> Headlines

     o Maintenance Reports

     o First Radiotelegraph Operator License Issued by FCC
    
     o Long Delayed QSL - The Rest of The Story

     o The Geisel Chronicles, Part II

     o Archivist's Corner

     o Operations Report - Livermore Radio Klub Visit
 

  

> Maintenance Reports

 

by Bill Ruck

MRHS Maintenance Department 

  

11 May

 

4-Wire Maintenance

 

Followers of our restoration efforts will remember our report in Newsletter No. 11 on how we restored one run of 4-wire transmission line at RS [the receive site - Ed.] that was then put into service connecting the North V-Beam to receivers. When we started working on this project we realized that nobody alive knows how to work on the 4-wire system. The efforts of the La Honda amateur group, SC4ARC, led to a knowledge base that does not exist anywhere else in the world, and that is the reason why they're now called "The 4-Wire Team." In particular, Peter Chupity is now the "4-Wire Master".

Peter supervises a 4-wire splice

We borrowed a couple of the team on Saturday to pick up new shelving from park headquarters for our storage room but the rest went out to the field. There we found that three of the four wires had been broken. Investigation led us to conclude that someone drove a truck with a high ladder rack or something like that through the line and snagged and broke the wires. Peter and the rest of the crew went to work to splice the wires back together.

They then found that the wires were breaking too easily. One area that they observed is that each wire is supported with a porcelain insulator but is free to move back and forth. The 4-wire line is under tension with a weight and is free to move as the wire expands and contracts due to temperature. Since this wire has been in the field since the late 20's this constant movement has worn away some of the wire at the insulators, weakening it. Another discovery is that there are small sections of wire that have become brittle. A slight bend back and forth and the wire snaps off. Although we have not sent the wire for metallurgical analysis, we believe that there may have been some interaction between salt air (salt has chlorine in it) and the copper. Those areas can be felt with your hands as a small bump that on closer inspection is slightly green.

In any event, there is sufficient extra wire in the field so that the bad spots were spliced out and the full run was restored.

The Operations Department checked and reported that the North V-Beam was back in service.

There was a long discussion about the best direction for the future. There is more than enough vintage wire left behind in sections that could be restored. Perhaps, however, copper wire isn't forever and instead of splicing together vintage wire we should obtain enough new wire to create an entirely new run from end to end. Is there anybody with a couple miles of #14 solid hard-drawn copper wire in their collection that they'd like to donate? Let us know.

18 May
Operating Position No. 5 Maintenance

After giving tours [see below - Ed.] the Maintenance Department was able to concentrate on the operating position discrepancy list provided by the Operations Department. First, the Operations Department reported that WCC panel keying line 1, now used for the K6KPH 3550 kc/s transmitter, did not have the ability to be keyed from the "wheel".

Review of research notes pointed out that this particular keying line was purposely wired to not have this ability because in the past this was the WCC MF transmitter and the "wheel" was never transmitted on MF. Although the WCC panel could be re-wired to include this, we chose to leave the WCC panel as found and move K6KPH 3550 kc/s to keying line 2. This was tested and now the "wheel" can key K6KPH 3550 kc/s.

Position 5 was our next target for work. The discrepancy was that the receivers were not integrated into the audio panel. Investigation led to a classic "Welcome to KPH" situation. The receivers were not connected. Receiver #4, the WJ-8718 receiver, was missing the Molex pigtail from the receiver headphone barrier strip. Receiver #3, the ICOM R-5000, was missing the standard KPH modification of an output transformer and Molex connector. Receiver #1, the Kenwood R-1000 [originally used as a keying monitor - Ed.], was sitting on the top of the rack with no connections for power, antenna, and audio.

The shop was scrounged for the parts to make a new pigtail for receiver #4, transformer assembly for receiver #3, and power and antenna coax cables for receiver #1. A Molex pin to pin adapter had to be fabricated because someone in the past used sockets on both sides of the Molex housings for receiver #1. When all of that was connected, audio still did not come out of the operating position headphone jack. Further investigation led to bad normal contacts and bad toggle switches on the receiver audio panel. The normal contacts were cleaned and audio restored at that point. Exercising the toggle switches mostly brought back audio to the operating position jack.

