ARRL Frequency Measurement Test

May 22, 2008

Actual Audio Frequencies (Hz):

80m 40m 20m 17m

W1AW 1239.1 1241.1 1239.2 1240.8

W1AW 80-17 (<=1 Hz):
KB5YZG

W1AW 80 (<=1 Hz):
AA8K, K1GGI, K8JQ, KA1MDA, KA1SG, KB5YZG, KF4WW, KR8L, N2MGA, N5JOA, N5LBZ, W0CNN, W1PW, W2FD, W3AIR, W3JW, W4JLE, W6IHG, W8AC, W8RKO, WA0SXV, WA1ABI, WA1RAJ, WA2DVU, WB3AKD, WB5UAA, WB9DNZ, WB9FIP

W1AW 80 (>1 to <=5 Hz):
AB2WB, AJ9ON, EA8NQ, K0ANS, K0JJ, K8CYV, KE4PT, KG0HY, N0ATH, N1EMC, N5DM, N5FSF, N5SPE, N8OB, VE3MSC, W1BW, W1FVB, W3MDM, WA4TII, WB0LXZ, WC0V

W1AW 80 (>5 to <=10 Hz):
W5JDX, WB8EVI

W1AW 80 (>10 Hz):
AA1ZQ, AB2G, KB4ZVM, KD2BD, KE5HDF, KN4JN, KS0M, N2HMM, N2RQS, N5LUL, NK9O, W2DSX, WA4FJC

W1AW 40 (<=1 Hz):
K0ANS, K1GGI, K6APW/7, K6OQK, K8JQ, KA1SG, KB5YZG, KE4PT, N5JOA, W0CNN, W1PW, W6OQI, WA0SXV, WA4TII, WA5QPZ, WB0LXZ, WB3AKD, WB5UAA, WB9FIP

W1AW 40 (>1 to <=5 Hz):
AA8K, AB2WB, AJ9ON, K8CYV, KA1MDA, KF4WW, KG0HY, KR8L, N5DM, N5FSF, N5LBZ, N5SPE, N6PE, N7EP, NK9O, W1BW, W1FVB, W2FD, W3AIR, W3JW, WA1ABI, WA1RAJ, WB9DNZ, WC0V

W1AW 40 (>5 to <=10 Hz):
EA8NQ, K0JJ, N0ATH, N6CCH, N8OB, VE3MSC, W3MDM, W5JDX, WW6D

W1AW 40 (>10 Hz):
AA1ZQ, AB2G, K7OVG, KB4ZVM, KE5HDF, KN4JN, KS0M, N2HMM, N2RQS, N5LUL, NS4L, W2DSX, W6ECE, W8RKO, WA4FJC, WB8EVI

W1AW 20 (<=1 Hz):
AB2WB, KB5YZG, KG0HY, N7FKI, W4JLE, WB5UAA

W1AW 20 (>1 to <=5 Hz):
AA8K, AB5ZJ, AJ9ON, K0ANS, K1GGI, K6APW/7, KA1MDA, KE4PT, KR8L, KV6O, N5DM, N5FSF, N5JOA, N5LBZ, N5SPE, N7EP, VE3MSC, W0CNN, W1PW, W2DSX, W2FD, W3AIR, W3JW, W6OQI, W8NNX, WA0SXV, WA1ABI, WA1RAJ, WA5QPZ, WB9DNZ, WB9FIP, WC0V

W1AW 20 (>5 to <=10 Hz):
AA1ZQ, EA8NQ, K8CYV, N6PE, W5JDX, WA4TII

W1AW 20 (>10 Hz):
AA5C, AB2G, K0JJ, K7OVG, KB4ZVM, KE5HDF, KF4WW, KN4JN, KS0M, N0ATH, N2HMM, N2RQS, N5LUL, N6CCH, NK9O, NS4L, W1FVB, W6FVI, WA4FJC, WW6D

W1AW 17 (<=1 Hz):
KB5YZG, KG0HY, N0ATH, W3AIR

W1AW 17 (>1 to <=5 Hz):
AA8K, K0ANS, K6APW/7, KA1MDA, KR8L, N5DM, N5JOA, N5LBZ, N7EP, W0CNN, W1PW, W2FD, W3JW, W4JLE, WA0SXV, WA1ABI, WB5UAA, WB9FIP

W1AW 17 (>5 to <=10 Hz):
KF4WW, N5FSF, N6CCH, N6PE, NS4L, VE3MSC, WA4TII, WC0V

W1AW 17 (>10 Hz):
AB2G, K0JJ, KB4ZVM, KE5HDF, KN4JN, KS0M, N2RQS, N5LUL, W2DSX, WW6D

Result Details (n=81):

W1AW

Call QTH Area 80 40 20 17 Method/Soapbox

AA1ZQ VT W1 1,170.00
69.10 1,170.00
71.10 1,230.00
9.20
Method: Indirect Method, Yeasu FT-920
Soapbox: First time I have tried this, and actually on read the email about a 1/2 hour before it started, so little time to study the measurement methods... Solid s9+60 on 80, S9+20 on 40, S7 on 20 and no copy on 17. Be curious to see the results if I was even close. 73's

AA5C TX W5

1,251.00
11.80
Method: Direct - FT-990 with MMTTY RTTY program.

