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April 13, 2011
Actual Radio Frequencies (Hz):
| 80m | 40m | |
| K5CM | 3,575,607.73 | 7,054,511.27 |
| W8KSE | 3,575,648.60 | 7,054,551.30 |
| W6OQI | 3,575,695.66 | 7,054,586.57 |
| WA6ZTY | 7,054,576.72 |
K5CM/W8KSE/W6OQI/WA6ZTY All (<=1 Hz):
AA6LK, AA7OO, AB4RS, K0ANS, K1GGI, K5CM, K5XL, K6APW/7, K6BZZ, K9KK, KK5J, KM6QX, KU4PY, N4AU, N5DM, N6GN, N7EP, NO5K, VE2IQ, VE3OAT, W0CNN, W2FD, W3JW, W4AVO, W8TM, W9TJ, W9ZB, WA1ABI, WB8TFV, WO7V
K5CM 80 (<=1 Hz):
AA6LK, AA7OO, AA8K, AB4RS, AE5P, K0ANS, K1GGI, K2CM, K3JQ, K5CM, K5XL, K6APW/7, K6BZZ, K9KK, KD2BD, KK5J, KM6QX, KU4PY, N0PFE, N2GL, N3FG, N4AU, N5DM, N6GN, N7AIG, N7EP, N8OB, NO5K, VE2IQ, VE3OAT, VE3TG, W0CNN, W0PHD, W1PW, W2FD, W3JW, W3NF, W4AVO, W4JLE, W4RYF, W5IAV, W6OQI, W8TM, W9TJ, W9ZB, WA1ABI, WA4FJC, WA6ZTY, WB0LXZ, WB6VRN, WB8TFV, WO7V, WW6D
K5CM 80 (>1 to <=5 Hz):
K7OVG, KC9ECI, KD5MMM, WZ4CW
K5CM 80 (>5 to <=10 Hz):
WA6VPJ
K5CM 80 (>10 Hz):
K6OQK, VE3IGJ, W2IMY, W3GXT, WA2USJ, WA6MNW, WY3D
W8KSE 80 (<=1 Hz):
AA6LK, AA7OO, AA8K, AB4RS, AE5P, K0ANS, K1GGI, K2CM, K3JQ, K5CM, K5XL, K6APW/7, K6BZZ, K6OQK, K9KK, KC9ECI, KD2BD, KK5J, KM6QX, KU4PY, N3FG, N4AU, N5DM, N6GN, N7AIG, N7EP, N8OB, NO5K, VE2IQ, VE3OAT, VE3TG, W0CNN, W0PHD, W1PW, W2FD, W3JW, W4AVO, W4JLE, W4RYF, W8TM, W9TJ, W9ZB, WA1ABI, WA6ZTY, WB6VRN, WB8TFV, WO7V, WW6D
W8KSE 80 (>1 to <=5 Hz):
K7OVG, KD5MMM, N0PFE, W3NF, W6OQI, WZ4CW
W8KSE 80 (>5 to <=10 Hz):
WA6VPJ
W8KSE 80 (>10 Hz):
N2GL, VE3IGJ, W2IMY, W3GXT, W5IAV, W7KPZ, WA2USJ, WA4FJC, WA6MNW, WB0LXZ, WY3D
W6OQI 80 (<=1 Hz):
AA6LK, AA7OO, AA8K, AB4RS, AE5P, K0ANS, K1GGI, K3JQ, K5CM, K5XL, K6APW/7, K6BZZ, K6OQK, K9KK, KC9ECI, KD2BD, KJ6K, KK5J, KM6QX, KU4PY, N0PFE, N2GL, N3FG, N4AU, N5DM, N5LBZ, N6GN, N7AIG, N7EP, NO5K, VE2IQ, VE3OAT, W0CNN, W1PW, W2FD, W3JW, W3NF, W4AVO, W5IAV, W6OQI, W8TM, W9TJ, W9ZB, WA1ABI, WA6UAT, WA6ZTY, WB6VRN, WB8TFV, WO7V, WW6D
W6OQI 80 (>1 to <=5 Hz):
KD5MMM, N8OB
W6OQI 80 (>5 to <=10 Hz):
K7OVG, WA6VPJ
W6OQI 80 (>10 Hz):
VE3IGJ, VE3TG, W3GXT, W4RYF, WA4FJC, WA6MNW, WZ4CW
K5CM 40 (<=1 Hz):
AA6LK, AA7OO, AA8K, AB4RS, K0ANS, K1GGI, K3JQ, K5CM, K5XL, K6APW/7, K6BZZ, K6OQK, K7TT, K9KK, KK5J, KM6QX, KU4PY, N3FG, N4AU, N5DM, N5LBZ, N6GN, N7EP, N7ISR, N8OB, NO5K, VE2IQ, VE3IGJ, VE3OAT, VE3TG, W0CNN, W2FD, W3GXT, W3JW, W4AVO, W4JLE, W4RYF, W4UK, W7KPZ, W8TM, W9TJ, W9ZB, WA1ABI, WA4FJC, WA6UAT, WA6ZTY, WB0LXZ, WB6DCE, WB6VRN, WB8TFV, WO7V, WW6D, WY3D
K5CM 40 (>1 to <=5 Hz):
AE5P, K7OVG, KB4ZVM, KD5MMM, N0PFE, N2GL, W3NF, W8TJK, WA8OFU
K5CM 40 (>5 to <=10 Hz):
N6VMO, N7AIG
K5CM 40 (>10 Hz):
K2CM, KC9ECI, W0PHD, W2IMY, WA2USJ, WA6MNW, WA6VPJ, WZ4CW
W8KSE 40 (<=1 Hz):
AA6LK, AA7OO, AB4RS, K0ANS, K1GGI, K3JQ, K5CM, K5XL, K6APW/7, K6BZZ, K7TT, K9KK, KB4ZVM, KK5J, KM6QX, KU4PY, N0PFE, N2GL, N3FG, N4AU, N5DM, N5LBZ, N6GN, N7AIG, N7EP, N7ISR, NO5K, VE2IQ, VE3IGJ, VE3OAT, VE3TG, W0CNN, W0PHD, W1PW, W2FD, W3GXT, W3JW, W3NF, W4AVO, W4JLE, W4RYF, W4UK, W6OQI, W7KPZ, W8TM, W9TJ, W9ZB, WA1ABI, WA4FJC, WA6UAT, WB0LXZ, WB6DCE, WB6VRN, WB8TFV, WO7V, WY3D
W8KSE 40 (>1 to <=5 Hz):
AA8K, AE5P, K6OQK, K7OVG, KD5MMM, N8OB, W2IMY, W8TJK, WA6ZTY, WZ4CW
W8KSE 40 (>5 to <=10 Hz):
[none]
W8KSE 40 (>10 Hz):
K2CM, KC9ECI, WA2USJ, WA6MNW, WA6VPJ
W6OQI 40 (<=1 Hz):
AA6LK, AA7OO, AA8K, AB4RS, K0ANS, K1GGI, K2CM, K5CM, K5XL, K6APW/7, K6BZZ, K6OQK, K7TT, K9KK, KJ6K, KK5J, KM6QX, KU4PY, N0PFE, N2GL, N4AU, N5DM, N5LBZ, N6GN, N7AIG, N7EP, N7ISR, N8OB, NO5K, VE2IQ, VE3IGJ, VE3OAT, VE3TG, W0CNN, W1PW, W2FD, W3GXT, W3JW, W3NF, W4AVO, W4JLE, W4RYF, W4UK, W6OQI, W7KPZ, W8TM, W9TJ, W9ZB, WA1ABI, WA4FJC, WA6UAT, WA6ZTY, WB0LXZ, WB6VRN, WB8TFV, WO7V, WW6D, WY3D
W6OQI 40 (>1 to <=5 Hz):
