MRHS NEWSLETTER No. 20
Dedicated to True Believers World Wide 
23 October 2012   
 

  


 MRHS Merchandise!

 

It's amazing what you learn from readers of the Newsletter.  First, we never realized that people would want to print and save their copies.  It just never occurred to us.  But when readers complained that the black background was sucking their ink cartridges dry we changed to the current white background.

 

Then we published a photo of Tina Shinn modeling a MRHS T shirt in Newsletter XX as part of the announcement that we'd be at Pacificon, the national amateur radio convention.  Man, did we hear from the guys who would not be attending but wanted a shirt!  "T shirts!  We want T shirts!   And coffee mugs too!"  Of course some of this must have been due to Tina, but still...  The demand for MRHS merchandise was definitely there.  Who knew?

  

Tina Shinn models one of two T shirt designs now available in our on line store (link below) 

 

We knew we ourselves could not handle the orders, do the shipping, etc.  We have our hands full keeping the station on the air.  So we set up an on-line store with all sorts of MRHS goodies, the kind True Believers like.  In fact the store is called MRHS True Believers.  Check out the....

 

MRHS True Believers On Line Store

 

 
There's more available here than might at first meet the eye.  For example we have T shirts of course.  But you can get the MRHS logo on 51 different styles of shirts!  Similarly, you can get the MRHS logo on 7 different styles of cups and mugs!
 
So look around, find what you like and made it yours.  You'll be able to proudly show the world that you're a True Believer and support the MRHS at the same time.


                                                  
    

MRHS Rocks Pacificon! 

 

As we reported in Newsletter No. 18 we attended Pacificon, the US national amateur radio convention in Santa Clara, CA.

 

Last year we keyed the KSM and K6KPH transmitters in Bolinas, CA using a control console containing the tone sets described in Bill Ruck's three part series.  This year Bill built an additional console so we had two independent operating positions, one for KSM and the other for K6KPH.  Receiving was done locally using Marconi Atalanta and RCA AR-88LF receivers for KSM and a HRO-5T for K6KPH, augmented by Paul Shin's R-390A and S-38A (purchased last year at Pacificon and restored).  We also had a National SW-3 "Thrill Box" in service.

 

MRHS setup at Pacificon 2012, L-R: Underwood mill, Marconi Atalanta with National SW-3 atop, KSM control panel with radio room clock atop, RCA AR-88LF, Boehme keying head, Kleinschmidt tape perforator.  On the next table, Paul Shinn attending, is the K6KPH position with the new control console, HRO-5T receiver and another Underwood mill.  Between the two tables is Paul Shinn's R-390A. 

 

The receiving antennas at Pacificon were a dipole for HF and a shielded loop for MF.  The signal from the dipole was sent to the HF receivers via a Reaction Industries multicoupler.  The loop antenna was connected directly to the RCA AR-88LF.

 

Paul Shinn and Bill Ruck comprised the "rooftop crew".  They installed the receiving antennas and brought the coaxial cable to the receiving positions.

 

With the separate KSM and K6KPH operating positions both stations were able to operate continuously.  The KSM "wheel" was generated by the Boehme keying head, reading the punched paper tape produced by the Kleinschmidt.  The 12Mc ship calling frequency was monitored with the Marconi Atalanta.  The RCA AR-88LF maintained a continuous watch on 500kc.

 

We had the great pleasure of working SS RED OAK VICTORY/KYVM on MF.  Our very own Steve Hawes, who restored the ship's radio console, was at the key both Saturday and Sunday.  Steve called on 500kc and we went "up" to 425/426kc to copy his traffic.  Aside from the thrill of working a ship on 500kc the contacts gave us a good reply to those who asked "does anyone use 500kc any more?"  Yep, you bet they do! 

 

 

Dave Wolfe, ex-WCC, manipulates the key at the K6KPH position.  Bill Ruck's newly made control console is to the left, HRO coil sets atop.  The HRO-5TA with speaker and 24 hour clock atop, is in front of Dave.  Paul Shinn's S-38A, purchased at Pacificon 2011 and restored, was used as a keying monitor,
  Lots of folks stopped by to chat, kibitz and take the key at KSM and K6KPH.  It was wonderful to meet everyone and it was especially gratifying to hear "thanks for what you're doing" from many True Believers.