AA8K MI W8 1,238.20
0.90 1,239.50
1.60 1,241.10
1.90 1,239.50
1.30 Method: I used only a standard Flex-Radio Systems SDR-1000 and Spectrum Lab audio software. The SDR-1000 does not have any special oscillator, just the stock one. I calibrated my SDR-1000 against WWV, then I set my receive frequency to the carrier frequency. I used Spectrum Lab to read the audio tone frequency.
Soapbox: Propagation was terrible. The only good signal was on 75 meters. The razor-sharp, adjustable filters on the SDR-1000 sure help to pick out the desired signal.

AB2G NY W2 1,263.75
24.65 1,264.80
23.70 1,268.00
28.80 1,274.00
33.20 Method: Yaesu ft-897 and Spectrun Labs Audio Spectrum Analyzer

AB2WB NY W2 1,238.00
1.10 1,237.00
4.10 1,240.00
0.80
Method: Used a direct measurement method, setting the W1AW carrier frequencies on an IC-706MKIIG transceiver with adjustments for display error (corrections made as described by Silver, N0AX, in November 2006 QST). Audio output of transceiver was split between headphones and input of PC soundcard. Audio tone frequency was measured using WD6CNF Audio Spectrum Analyzer software. No adjustment was made for noise or ionospheric Doppler shifts.
Soapbox: At my location and with my equipment, the signal was very strong and clear on 80m and diminished as carrier frequency increased, being readable with difficulty on 20m and not detected on 17m. I greatly enjoy these exercises and learn more with each one. I was not paying attention to the announcements, so this test caught me by surprise and I had a very short time to prepare. I will be more vigilant (and, hopefully, prepared) in the future and look forward to the next one!

AB5ZJ TX W5

1,244.00
4.80
Method: Used Earphones to zero beat the tone, then recorded offset from carrier
Soapbox: This is my first time doing this. I was late getting on freq. so I tried this quick methond. Next Time I hope to be better prepared.

AJ9ON IL W9 1,240.50
1.40 1,243.50
2.40 1,235.80
3.40
Method: DL4YHF's Spectrum Lab S/W, direct measurement

EA8NQ DX DX 1,235.00
4.10 1,235.00
6.10 1,245.00
5.80
Method: Indirect measurement using a Yaesu FT-897D transceiver and the MMVARI software.
Soapbox: I know this is not a very accurate measurement, but it was funny to try it! Best 73.

K0ANS CO W0 1,240.40
1.30 1,240.80
0.30 1,242.50
3.30 1,244.70
3.90 Method: Equipment: Yaesu FT-817ND transceiver and PowerBook G4 computer. Method: Turn on equipment at least an hour before the test. Measure audio frequency using cocoaModem 2.0 software in PSK mode. Measure WWV before and after W1AW. Correct for error observed on WWV proportional to carrier frequency.
Soapbox: My VFO started low and drifted up as it got warm. It was accurate within 0.1 ppm after an hour and a half, not too shabby. I think I misunderstood the instructions and measured some bands in the wrong time slot. The 20m signal came booming in. The 17m signal was very faint. Next time I'll record the time of each measurement so I can interpolate drift over time.

K0JJ OR W7 1,243.67
4.57 1,248.18
7.08 1,225.65
13.55 1,220.88
19.92 Method: Kenwood TS-870s, spectrum lab software / direct measurement
Soapbox: Signals good copy all bands. 80 and 17 weakest on west coast

K1GGI MA W1 1,238.25
0.85 1,240.40
0.70 1,240.50
1.30
Method: Heterodyne with hf oscillator, measure beat frequency with Spectrum Lab.
Soapbox: No copy on 17m, many tenths of Hz spread on 40 and 20.

K6APW/7 OR W7
1,241.00
0.10 1,241.38
2.18 1,243.60
2.80 Method: Ten-Tec Argonaut V, audio hybrid combiner, & digital audio generator.
Soapbox: Short turnaround from voice announcement to tone insertion difficult with one receiver as I have to shift SSB to CW for a measurement.