AE5P, K3JQ, KB4ZVM, KD5MMM, N3FG, W0PHD, W8TJK, WB6DCE, WZ4CW
W6OQI 40 (>5 to <=10 Hz):
K7OVG, N6VMO
W6OQI 40 (>10 Hz):
KC9ECI, W2IMY, W5IAV, WA6MNW, WA6VPJ
WA6ZTY 40 (<=1 Hz):
AA6LK, AA7OO, AA8K, AB4RS, K0ANS, K1GGI, K3JQ, K5CM, K5XL, K6APW/7, K6BZZ, K6OQK, K7TT, K9KK, KJ6K, KK5J, KM6QX, KU4PY, N0PFE, N2GL, N3FG, N4AU, N5DM, N5LBZ, N6GN, N7AIG, N7EP, N7ISR, N8OB, NO5K, VE2IQ, VE3IGJ, VE3OAT, VE3TG, W0CNN, W0PHD, W1PW, W2FD, W3GXT, W3JW, W4AVO, W4JLE, W4RYF, W4UK, W5IAV, W6OQI, W7KPZ, W8TM, W9TJ, W9ZB, WA1ABI, WA6UAT, WA6ZTY, WB0LXZ, WB8TFV, WO7V, WW6D, WY3D
WA6ZTY 40 (>1 to <=5 Hz):
AE5P, K7OVG, KB4ZVM, KD5MMM, W3NF, W8TJK, WA4FJC, WB6DCE, WB6VRN, WZ4CW
WA6ZTY 40 (>5 to <=10 Hz):
[none]
WA6ZTY 40 (>10 Hz):
AB5XZ, K2CM, KC9ECI, W2IMY, WA2USJ, WA6MNW, WA6VPJ
Result Details (n=78):
| Call | QTH | Area | Method/Soapbox | ||||||||||||||||
| AA6LK | CA | W6 |
| Method: I used this occasion as, uh, justification to buy another, um, "tool" - a HP3325A synth function gen. This time, I used a Marconi 2019 (RF synth) and the 3325A, both locked to HPZ3801A as references; used an FT-847 in AM/narrow mode to produce ~400Hz audio beat between the 2019 and incoming signal off a 5BTV antenna; displayed beat signal and output of 3325A on a dual-trace scope, and tuned the 3325A for minimum freq/phase difference between the two; used a Prologix USB-GPIB and an EZGPIB program running on a Vista laptop to initialize the generators and o'scope and to interrogate the generators after the measurement, calculate a result, and store it all to a file; was also running Digipan as a spotter, and GPSCon through a USB-serial adapter to monitor the Z3801A. I'm amazed the PC doesn't crash with all this stuff going on. Soapbox: Exceptionally quiet bands this time, minimal atmospheric noise made for good measurements. Good signals all around, but WA6ZTY and W6OQY(80m) had the worst frequency/phase instability, no doubt due to the short distances involved. Thanks to the FMT gang who made it all possible. Nice, smooth handoffs between stations. 73, L | |||||||||||||||
| AA7OO | AZ | W7 |
| Method: Equipment setup:
1. 10Mhz TBolt GPSDO clocking a Motorola R2600 Service Monitor acting as variable frequency standard.
2. Radio is a ICOM 7000.
3. Antenna is a Scorpion vertical (screwdriver) mounted at 6 ft above ground level; tuned hamsticks as ground plane at 6 ft level.
4. Isolation of audio between radio and PC MFJ-1279J.
5. PC is a Dell D820 Latitude.
6. Audio analysis using SpecLab and Microsoft Excel
Method:
1. PC sound card was calibrated with a 1Khz derived from the 10Mhz clock.
2. For 80Ms, tuned radio to 3.575 Mhz USB
2a. For 40Ms, tuned radio to 7.054 Mhz USB
3. Tuned the Motorola R2600 to match the radio dial plus 2200hz.
4. coupled R2600 and antenna feed; and feed the mixed signal into radio.
5. Audio out of radio included both the audio tones of the test signals and R2600 audio reference signal.
6. Using SpecLab, both tones were analyzed.
7. In SpecLab, multiple 50hz FFT bins were pre-setup to cover 400hz to 1200hz.
8. Processing was done in "real time" during the test.
9. An audio .wav file was generated during the test period for backup and post processing.
The Math: (the same math process was done to the real time and post .wav sessions)
1 the FFT .txt output file was imported into Excel.
2. the R2600 fft bin containing the reference 2200 hz was averaged
3. for each fft bin containing a test signal, the averaged was determined over the time of the respective test time.
4. for each tone, including the R2600 audio reference, was corrected using the correction factor found during the sound card calibration.