Power toggle switches are a poor choice for audio since the contacts expect to clean themselves with a small arc each time it is used. Audio does not have enough energy to do this, so the switches get intermittent. Long term solution would be to replace the switches in the panel with new switches having a more appropriate contact configuration but considering the number of switches at the operating positions this will be a considerable expense. Perhaps if a small hole is drilled in the switch to allow a direct application of Cramolin D2 may improve switch contact reliability. Will need to get a can of D2 for RS. The only discrepancy remaining at Position 5 is a sticky antenna selector switch but we ran out of time to disassemble and clean that switch. A "WD-40 overhaul" is what that switch needs.

RK

 

As you can see our one man maintenance department has a lot on its plate - everything frm antennas to toggle switches.  Plus there's the constant complaining from the Operations Department to deal with.  We've mentioned before how we each individually pay for replacement parts out of our own pockets - and do so with thanks to be part of this project.  But to bring it down to reality, RK recently spent almost $300 on the stainless steel fittings we need for antenna maintenance at Bolinas. 

 

Occasionally receipts are presented with a request for reimbursement from MRHS funds.  We can make these reimbursements only because people like you have donated what they can to The Cause.  Thank you.  If you can help us with a donation please click on the yellow button.  It will be most appreciated. 

 

 

 

> First Radiotelegraph Operator License Issued

In Newsletter No. 26 we carried information about the FCC's Report & Order regarding their intention to eliminate all classes of the radiotelegraph license and combine them (with the exception of the third radiotelegraph) into a single license called the radiotelegraph operator license.  Some of us wept a bitter tear at the news.

Now comes OM Steve Johnston with this report:

"The gang at KSM might enjoy this: The FCC granted my new radiotelegraph license today! It is number T000000001, so I was indeed the very first to receive the new type of radiotelegraph ticket. There doesn't seem to be a T000000002 yet, so I may be the only holder of the new license as well."

Steve Johnson, T000000001.  That cool receiver is a Chinese model.  See his Web site for more

We asked him whether he knew he was sitting the exam for the new ticket or just happened to take the test right at the transition point.  He was good enough to reply:

"When the FCC announced the new radiotelegraph license, I asked the FCC's helpdesk what elements would be needed for me to get the new ticket.  They confirmed that applicants for the new Radiotelegraph Operator License would be required to pass written elements 1 and 6, and telegraphy elements 1 and 2.  I hold an Amateur Extra class license issued before April 15, 2000, so my passing of that 20 wpm code test would substitute for Telegraphy Elements 1 and 2.  I also hold a General Radiotelephone Operator License (was originally a First-Phone), so that would cover written element 1. That left me only needing to take the exam for written element 6."

Congratulations and a tip of the MRHS earphones to Steve.  It seems appropriate that ticket No. 1 should go to a MRHS True Believer.  We expect Steve to show up soon at KSM to exercise the privileges of his new credential.

We will take this opportunity to step up on the MRHS soapbox and once again encourage readers to consider going for their commercial radiotelegraph ticket.  Check out the FCC's information about the ticket and get yours!

> Long Delayed QSL -The Rest of the Story 

 

In Newsletter No. 34 we told the story of a long delayed QSL - a reception report that had been sent to KPH by Peter A. Conway in 1978 from Mawli, Africa.  We found the envelope unopened when we examined the station paperwork.  Lot's of on line research led us to Peter A. Conway now retired in Hastings, UK.  We sent off a letter to his address with the hope it was indeed the same Mr. Conway.

 

It was!  Here is his reply:

 

Hello Richard,

 

Well that QSL letter coming through the letterbox after 35 years certainly was a big (pleasant) surprise! Yes you have the right person who sent the report and I congratulate you on the detective work in tracking me down.

  

Luckily I did get two later QSLs from KPH and attach scans of them, so not all was lost.  

 

Prepared QSL from KPH signed by manager Ed Brennan (SK)

Thanks for the fascinating information on the MRHS, including the online newsletter archives with the evocative photos of past marine station activities. Also nice article on my 'long delayed' QSL! I guess it must one of the longest - certainly is mine. I do have my old handwritten logbooks going back to 1967(marine) and 1963(fixed/point to point).

Prepared QSL for KFS signed by Avery Brundage

Well my job throughout the 18 years in Central Africa was telecomms installation/maintenance with Police and latterly Posts & Telecomms. I acquired various ham callsigns, VQ2BC, 9J2BC, and 7Q7BC and was very active generally although the few years in Malawi all ham licences were rescinded on political grounds, but that' another story. Ever since learning the Morse code as a teenager, by listening to the marker tapes stations used to send whilst idling..vvv cq de WCC etc..I developed a strong interest in marine and what were called fixed point to point (utility) stations all using CW around the world.