K6OQK CA W6
1,241.46
0.36

Method: For the FMT I used a HP-3586B SLM for the receiver and a HP-3336B Oscillator, which are both GPS referenced. On a scope, I use a 1:1 Lissajou comparing the HP-3586B's 15.625 kHz I.F. against the HP-3336B's output. Once I hear the FMT signal I tune the HP-3586B to the nearest whole Hertz. Using the HP-3336B I can tune the oscillator for a stationary Lissajou pattern. I also use Spectrum Lab to time-average the receiver's I.F. frequency Adding or subtracting the measured I.F.frequency from HP-3586B's "tuned to" frequency will tell me the actual carrier frequency as it comes down my aerial wire. I measured the 40-Meter audio sideband at 7,228,758.54 Read more about my setup at: http://www.k5cm.com/k6OQK%20FMT%20NEW.htm
Soapbox: I was only able to hear the 40-Meter signal although I did hear other signals on all bands. The ARRL Frequency Measurement Tests are really appreciated. I hope there will be another one in Novemeber.

K7OVG ID W7
1,185.20
55.90 1,345.30
106.10

K8CYV MI W8 1,236.00
3.10 1,236.50
4.60 1,247.00
7.80
Method: Icom 756PRO3 calibrated to WWV.
Soapbox: Noted no signal on 17 meters.

K8JQ WV W8 1,239.03
0.07 1,241.17
0.07

KA1MDA MA W1 1,238.10
1.00 1,239.90
1.20 1,240.65
1.45 1,244.10
3.30 Method: Kenwood TS-2000X, Spectrum Lab 2.5. Used slow averaging mode to filter out noise, read tone frequency as displayed in software, and applied correction factors as obtained in soapbox description.
Soapbox: Was a fun little test. I let the radio and computer warm up for 4-5 hours, then ran a series of tests against WWV and CHU carriers in both USB and LSB on 3.33, 5, 7.335, 10,and 15 Mhz to obtain correction offsets for each mode and band. Then checked CHU 1 Khz and WWV 500 and 600 Hz tones in AM mode to confirm offsets.

KA1SG ME W1 1,239.40
0.30 1,241.10
0.00

Method: Elecraft K2 receiver set to 3.990. Used HP 1722A oscilloscope to match recovered audio tone to output of 204C oscillator, which was counted by DSI 5600A freq counter. Laptop computer running Spectragram software used for quick ID of tone. Corrections computed using IFR 1200S to generate test signals one and two KHz below announced carrier frequency. Equipment reference oscillators zero beat to WWV.

KB4ZVM SC W4 1,222.00
17.10 1,222.00
19.10 1,275.00
35.80 1,275.00
34.20 Method: Inverted V cut for 20m to Icom 706. Fed fixed audio output of the IC-706 to mic input of sound card in a Pentium III, desktop computer. Ran Spectrogram in a "scroll" display. Carefully positioned "target" type pointer on the line designating the tone, and read the frequency of the tone off of the display.
Soapbox: This was much fun and very educational! I hope you do more of these.

KB5YZG NC W4 1,238.20
0.90 1,240.60
0.50 1,239.10
0.10 1,240.10
0.70 Method: JRC NRD-545 DSP Receiver, w/ High Stability Crystal Oscillator CGD -197 TCXO, audio into Dell Lap Top w/soundcard running Digipan PSK-31 s/w.
Soapbox: Both NRD 545 and laptop computer warm up for one hour prior to test. All test frequencies were programmed into the receiver memory. Then calibrated the receiver and the Digipan audio frequency readout (digital window under the water fall) using the 10MHz WWV odd and even minute background tones, 500Hz tone on even minutes and 600Hz tone on odd minutes. Observed following system corrrections for various reveiver modes: -0.1 Hz for AM, -1.1Hz for LSB and +0.9Hz for USB . Then during W1AW test, applied these corrections to the average observed audio tones as read on the DigiPan readout.

KD2BD NJ W2 1,175.50
63.60

Method: Homebrew receiver, frequency standard, and frequency counter based on using WWVB as a reference. Subtracted the measured RF frequency from 3990 kHz to obtain the frequency of the audio tone. Full details at: http://www.qsl.net/kd2bd/fmt-methodology.html
Soapbox: The 80-meter signal was so strong that I was plagued by "false positives" for the first few minutes of the FMT. Hopefully the remaining readings I made on 80 during some of the higher band tests get me "in the ballpark".