5. for each test tone, the absolute difference was found between the R2600 audio reference tone and each test tone.
6. Because the Radio was set to USB AND all test tones were below the R2600 Audio Reference;
7. Each test “Frequency” is found by subtracting the respective test tone from the R2600 RF setting which is 2200hz higher than the radio dial.
Notes:
1.Both the real time and post .wav analysis were compared and found to be within .01 hz. Soapbox: I've participated in these ARRL FMTs for the past several years. Changing the time made a big difference in receiving ALL of the test station signals. All but one was above the noise floor, one was in the noise (almost none audible in headset and speaker) but there was enough signal for SpecLab to capture and process. I like the round table and schedule. It reduced a lot of radio tuning and variable standard tuning. In past FMTs this was most stressful when most of the test stations were below noise floor. The round table was excellent, the reception was excellent. I had several hams in the shack that wanted to learn how this is all done. It was smooth when one is not frantically tuning. Explaining each step to observers permitted a great experience for all. Thanks for this great event. Norm, AA7OO | |||||||||||||||
| AA8K | MI | W8 |
| Method: I used only Open HPSDR, Flex-Radio's PowerSDR, Thunderbolt GPSDO, and Spectrum Lab. I offset the HPSDR frequency about 500 Hz to make a tone with the HPSDR BFO, used PowerSDR to make a wave file. I played the wave file back and ran Spectrum Lab, noting the offset from the HPSDR frequency. Antenna: ground-mounted vertical 20 meters high. Soapbox: Signal levels, all measured on the same vertical antenna: K5CM 40 meter -59 dBm, W8KSE 40 meter -78 dBm, W6OQI 40 meter -74 dBm, WA6ZTY 40 meter -69 dBm, WWV 2.5 MHz -77 dBm, WWV 5 MHz -55 dBm, WWV 10 MHz -61 dBm, K5CM 80 meter -84 dBm, W8KSE 80 meter -87 dBm, W6OQI 50 meter -101 dBm | |||||||||||||||
| AB4RS | VA | W4 |
| Method: Delta reference method using Trimble Thunderbolt reference to a HP 3336C to inject known frequency. Used Yaesu FT-897d to tune down to AF, recorded and analyzed audio with SpectrumLab. Soapbox: Enjoyable as always. All 40m signals were loud and clear, S9+. K5CM was S9 on 80m W8KSE was about S8, and W6OQI was about 3 dB over the noise, but I was able to copy. The doppler had me getting the dartboard out for a few of these, we'll see how lucky I got. | |||||||||||||||
| AB5XZ | TX | W5 |
| Method: Icom IC-756ProIII, warmed up for 15 hours. WSPR/FMT software. Soapbox: First try with WSPR/FMT, need to work on procedure! Test was very well executed by the transmitting stations, and I heard them all on both bands. | |||||||||||||||
| AE5P | TX | W5 |
| Method: Flex 5000 with Rb std. FLDigi in freq. analysis mode, and back checks against WWV to make sure I'm not doing something stupid ;o) Soapbox: My first ever FMT. I've got lots to learn, but it is an interesting challenge. I like it! Many thanks to the FMT stations. | |||||||||||||||
| K0ANS | CO | W0 |
| Method: Again I used a Yaesu FT-817 and an iMac running cocoaModem. This time I set the dial to LSB 1500 Hz above the expected frequency. I listened to WWV at 5000 kHz before the test to measure the error and again after the test to make sure the rig hadn't drifted. Soapbox: The FMT is always fun. Since there is no need to transmit, anyone with a receiver can play the game. No license required! | |||||||||||||||
| K1GGI | MA | W1 |
| Method: Beat with accurate hf oscillator, measure tone with SpectrumLab. Soapbox: Much doppler, much guesswork, but still fun. Thanks to all. | |||||||||||||||
| K2CM | NY | W2 |
| Method: Flex F5K w/Efratom-Rubidium Standard. Calibrated receiver according to Flex notes using Phase display. Used Phase display, in DSB mode, to get frequency. When display stopped rotating, or almost steady, that was the frequency. I estimated the last digit based on display rotation between two 1 hz frequencies, where the rotation changed direction. Soapbox: This is my first FMT! S9 noise on 80 meters kept me from copying the W6 stations. I wish that there was a way to tune the F5K in fractional HZ. | |||||||||||||||
| K3JQ | MD | W3 |
| Method: HP3586B, HP3586C Selective Level Meters locked to Trimble GPS Disciplined Oscillator. The HP3586B’s audio output was connected to line in of sound card on computer running Spectrum Lab for spectral analysis. The HP3586C was connected to same computer via GPIB bus with measurements performed by program written using EZGPIB. Antenna was station Carolina Windom 80 Short at 60 feet. Soapbox: This is my fourth try at the FMT. In the previous attempts I used only equipment that might be expected to be found in a typical ham shack – transceiver, computer, frequency counter (first try). In my last try (04/21/2010), I used Spectrum Lab for spectral analysis of the transceiver audio output. All things considered, it should be possible to measure the frequencies about as well as anyone can just using a reasonably stable transceiver (receiver) with a digital readout and spectral analysis with a program like Spectrum Lab. The key is constructing a calibration curve by calibrating the receiver against WWV at several frequencies (say, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 MHz) after a sufficient warm-up period and close to the time of the FMT. The reason I don’t think it’s possible to do much better is – Doppler shift, varying signal paths, and noise. The Doppler shift, in particular, will limit the precision to the order of 0.1 Hz for any significant distance from the transmitter. While you might try to minimize the effect of Doppler shift by taking a number of measurements over a period of time, there’s no guarantee that the mean Doppler shift over any given period of time will be close to zero. In any case, for this FMT, I went over to the dark side, and picked up an HP3586 on eBay (actually, two HP3586’s, a B and a C model, but that’s another story). I’ve had the Trimble GPS Disciplined Oscillator for a number of years. The 3586B’s audio output was analyzed by Spectrum Lab, and the 3586C was controlled by a GPIB control program that I wrote using Ulrich Bangert’s EZGPIB (actually, I stole most of the guts of the program from K8ZOA). The program causes the 3586 to make a number of frequency measurements, calculates the mean and standard deviation and writes the result with a time stamp to a file. I tried to program a basic “hunt” feature which could home in on the FMT signal and set the 3586 to its narrowest bandwidth of 20 Hz to get a nice clean measurement, but my first try was a little too basic, and the results were somewhat less than optimal. The hunt feature is necessary because, although the 3586’s frequency counter will select the highest amplitude signal in its passband, there’s no guarantee that the FMT signal is the highest amplitude signal. But it does have one characteristic that can be used to find it: it’s persistent, at least for the 2 minute key down period. By the way, Jack Smith, K8ZOA, has a wonderful exposition on using the HP 3586 for off-the-air frequency measurements on his web site. It turns out that trying to divide my attention between two instruments became somewhat confusing, so the results reported here are in somes cases from the spectral analysis, some cases from the 3586 GPIB frequency measurements, and some cases an average of the two. Average Signal levels: 40 m: W8KSE -64 dBm, W6OQI -80 dBm, WA6ZTY -78 dBm 80 m: K5CM -65 dBm, W8KSE -70 dBm All into 75 ohm load, assume S9 = 50 microvolts (50 ohm), you do the math! Ok, I'm curious, so I did the math: -64 dBm (75 ohm) approx. = 9 dB/S9 (50 ohm). So on average, W8KSE on 40 m was 9 dB over S9, W6OQI on 40 m was 16 dB less, or about S8, etc. These are just the average levels. Signal levels varied by 10 - 16 dB or 2 - 3 S units. | |||||||||||||||
| K5CM | OK | W5 |
| Method: For TX: A HP Z3801 GPS frequency source clocks a HP-3336B. A 10 db transistor amp follows and drives a 12BY7 / pair 6146. Then to the final amplifier running 300 to 400 watts out. 80 meter dipole slopes down from a 140' tower. 40 meter dipole hangs between two 80' towers.
