1261
Shortwave Pirate Radio In North America And Around The World, And Other Signals That Go Bump In The Night
We seek to understand and document all radio transmissions, legal and otherwise, as part of the radio listening hobby. We do not encourage any radio operations contrary to regulations.
Always consult with the appropriate authorities if you have questions concerning what is permissible in your locale.
^Intermittently this, though I suspect mine could be from something else a few KHz down.
Show Posts
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
1262
Equipment / Re: Interesting Chinesium SI4732 Shortwave/Air/FM
« on: May 17, 2021, 2319 UTC »
I have one these....
https://mfjenterprises.com/products/vec-162
....on a shelf collecting dust. Been there for years. It might be better for RTTY and whatever, but yeah, I agree CW can be quite a YMMV situation in my experience.
https://mfjenterprises.com/products/vec-162
....on a shelf collecting dust. Been there for years. It might be better for RTTY and whatever, but yeah, I agree CW can be quite a YMMV situation in my experience.
1263
Equipment / Re: Interesting Chinesium SI4732 Shortwave/Air/FM
« on: May 17, 2021, 2017 UTC »
For the more adventurous, apparently a dev even has added a CW decoder to his firmware.
http://www.cqham.ru/forum/showthread.php?33038-Elektor-DSP-Radio-%ED%E0-%F7%E8%EF%E5-Si4735&p=1828648&viewfull=1#post1828648
I am somewhat surprised it fit. The Arduino Nano - well, it is a clone here to be technical - only has like 30KB of usable memory.
http://www.cqham.ru/forum/showthread.php?33038-Elektor-DSP-Radio-%ED%E0-%F7%E8%EF%E5-Si4735&p=1828648&viewfull=1#post1828648
I am somewhat surprised it fit. The Arduino Nano - well, it is a clone here to be technical - only has like 30KB of usable memory.
1264
Equipment / Re: Interesting Chinesium SI4732 Shortwave/Air/FM
« on: May 17, 2021, 2012 UTC »
PU2CLR maintains a git repository for SI47xx software:
https://github.com/pu2clr/SI4735
The specific firmware I am using:
https://github.com/pu2clr/SI4735/tree/master/examples/SI47XX_KITS/AliExpress
There also are groups for the SI47xx chip in general:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/532613604253401/
https://groups.io/g/si47xx/topics
I poke at and build* software casually, but I am not really into the Arduino stuff, so I had to install the IDE.
I was just following the directions. Thankfully no command lines, git commands, or complicated steps. The IDE itself pulls in all the needed parts from an Internet database. Basically search, install three libraries, click a few options, then upload to the radio. If anyone does it, definitely remember to hold in the encoder while powering the radio to reset the EEPROM after the firmware upgrade.
I did glance at the source. It is well laid out and commented if one wanted to change things such as button assignments or whatever.
*One of my other hobbies is optimizing and building the Chromium web browser.
https://chromium.woolyss.com/
https://github.com/pu2clr/SI4735
The specific firmware I am using:
https://github.com/pu2clr/SI4735/tree/master/examples/SI47XX_KITS/AliExpress
There also are groups for the SI47xx chip in general:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/532613604253401/
https://groups.io/g/si47xx/topics
I poke at and build* software casually, but I am not really into the Arduino stuff, so I had to install the IDE.
I was just following the directions. Thankfully no command lines, git commands, or complicated steps. The IDE itself pulls in all the needed parts from an Internet database. Basically search, install three libraries, click a few options, then upload to the radio. If anyone does it, definitely remember to hold in the encoder while powering the radio to reset the EEPROM after the firmware upgrade.
I did glance at the source. It is well laid out and commented if one wanted to change things such as button assignments or whatever.
*One of my other hobbies is optimizing and building the Chromium web browser.
https://chromium.woolyss.com/
1265
Equipment / Re: T2FD results (58 ft)
« on: May 17, 2021, 1752 UTC »
Nice. :)
Note without a balun your coax is technically a transformer due to the substantial mismatch. If you want a quick fix until buying or building a proper balun, even a cheap 4:1 television transformer probably would help.
Note without a balun your coax is technically a transformer due to the substantial mismatch. If you want a quick fix until buying or building a proper balun, even a cheap 4:1 television transformer probably would help.