KE4PT FL W4 1,237.60
1.50 1,241.00
0.10 1,241.00
1.80
Method: FMT equipment: Icom 706mkIIg with 1 Hz display resolution, WWV at 10.0 MHz, one pair of human ears. Method: Assume Icom radio generates all frequencies digitally from one master oscillator. Measure the test signal in CW and RCW modes, tuning for the same offset beat note in CW and RCW modes. This is done for WWV to get ppm error, then at the test frequency and adjust using ppm error. Repeat several times, and average the results. (0) Warm up the Icom 706 at least two hours. (1) At 10 MHz WWV frequency, in CW mode switch between "CW and "RCW" modes while moving the tuning frequency to get exactly the same tone frequency "by ear". Read the dial to 1 Hz. This is the calibration frequency Fcal in Hz. (2) at the FTM frequency, in CW mode switch between "CW and "RCW" modes while moving the tuning frequency to get exactly the same tone frequency "by ear". Read the dial to 1 Hz. Record this as Fmeas. (3) Faudio(i) = magnitude[ (Fcarrier - Fmeas) - (Fwwv - Fcal)(Fmeas/Fwwv) ] (4) Repeat steps (1), (2) and (3) multiple times; i= 1, 2, 3.... Average the result: FAUDIO = Avg[Faudio(i)]. Repeat as propagation permits on all FMT test frequencies. Error sources: (a) short term receiver frequency drift between WWV and FMT frequency readings; (b) error in "by ear" estimate of frequency difference between "CW" and "RCW" modes on the Icom; (c) errors in the FMT carrier frequency. Accuracies within a few Hz are a good possibility.
Soapbox: I tried to do this measurement with JUST the transceiver and on the air signals: WWV and FMT frequencies.

KE5HDF TX W5 1,140.00
99.10 1,138.00
103.10 1,150.00
89.20 1,150.00
90.80 Method: kenwood ts140s, 40M & 20M wire dipoles @30 ft above grade verified tuner reading against WWV 10Mhz before test during test tuned to peak S reading on SSB second reading using CW mode
Soapbox: first time FMT or other kind of on air test

KF4WW FL W4 1,240.00
0.90 1,240.00
1.10 1,250.00
10.80 1,250.00
9.20 Method: IC-706; HP Presario Notebook computer; MixW software in the waterfall mode. 1. Set carrier frequency and curser at extreme left 2. Set scale to 2x 3. Read single tone on waterfall 4. Results differed due to lack of calibration of upper and lower sideband filters in radio receiver.
Soapbox: I tested this method using WWV at 10 MHz and found it quite accurate on USB.

KG0HY NE W0 1,237.52
1.58 1,239.47
1.63 1,239.47
0.27 1,241.42
0.62 Method: HF receiver, WinRadio G313i, use Windows 2000. Used Spectran, soundcard software, running under Windows 98. Calibrated this system, with WWV. Antenna, is a Mosley 33-JR, 5 band yagi, covers from 20M to 10M.
Soapbox: Conditions, were fair on 80M, and 40M, on 20M the S-meter was pegged, and was able to see the modulation sidebands. 17M was rough, had to use 1.9KHz filter. 73, Casey, KG0HY

KN4JN FL W4 1,084.30
154.80 1,091.30
149.80 1,089.00
150.20 1,134.50
106.30 Method: icom ic-7000. Extrapolated from loss of tone at high and low frequencies using 2.4Khz filter.
Soapbox: Slight signal fading at 20m and 17m caused more difficult readings.

KR8L IL W9 1,238.40
0.70 1,240.04
1.06 1,241.25
2.05 1,242.22
1.42 Method: Kenwood TS-2000, laptop computer running FLdigi on GNU/Linux (Ubuntu 7.10), 24-bit external sound card (USB). The sound card and software were calibrated against WWV 500Hz and 600Hz tones in AM mode, then a calibration curve was developed for the transceiver using FLdigi and WWV on 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 15.0 MHz. The average of all readings after a two hour minumum warm-up gave the following correction factor: Correction (in Hz) = 2.194Hz + 1.83Hz/Mhz * f(indicated (in MHz)) The correction is added to f(indicated) in USB and subtracted in LSB.
Soapbox: QRN made it a bit difficult to get a stable reading on 80m and 40m. The 17m signal was very weak with QSB which made it very difficult to get a good lock on it, and I ended up with two different readings almost one Hz apart. Hope I picked the right one (HI). Overall very challenging and a lot of fun. Thanks for running the FMT -- I'm looking forward to the next one already!

KS0M MO W0 1,120.00
119.10 1,830.00
588.90 1,116.00
123.20 1,870.00
629.20 Method: Indirect Method YAESU Mark-5 Field radio 80/40 M = grnd mtd Vertical 20 M = 4 ele. YAGI 17 M = Dipole

KV6O CO W0

1,241.00
1.80
Method: Used a TS-2000 receiver and Spectran with a HP 8924C as a local RF generator and zero beat method. Didn't have time to do the other bands.
Soapbox: First time trying this, will look at improvements!

N0ATH MO W0 1,235.40
3.70 1,234.40
6.70 1,251.50
12.30 1,240.20
0.60 Method: Yaesu Mark V / Sound card counter
Soapbox: Could barely pick up 17 - Thanks for the fun

N1EMC NH W1 1,237.40
1.70

Method: HP 53132A universal counter, Yaesu FT-2000, direct measurement of audio tone after computing receiver error.