For RX: A FT-1000D in AM mode, with a PTS-250 clocked by a Z3801, for low side injection. Spectrum Lab software. Soapbox: All of the TX stations had good signals in Oklahoma. Doppler seemed worse than normal on the West coast stations. On the plus side, it appears everone likes the new format. 73, Connie | |||||||||||||||
| K5XL | TX | W5 |
| Method: FT-1000MP with TCXO calibrated/compared against 10Mhz Rubidium oscillator. Tuned sigs about 500 hz below in USB and measured audio tone using SpecLab. Added VFO freq to audio tone freq and adjusted for receiver error. Soapbox: All sigs were fair or better, and doppler was as bad as usual. Thanks for the FMT! | |||||||||||||||
| K6APW/7 | OR | W7 |
| Method: Ten-Tec Argonaut V calibrated to WWV. Audio hybrid combiner, digital audio generator, headphones. Audio phase detector, digital audio generator, zero center D'Arsonval meter. Calculate offset corrections. Soapbox: Signals S7 to S9+ on 40M with K5CM and W8KSE showing unstable path. On 80M W8KSE at S4 and very unstable path, K5CM and W6OQI at S7. Thanks to all for the efforts to provide this opportunity. | |||||||||||||||
| K6BZZ | AZ | W7 |
| Method: gpsdo, hp-3336, FT-817, Spectrum Lab, Win7
frequency standard/sound card differential method Soapbox: significant doppler on 40. West coast sigs very loud. Thanks for the test. | |||||||||||||||
| K6OQK | CA | W6 |
| Method: I use a GPS referenced HP-3586B receiver and measure the I.F. error. I use a 1:1 Lissajou pattern with one side of my scope looking at the 15625 Hz I.F. error and the other side fed from a GPS referenced HP-3336A generator which I tune to try and get the Lissajou pattern to stand still. (My twiddling fingers are still sore!) I simultaneously have Spectrum Lab, which is calibrated to my computer, measuring the 15625 Hz I.F. For more details on my measurement methodology please see: http://www.k5cm.com/k6OQK%20FMT%20NEW.htm Soapbox: What a wonderful display of Doppler shift gone amok, particularly on 40-Meters! All signals on both bands were strong. Marv W6OQI who is only about 8 airline miles from me was all over the place due to Doppler. I always enjoy a good FMT and this was certainly a good one. The format and timing of the stations was excellent. Thanks to everyone who made this possible. _Burt, K6OQK | |||||||||||||||
| K7OVG | ID | W7 |
| Method: IC-7000 and Mix W to confirm beat note frequency. Soapbox: I was happy to hear other people close by using CW on 40M. I couldn't copy W8KSE but the waterfall had something that looked like his signal on 3575.65 75 was very noisy at my QTH. | |||||||||||||||
| K7TT | WA | W7 |
| Method: ICOM-737, PC running both Spectrum Lab and Fldigi. SpecLab set for about 20 hertz wide, use Fldigi to get signal into SpecLab pass band. Measure audio frequency in SpecLab. Calibrate before and after with WWV at 5 & 10 Mhz. Calculate results in Excel. Soapbox: 40m signals were good but wide. No copy on 80m - noise level very high at 20 over S9 on meter. | |||||||||||||||
| K9KK | OK | W5 |
| Method: GPS disciplined RF reference signal generator and Spectrum Lab. Soapbox: All Signal strengths were very good in OK, and S9 or better. All the transmitting stations performed flawlessly and on perfect time(s). Thanks for your effort and now looking forward to next time. | |||||||||||||||
| KB4ZVM | SC | W4 |
| Method: I used an Icom 706 with the display set for 1 Hz precision. The antenna was a long wire (about 90 feet) with an SGC-230 autotuner. I connected the fixed audio output of the transceiver to the line level input of the sound card on a Pentium 4 computer, and ran Digipan software. I constructed a calibration curve using WWV and the results of previous frequency measurement tests. Soapbox: All signals on 40 meters were 599 with the exception of WA6ZTY, who was still a very respectable 559. The Doppler shift was very pronounced on 40 meters, and I tried to average the fractional Hz swings to the best of my ability. The Doppler shift on WA6ZTY was so random that it was impossible to average the swings. 80 meters was open and had a lot of activity before the test began. However, when I switched to 80 meters for the test, the band had closed and I heard no signals at all on 80. I really like this format. It was very much like "real world" conditions, and it was fun chasing the signals with each hand off! Many thanks to the four volunteer stations for conducting this frequency measuring test. It was fun as always, and I'm already looking forward to the next one. | |||||||||||||||
| KC9ECI | WI | W9 |
| Method: Flex 1500/Hustler 6-BTV/PowerSDR Spectrum Display. Soapbox: Just read about this on an email list a bit before it was supposed to start. Thought I'd give it a try. I'm sure I'll be well off the mark, but it's a baseline to start from and I'll know more for the next FMT. | |||||||||||||||
| KD2BD | NJ | W2 |
| Method: Completely homebrew station consisting of a vertically polarized balanced loop antenna working into a direct conversion receiver whose LO was phased locked to the incoming carrier. The receiver's LO was measured on a 10-digit frequency counter referenced to a WWVB disciplined frequency standard. (http://www.qsl.net/kd2bd/fmt-methodology.html) Soapbox: Love the new format! The Kp Index was 4, and severe thunderstorms were 60 miles south of me during the FMT. On 80, K5CM had the strongest signal (with fades every 10 seconds), followed closely by W8KSE. W6OQI was weak and difficult to lock on to under the strong QRN. The least amount of FM was observed on W8KSE, who is closest to my QTH. | |||||||||||||||