1266
Equipment / Re: Interesting Chinesium SI4732 Shortwave/Air/FM
« on: May 17, 2021, 1657 UTC »
Thanks and will do. :)
Copy-and-paste about the latest firmware update:
Copy-and-paste about the latest firmware update:
Quote
* The final code (HEX file) is about 2.5K smaller than the previous one (now you have more memory to add new features);
* Twenty three bands. Two VHF(FM); one LW; two MW; and Nineteen SW bands covering from 1800 to 30000 kHz;
* Band, Volume, Step, Bandwidth, AGC/Attenuation are now controlled by encoder;
* "Vol-" buttons is free to implement new features. It has no function for while;
* "BAND-" now is used to control Softmute Attenuation;
* All the previous status of the receiver can be rescued when you turn it on (including SSB mode, bandwidth, volume, frequency, BFO etc);
* The bandwidth now is a property of the band (you can use different bandwidth for different bands);
* Bandwidth control on FM mode (Auto, 110, 84, 60 and 40 kHz);
* Bandwidth control on AM mode (1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4 and 6 kHz);
* Bandwidth control on SSB mode (0.5, 1, 1.2, 2.2, 3 and 4 kHz);
* AGC (Automatic Gain Control) and Attenuation control;
* Softmute Attenuation Control;
* FM/RDS presentation was improved;
* The seek function was improved (it is more precise on FM mode). The seek direction is controlled by the encoder (clockwise or counter-clockwise. Press encoder push button for seeking Steps: 1, 5, 9, 10, 50 and 100 kHz;
* Now you can configure MW band space to 9 or 10 kHz;
* New FM band from 64 to 84 MHz;
* New MW band from 531 to 1701 kHz for Europe, Africa and Asia;
* The frequency on Display is bigger than the previous version;
* Now the bandwidth sequence is ordered by bandwidth values;
* After about 4 seconds, all command buttons are all disabled and the encoder control goes back to the frequency;
* The current status of the receiver will be stored only after 10 seconds of inactivity.
1267
North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: YHWH 7475 AM 0139 UTC 16 May 2021
« on: May 16, 2021, 0154 UTC »Just a het here in Alabama
^Intermittently this, though I suspect mine could be from something else a few KHz down.
1268
North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: Nuttin' On Shortwave 6925 AM 0109 UTC 16 May 2021
« on: May 16, 2021, 0135 UTC »
Slight modulation in the noise floor via ECSS tuning. It is there, but not copyable. Some ute interference, too.
1269
North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: Ballsmacker Radio 4030 usb 0110 utc 16 May 2021
« on: May 16, 2021, 0128 UTC »
S9 at 0126z via the 148' LoG with preamp. SINPO 44444. Strong modulation. Intermittent ute or similar interference.
0147z - Quad City DJs lol
Thanks for the broadcast! :)
0147z - Quad City DJs lol
Thanks for the broadcast! :)
1270
North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: Mix Radio Int. 6865 USB 2352 UTC 15 May 2021
« on: May 16, 2021, 0053 UTC »
S5 peaks with music at 0052z. SINPO 35433. Moderate fading. Good modulation.
0053z - Station ID
0056z - Disco Promo
Thanks for the broadcast! :)
0053z - Station ID
0056z - Disco Promo
Thanks for the broadcast! :)
1271
North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: Wolverine Radio 6960 USB 0001 UTC 16 MAY 2021
« on: May 16, 2021, 0028 UTC »
Peaking S6+ at 0027z. SINPO 35433. Some fades. Good audio as usual.
ID at 0035z.
Thanks for the broadcast! :)
ID at 0035z.
Thanks for the broadcast! :)
1272
Equipment / Re: Interesting Chinesium SI4732 Shortwave/Air/FM
« on: May 16, 2021, 0021 UTC »
Still have yet to open the radio, but I did get around to updating the software.
https://github.com/pu2clr/SI4735/tree/master/examples/SI47XX_KITS/AliExpress
Much better user interface now. :) Other changes include being able to tweak or disable soft mute, finer grained attenuation, and a few options being moved to the encoder instead of multiple button presses.
