Carl Blare

The AMT5000 Wintenna setup I used in the FORMAL TESTS is still hooked up exactly the same way, but I made a huge DISCOVERY that went unnoticed during the tests.

The AMT5000 Wintenna setup I used in the FORMAL TESTS is still hooked up exactly the same way, but I made a huge DISCOVERY that went unnoticed during the tests.

All the testing was made west bound because that’s the common path for me to come and go. But today I drove east and, HOLY RF IN HEAVEN, the signal in THAT direction more than doubled ANY wastward signal I’ve ever had with the AMT3000s. In fact that is the direction I was trying to reach by radio so a certain neighbor could listen, but the signal never before went far enough.

Now, at that neighbor’s address, the signal is strong with noise, so it’s a “grade B” signal. Then, the very top of the big hill, traveling south on the cross street there are continuous traces of my signal for several blocks. Definite in and out of the program being sent.

Is it riding the power lines? If so, why didn’t the AMT3000 do the same thing?

Ever since becoming active in Part 15 I have been adding frequencies to the game. Right now I lay claim to 3 AM frequencies, 3 FMs, 1 long wave and 1 shortwave. Not all of those frequencies are developed yet, namely the carrier current and long wave, but they will be soon. There may also be a 900 mHz STL (studio transmitter link). Of course, all of the transmitters are spread far apart from each other to avoid mutual interference. Turning them all on or off takes about 5 or 10 minutes running between them. That’s why I am now designing a remote control system so they can all be controlled from one location.

Getting a focus on how to proceed with the remote controlling circuitry has been a study project for a long time, but the other day I found a circuit in a book which I absolutely love and this will be the starting point. Keep watching this blog because I am going to scan the schematic and invite comments plus I have some questions.

I have the fondest memories of the clunky rack mounted remote control rig that controlled the 70 kW FM where I worked. It contained a literal telephone dial on it’s front panel and by dialing “2” and “raising” the filaments the transmitter, 10-miles away, would warm up. A meter displayed the filament voltage so I could verify it was turned on. 10-minutes later by dialing “3” I would “raise” the carrier, and the needles on the frequency monitor all stood up and the speaker monitor went silent with a city-wide carrier.

The smaller version I am building will show by LED which transmitters are on. I won’t need to lease a phone line because all the wiring will be a private little home-owned “phone system.”

I will be opening a project page at kdxradio.com for the remote control system, and the information will belong to the Part 15 community.

This refers to several recent blogs, so I needed to start a new category or it might get misplaced…

This refers to several recent blogs, so I needed to start a new category or it might get misplaced…

In discussions of carrier current and tests of the AMT5000 where some power-line signal carriage was suspected, there have been mentions that power-pole transformers can block the transmission from being carried any further on the A.C. wires.

For awhile I have meant to survey the scene and see where the nearest transformers are.

There is a transformer directly out front, but standing on the sidewalk I can see many poles in all directions but I cannot see any other transformers. That could mean that carrier current will do very well from here.

In the next few days I’ll travel around looking upward and get a more specific idea of where those transformers are.

The recent testing of the new AMT5000 with sub-standard antennas has prompted the beginning of the first KDX outdoor antenna project. Major decisions at the outset have included, 1.) where to bring the wiring out. This carefully selected spot on the side of the wall will be permanent, useable for all future outdoor wiring projects including lighting, cameras, loudspeaker, anything; 2.) where to erect the antenna itself, an unobstructed spot that will not itself become an obstruction as far as what goes on around it.

The answers to these questions have been found, and site clearing began today where vine-ground-cover is being cleared down to flat earth.

This installation will be done in a temporary style, removable after the transmitter testing.

After bouncing around the extended band KDX has found a welcome home at 1680 kHz. Seldom do distant stations appear, but when they do, it is interesting.

After bouncing around the extended band KDX has found a welcome home at 1680 kHz. Seldom do distant stations appear, but when they do, it is interesting.

When I once heard WPRR from Ada, Michigan, serving Grand Rapids, I truly thought I’d found another Part 15 station because their whole schedule is almost the same as mine on KDX. I was also able to find additional programs on WPRR I then added to my schedule. Visit
http://publicrealityradio.org
and see what I mean.

Also, WPRR produces a very smart show that I now carry called “Reasonable Doubts,” a good Sunday morning program that covers the very universal question of doubting religious faith.

WPRR has 10 kW days and 680 Watts night.

The cooler weather opened the frequency quite a bit two nights ago and we heard KRJO, 1680, Monroe, Louisiana, 10 kW day 1 kW night, featuring “Ol’ School” rhythmic oldies music. Very good neighbor also.

Love your frequency.

EDITOR: What about the slogan “Occupy 1680”

Two members have gone off line due to health situations and we need to keep watch for their hoped return.

Two members have gone off line due to health situations and we need to keep watch for their hoped return.

Ken Norris of Friday Harbor Tiny Radio said he’s be down for a few days with surgery, but hasn’t been heard back in the expected time. One good sign is his website going strong and recently updated.

Bruce Micro 1690/1700 Dog Radio Studio 2 shared a disturbing note with us declaring a health condition that would pull him away for awhile.

We hope to see you both back online with your good input and good health.