| KD5MMM | TX | W5 |
| Method: Yaesu FT847, Spec Lab, CHU for Reference. Soapbox: Hope to be close, tough copy on 80m, heard all 40m stations FB. GL all | |||||||||||||||
| KJ6K | CA | W6 |
| Method: HP8935 service monitor offset by a few hundred Hz in SSB decode mode, using the HP8935 audio frequency counter to measure the offset. Reference output from an HP5334B counter was used as the HP8935 reference input. HP5334 reference calibrated 2 yrs ago against GPS 1 pps output. Get frequency indpendent 0.2Hz offset when measuring WWV. The counter probably misses or overcounts with noise. Estimated accuracy, barring mistakes, is within 0.5 Hz. Soapbox: Great fun. This is my first attempt at the FMT. Used a method for which I could implement and reduce the data in a few minutes. It doesn't work on weak signals, so only got the CA stations. Hopefully, I didnt' make a stupid mistake and report something hundreds of Hz off. | |||||||||||||||
| KK5J | OK | W5 |
| Method: HP SLM and an indoor dipole. Calibrated before and after with WWV. Soapbox: All signals were strong. Some rapid fading with W6OQI made the measure a bit difficult. Otherwise, enjoyed the FMT. To all the OPs that make this test fun, thanks for your efforts and hard work. Enjoyed the format. | |||||||||||||||
| KM6QX | CA | W6 |
| Method: Flex-1500 fed by OCF Dipole. Flex set for 0 Hz IF and 600 Hz pitch CWU mode. VFO/DDS offset corrections were made: -0.01 to -0.046 Hz. Ext. Ref. was 10 MHz LPRO Rb calibrated against TBolt GPSDO. 600 Hz frequency analyzed with Fldigi. Flex-1500’s CODEC A/D sample rate error measured with Rb referenced frequency counter and corrected by Fldigi. System accuracy verified against local AM HD radio station carrier to be <0.1 mHz. Graphing of Fldigi’s freqanalysis.csv data revealed ~0.5 Hz of doppler variations from all distant stations. Best guesses were based on any alignment at high end. Soapbox: Flex-1500 and dipole provided strong signals for all stations / bands. This was my 2nd FMT with the Flex, and I have reverse-engineered its internal clocking scheme for the DDS and CODEC. Thus I have ‘calibrated’ out system errors to less than 5e-11. Doppler shifting is my next learning curve (if that’s possible). | |||||||||||||||
| KU4PY | AL | W4 |
| Method: ICOM 746pro; Butternut Vertical; Signal Link Digital interface; an iteration of the WSPR software created by Joe Taylor. Soapbox: First timer, enjoyed the challenge. Format works well. We had favorable prop. here in Alabama. CA on 80m was a bit weak but readable. Looking forward to doing it again in the fall. Rik, KU4PY | |||||||||||||||
| N0PFE | TX | W5 |
| Method: K3, AMD computer with Spectrum Lab.
Zero beat WWV 10 MHz. Soapbox: Third attempt at this but I didn't really have time to calibrate the LO of the K3. Used zero beat of 10 MHz WWV. It's fun anyway. I heard all stations well for both 40m and 80m tries. Some fading made the zero beat method more difficult. | |||||||||||||||
| N2GL | OR | W7 |
| Method: TS540S,AM mode with 500Hz filter, mixed at input with HP3335A synthesizer locked to GPS. Tek 2254/a scope to find approximate beat frequency then read with Spectrum Lab sound card analyzer and average many readings to compensate doppler shift. Soapbox: Good signals from all stations | |||||||||||||||
| N3FG | PA | W3 |
| Method: IC-7200, Signalink, PC running Spectran, WWV for calibration. Soapbox: W6OQI very weak on 80M. Many thanks to all for a first class FMT. | |||||||||||||||
| N4AU | AL | W4 |
| Method: Kenwood TS570 with K1JT, Joe Taylor's FMT/WSPR software. Used a local 3 mHz (plus harmonics) oven controlled oscillator for the reference frequencies. Soapbox: This was my second attempt at FMT. Signal from W6OQI on 80M weak and QRN on the frequency, but did manage a reading. I used a .bat file created with the last FMT for the calibration and measurements. Enjoyed the test. | |||||||||||||||
| N5DM | TX | W5 |
| Method: Kenwood TS-480S and DigiPan v2.0. N/S dipoles. Soapbox: Significant Doppler on West Coast stations. Thanks to all participating stations. | |||||||||||||||
| N5LBZ | MS | W5 |
| Method: I use an old 80's era radio manufactured for the military by RF Harris.
which tunes in 10hz steps so I have to use Spectrum Lab to measure the
audio frequency and I also use a HP3325A function generator which is locked to my GPS referenced 10Mhz standard. Soapbox: Signals were excellent from all stations for a change but Mr. Murphy was not to be denied and I developed cockpit problems on the 80 meter run and missed the first two stations b4 I got the problem straightend out. If I had been thinking I could have saved the day but in the heat of the moment I missed the opportunity. However, I have since taken steps to insure the problem does not occur on the next test. | |||||||||||||||
| N6GN | CA | W6 |
| Method: IC706MKIIG phaselocked via homebrew analog PLL to Wenzel 10 MHz OCXO.
