern control of the microphone to be outstanding. This reduced the proximity effect and delivered unbelievable rear rejection which removed unwanted sounds seeking entry via the off axis rear. Speech articulation was excellent also. According to the spec sheet, this exceptional performance is achieved by using the ideal combination of materials for the large low mass diaphragm and a special mixture of neodymium, iron, and boron that gives The Fin the strongest magnet structure available.
Special attention appears to have been paid to the phasing plug assembly also with equally placed ports that sense audio from behind, entering them out of phase.
Additionally, the standard microphone stand threads allow The Fin to be mounted on booms or floor stands. Note: Heil also sells a pretty impressive mic boom. An aluminum case and polishing cloth was also supplied with the mic which retailed at $196 US + postage.
In conclusion, we found Heil’s new Fin microphone to be first class. Not only is it consistent in performance quality with the company’s other studio mics and extremely well made, but it also adds a unique, visual element to the hobby.
More information on this product and others is available on the Heil site itself at http://www.heilsound.com/amateur/.
73 de Darren 43DA010Midland Alan 121
April 25, 2009 by Darren
“Beep, Beep, Beep!” That was the first sound I heard when the new Midland Alan 121 landed on the table of my radio shack. I’d just collected it from my friend Marcus at Neuner and returned home – dying to see if this new transceiver was going to be something the masses would desire – or perhaps share as many flaws as the recently reviewed Kenji rig.
This was already a Mark II version of the Midland Alan 121 rig as the first ones released here had a long pause between the microphone key in and the meter moving to signify transmit. This was changed and so 19.4.2007 (last year) was the day the new ones hit the shelves of the shops.
In the Box
Of course, all the normal things are there… A multi-language manual that shows where and when the bands can be used; there is a mounting bracket, a hand held mic with up/down on the top and the usual bracket, a fitted power lead, and a small guide on how and where to fit the radio.
The radio in itself is not hard to use, just a simple volume and squelch knob and on the lower right hand side there is a push button up/down with AM/FM, as well as a last channel recall (LCR) button. That’s it!
On the back of the Midland Alan 121 is the socket for the antenna and external S-meter. The enclosed S-meter is digital and goes along the top from left to right on the display and it seems sometimes to be a little on the lazy side. What always interests me is where the frequency coverage is showed and this one shows 25-30 MHz on a radio that has 80 channels in fact. Nice touch, that!
Ease of use
Like some of the other radios that are around at the moment, the Midland Alan 121 is a simple, no frills radio. It has nothing extra that can clutter the smallness of the radio but still allows the user some no frills action on the air. As a multi-EU norm radio it covers all the usual suspects of bands: D, D2, D3, I, I2, PL with the UK/CEPT also selectable. Selection is made when you turn on the radio with the up/down pressed. When this stops flashing, you select the band you like and either wait around 4 seconds or key the PTT and the band is selected and ready to use.
Along with these bands, there are the usual ‘hidden’ features that include PX, RU, SW and AU that allow the radio to make some other legal standards in the 30 MHz band and other places.
A couple of other interesting things to note with the Midland Alan 121… There is a way to internally select frequency instead of a channel display. So, instead of 19 you see 27.78125 on the display. For some of the export features then, this is a useful feature. But, unless you want to open the radio and lose the warranty immediately, then this is not for you.
Like the President Walker transceiver, someone in a suit and tie that does not use the radio decided to design them and sell them fitted with an annoying bleep that sounds with each feature that you select. It’s loud, shrills and is not at all something that you would like to have when you are sat at home in the evening while DX’ing.
I really don’t see why manufacturers do this and then tell you “this is a great feature!” Surely, a great feature is when it is selectable, or indeed when there is something more useful instead. In my opinion, this is not a feature – it is a drawback. On this note, a good radio can so quickly become average when something that sounds like a 1980’s Space Invader sound is part of it.
On the Air
On the air the Midland Alan 121 is good. The modulation is superb, loud, sharp, and strong. This is what you need when either driving along or are sat at home and on the air. There is a small delay when TX is pressed, although this is a lot less than the earlier versions when it was over 1 second at the minimum.