Rick Wahl, ex-NMC, ex-KPH, sends a broadcast on KSM HF and MF. 

We had a great time at Pacificon.  But it was a lot of work to pull this off.  Those receivers seem to get heavier every year!  Okay, not the S-38A.  But the all-steel AR-88LF for sure!

We happily pay for vehicle rental, gas, etc., for events like this out of our own pockets.  But if you're a True Believer and can make a small donation to help defray these costs it would be most appreciated.  Just click on the yellow button. 

   


Make a Donation    
 
 

MRHS Hosts USCG Reunion

  

The proud tradition of Morse code operation in the US Coast Guard is kept alive by the members of the US Coast Guard CW Operators Association.  Their by word is ZUT, the Z signal they've adopted to mean "CW Forever", a sentiment with which we completely agree.

 

This year the MRHS receive site at Point Reyes was selected as the site of the reunion.  The on the air net was controlled through the facilities of K6KPH, signing the call K7ZUT for the occasion.

 

 

Fred Goodwin convenes the ZUT net from Position 6 as other members look on 
 

Like any meeting of professional radiomen the best part for us about having the USCG guys visit was the stories.  We got to hear a lot of tales about how it was to be on the ocean station ships, at the coast stations and also about time at commercial coast stations.  

 

The ZUT group assembled for the obligatory group photo on the steps of the receiving station at Point Reyes 

 

Would your group like to hold an event at the transmit or receive stations (or both)?  You'd be welcome.  Just drop us a line at info@radiomarine.org 

   

 

More Information on Historic Photo 

  

In Newsletter No. 16 Mr. Steve Pazar of the H set transmitter restoration team presented an excellent and detailed article on the RCA R-3 dual diversity receiver, the companion to the H set (T-3) transmitter.

 

Dick Flint, fourth from left, in the point-to-point receive room at Point Reyes 

  

In Newsletter 19 Mr. Dick Flint, ex-KPH operator and point-to-point provided further details regarding the R-3.  We used the photo above to illustrate Dick's information about the receiver.  Now he's written to tell us more of the photo itself:

  

That group picture was taken at RS.  Those are R3s behind us, on  the right is the corner of the operations console which I had installed most of & I think this was in celebration of it's successful completion. 

 
In the picture is a lot of history:

Left to Right:

Bill Thiele, Assistant Engineer In Charge.  He was a tremendous help to me when I first started as the maintenance man.  A transition from military radios to these beautiful things was mind boggling.

Eb Collier, RS [Point Reyes receive site - ed.] Technician.  One of the best in the frequency lab.  I really enjoyed getting on watch with him & get him going on his life before RCA.  He was 6 or 7 & living in SF in 1906.  Remembered it well & hearing of those experiences was priceless.  As an adult he moved to Inverness, his wife was a teacher.  He at one time was the driver of the bus that ran from Inverness to Pt. Reyes Station.  Being on watch with him is one of my fondest memories.

Walt Matthewa, Engineer in charge - started with RCA in the twenties personally knew them all from David Sarnoff on down.  He worked with DR. H.H. Beverage, who visited RS a few times while I was there.

Dick Flint, RS technician, maintenance man and KPH operator.

Betty Sutcliffe, Clerk

Fletcher Abadie, ex op at Marconi [the original trans-oceanic receive site in Marshall - ed.] then ended up an RS technician.  Any beautiful wiring you run into there was done by Fletch.  He was the best I ever saw.  Any sloppy wiring was probably mine!

Carleton Cherrigan, RS technician.  His father was at one time in charge of all Pacific & west coast operations.

Troy Everhart, our expert craftsman.  He could build anything using wood or metal.  He built the traffic rack for KPH, which is a good example of his craftsmanship. [that traffic rack is still in use - ed.] 
  

 73, RF 


Thanks OM for taking the time to provide that wonderful historic information.