Wenzel OCXO phaselocked via homebrew DPLL to 1 PPS GPS.
WSPR FMT used to measure tone. Soapbox: My first FMT and a lot of fun. Amazing how many gross errors one can make in the flurry of dodging QRM, tuning to the wrong side of a signal etc! Hope I'm at least on the right band (:>) Didn't include propagation offset measured for WWV, maybe next time. Thanks to all for making it happen. | |||||||||||||||
| N6VMO | CA | W6 |
| Method: Flex-1500, Trimble ThunderBolt GPSDO. Soapbox: My first attempt at a FMT while learning how to use the Flex-1500 and GPSDO. Hopefully I read my results correctly. See you all in the next FMT. 73 John | |||||||||||||||
| N7AIG | AZ | W7 |
| Method: Elecraft K3, Agilent 33522A dual function generator - channel A RF injected heterodyne carrier, channel B Audio reference for PID control of A/D sample rate, homebrew analysis software Soapbox: screwed up on first transmission, keep my fingers crossed, forgot to record entire 40M session. Need a checklist for next FMT. Really enjoyed the FMT. We need these more often. Really enjoyed the roundtable format. | |||||||||||||||
| N7EP | WA | W7 |
| Method: ICOM 746 Xcvr, Spectrum Lab.software, WWV as frequency standard and lady luck in picking out the signals on Spec. Lab. Soapbox: Lots of doppler on all signals into the Seattle area with all having a fequency spread of 1 Hz. W8KSE was just above the noise on both bands. I like this format as it doesn't require a lot of hunting for the frequency. Thanks to K5CM, W8KSE, W6OQI, WA6ZTY and the ARRL for the FMT. | |||||||||||||||
| N7ISR | AZ | W7 |
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| N8OB | OH | W8 |
| Method: TS-2000, Spectrum Labs Software. Checked against WWV and CHU before the FMT Soapbox: Decent signals on all bands from all stations. 80M had a problem from JT65-HF stations but was able to get a reading between their transmissions. | |||||||||||||||
| NO5K | TX | W5 |
| Method: G5RV, Narrow BPF, FLEX 3000 NB AM Receiver, BFO is IFR 2025 GPS locked Sig Gen. Spectrum Lab software. Soapbox: Thanks for the effort. Nice format, no problems finding or hearing everyone. Power line noise here with QSB and local pulse signals made it difficult to get close. Low-side and high-side injection were sometimes mismatched by 1 Hz. Looking fwd to next one. | |||||||||||||||
| VE2IQ | ON | VE |
| Method: Dipole > TS-850 > Soundcard. TS-850 clocked with external standard, disciplined by GPS. Homebrew software. | |||||||||||||||
| VE3IGJ | ON | VE |
| Method: HP-53131A frequency counter, HP-3582A audio spectrum analyser, and Marconi frequency generator | |||||||||||||||
| VE3OAT | ON | VE |
| Method: Spectracom 8164 WWVB-disciplined frequency standard driving decade frequency dividers down to 1 kHz to create 1 kHz markers in receiver. SpectrumLab software to measure frequency difference between "unknown" and nearest 1 kHz marker. Soapbox: Propagation seemed fairly stable this time and I didn't notice any peculiar frequency-amplitude relationships on the graphs I plot. As usual W6OQI signal was weak here on 80 m but readable. Thanks to everyone involved in making these transmissions and giving us this challenge! | |||||||||||||||
| VE3TG | ON | VE |
| Method: WSPR FMT software, IC-R75 receiver Soapbox: First try at a FMT. Hope I figured out how to use the fmt software correctly. The receiver was only warmed up for a few hours before the test, so that might be one problem. I'm sure there are others too! | |||||||||||||||
| W0CNN | CO | W0 |
| Method: HP 8664A SigGen externally clocked by Home brew GPS disciplined oscillator, generating marker signal within a few hz of test signal. Transceiver used was Kenwood TS-480HX with high stability OCXO, captured audio with Spectrum Lab. Post analysis done with Spectrum Lab and Microsoft Excel. Soapbox: Great FMT, as always. Had good strong signals (S9 or greater) from all stations on both bands here into Colorado. Doppler was quite rampant, especially on the W8KSE and W6OQI stations. I was very impressed at the coordination between all stations and the fact they all were dead on regarding the published timeline. It was a perfectly conducted FMT! | |||||||||||||||
| W0PHD | MN | W0 |
| Method: Z3801>Singer CSM-1>IC 756pro
Set standard within 100Hz of unknown frequency. Measure beat note of standard and unknown frequency. calculate the difference in frequency and add or subtract to the standard frequency to determine the unknown Soapbox: 80 meter QRM on W6OQI sig made any measurement impossible even with 100 Hz filter. Had more computer problems then ever - Murphy still knows my QTH. | |||||||||||||||
| W1PW | AZ | W7 |
| Method: FT-817nd calibrated with Trimble GPSDO into Spectrum Lab, then SL Text file Data corrections calculated with Excel spreadsheet. Soapbox: Didn't get home quite in time for the first (K5CM) measurement; missed the first minute of the W8KSE call-up. Mr. Doppler was a very active participant in this test on all stations on both bands. Signals of all stations were S7 or stronger on both bands. | |||||||||||||||
| W2FD | PA | W3 |
| Method: TS-450 Transceiver with TCXO and 500 Hz. filter with CW(USB) mode and 1 Hz. tuning steps. Frequency counter/scope/audio oscillator and Lissajous Figure used to measure the nearly 600 Hz. difference between the (BFO) frequency and transmit carrier to the nearest 0.1 Hz. Soapbox: Signals very strong except for W6OQI on 80 meters. Lots of QRN and QSB on all the signals. Thanks again for a great job by the FMT gang! | |||||||||||||||
| W2IMY | NY | W2 |
| Method: TS 950 SDX | |||||||||||||||
| W3GXT | MD | W3 |
| Method: Icom 7000 receiver
Pixel Tech RF PRO-1A loop antenna for 40 meters
Hustler 6BTV vertical for 80 Meters.