The Receive is sharp also. The speaker generates a loud amount of voice so it can be heard over the noises that generate from computers and the like these days. I used it for monitoring gateways on the channels and it performed wonderfully well. Sharing the same mic wiring as the President Emperor range of 6 pin, this also makes it nice and easy to change over a mic…should the need arise.
I tested on mine the Maas 2020 Turbo Echo microphone. This worked really well, but you need to turn the volume of the mic almost to minimum, otherwise it distorts the sound and will shake the ears of the people who are receiving you on the air. Having said that, there isn’t any need for different mics or other items to add, as this radio really delivers a strong audio on both FM and AM modes. (Please note that I am in a country where AM is allowed to be used).
Luckily, there were some strong sporadic conditions recently, so thanks, amongst others, to Mick ‘Greenfingers’, Kurt ‘Grease Monkey’, ‘Tiny Tim’ in Essex and Andrea in Bath for the help and the reports given.
Conclusion
The Midland Alan 121 is a radio that has a whole new lease of life. Its looks are not new or revolutionary; it is something like the DNT Formula 1, but on the inside there is a whole new board, software, and mounted components, and all are rOHs compliant. There is an excellent way to make new frequencies available and different colour back lights also.
Really, this is a radio that leaves other rigs like the Kenji and Intek M110 Plus sitting in the shadows because, inside, there is a big heart beating. Where the others were let down by build and design issues this Midland Alan 121 was not a Maxon manufactured radio, and made in China – not Thailand – and you know, it shows!
The Kenji rig had poor ends to the internal board, traces of solder here and there, and looked like it was soldered with an iron 30 cm wide. In contrast, the 121 is smart, clean and polished. As a normal user you do not look around inside – that is a reality – but for the review all angles are covered.
Hit or Miss
The radio build quality is excellent, ease of use and performance are excellent too with no complaints at all. Indeed, the radio will fit into the smallest of places or sit in the glove box of a car maybe. It has some nice options although some of these will not be all explored, and sure this radio has had something many recent radios have not had – and this is care in the making. The let down is the loud bleep on all the button presses so maybe ear plugs should be purchased at the same time.
by 13DA007 Simon
Welcome to 26DA019 Nigel
April 15, 2009 by Darren
The United Kingdom is home to DA-RC’s newest member who is 26DA019 Nigel. One of continental Europe’s finest and most popular DXers, Nigel is a previous long serving member of the Alfa Tango and Sugar Delta DX Groups as 26AT023 and 26SD219 respectively and a highly regarded Freeband operator in the general DX Community with over 32 years experience in the hobby.
26DA019 Nigel’s QTH Ashfield is an urban coal mining district in Nottinghamshire, an English county in the East Midlands, bordering South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire; made famous for its citation in the fictitious tale Robin Hood.
In addition to his splendid achievements as a DX Chaser where he has worked very nearly 150 DXCC entities and more than 200 IOTA, 26DA019 Nigel is also qualified with the SES and regional activities concepts.
History shows he has performed a Special Event Station for AT as 26AT/30Y, as well as a regional activation of his home county Nottinghamshire as 26AT/NOT. On this note, Nigel is very keen to undertake some IOTA adventure for DA-RC in the future and has also proposed a number of interesting SES events for the 11m DX Calendar.
Indeed a force to be reckoned with in DA-RC’s broad range of competitive events (See http://www.delta-alfa.com/da-rc-projects-2/ ) , 26DA019 Nigel’s achievements in the area of Freeband contesting also are numerous. As Alfa Tango, for instance, Nigel finished 2nd in the AT English Contest in 2004 and 2008. He also finished 1st in 26 Division in the 2007 European Contest!
Outside of the radio communications hobby, Nigel is committed to charity and community work and raising the profile of illnesses such as Leukaemia to the wider community. In fact, he is even participating in the Clumber Park Bike-a-thon on May 10 to raise money for the disease, setting up his own fundraising page at http://www.justgiving.com/nigelhanson1 especially for sponsors.