N2HMM NJ W2 1,610.00
370.90 1,610.00
368.90 1,610.00
370.80
Method: Icom 775-DSP with a Heathkit Active Audio Filter HD-1418 and a Timewave DSP-9+. Using Indirect Method set all filters to minimum bandwidth and tuned VFO until the Overload LED on the DSP-9+ stayed lit. Resolution was only 10Hz but good enough for me.
Soapbox: 80M 5-9 plus 10, 40M 5-6 with fading and lots of noise, 20M S0 with no background noise making tone easy to hear but couldn't hear the voice (that's where CW rules), 17M no joy. This kind of testing or any other kind of analysis that the ARRL can come up with is good for all Amateurs. Not sure if I'm right or wrong but it's a learning experence and fun.

N2MGA NJ W2 1,240.00
0.90

Method: FlexRadio SDR1000 phase display DSB mode indirect measurement tuned to 3.988760, verified with direct measurement tuned to 3.990000 LSB and observed tone on spectral display.
Soapbox: could not copy 40 thru 17 here in NJ, please contact me if you have any questions, '73

N2RQS NY W2 1,252.00
12.90 1,254.00
12.90 1,253.00
13.80 1,263.00
22.20 Method: Yeasu FT-897 and audio spectrum analyzer
Soapbox: Calibrated against WWV

N5DM TX W5 1,237.91
1.19 1,239.50
1.60 1,240.37
1.17 1,243.42
2.62 Method: Kenwood TS-480SAT w/0.5ppm High Stability LO. 3-El Yagi@35'. Dipoles@45'. DigiPan v2.0
Soapbox: QRN much less than last FMT. QRM no factor. Signal copied on all bands in Texas.

N5FSF TX W5 1,236.73
2.37 1,238.18
2.92 1,243.35
4.15 1,246.13
5.33 Method: Icom IC746 Pro Two PC's running audio programs....

N5JOA FL W4 1,238.27
0.83 1,240.29
0.81 1,240.29
1.09 1,242.31
1.51 Method: Yaesu FT-817ND, 260 foot dipole WNW to ESE orientation at 35 feet, and Spectran Spectrum Analysis Software.
Soapbox: Signal report by band: 80m 5-9+, 40m 5-8, 20m 5-1, and 17m 5-3.

N5LBZ MS W5 1,238.79
0.31 1,239.98
1.12 1,241.47
2.27 1,243.51
2.71 Method: Harris RF-350K transceiver and Spectrum Lab software

N5LUL TX W5 1,226.00
13.10 1,217.50
23.60 1,285.50
46.30 1,301.50
60.70 Method: Yaesu FT-920 80m dipole Spectran program on an antiquated computer... made from parts from who knows when. I placed the mike from the computer on top of the radio above the speaker.
Soapbox: Although I don't have any sophisticated electronic equipment here, I thought it would be fun to see what I could do with what I have. (That's the HAM spirit.... isn't it?) I placed the mike from the computer on top of the radio... near the speaker to get the audio. Not a fancy set up, but was using what I have available. It will be interesting to see how this simple set-up works. so.... here is my entry. Brad- N5LUL

N5SPE MS W5 1,234.42
4.68 1,236.41
4.69 1,236.30
2.90
Method: Kenwood 2000, Cool Edit software, Windows, Baudline, Linux. Method is "direct".
Soapbox: Kenwood 2000 and Cool Edit software running on Windows were used to capture and record the tones at the W5JDX qth in Madison, MS. Further analysis using baudline and linux were done by N5SPE. I guess you could say this is a team entry. Had fun.

N6CCH CA W6
1,250.00
8.90 1,250.00
10.80 1,250.00
9.20 Method: YAESU FT-1000MP MkV/ASSORTED ANTENNA/INDIRECT MEASUREMENT FROM TRANSCEIVER DISPLAY
Soapbox: MEASUREMENTS MAKE FROM STATION W6YX. 73

N6PE CA W6
1,240.08
1.02 1,244.40
5.20 1,248.16
7.36 Method: ICOM 756 PRO III, HP computer with Spectrum Labs V2.7b20, Leader LDC-8235 counter.
Soapbox: Thanks to all that QSYed to clear the test frequencies.