Software used was Spectrum Lab. Soapbox: Ignore my earlier entry, I entered a wrong frequency in a box. Thanks Conditions were good up until the W6OQI last 80 meter run. Am looking forward to the next event | |||||||||||||||
| W3JW | VA | W4 |
| Method: IC7800(ext. 10 MHz GPSDO) into Spectrum Laboratory Soapbox: The thing that impressed me most was the ability of all transmitting stations to follow (so closely!) the pre-event published time line! This to spite the differences in CW speed--- Bravo!-- Do you guys also march in the Rose Perade on New Years Day? Hi--- this could really help participants with marginaly copyable incoming signal levels-- Yes, still plenty of doppler and multipath to keep us peons guessing! Many Tnx fer the fine test--- | |||||||||||||||
| W3NF | MD | W3 |
| Method: Elecraft K3 w/250Hz filter Spectrum Lab | |||||||||||||||
| W4AVO | VA | W4 |
| Method: IC-756p3, GPSDXO, Spec Lab Soapbox: Local thunderstorms added QRN challange. Good signals except W6OQI on 80. New equipment, new scheme added lots of ways to make mistakes. | |||||||||||||||
| W4JLE | SC | W4 |
| Method: Icom 746Pro FLDIGI Frequency Analysis Mode. Soapbox: No Joy on W6OQI on 80 here in South Carolina. W8KSE weak but copyable. I like the format it keeps you hopping! | |||||||||||||||
| W4RYF | NC | W4 |
| Method: Method/Equipment - Antenna is a 35 ft long wire; JRC NRD-545 DSP receiver with TCXO; Using onboard soundcard in my Dell Laptop running MixW software. Warm up system for 9 hours, calibrated against WWV and CHU frequency standards for the last three hours. Calibration: Run MixW in BPSK mode, with receiver in narrow CW (w/BFO set at 1000Hz). System calibration stabilized at 0.1Hz against WWV and CHU. Soapbox: Soapbox: During Contest: I set the rcvr. to contest frequency, place the MixW flag on the observed CW audio tone line on the MixW waterfall display, and record on worksheet, the observed BFO audio tone readout from the window at the bottom of the MixW page; recording the reading every 15 sec. on a work sheet. Then compute arithmetic average of the observed BFO tone readings. Compute the contest frequency as follows: Formula: Actual Transmit Freq (Hz)= Dial Freq plus observed BFO tone average minus the correction. Example calculation for K5CM on 40 m : Actual = 7055,000 Hz + 510.9375 - 1000.1 = 7,054,510.9Hz Then add salt and pepper to taste. Note during this contest I was unable to confidently ID the 80M signal from W6OQI '73 de W4RYF | |||||||||||||||
| W4UK | SC | W4 |
| Method: Stabilized, calibrated Flex 5000a + FLDIGI.. Soapbox: Wasn't able to get the 80M data - equipment problems here. WA6ZTY wandered quite a bit on 40, but I am submitting a guesstimate for him anyway. Thanks to all the guys involved with these FMTs - much fun. | |||||||||||||||
| W5IAV | VA | W4 |
| Method: Equipment: Flex 5000A, 2 Rubidium Standards disciplined to GPS. Flex locked to Rubidium 10 MHz reference. Software was Spectrum Labs.
HP 3336 used to perform whole system calibration.
Antenna was a Carolina Windom 160 at 60ft ht. A HP 3586B Selective Level Meter was also used in system calibration. All test equipment was locked to the Rubidium References.
Set the Flex 1 KHz below FMT station freqs and read audio offset using Spectrum Lab software. Soapbox: My first FMT. Enjoyed it... Band conditions were fair to good. Even though I practicted with WWV,it took me until the 3rd 40meter measurement to get my routine down. Can't wait for next time. | |||||||||||||||
| W6OQI | CA | W6 |
| Method: HP Z3801B GPSDO feeds 10 MHz reference signal to HP 3586B selective level meter. I. F. from HP3586B is fed to computer running Spectrum Lab for determining the differnce between the theoretical I. F. and the actual I. F. of the signal being received. For transmitting the FMT, the equipment consists of the same HP Z3801B feeding a 10 MHz reference signal to a HP 3336B signal generator. The HP3336B signal generator is set to the FMT frequency to be transmitted. The output of the HP 3336B feeds into the external VFO input of a 58 year old Johnson Viking One transmitter. The 100 Watt output of the viking transmitter passes through a 6dB pad to reduce the power to about 30 Watts to drive an Icom 4KL amplifier to about 500 Watts. This output power is fed to either an 80 meter or a 40 meter inverted Vee antenna. The Viking One transmitter is keyed for the CW portion of the FMT. Soapbox: All received FMT signals were good in Southern California, except for the Doppler shift of course. I am sorry I lost the K5CM 40 meter signal measurement. I measured it but due to getting busy with the last minute FMT frequency change, due to QRM, I neglected to log the frequency reading on the HP 3586B level meter. It was fun receiving and sending the FMT and I look forward to doing so again in the future. | |||||||||||||||
| W7KPZ | OR | W7 |
| Method: Icom IC-718 w/ indoor wire antenna
SignaLink USB
ARGO software on HP Windows 7 computer
Old Texas Instrument handheld calculator Soapbox: Could not hear K5CM or W6OQI on 80 meters. | |||||||||||||||
| W8TJK | OH | W8 |
| Method: Fldigi in frequency analysis mode connected to an Elecraft K3 | |||||||||||||||
| W8TM | OH | W8 |
| Method: Elecraft K3 calibrated vs. 10 MHz WWV. Measurement by injecting sidetone monitor via "spot" and zero-beating. Soapbox: All signals good, only 80M W6OQI below S9. | |||||||||||||||
| W9TJ | IL | W9 |
| Method: HP105B osc, HB DSS Gen, ICOM IC-R75, HB Rx slave to R75, HB GPS Calibrator, HB WWVB calibrator, Spectrum Lab. The slave rx hetrodynes unknown against DSS Gen and on to Spectrum Lab. Then EXCEL and the guessing game. Soapbox: Signals were good except for W6OQI 80. Doppler not bad except on West Coast stations. It was fun as usual and many thanks to the gang for pulling it off. 73 Tom | |||||||||||||||