Apart from spending time with his family, one of Nigel’s other passions is football, in which he supports Nottingham Forest (or the Reds as they are affectionately known). Nottingham Forest F.C. is an English professional soccer club based at the City Ground in West Bridgford, a suburb of Nottingham and Nigel is quick to defend their presence in the second tier of English league football, from all reports, whenever he gets the chance.
It is this same passion and determined allegiance Nigel brings to his new club; traits which make him a valuable asset to the Club progressing forwards into Cycle 24.
Welcome to the Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC), Nigel. It’s awesome having you as part of the EU team and we look forward to many years of enjoyment with you as a member of DA-RC.
Welcome to 14DA061 John
April 13, 2009 by Darren
Alencon in the French department of Orne is home to the Dx Adventure Radio Club’s latest member addition…14DA061 John.
Previously connected with the Lima Radio DX Group as 14LR061, John is a practised DXer with almost 20 years experience in the hobby. A keen contester who is excited by DA-RC’s broad range of competitive events, 14DA016 John also prefers the social aspect of the Freeband hobby, focusing on building close relationships with existing radio friends in our community and of course developing new ones.
“Apart from making new friendships with my new Delta-Alfa callsign,” explains 14DA061 John, “my goal is to help develop eleven metre radio activities and make Freeband DXers recognised just like hams-not as pirates!”
To achieve these goals, John has established an impressive station which consists of an FT-990 by Yaesu, a B1 Studio Microphone by Behringer, a MIC-80 microphone preamplifier also by Behringer and a 2 element cubical quad antenna.
In addition to an interest in studio audio products for his rack, another of John’s sub-interests in radio communications is antenna construction. In fact, John has built many successful directional and dipole antennas for use at his home QTH or in the field in the past.
When he’s not conversing with friends in the comfort of his home shack or constructing horizontal antennas for experimentation, John gets pleasure from reading literature and walking. He also enjoys taking to the beautiful French ski slopes to do some skiing when time permits.
On behalf of everyone, welcome to the Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC), John. I’m sure you’ll forge many long lasting friendships within and be able to offer some astute advice on the DA-RC mailing list to any wannabe antenna builders.
Yaesu FT-9000 Product Review
April 11, 2009 by Darren
A few years ago saw the release of some amazing new gear for Ham and Freeband radio operators but none was more appealing than the breathtaking Yaesu FT-90000 transceiver in 2005 which retails at a whopping $15,000 AUS. Described by those lucky bastards who’ve already added the rig to their shack as the “ultimate” in radio comms, I was fortunate enough to have a play with one for a few hours thanks to a good mate of mine who reps for Yaesu here in 43 Division.
To put it simply, my first impression of the radio was “Oh my God – it’s bloody HUGE!” In fact, the FT9000 is sooo big it could have its very own zip code. Plug it in and turn it on, and the display reminded me more of a space shuttle control panel than of any radio I’ve previously seen. No that I’ve ever seen one lol…
According to my ruler, the width of the FT-9000 is exactly 20.4 inches which is more than 4 inches wider and deeper than the earlier FT-1000 model and allows the controls to be spaced far enough apart to allow each to be operated easily (Unlike my Kenwood TS-2000, incidentally, which is pretty finicky with tiny knobs!!!).
After a few tries, I counted 37 rotary controls and 96 push buttons on the front panel. What’s cool about this is that many controls serve a single function with menu functions and “soft buttons” mostly reserved for the TFT display. I found all the controls to be of user friendly size – no tweezers required.
Like my TS-2000 with its 55 different push buttons and 8 rotary controls, these controls provide lots of flexibility and features for the different operational modes, allowing the DX’er to customise the receive and transmit parameters through variable IF-based DSP to suit a given set of requirements.
On the word of my mate who hasn’t stopped raving about the rig since he first laid eyes on one, a primary focus of the FTDX9000 design team was on receiver performance which is perhaps the most critical feature for serious DXers. In short, this means that an operator will want to be able to receive a weak signal without interference from one or more strong stations very close in frequency to the desired station.