N7EP WA W7
1,240.08
1.02 1,241.49
2.29 1,243.51
2.71 Method: I use WWV, an ICOM IC-746 and Sprectum Lab Software. The signals into Seattle were so poor that I couldn't take meaningful measurements. I made a screen capture of the FMT and graphically analyzed the very weak signals. Nothing heard on 80 Meters.
Soapbox: I suggest three changes in the ARRL FMT. 1. Publish a precise schedule of when and how long each signal will be broadcast. I could not hear the voice broadcast and wasted a lot of time hunting for the signals instead of measuring their frequency. 2. Three minutes of each tone isn't long enough. I would suggest 5 at a minimum. 3. Why wait 14 days to publish the results. Two days is plenty of time to send in the data and publish the results. Two weeks from now I will have forgotten the FMT. Thanks for the FMT. I enjoy them a lot. Earl Palmer

N7FKI OR W7

1,238.60
0.60
Method: (1) Korg AT-120 Auto Chromatic Tuner: E flat 6 minus 8 cents (visual average) or 1238.5 Hz. with IC-7000 and 3.0 kHz USB filter. (2) HP 5300A/5307A High Resolution Counter: 1238.6 Hz visual average with IC-7000 and 1.8 kHz USB filter.
Soapbox: A musical instrument tuner can be a good audio frequency meter and inexpensive ones costing less than $20 should do a good job.

N8OB OH W8 1,235.70
3.40 1,235.80
5.30

Method: TS-2000 and Digipan 2.0
Soapbox: Nothing heard on 20M or 17M. I got home 10 minutes before the beginning of the test.

NK9O WI W9 1,200.00
39.10 1,240.00
1.10 1,270.00
30.80
Method: Indirect

NS4L VA W4
1,231.00
10.10 1,261.00
21.80 1,231.00
9.80 Method: Icom 746 Pro, FFT oscilloscope

VE3MSC ON VE 1,235.00
4.10 1,235.00
6.10 1,235.00
4.20 1,235.00
5.80 Method: Yaesu FT2000 with Data Management Unit display. Used the AF waterfall and oscilloscope views.
Soapbox: It would have been good to have a "trial run". My frequency counter was not working happily with the output of the receiver. I figured the problem out too late. Not sure that my results are that accurate.

W0CNN CO W0 1,238.97
0.13 1,240.30
0.80 1,241.16
1.96 1,243.40
2.60 Method: Homebuilt GPS disciplined oscillator, WB6DHW 995x DDS SigGen/SDR, TS-480HX, SpecLab software.
Soapbox: All sigs good into Colorado. This FMT was a challenge as it took some time to get all the equipment dialed in every three minutes. I had to swap antennas around for the 17M test, so I BARELY was able to get enough data for a reading. Great FMT- Thanks!

W1BW MA W1 1,237.97
1.13 1,239.88
1.22

Method: Used Flex SDR-1000 receiver with standard oscillator. Measured W1AW audio frequencies by using PSK31 program to phase lock on the audio carrier with precision of 0.1Hz. Generated compensation curve by measuring WWV and CHU carriers between 2.5 and 15Mhz by same method before and after the test and interpolating.
Soapbox: This was the first time I've participated in FMT, and only used over-the-air frequency references. Too close to W1AW to copy 20m or 17m, and 40m carrier was weak (no copy on audio id at all there).

W1FVB NH W1 1,238.00
1.10 1,239.00
2.10 1,364.00
124.80
Method: Receiver Icom IC-735, External Norcal FCC-2 VFO (calibrated against WWV) I did a zero beat against the W1AW signal. The audio tone is the difference between the Frequency counter display and the posted frequency. As an extra visual aid, I used Fldigi's (Linux digital multimode program), in 'Freq Analysis' mode.
Soapbox: Strong Signal on 80 meters, weak on 40 and suprised to hear a weak W1AW on 20 Meters during the test, or somebody else was throwing a carier. Special thanks to W1HKJ for writing this great program called Fldigi.

W1PW AZ W7 1,238.80
0.30 1,240.50
0.60 1,241.10
1.90 1,243.50
2.70 Method: FT-817nd calibrated versus a local GPS-Locked BC station (KMIK, 1580 KHz, Tempe, AZ), Audio tones were analyzed with Spectrum Laboratory v2.7b20 and an Excel spreadsheet to calculate correction factors.
Soapbox: The 80M signal was nearly inaudible, 40M signal had deep QSB, 20M signal was S8/qsb and the 17M signal was S4 to S8. Would have greatly preferred a single 3-minute tone period for each band rather than the three 1-minute tone periods for each band.

W2DSX NY W2 1,229.00
10.10 1,228.00
13.10 1,243.00
3.80 1,251.00
10.20 Method: TS-570 with Argo V1 set to NDB mode.
Soapbox: Haven't done it in a few years account of work, and am looking forward to seeing the difference in QTH and clock setting. Look forward to the next one!

W2FD PA W3 1,238.50
0.60 1,240.00
1.10 1,242.00
2.80 1,243.00
2.20 Method: Kenwood TS-450S--CW frequency measurement using 1 Hz. step resolution to give same audio tone on regular/reverse CW reception. Audio frequency transmitted is the difference between measured frequency and given center frequency of W1AW for each band. Data corrected by measured frequencies for WWV 10 and 15 MHz. transmissions.
Soapbox: Band conditions were poor for 40, 20 and 17 meters.