Being a listener in Africa was a real plus, to hear some real rare utility stations and of course QSLing them. I remember being a member of the Newark News Radio Club, which had a Utility column. Heady days!

As to life and work in Malawi, not really so exotic - work was still work and our three sons were born there, with school runs etc. we did have some nice holidays in Rhodesia, Mozambique and South Africa. Malawi is a small country by African standards - land locked, though Lake Malawi, approx 370 miles long by 50 miles wide bordered one side of Malawi, if you look at a map you'll see it's somewhat strange shape! But plenty of golden empty beaches and excellent fishing.

As to the wildlife, most of the big stuff, even then was in game reserves so day to day snakes in the garden now and again, keeping the grass short and having a cat was good. Some of the most impressive things were the huge termite hills.

Malawi is a very mountainous country and is called the little Switzerland of Africa. Very friendly people, who often would amaze you with their ingenuity, I've seen bicycles made entirely out of wood! And the heavy loads of firewood that the women(usually) would carry on their heads for miles, often down a steep mountain path!

Settling back in UK was quite a wrench, especially getting used to the winters! I still monitor the 'utility' stations, and do enjoy the new digital modes and I monitor the DSC GMDSS frequencies and belong to an active forum to this end - and needless I say still send QSLs - but mostly via email now!! Just as an opposite to long delayed QSL, I think my quickest marine QSL reply is about 1 hour!!

I think that's about dried up my brain for now.

Best regards and I'll try to hear your next test from KSM. Peter A Conway G3UFI

 

 

> The Geisel Chronicles, Part II - FG Starts a Family 

  

by Ray Smith 

  

Frank Geisel, "Mr. KPH"

 

By around 1925 or so, FG started raising a family, His new son Frank Jr, was born around that time, Frank had married a Portuguese American woman, Mary.  FG had three children with Mary namely his first born son, Frank jr, Gloria, and Mary whom DM (Jack Martini) named Mary Jr.

Apparently the marriage was hugely successful and took off like a charmed entity when Frank decided to retire from the sea in order to better manage his affairs and make a living at his chosen profession, namely Wireless telegraphy. Frank had been a student of his craft from an early age. I believe the early days of wireless, were a lot like the early days of the computer hobbiest, information was exchanged freely and learning went on in an atmosphere of cooperation and experimentation.

Frank had visited the site at Marconi, on a number of occasions. a and apparently was much enamored if not infatuated with technological developments going on there at the time. Remember that RCA started out as the American Marconi Co. and only became RCA after the 1929 depression era, when GE, then struggling to survive it's own financial difficulties turned RCA loose from its attachments to GE and started to develop into the Radio giant it was to become.

All through this period when FG began his career as the future manager of the station, He started under one V. Parachini, who apparently was not too interested in managing the station, and was absent much of the time. Apparently it seems to this writer that Frank became the de facto manager around this time.


de RC

 

 

> Archivist's Corner

 

by Carola DeRooy

  

 

  
by Richard Dillman
Operations Department

 

 

Station Particulars:

 

KSM transmits on 426, 500, 4350.5, 6474.0, 8438.3, 12993.0, 16914.0 and 22445.8kc CW,

6328.0,  8433.0 and 12631.0kc RTTY.

  

K6KPH guards 3550.0, 7050.0. 14050.0, 18097.5 and 21050.0kc

  

Station contact: Phone +1 415-669-9646 (answered only when station is on the air)

                          Email KSM@radiomarine.org

  

Hours of operation: 1000 to 1600 Pacific time Saturdays

11 May    

 

Morse press began as usual from KSM at 1000 Pacific time with RTTY following at 1100.  I signed on watch at the receive site at 1140 and assumed control from Bolinas at about 1200 for both KSM and K6KPH Morse operations.  RTTY continued to be keyed from Bolinas.

 

Bill Ruck led a party of antenna repair personnel as described above so there were plenty of folks at the station.    

