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Author Topic: DGPS Logs 11/26/2016  (Read 1687 times)

Offline flexoman61

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DGPS Logs 11/26/2016
« on: November 26, 2016, 1405 UTC »
Thought I would try Chris's Amalgamated DGPS decoder
for Windows.
It worked good and was easy to set up. A few bugs that I
will make note of.

I was decoding live audio from my ICOM using my longwire
antenna then my folded dipole which is a lot quieter and
pulled in more signals. I need a proper antenna for LW.
Any suggestions for a low cost loop or other adequate
antenna for LW ?

I tuned the band 1 kHz at a time between 285 kHz and 325 kHz
from 0330z to about 0430z.
I was surprised at the stations I was able to pick up and ID.

What a blast! I'll be on LW tonight to.
Great job on this Chris.
« Last Edit: November 26, 2016, 1528 UTC by flexoman61 »
Please QSL to: flexoman61@gmail.com
Connecticut
ICOM R75, Kenwood R-2000, Radio Shack PRO-2037
43m band folded dipole/VHF ground plane

Offline refmo

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Re: DGPS Logs 11/26/2016
« Reply #1 on: November 26, 2016, 1516 UTC »
I also tried out the Amalgamated DGPS decoder.  I recorded the DGPS segment overnight with an Afedri SDR/longwire/SDRdx and decoded it this morning, using the Windows version.
One note, the filter for counts does not apply to the graph (maybe this is just in the Windows version).
Its interesting to study the graph and learn about how propagation varies overnight with this software.  Thanks for offering it, Chris.

As for antennas, if you have a quiet location then something like this can work well:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Whip-HF-VLF-active-RX-antenna-10kHz-to-30MHz-with-RF-isol-trans-/201576908470?hash=item2eeeeb86b6:g:48cAAOSwxp9W5sSA

Otherwise various loops/K9AY variants are good options.
If you have room, beverages and long wires can do well.
I have ordered a Wellbrook loop that also works well on VLF (but not what I consider low cost).
Due to the large volume of orders they are receiving, they said it will be 3 weeks before they ship it.  I'm looking forward to trying it with this software.

[edit] Also, Louisville (290khz) seemed to be off-air last night, but I didn't receive any other stations on 290khz.


« Last Edit: November 26, 2016, 1520 UTC by refmo »
Northeast Kentucky
Please eQSL to refmo[at]outlook[dot]com
Radios: Afedri AFE822x, Airspy HF+, RX-888, RSPdx, Tecsun PL880
Antennas: 700' Loop Skywire, Wellbrook ALA1530LN Loop, 400' Beverage, 34' Vertical, low dipoles on upper bands.

Offline ChrisSmolinski

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Re: DGPS Logs 11/26/2016
« Reply #2 on: November 26, 2016, 1616 UTC »
One note, the filter for counts does not apply to the graph (maybe this is just in the Windows version).

Yes, that's been fixed for the next release. Let me know of any other bugs you find, or suggestions for improvement.

Not much noted here on last night's recording, the usual west coast stations and Panama, although Madeira made an appearance again.
Chris Smolinski
Westminster, MD
eQSLs appreciated! csmolinski@blackcatsystems.com
netSDR / AFE822x / AirSpy HF+ / KiwiSDR / 900 ft Horz skyloop / 500 ft NE beverage / 250 ft V Beam / 58 ft T2FD / 120 ft T2FD / 400 ft south beverage / 43m, 20m, 10m  dipoles / Crossed Parallel Loop / Discone in a tree

Offline Terry

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Re: DGPS Logs 11/26/2016
« Reply #3 on: November 27, 2016, 0001 UTC »
Flexoman61, I have been using a narrow bandwidth receiver also (Kenwood TS-480) and have found Spectran useful to find the stations. They have a distinctive appearance.
Great program, lots of fun. Thanks Chris.
QTH Florida's Treasure Coast, near Stuart 100 mi N of Miami Grid locator EL97uf
Equipment: Kenwood TS-480SAT, R-600, Yaesu FT-857D, R. S. SW portable (Sangean), R.S. Pro-106 Scanner 25-1300 MHz, HyGain 18AVQII, M2 6M 3 el beam, Misc verticals and dipoles
73,
Terry