Transmitter Highlights
- 400-Watt (External Power Supply)
- 200-Watt (Internal Power Supply) versions available
- Class-A operation at 100-Watts (400-W version), 75-Watts (200-W version) output with Adjustable
- Bias Control
- IF DSP Speech processing and Microphone Equalization
- Low-Level Transverter Output Port
- Monitor for Voice, Data, and CW modes
Receiver Highlights
- Selectable Roofing filters (15/6/3 kHz) for excellent performance
- Typical IP3 in excess of +40 dBm, and best close-in Dynamic Range on the market
- 32-Bit IF DSP with Adjustable Filter Response Contours, Variable
- Bandwidth, Variable Passband Centre, Noise Reduction, and IF Manual NOTCH + AF Auto NOTCH Filters
- Dual Receive with Identical Receivers for Main and Sub
- IF Noise Blanker
- Variable RF Filter on all bands
- Adjustable Audio Limiter in addition to RF/IF AGC
- Fast-acting Spectrum Display with Variable Frequency Range Feature
Highlights
- HF + 50 MHz Frequency Coverage
- Four TX/RX Antenna Jacks plus Two RX-Only Jacks
- Flash Memory Port
- PS/2 Keyboard Connector for Logging
- Data Port for Interconnection to your PC
- “My Band” Quick Band Switching feature (eliminates unused bands)
- Direct Frequency Entry and One-touch Band Change
- Huge Multi-Function TFT Display
- Analogue Meters for Ultimate Precision in Measurements
- Rotator Interface Jack for Direction Indication on TFT Display
- Direct Input/Output Sound Card Connections.
In addition to the World Clock feature on the TFT monitor, one of the most intriguing features for me (although a little bit mind blowing, lol) was the 160 Menu options. As the pic shows, the large comfortable tuning knob that dominates the middle of the panel does exactly what you would expect – turn it to the right and the frequency goes up, left and the frequency goes down – and it probably has the best “feel” of any I’ve ever twirled. Like the TS2000 menu options, I gather understanding how to use these different functions would require some practice and lots of time to get your head around them!
If you’ve got the cash and can justify to the XYL why you MUST have a toy that costs sooo much money, I would highly recommend this particular rig for the radio shack bench top. Most of the reviews I have read about this radio have been glowing which is really what you would expect from a modern day “release” and a product of this price! I just wish I had time for a bit more of a play…
73 de Darren 43DA010V10-06088 Barjan NC100 ‘Noise Chopper’
April 10, 2009 by Darren
Since high voltage power lines went up near my home QTH in Brisbane a while ago, I’d been searching for something to help lessen the noise emanating through the speaker of my back up radio. Having owned numerous noise limiting gadgets in the past (bhi headphones, DSP speakers etc.) but sold them in order to pay for ‘newer’ gadgets, I wanted something fresh and untried; something well priced yet respected in the Citizens Band or Ham worlds.
After a few Google searches, I stumbled across mention of a handy little product named a ‘Noise Chopper’ and, after having a long chuckle about the name, decided to order one across from Copper Electronics in the States at just under $50 AUS and give it a whirl.
After about 10 days delay, a V10-06088 Barjan NC100 Noise Chopper arrived on my doorstep, well packaged by International standards and ready to greet the outstretched hands of my back up or hobby rig, a Uniden Washington base cb radio in mint condition.
Immediately, I went about familiarising myself with the manual and after a few minutes installed the lustrous black unit in-line between the Washington and my 6 element duel driven TE-6 yagi. Also known as the ‘Noise Clipper’, the product has 3 levels of setting… The first is OFF for normal operations, the second is ‘MIN’ which eliminated minor interference from my flat screen computer and the third ‘MAX’ took the edge off interference from the high voltage powerlines I mentioned earlier. This was consistent with what the product advertising claimed to do which was to reduce noise received at the input of the radio and remove source noises which are radiated through the antenna.