 

14Mc was the usual shambles with contesters wall to wall.  This and other K6KPH frequencies were monitored on scanning receiver No. 3 (Kenwood R-5000) while the commercial ship callng frequencies were monitored on scanning receiver No. 1 (WJ-8718-MFP)  

 

We had a bit  of a kerfuffle on the KSM side.  W4LNI called to say that SS AMERICAN VICTORY/KKUI was calling on 16Mc but I was unable to copy him on the WJ.  On careful listening I heard him zero beat on 16736.0kc and mumbled something about him being off frequency.  When I switched to the R-5000, there he was QSA4/5.  Then the light bulb dimly lit.

 

The WJ is a complex receiver and all parameters for each channel must be programmed into it.  That includes the BFO offset!  You guessed it, the offset was set to zero.  There was no time to correct that at the moment as KKUI declared QTC11!  Eleven messages on the hook!

 

As I began copying conditions were less than good with significant QSB.  But ace operator Dale Sever was at the key at KKUI so with repeats the messages were copied.  Then things got better and I was able to give him a single "K" at the end of each message and he'd start up with the next one.   

 

It was a good taste of what it was like for the ops who sat the circuit at KPH in the golden years only they copied more messages - up to 100 in an eight hour shift.  And they had to deal with poor notes and worse fists at the ship end - something that was not a factor with the steady signal from KKUI and the professional fist of OM Sever. 

 

All the messages were forwarded to their recipients via KSM email.

 

Once that was accomplished I was able to re-program the WJ for a 700cps BFO offset.  Another lesson learned!

 

18 May

 

As Bill hinted in his maintenance report we were honored by a visit from the Livermore Amateur Radio Klub (L.A.R.K.)   This was organized by Clarence Soucie of L.A.R.K. who did a great job of herding everyone through a visit to the USCG CAMSPAC station (NMC) "next door" to KPH.  The best part was than when they visited us they brought three USCG guys with them so we were able to re-establish our relationship with our neighbors.  

 

OM Mark Walsh wrote to say:

 

Richard, I am sorry that I didn't get any decent pics there other day (I just had my cell phone, and my efforts were haphazard). In hindsight, I wish that I had taken a pic of you and the other volunteers in front of that glorious building as you are the guys who are keeping the flame alive. I was awestruck to see the Teletype Model 28 happily cranking away; I spent many hours in front of the later (and not as good) Model 33... Thanks -- Mark

 

The Model 28ASR in action printing PX and WX keyed from Bolinas

I wanted to assure the receive site was fully operational for the L.A.R.K. visit so I went directly there, bypassing Services of the Church of the Continuous Wave at the transmitter site.  This is no small sacrifice as pastry from the Bovine Bakery is served. 

 

I signed on watch at 0930LT/1630Z.

 

At 1000LT/1700Z the KSM CW press service began on all frequencies, MF and HF.  After connection to BL all the amateur transmitters were tested and found operational although there is an intermittent  fault in the remote control circuit for the 3550kc transmitter.

 

At 1200LT/1900Z BL turned over keying control for the KSM transmitters and the wheel was engaged on all HF channels.

 

OM Howell of W4LNI appeared on 14050kc at 1219LT/1919Z.  He's part of the Radio Department of SS AMERICAN VICTORY/KKUI so I asked if the ship would be on the air.  But that question was answered by the ship itself when KKUI was heard calling on 16Mc with good signals.  The guys from L.A.R.K. were thus able to observe a ship being worked on commercial frequencies.

 

The KSM traffic list went out at 2100Z and the weather began at 2130Z on all CW frequencies.

  

At 1545LT/2245Z W8IM called on 14050kc with his usual (and appreciated) KSM report:

 

MSG NR89 R W8IM LEESBURG FL MAY 18  

 

KSM VIA K6KPH  

 

FLORIDA SWL REPORT KSM MAY 18 2200Z 12 QSA4/5 16 QSA3 22 QSA1/2 4/6/8 NIL 12/16 QRK5 ZUT  

 

DEAN 

 

The closing message was sent at 1600LT/2300Z and that was it for another great Saturday at KSM/K6KPH

 

RD

 

> MRHS Merchandise

  

Support the MRHS and look cool at the same time. Such a deal!  We've got hats, mugs, T shirts, belt buckles and bumper stickers, all with variations of the MRHS logo.  Get a hat and mug for yourself and a put yourself in solid with the XYL by getting her a MRHS hoodie.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 Just click on the images above to go to the MRHS True Believers store and browse our offerings.  Thanks!

 

 

 

 

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

 

VY 73/88

 

MRHS