W3AIR FL W4 1,238.16
0.94 1,239.50
1.60 1,241.52
2.32 1,240.18
0.62 Method: Tranceiver: Kenwood TS-750D Secondary Frequency standard: Motorola system analyzer R-2001D Audio Frequency analyzer: Spectran ver2

W3JW VA W4 1,238.46
0.64 1,239.98
1.12 1,240.96
1.76 1,243.01
2.21 Method: IC-7800 locked to Z3801A GPSDO feeding Spectrum Lab for computer analysis and to a HP 5334A counter/ Indirect method was used
Soapbox: I didn't expect to beable to have enough wignal to make measurements on 20 and 17 meters (due to propagation) but the W1AW signal was weak readable and sufficient to measure using Spectrum Lab. In addition to the various doppler effects (shift and spread), I noted downward drift on all four signals. My measurements are the average for the three respective keydown periods designated for each band. The 80 meter sig was the only one strong enough to enable counter measurements.

W3MDM IL W9 1,236.90
2.20 1,235.70
5.40

Method: ICOM 756 Pro II Rcvr set on 3990 and 7290 khz announced W1AW carrier. Audio fed to Tektronix 422 oscilloscope and also to SENCORE FC-71 counter. Made about 4 measurements on each band and submitted what appeared to be most consistent observation.
Soapbox: Appreciate this audio measurement rather than carrier measurement. Twice a year is about right.

W4JLE SC W4 1,239.00
0.10
1,239.00
0.20 1,244.00
3.20 Method: Icom 746Pro, calibrated soundcard, mixw software, measured on the waterfall with the amtor cursor.

W5JDX MS W5 1,248.00
8.90 1,234.00
7.10 1,248.00
8.80
Method: Kenwood TS-2000, Cool Edit Pro frequency analysis
Soapbox: Recorded audio on frequency and analyzed with Cool Edit Pro.

W6ECE CA W6
1,350.00
108.90

Method: TS 830 S calibrated against WWV.Wavelike 3006 signal generator used to beat against W1AW Tone. Wavetex output read by Radio Shack Frequency counter.
Soapbox: W1AW 20, 75 and 160 signal not heard at all. The 40 meter signal very weak. The voice announcements were unintelligible and the tone very weak. The tone was mostly imagined! It would be well to hold the test at a later hour when there is a chance for the west coast to hear the lower bands. It is time for W1AW to move to the Midwest! I will be interested to see how well I did measuring a signal that could barely be heard. I tried to copy WA6ZTY last fall but his signal was not there either. I have not entered a FMT since 1968 when I was qualifying for OO. I used a KWM2 and a Hammond Organ, in the next room, to find the beat note. Worked pretty well. I would like to see the test done more often.

W6FVI CA W6

1,260.00
20.80
Method: Equip: ICOM 756-PRO. Method: Alternate bet. USB/LSB around 14290 KHz until audio tone freq matched. Difference bet that final freq and 14290 was audio tone freq.
Soapbox: 20m only band heard, even then tone was deep in noise floor. Always fun to try, though!

W6IHG VA W4 1,238.43
0.67

Method: HP 3336 Sig Gen locked to GPS standard set to 3988700 Hz. Measured Delta between Unknown and Ref Freq. Weighted average over 3 80m periods.
Soapbox: Other frequencies too weak to mess with

W6OQI CA W6
1,240.79
0.31 1,241.10
1.90
Method: I measured the resulting carrier with a GPS referenced HP3586B selective level meter. The resulting measurement was subtracted from your published frequency of 7290 KHz for 40 meters and 14290 KHz for 20 meters to derive the respective tones for each band.
Soapbox: If you were not transmitting on precisely 7290 and 14290 my readings are incorrect. If I find subsequent posting of transmit frequencies other than 7290 and 14290, I will re calculate and resubmit my entries. No signal was found on 80 and 17 meters. Marvin, W6OQI

W8AC OH W8 1,238.36
0.74

Method: FT-1000MP + Spectran

W8NNX FL W4

1,236.60
2.60
Method: Paragon 585 direct measurement
Soapbox: Good thing the signal on 20 was a good S-1; the other 3 bands were a whole lot weaker.

W8RKO OH W8 1,238.47
0.63 1,271.86
30.76

Method: HP 3586C Frequency Selective Level Meter using the internal tracking generator. Audio feeding Spectrum Lab FFT software on PC. GPS locked 10 MHz frequency reference (Z3801). Measure the delta between the tracking generator 1850 hz tone from the FFT software. Apply the math to calculate the final tone frequency.
Soapbox: Nothing heard on 20 or 17 meters.