In conclusion, I’ve been using the product for just over two weeks and can happily say that the V10-06088 Barjan NC100 ‘Noise Chopper’ allows me to get more signal without noise. Although it didn’t eliminate all interference from the power lines as I suspected it wouldn’t, nor did it perform as well as any of the bhi noise cancelling products available to me in the shack, it did reduce the noise from an S-7 to an S-4 and that could mean a world of difference when it comes to dusting off the cobwebs and working on the citizens band frequencies when the band hits up later in the year. I can also see no reason why it wouldn’t be effective used with an older ham transceiver with missing the modern DSP functions.
PRODUCT FEATURES
- MIN / MAX / OFF Switch
- Connects In-Line
SPECIFICATIONS
- Frequency Range: 1.5-30 MHz
- Connectors: SO-239 UHF Female
- Maximum Power Input: 50 Watts
- 0-30 dB Attenuation
- Impedance: 50 ohms
The Difference Between a ‘0′ and a ‘DX’
April 5, 2009 by Darren
On the topic of working or undertaking rare, most wanted or new DXCC DXpedition activities on eleven metre frequencies, the question is sometimes put, “What is the difference between a ‘0′ suffix and a ‘DX’ suffix?” What’s more, “Why do some DXCC activation callsigns end with a ‘0′ (eg. 146DA/0 or 344DA/0) while other callsigns (eg. 87DA/DX or 67DA/DX) conclude with the letters ‘DX’?”
As I understand it, the Alfa Tango group initiated this simple but effective system of identifying the past operating history of a DXCC entity many years ago. Essentially, this same system has also been embraced by every known radio group, including our very own Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) but with some slight enhancements…
The ‘0′ Suffix – What it means
According to the definition advocated by Alfa Tango, a ‘0′ callsign represents a first ever activation of a DXCC on 11m by a radio group without any member of that group living in that DXCC neither…
- At the release of authorisation for that activity by the group’s HQ; or
- In the DXCC’s past history.
Positively the most prestigious stations and callsigns to work, the ‘0′ suffix can be awarded only once, unless 200 contacts are not achieved. In this case it can be used again, and again if necessary, until such time that 200 contacts are realised!
The Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) is committed to delivering ‘0′ activities each calendar year but will only do so when a ‘0′ activity has never been conducted from that DXCC, regardless of the DX group involved. For non-rare DXCC we use traditional portable callsigns (See below), such as 320/224DA011 and 99/320DA011.
The ‘DX’ Suffix – what it means
A ‘DX’ suffix refers to an activation of an already activated DXCC without any resident member when releasing the authorisation. The ‘DX’ suffix can be used not more than three times. If, after the ‘0′ activation, other suffixes are used (IOTA or portable), they will have the same value as a ‘DX’ suffix.
The Portable Prefix – What it means
The term ‘portable’ is commonly applied to mobile operations or when a radio operator goes portable in the field.
For the purpose of this article, ‘Portable’ also refers to a Freeband operator visiting a DXCC which has less than 10 members of his radio club and operating a radio transceiver. In this case, the operator’s standard home callsign (his DXCC reference, dx group initials and unit number) follows the prefix of the visited DXCC entity.
For example, if 3DA012 Roger visited Argentina (4 Division) and was working on the radio, he would be classified as a portable dx station. His callsign, therefore, would be 4 / 3DA012 where the / is substituted verbally for the word ‘stroke’. Again, if 41DA105 Brian was holidaying in Australia with a radio in tow, his portable callsign would be 43 / 41DA105.
As is the case with some other DX groups, the request of authorisation from DA-RC Headquarters to operate as a portable station is necessary.
Additionally, portable stations must comply with the criteria outlined in DA-RC’s DXpedition Operations Protocol. (See http://www.delta-alfa.com/about/da-rc-protocol/ ). This includes filling out a DXpedition information form and submitting it to DA-RC HQ for perusal prior to the activity taking place so that the activity can be supported effectively, providing proofs to the DA-RC HQ Team via the respective Continental QSL Manager within three months after the conclusion of the activity, as well as guaranteeing actions to offset the DX activity’s carbon emissions and so reduce the DXpedition and Club’s carbon footprint.