Currently using it to listen to a 40m SSB net via the 148' LoG. Sounding and performing about the same as any other SI473x portable in the sub-$100 segment IMO. The SSB highpass is a little high for music, thus losing some lows, but generally okay for voice comms. The internal speaker response seems rather narrow anyway. Of note I actually like the form factor. I have been using it as a small secondary receiver on top of my Kenwood R-2000.
I plan to drop in a 1M resistor and a couple of diodes for at least basic ESD protection. After looking through my parts, I had to order the diodes, so I will take a closer look inside after receiving them.
https://github.com/pu2clr/SI4735/tree/master/examples/SI47XX_KITS/AliExpress
Much better user interface now. :) Other changes include being able to tweak or disable soft mute, finer grained attenuation, and a few options being moved to the encoder instead of multiple button presses.
Currently using it to listen to a 40m SSB net via the 148' LoG. Sounding and performing about the same as any other SI473x portable in the sub-$100 segment IMO. The SSB highpass is a little high for music, thus losing some lows, but generally okay for voice comms. The internal speaker response seems rather narrow anyway. Of note I actually like the form factor. I have been using it as a small secondary receiver on top of my Kenwood R-2000.
I plan to drop in a 1M resistor and a couple of diodes for at least basic ESD protection. After looking through my parts, I had to order the diodes, so I will take a closer look inside after receiving them.
1273
Equipment / Re: Interesting Chinesium SI4732 Shortwave/Air/FM
« on: May 10, 2021, 1949 UTC »
Received mine earlier today. Connected it to my 9' vertical, turned it on, and skimmed some frequencies.
Sounds decent on AM and FM broadcast bands. Plenty of volume. Has several bandwidth options, multi-step attenuation, etc.
The VFO feels about the same as a basic portable. AFAIK, it is only soldered to the PCB, so that probably needs some reinforcement. Especially if pushing on it for the SSB BFO and whatever else it does.
I have yet to open the radio for a quick look. Maybe later today. At minimum it is likely getting a couple of diodes for basic ESD protection, then I might look into adding a few filtering caps on the internal power rails.
Sounds decent on AM and FM broadcast bands. Plenty of volume. Has several bandwidth options, multi-step attenuation, etc.
The VFO feels about the same as a basic portable. AFAIK, it is only soldered to the PCB, so that probably needs some reinforcement. Especially if pushing on it for the SSB BFO and whatever else it does.
I have yet to open the radio for a quick look. Maybe later today. At minimum it is likely getting a couple of diodes for basic ESD protection, then I might look into adding a few filtering caps on the internal power rails.
1274
Equipment / Re: Best MWDX antenna?
« on: May 10, 2021, 1713 UTC »
Ordered a second active miniwhip for further adventures in antenna phasing.
1275
Equipment / Re: Best MWDX antenna?
« on: May 07, 2021, 1053 UTC »
Yeah, matching antennas are not a requirement, especially if using phasing for local noise reduction. I was surprised my vertical and LoG was able to achieve such results given their vastly different characteristics.
Otherwise I was thinking more about using phasing to help steer an antenna array. Ideally that would be two similar antennas with the same polarization and similar impedance characteristics. Staggered parallel beverages, two verticals, etc.
Active antennas typically have wide bandwidth (low Q) and hopefully somewhat stable broadband impedances. Since I would be doing the project on the cheap, I already have one the following miniwhips on a shelf doing nothing and could order another:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/222469570201
I will think about it. In the meantime I might try phasing a couple of simple wire verticals or whatever if/when I feel like deploying them.
A three vertical array for additional enhancement might be possible as well. Probably phase the two outer verticals and ground the center vertical to the radial field. YMMV.
Otherwise I was thinking more about using phasing to help steer an antenna array. Ideally that would be two similar antennas with the same polarization and similar impedance characteristics. Staggered parallel beverages, two verticals, etc.
Active antennas typically have wide bandwidth (low Q) and hopefully somewhat stable broadband impedances. Since I would be doing the project on the cheap, I already have one the following miniwhips on a shelf doing nothing and could order another:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/222469570201
I will think about it. In the meantime I might try phasing a couple of simple wire verticals or whatever if/when I feel like deploying them.
A three vertical array for additional enhancement might be possible as well. Probably phase the two outer verticals and ground the center vertical to the radial field. YMMV.