WA0SXV NM W5 1,238.80
0.30 1,240.10
1.00 1,240.70
1.50 1,242.50
1.70 Method: IC-7800, sound card, DigiPan. Frequent check of audio calibration against WWV AM tones.
Soapbox: Happy to even be able to measure the 18.160 signal. Next time, start high and work down.

WA1ABI RI W1 1,238.24
0.86 1,239.94
1.16 1,240.72
1.52 1,243.75
2.95 Method: WJ-8718 Rcvr slaved to Rb timebase + DL4YHF's Spectrum Lab software. Measured RF frequency of sideband then calculated audio freq using stated carrier freq.
Soapbox: Thanks for the FMT, and keep 'em coming. 73.

WA1RAJ NH W1 1,238.40
0.70 1,239.70
1.40 1,241.10
1.90
Method: HP 5061A, HP 3586C (x2)
Soapbox: Signals were good on 75M and 40M, and were at the limit of measurability on 20M. No signal was detectable on 17M.

WA2DVU NJ W2 1,239.14
0.04

Method: 3586b, 3336a, Tek 465.
Soapbox: could only hear 80m.

WA4FJC VA W4 1,214.00
25.10 1,197.60
43.50 1,341.90
102.70
Method: Kenwood TS-850 with Speclab

WA4TII GA W4 1,241.45
2.35 1,242.06
0.96 1,245.00
5.80 1,250.15
9.35 Method: FT1000MP AND SOUND CARD

WA5QPZ TX W5
1,242.00
0.90 1,241.00
1.80
Method: Flex 5000a, Dual internal receivers, frequency offset displayed on screen and verified beating second receiver against the first.
Soapbox: W1AW was unreadable on 80 and 17 meters, 40m was very weak.

WB0LXZ KS W0 1,243.16
4.06 1,241.17
0.07

Method: HP3586B and Spectrum Lab with homebrew Disciplined GPS/OCXO using QBASIC and PC.
Soapbox: Thanks for automatically rejecting my initial entry in which I used the signal that was actually measured (3988756.842). -bill

WB3AKD VA W4 1,238.50
0.60 1,240.10
1.00

Method: Compared W1AW tone to tone from HP3336B referenced to GPS discipined oscillator. difference in audio frequency measured by Spectrum Lab. Use of local reference signal provides the systematic error of receiver which can then be subtracted from the W1AW tone to give the actual tone frequency.
Soapbox: Glad I had the chance to participate this time. It's fun to figure out different way to measure the signal frequency, and reduce the errors in the measurement.

WB5UAA FL W4 1,238.90
0.20 1,241.10
0.00 1,239.20
0.00 1,242.20
1.40 Method: Screwdriver antenna up six feet into an IC-R8500 and direct measurement with a Tektronix TDS-1012 Oscilloscope (+/- 100 PPM, last factory calibration 2003). Warm up time of 38 hours for both. Checked IC-R8500 frequency accuracy by looking at WWV 500/600 Hz tones and switching back and fourth between AM (no local oscillator to check O'Scope accuracy) and SSB on all HF WWV frequencies to find frequency error in the IC-R8500. My IC-R8500 is off 3 Hz at 2.5 Mhz and rises nearly linearly to off 31 Hz at 20 Mhz. Interpolated for the FMT frequencies with a "best fit" y=mx+b line. The average all four FMT frequencies is 1240.35 Hz.
Soapbox: First FMT. Let me see if I can even hit the dartboard. FMT Signal report from the Space Coast of Florida: RS 33 on all four bands. Tones were easy to pick out though.

WB8EVI OH W8 1,230.00
9.10 1,230.00
11.10

Method: Yaesu FT-1000MP in CW mode with spot switch on, tuning for zero beat by ear.
Soapbox: This is fun.

WB9DNZ IN W9 1,239.00
0.10 1,239.00
2.10 1,242.00
2.80
Method: FLEX 1000

WB9FIP WI W9 1,238.40
0.70 1,240.20
0.90 1,240.80
1.60 1,243.10
2.30 Method: Measured absolute frequency relative to a locally generated reference. Tone frequency is difference from published tx frequency.
Soapbox: Propagation on 20 and 17 was right at the noise level. Was not possible to ID the transmission except by the known format.

WC0V MN W0 1,243.00
3.90 1,245.00
3.90 1,238.00
1.20 1,233.00
7.80 Method: SDR-1000, FA66 sound card. W9INN dipole in attic. PowerSDR software with split panadapter/waterfall display, expanded console display, SVN2085.
Soapbox: Very strong signals on 80, 40, and 20. 17 is a guess.

WW6D CA W6
1,235.00
6.10 1,255.00
15.80 1,255.00
14.20 Method: JRC JST-245. Match tone received with receiver's CW sidetone. Calculate offset from published carrier frequencies.

May 2008 Frequency Measurement Test

Results