[The Dx Adventure Radio Club is currently in the process of establishing a special team of experienced DXpeditioners from all continents to plan and deliver activities from DXCC that have never been active before on 11m.
If you would like more information on this initiative, including how you can participate and/or support it, please contact the HQ Team via the Contact form at http://www.delta-alfa.com/about/contact/ ]
Welcome 3DA012 Roger
April 5, 2009 by Darren
The Federative Republic of Brazil is home to DA-RC’s newest member who is 3DA012 Roger. Formerly 3ZK012 and a long serving affiliate of the famous French dx group Zoulou Kilo, Roger is one of South America’s leading Freeband DXers, someone whose professionalism and commitment to achieving success in the hobby is incomparable to most.
Roger’s QTH in the world’s fifth largest and fifth most populated country is the stunning tropical city of Maceió (Mah-say-oh), located between Mundaú Lake and the Atlantic Ocean, in the coastal state Alagoas. This favourable DXstination with tremendous yagi takeoffs to the Pacific area has enabled Roger to work a number of Delta-Alfa IOTA stations in recent times such as 224DA111 Donnie on Marakei Atoll and 320DA011 Karl on Banaba Island.
While half of Brazil’s territory is covered by the basin of the Amazon River and its tributaries, a region that is one of the world’s largest rainforest ecologies, 3DA012 Roger’s QTH in contrast, has a great coastal ambiance and stands out for its beauty-embedded in palm trees, mangroves and the bright green sea.
In addition to being a passionate radio communications hobbyist and enthusiastic about developing DA-RC’s presence in South America with some exciting activations, 3DA012 Roger has a strong interest in recreational fishing, and heads out to Maceio’s paradisiacal white surf beaches such as Barra de Sao Miguel, Jacarecica and Garça Torta chasing fresh fish, shrimp and lobster whenever time permits.
As well as fishing the calm and crystal blue waters off Maceió, Roger also has an enthralment with remote and radio controlled cars, spending many hours when the 11m band propagation is quiet, driving his model cars via a radio control system.
A devoted Yaesu man, Roger has a terrific hobby related personal website (See http://www.delta-alfa.com/qsl-gallery/member-websites/ ) exhibiting pictures of his impressive station, as well as information about himself and his radio friends.
“I am very proud to use the Delta-Alfa callsign,” says DA-RC’s latest SA member. “You have built up the structure to make DA-RC a reference of seriousness and professionalism on the 11m band in such a short time so to be part of these adventures should be great!”
On behalf of the Dx Adventure Radio Club, welcome to the team, Roger. It’s terrific having you on board!
Protecting Your QSL Cards
April 2, 2009 by Darren
Is it just me or have other members noticed that when the WX is particularly hot and the air especially humid that QSL confirmation cards tend to change their texture and wilt? By wilt I mean the cards lose their firmness and the corners tend to curl up and buckle. As one of the Dx Adventure Radio Club’s Continental QSL Managers, someone entrusted with boxes and boxes of blank QSL cards, this matter weighed me down somewhat.
Instead of sitting on my hands and stewing over the perception that my QSL cards had a mysterious life of their own though, I did some research on various science related websites, hoping to solve the conundrum and thus save myself from having to dispose of and/or replace a large number of cards.
What I discovered was that paper products such as QSL cards, log sheets, even printer paper, are very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. In fact, high humidity, where there is more moisture than usual in the air, may cause a flat sheet of paper or card to curl or buckle. Furthermore, it may also give the impression that it is damp and sticky, thus explaining the apparent texture change.
Low humidity, on the other hand, may result in moisture escaping from the paper into the air, causing static electricity between cards also.
Judging from what I read and understood, the best way to protect our precious QSL cards (and other paper products normally kept in the shack) from temperature and humidity changes is to store them in a temperature and humidity controlled environment. This means stocking cards in the air conditioned part of the home rather than a garage or dark, poorly ventilated room.
Opening just one box of cards at a time, therefore limiting your cards’ exposure to the elements of WX, is also recommended.
So there you have it. One of the great mysteries of the hobby solved!