| W9ZB | IN | W9 |
| Soapbox: W8KSE on 40 had the most jittery doppler I've ever seen, not so much on 80, but still more than any others, maybe because we're only abt 100 mi apart. All others were S-9 or better at this QTH. | |||||||||||||||
| WA1ABI | RI | W1 |
| Method: WJ-8718 Receiver locked to Rb standard, beat note measured with DL4YHF's Spectrum Lab software. Soapbox: Very well run FMT. Good signals all the way around. Thanks to K5CM, W8KSE, W6OQI, WA6ZTY and ARRL. | |||||||||||||||
| WA2USJ | NY | W2 |
| Method: Kenwood TS 570S | |||||||||||||||
| WA4FJC | VA | W4 |
| Method: Thunderbolt GPS standard, HP 3586B and SpecLab as a tuning aid. Soapbox: All signals very good here in VA except W6OQI on 80 meters. Mostly inagination there. Hi TNX for the FMT fellows. 73 Gordon | |||||||||||||||
| WA6MNW | CA | W6 |
| Method: FT-950 with HRD. | |||||||||||||||
| WA6UAT | CA | W6 |
| Method: 75A4, HP E4437 RF sig gen with external continuously powered HP 10811 OCXO reference. Establish audio beat, filter with bandpass filter, observe on scope swept with ramp from synthesized function generator in E4437. | |||||||||||||||
| WA6VPJ | CA | W6 |
| Method: ICOM 746Pro
Heathkit IM-2420 frequency counter
HP zd8000 notebook computer
Spectrum Lab. software Soapbox: Good signals from all except W8SKE a bit weak on 80m. Keep it up, I look forward to the test each year. My thanks to the hams that stepped up to provide us with the test. | |||||||||||||||
| WA6ZTY | CA | W6 |
| Method: Received in AM mode using synthesizer to generate beat note at 1 KHz. Audio fed through 1 KHz. bandpass filter into scope channel 1. 1 KHz from local standard fed into scope channel 2. Adjusted synthesizer so that beat note on channel 1 sync'd with channel 2 trace. Soapbox: Stronger than normal signals on everyone, especially W6OQI's 80 meter signal. Doppler worse than normal, but improved as the evening progressed. This was the first FMT where I was able to measure all of the transmissions. | |||||||||||||||
| WA8OFU | FL | W4 |
| Method: Argonaut V, Trap Vertical, FLdigi for frequency measurement | |||||||||||||||
| WB0LXZ | KS | W0 |
| Method: Homebrew GPS locked 10MHz freq. standard. HP3586B and its built-in frequency counter. 80M dipole. EM27 Soapbox: I planned to use Spec Lab, but accidentally recorded over all 40M session when I recorded 80M session. Worst line-related noise on 80M I have ever seen. It is still going on this morning. But it was still fun. I liked the new format. Thanks to everyone involved. -bill | |||||||||||||||
| WB6DCE | CA | W6 |
| Method: Icom R-75 .long wire antenna. in CW mode. CW offset set to 800 Hz. reading audio tone tuned to 800 Hz with FLDIGI frequency analysis mode software.. i can only resolve 1 Hz.
i have a correction chart derived from WWV. to correct receiver LO error. subtract 4 Hz on 40 meters 2 Hz on 80 etc.. Soapbox: Well i went to 80 meters 3.575 MHz and exactly at 7:45 PDST RN6 Traffic net comes on with 25 to 30 WPM CW.. right on the freq where the FMT is supposed to be.. What we have here is a Failure to Communicate! Harruummmphh! next time choose another frequency for 80 meters! | |||||||||||||||
| WB6VRN | CA | W6 |
| Method: TS-870 and fldigi running on OS X. Calibration against WWV, KDIS, and KNX (the latter two being HD Radio stations locked to GPS). Soapbox: First use of fldigi in an FMT, having always used Argo previously. Learned that Argo allows ionospheric Doppler to be averaged more easily than fldigi, the carrier tracking loop time constant in the latter being too short. | |||||||||||||||
| WB8TFV | WV | W8 |
| Method: IC-706MIIG, Trimble GPS-clock, DDS-60 Soapbox: This was my second FMT. I had high wind, hard rain and a GPS failure I didn't notice until after the FMT. Other than that it was fun! | |||||||||||||||
| WO7V | OR | W7 |
| Method: Flex 5000a, Rubidium standard, fldigi version 3.20.28
Use Fldigi in frequency analysis mode. Average 1 minute of key down (about 960 measurements) Soapbox: Signals much louder this time than the November test with W8KSE on 80 meters being the weakest but still very copyable. I like the new format, less goofing around and waiting. My hat is off to the guys for a very well run FMT. | |||||||||||||||
| WW6D | CA | W6 |
| Method: Equipment: Yaesu FT-1000MP Mark V Field, Dell Inspiron laptop with Crystal WDM Audio. Method: K1JT "FMT" software (TNX, Joe!). Soapbox: Signals were quite good at this QTH; on 40 meters, K5CM S8, W8KSE S6, W6OQI S9, WA6ZTY S9+5dB. Operator error on getting the 40 meter frequency for W8KSE ;-). On 80 m, K5CM S9, W8KSE S7, W6OQI S9+5dB. TNX to all 4 stations for providing this opportunity! | |||||||||||||||
| WY3D | PA | W3 |
| Method: HPSDR with Tremble Thunderbolt GPS and HP3586C Soapbox: K5CM had what appeared to be huge Doppler on 40. Best I could do was take an average. W8KSE had a standard deviation of .5Hz with Doppler. 80 was tough, K5CM was in the noise and I couldn't hear w6oqi. Wow do I have a lot to learn about this. All the accuracy in the world is no good unless you can understand the Doppler | |||||||||||||||
| WZ4CW | GA | W4 |
| Method: Yaesu FT-897 / Measure edges of passband and average for center frequency. Tune to WWV, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 MHz to determine a correction factor for the results. Soapbox: Antenna is 80 Meter Carolina Windom in attic. However, 80 Meter reception from W6OQI was 239. All other 80 Meter and 40 Meter reception was 599. 73 to all FMT-nuts and Straight Key Century Club and FISTS, Carl WZ4CW, SKCC 918, FISTS 13491 |