Welcome to the joys of modern energy efficient construction. The
walls are full of aluminum foil backed insulation for both thermal and
acoustic insulation. The windows are coated with Low-E Titanium
Nitride IR reflective coatings (40 ohms per square), which also blocks
RF. The roofing material is carbon doped (instead of asbestos) which
absorbs RF. The foundation is concrete, which also absorbs RF.
Meanwhile, the proliferation of microprocessors, switching power
supplies, and BPL like devices, offers multiple sources of QRN. You
had it easy at previous locations.
I kind of fell behind in my knowledge of modern constuction.
I lived in my house for 29-3/4 years and even though I did
a lot of renos, the infrastruction remained basically the same.
It is good though that they are getting smart on energy
efficient construction and other things -- hopefully we will
leave our kids and grandkids with a world pointed in the
right direction.
As per another sailor many years ago said, 'I have not
yet begun to fight!'
Fighting is easy. It's negotiation that drives me nuts.
I'm on the air but not sure just how well I am getting
out, I don't want to measure it, I don't even care to
know since it is a whole different matter on QRP.
The proof will be in the pudding -- I may have to
wait for good band conditions, but the only
valid means of measurement will be the number
of QSO's and bands I can work.
From those lovely boxes of variable caps and
assorted inductors (some roller-inductors) and
a cheap 2nd hand 50ua meter I am going to build
up an artificial ground which is about as simple
a circuit as one can get -- the L&C in series and
make a sniffer out of the meter and a diode!. I
should have it all going in the next day or two --
as soon as I can get a round tooit. Yes. I admit --
I'm a master of procrastination
Well, on with the further adventures of
getting on the air to the point of satisfaction.
Is that a lot, I ask?
Thanks on the tips re the MFJ diodes. I'm aware
of them and can test and change them if need be.
So far, so good! I guess it wouldn't hurt to have
some on hand -- it's pretty inevitable that with
the experimentation etc, that I'll be doing some
or all will get blown before you can say poof!
Do you think that if I were to ask the management
here If I could have an aluminum ladder outside my
second floor window -- just to easy my mind about
the dangers of fire, they might agree?
Irv VE6BP
--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558