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Posts uit maart, 2019 tonen

Angels don't have sex (radio noise cancelling) [RADIO]

Comparing the iCOM IC R8600 internal noise reduction feature to the dedicated noise cancellation "Desktop" speaker by BHI. Angels don't have sex Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWk16Zvz7aU

Weekend retreat: extract and recharge

Afbeelding
A room with a view In order to take care of some post-influenza weariness we booked a comfortable hotel deep in Germany's Sauerland to recharge ourselves. Espresso on vacation: Sauerland from Frans Goddijn on Vimeo .  Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZeeTusJNWY Of course we brought along some basic espresso tools to be able to enjoy recently roasted Colombian Geisha beans , but we also packed a box full of depleted batteries that all need a different charge and refresh routine. This task which was neglected at home will be on top of the table this weekend. Willingen is surrounded by hills, some still covered in patches of snow but with good food, our own coffee and this array of batteries there will be no need to step outside. Back in 2016 I posted about this super nerdy and fun battery charging tool, the SKYRC MC3000 . In the manual it correctly states what the tool is about: Charging batteries is usually a primitive, boring task. C

COLLINS R-390 A/URR serial nr 2611 [RADIO]

Afbeelding
(Egon van Kampen did the check-up of this radio for me. The radio was preserved so perfectly by Wim Penders PAoPGA that little needed to be done.) COLLINS R-39 A/URR serial nr 2611 Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7WFMX8-gv0 From Fred Osterman 's catalog " Shortwave Receivers Past & Present 4th Edition Communications Receivers 1942--2013 ": In 1998, Chuck Rippel WA4HHG wrote: In many circles, the R390A is considered to be the finest HF radio receiver ever built. Weighing in at 85 lbs, this electro-mechanical wonder was designed in the early 50's and released February 24, 1954. Thanks to features such as a 6DC6 first RF amplifier, a suite of Military Grade Collins mechanical filters and full tracking RF and IF sections, the R390A is capable of copying signals down to its -143db noise floor, close to the galactic limit. All this while operating in high over load/strong signal environments. Originally built by Collins Radio Company

Speaker comparison [RADIO]

At Venhorst in Hilversum I picked up a little NES-5 Noise Eliminating Speaker, produced by www.bhinstrumentation.co.uk and I tested it against a big vintage speaker in a bakelite body. The NES-5 uses Digital Sound Processing to filter noise and crackling sounds from the input while keeping voice sounds and morse intact. The NES-5 needs 12-28V DC power to operate. I connected them to the 1946 RCA Radio Holland "Koningin Emma" AR-88 which has very little noise improvement on board. In my view, the vintage speaker looks best, the little 'modern' speaker sounds better. (There are more advanced speakers by the same manufacturer, see for instance this video .) Comparing speakers, NES-5 and Vintage Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPfPMXH2Nnw BHI NES-5, noise cancelling, Siemens REL 445 E 311 b1b, shortwaveradio, kurzwellen Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtPjEb6bjTY    folk songs from Frans Goddijn on Vim

Preparing coffee setup

preparing setup for a special friend (Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrT-VnE36zI ) Coffee set 4 Liesbeth

Coax Switch CX310 antenna comparison [RADIO]

Comparing three antennas. The HamKing HVT-100 is cheap, small and easy to bring along on a trip, adjustable for frequencies 7--430 mHz. The GRAHN GS5-SE is for indoor use, small, somewhat expensive, very precise, adjustable for frequency ranges between 20kHz -- 30 mHz, directional and good looking. And the Venhorst H3 which is affordable, takes up little space in the room, can be optimized for frequency / length and would be best if used outdoors. Coax Switch CX310 antenna comparison Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZgLaV49rew

"Moralloh" (compare sound of 4 receivers)

Comparing the sound of 4 different receivers: 2018 iCOM IC R8600 1964 Siemens REL 445 E311 b1b 1957 Rohde & Schwarz  EK07 D Mid '50s RACAL RA17 L3 Moralloh Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfOA8Pvzd8M