 
  
 Operations Report

  

                                  

Operating Hours - Several OM's have written with signal reports saying they were surprised to hear us on Sundays and Wednesday evenings.  Here's the current operating schedule for both KSM and K6KPH (Pacific time):

Saturday - 1000 - 1600

Sunday - 1200 - 1600 (No KSM RTTY)

Wednesday - 1900 - 2300 (No KSM RTTY)

Mr. and Mrs. America and all the ships at sea... let's go to press with Mike Payne's operations report for KSM and K6KPH...
 

Late Entries Sept 29, Oct 13:

 

SEPT 29GMT

 

K6KPH POSN 6

1914 KH2BR/W6 (14) BOB CORONA

1919 N7EQ (14) DAVE SEATTLE

 

OCT 13GMT SATURDAY AT PACIFICON SANTA CLARA, CA

 

K6KPH

2245 (Time approx) (7) FM K6KPH TO N6BBF QTC 1 QSB NCN

 

End Late Entries

 

OCT 18GMT Wed Night OCT 17 LT (Note. K6KPH 3.550 xmtr off air)

 

KSM POSN 1

0300 TFC List sent

0330 High Seas Wx sent

0500 WDC5383 (8) QTC 1 FM KSM TO WDC5383

 

K6KPH POSN 1

0220 W0KU (14) DENVER, SCOTT

0240 K5LY (14) NEW HOPE TX, LEE

0243 AG4HR (14) QTH NC, RAJ

0245 W8PO (14) QSB TO NIL

0252 W1PID (14) NO QTH, JIM

0323 W1ZIY (14) MILFORD, MA OP RON 75W WITH DIPOLE IN ATTIC

0341 WG3J (14) SALISBURY, MD OP ERIC

0401 N5XE (3.5) QTH OK, CARL 30W

0413 V85SS (21) QTH BRUNEI OP JOG (UNSURE OF C/S,QTH,OP)

0423 JA2DNA (21) NAGOYA, JA OP YOSHI WX 13C RAIN

0436 KD0QPF (7) DURANGO, KEVIN

0444 W7ASA (7) REEDVILLE, VA OP RAY

0553 K7ZQ (14) SEATTLE OP WALT

 

 

 

K6KPH POSN 4

0147 WL7WLT (14) ANCHORAGE OP BOB

0203 K0UBF (21) MINNAPIOLIS, MN OP TOM

0232 W7WHO (7) CROOKED RIVER RANCH, OR OP DENNIS

0312 VE7IW (7) SALMON TRM OP JIM

0336 W7YCW (7) MOSES LAKE WA OP ROSS

0358 KE6SLS (7) EUREKA, CA OP JAYE

0408 RA3ID/3 (14) YAROSLAVL/YR OP VAL

0424 ZL3XDJ (14) WAIKOUAITI OP BRIAN QRP 5W

 

OCT 18 contd, Thursday Day

 

COAST GUARD ZUT NET CONTROL POSN 6

1721 KL7IBT (14)

1815 W8BHJ (14) CLEVELAND 339 RALPH

1900 W8BHJ (14) RALPH

1905 K5WNU (14) QTH MS OP JACK

1907 KL7IBT (14) QTH WA OP JIM

1905 AG4HR (14) QTH NC OP RAJAH

1909 K4NMR (14) QTH TAMPA OP TOM

1911 KF4VWZ (14) QTH VA OP HENRY

1913 KR4X (14) LARRY

1915 K4NMA (14) QTH FL OP DAVE

 

K6KPH POSN1

2150 WA5CAV (21) PINEVILLE, LA OP DICK

2205 K5WNU (14) FORMER WNU OPERATOR - JUST TO SAY 73S

2235 K0JVX (14) OLATHE, KS OP JOHN

2258 W7FFF (14) NO QTH OR NAME

 

OCT 20GMT SATURDAY

 

KSM POSN 6

1910 KKUI (16)

 

KSM POSN 1

2100 TFC List sent

2130 High Seas Wx sent

 

K6KPH POSN 1

2015 AB3AP (14) QTH PA OP MIKE

2033 K9NBW (21) HUNTLY ILL OP BARRY

2120 G0KKL (14) QSA 1/0 HVY QRN QSB UNSURE OF C/S NO QTH/OP

2127 K6ETM (14) SWL RPT KSM 12MCS QSA 3 POOR BAND CONDX

                                 QTH VA OP GEORGE

 

