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New Kit and Book
Released by the Xtal
Set Society
The Xtal Set Society (www.midnightscience.com)
has a new kit available – the CW
Regen Filter Kit, Alias: “The Scrubber.”
This kit was inspired by the inhibiting
galactic noise encountered when listening to
HF CW. Many proficient CW operators turn the
AF gain full on and manage the audio signal and
noise with internal rig filters and the RF gain
knob. Even with these techniques, band‐limited
cosmic static is present along with man‐made
noise. There isn’t much one can do to copy CW
notes that are simply too weak; but, one can
scrub away a portion of the static that makes
its way into our consciousness with an audio
regenerative filter.
For example, when tuned to a quiet spot
on 30‐meters with the regen filter engaged,
the regen’s output shows a reduction in noise
compared to the signal at the phone jack of the
receiver. In bypass mode one simply listens
to what the rig has to offer. In scrubber mode,
the multiple‐feed‐back filters and regen work
together to remove a majority of the remaining
white noise. The processed signal sounds clean
with a slight echo‐chamber quality. For most
this is an improvement and may reduce stress
and improve copy. For more details, see the
Society’s website.
For experienced kit makers, assembly and
alignment is about two hours. You’ll need a
meter or scope to align the filters and the audio
delay line. In addition, you’ll supply the connectors
and cabling for your specific radio and
the following tools and supplies: pliers, cutters,
knife or wire stripper, soldering iron and solder,
masking tape and your enthusiasm! The filter can
be supplied with a well regulated and grounded
13.8 VDC supply or one or two 9-volt batteries.
A well grounded station is necessary when
external high gain audio‐based accessories are
added to prevent or substantially reduce any
“ground loop” interference.
You can purchase the kit in three ways:
PCB and 18‐page manual only – Cat# XSC-
WPCB, $29.95; full kit with parts, but without
case – Cat# XSCWNC, $49.95; or full kit with
case – Cat# XSCW, $69.95. The populated PCB
fits in a plastic case that is 3.7 inches wide. 1.45
inches height, and 6.1 inches in length.
Phil Anderson, WØXI, at the Xtal Set
Society has also released a new book – An Introduction
to Amateur Radio Astronomy.
The basics of crystal sets and radio telescopes
have much in
common. Phil has written
a series of beginner
articles on radio astronomy,
that culminated in
a presentation at Ozarkcon
2012 (4SQRP), last
April 14th, in Branson,
Missouri.
The articles in this
new book include: An
Introduction to Radio Astronomy summarizing
Grote Reber’s work, Earth and Sky Coordinate
Systems, Basics For Our First Radio Telescope,
Noise and A Tuned Radio Frequency Telescope,
The Square Law Detector, The DC‐Amplifier,
and Summing Up.
This 50 page print book is CAT# XSRA
and sells for $9.95.
Orders for both the items above may be
placed by phone (405‐517‐7347) or via their
website at www.midnightscience.com/html,
The Xtal Set Society, Inc., PO BOX 3636,
Lawrence, KS, 66046
The ARRL Repeater
Directory® – 2012/2013
Edition
The best directory of frequencies for amateur
radio repeaters around the country is now
better than ever. It now includes D‐Star and
APCO‐25, references for operating practices,
emergency message handling, tips for handling
interference and more. It also includes guidelines
for severe weather reporting to SKYWARN nets
and the National Weather Service.
In print there are two different editions
including a pocket‐sized
edition, perfect for mobile
operations (3.75 by 5.25
inches), and a 640 page
desktop edition (6 by 9
inches and spiral bound).
Both editions have 21800
plus listings for VHF/UHF
repeaters across the US
and Canada and have the
following features:
• Repeater operating practices, repeater lingo
and hints for newly licensed hams.
• Frequency coordinator contact information.
• VHF/UHF Band Plans and 2‐meter channel‐spacing
map
• Amateur Television (ATV), D‐Star and APCO
25 repeaters
• CTCSS tones and Digital Coded Squelch (DCS)
• IRLP, WIRES‐II, and EchoLink® (Internet linked)
nodes
• Repeater listings for 29.5-29.7; 51-54; 144-
Larry Van Horn, New Products Editor
148; 222-225; 420-450; 902-928; and
1240 MHz and above.
• Emergency message handling procedures
(ARRL Radiogram, Numbered Radiograms,
and ICS0213 General Message Form)
• Tips for handling interference
• Transceiver memory log
• Handy indexing tabs on the cover to aid finding
the listings you’re looking for.
• Easy‐to‐read listings.
• Key to repeater notes located right up front.
• Icons make it easy to identify “Open” or limited
access repeater systems.
The third format for this annual publication
is available – CD‐ROM. The TravelPlus
CD‐ROM with a bonus Repeater Directory,
Version 16.0, is a power packed CD for hams
who use electronic publications.
With TravelPlus for Repeaters, you have
the power of The ARRL Repeater Directory on
your computer. With TravelPlus for Repeaters
as your traveling companion, you’ll never be
alone on the road. Locate ham radio repeaters
along US and Canadian travel routes using this
map‐based software package.
This feature‐packed CD‐ROM includes the
following features:
• Map your travel route and tune in. Supports
GPS with separate external hardware (cable
and adapter purchased separately and not
supplied with TravelPlus).
• View and print maps and repeater lists.
• Access The ARRL Repeater DataBase, global
Internet linked nodes, AM/FM radio, broadcast
television, and NOAA weather stations,
USA and Canadian licenses, and ham radio
points of interest.
• Export data. Transfer to Palm or Pocket PC,
radio programming software, and more.
This CD requires Microsoft Windows
XP, Vista or Windows 7, and a Pentium or
comparable processor (recommended for 32-bit
systems only), and a CD-ROM. 16 MB of RAM
(32 MB or more recommended). Hard disk with
at least 50 MB free (run from CD‐ROM) or 260
MB free (run from hard drive). 640 x 480, High
Color (16 bit) graphics supported.
The 768 page pocket‐sized book (ARRL
#5347) costs $12.95, and the Desktop edition
(ARRL #5485) sells for $17.95 plus shipping.
The TravelPlus for Repeaters CD‐ROM. (ARRL
#4678) retails for $39.95 plus shipping.
If you have previously purchased a TravelPlus
CD, there is a discount available. Just
cut out the Proof of Purchase from the booklet
included with your previous edition CD, and
return it with your order for this new 2012-2013
edition by mail to the ARRL only. Please specify
ARRL Order #4678U, and include $19.95 plus
$2.75 shipping with your order.
The ARRL Software
Library for Hams
If you are interested in ham radio software
for your computer and do not have time to surf
the net looking for it, then check out the ARRL
72 MONITORING TIMES August 2012