 

 

2145 JR8SGE (21) WAKKANAI OP KEN TEMP 5C (UNSURE IF 5C IS CORRECT)

2148 JJ1RZG (21) TOKYO OP SHUN

2219 W8IM (21) LEESBURG FL OP DEAN QTC 2 SWL RPTS KSM OCT 13 ES 20

2240 JA1GZV (21) TOKYO OP MOTO WX 22C 150W ZEPP UP 20M

                                   ALSO WORKED KPH 30 YEARS AGO

2253 K8MP/M (21) OHIO BTWN COLUMBUS ES CINCINNATI OP JOE

                                   100W INTO HUSTLER GAS 3.48GAL

2303 W0UEO (21) QTH MN OP MERT COOL ABT 50F

2325 JR6HQ (21) KUMANOTO, JA OP TERY

2338 7M1NEC (21) YOTSUKAMA/JCC OP MASA NEAR CHEBA WX DRY COOL

                                    15C DIGAPETER

2353 AE7CG (14) PRESCOTT, AZ OP LOREN QSB TO NIL

 

K6KPH POSN 6

2133 K6DGW (7) QTC KSM SWL REPORT

 

OCT 21GMT SUNDAY

 

KSM POSN 1

2100 TFC List sent

2130 High Seas Wx sent

 

Op Note. KSM 4mhz Tone-Set 901. Signal on upper edge of tolerance - working in

               conjunction with BL made correcting adjustment using Fluke 77 DMM from RS

 

K6KPH POSN 1

1911 K6WMR (7) QTC 1 QSP VIA K6KPH

1919 QTC 1 TO K6WMR (7)

1935 AF6AB (14) RICHMOND, CA OP BUD

2133 K6ETM (14) QTH VA OP GEORGE BAND CONDX VRY POOR NO SIG RPT KSM

2155 CA2JXO (21) QTH OVALLE, CHILE OP RIVAS

2210 K2TT (21) QTH NY OP BILL QSB TO NIL

2219 W0XI (21) LAWRENCE, KS OP PHIL QRP 5W

2233 K0DTJ (14) HALF MOON BAY, CA OP BRIAN

2237 VE7TL (14) PORT MOODY, BC OP PAUL QRP 3W WITH VERTICAL

                                 LYING ON GND

2318 W7POE (14) SEATTLE OP GEORGE

2333 N0QXW (14) QRX NO QTH/OP

2345 JA1EOG (21) YOKOHAMA OP MIDORIKAWA

 

 

E-MAIL KSM SWL RPTS

 

Oct 18 5:12 am: K06OBB MERCED, CA OP PHIL ES WB6DCE SEASIDE, CA

OP MARC KSM S4 TO S5 426KHZ

 

Oct 20 5:26pm: K5HGX OP JOHN QTH NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS. (QSA/QRK)

4350.5 - NIL

6474.0 - NIL

8438.3 - 2/5

12993.0 - 5/5

16914.0 - 5/5

22445.8 - 5/5

 

Oct 21 12:53 pm : K6MEF OP MARSHALL QTH La CRESCENTA CA

2335Z

4.3505 Q5/S6

6.4740 Q5/S6

8.4383 Q5/S9+10dB

12.993 Q4/S2

16.914 Q4/S1

22.4458 Weak

 

Oct 21 3:45 pm: K5HGX QTH NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS (QSA/QRK)

4350.0 - NIL

6474.0 - NIL

8438.3 - NIL

12993.0 - 5/5

16914.0 - 5/5

22445.8 - 5/5

 

 

Thursday, Oct 18: Coast Guard ZUT Net Control, visitors 15.

Saturday, Oct 20: Visitors 3.

Sunday, Oct 21: Visitors 1. Former Ham (CW 20wpm) who had given it up for bird

                                          watching, but was interested in seeing RS.

 

  
VY 73, 

MRHS Operating Department 
 

Until next week we wish you fair winds and following seas.


VY 73,
MRHS



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