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#1
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Hey Vinnie............I can help you. The formula for a 1/4 wavelength
radiator is (234 / F) whereby F is the frequency in MHz. This will give you the length in feet. For the radials, (237 / F) will give you that length. Always remember...multiply the radiator length by 1.05 and that is another way of calculating the 1/4 wavelength radials. The feedpoint impedance of a 1/4 wave ground plane is 37 ohms when you have the radials at a 90 degree angle with respect to the radiator. If you have the radials drooped at a 45 degree angle, the impedance rises to approximately 50 ohms. If you have a single radial drooped at a 180 degree angle with respect to the radiator, the impedance rises to 75 ohms. There was an article in RF Design magazine a few years back, explaining why certain impedances are used in the RF industry. 72 ohms was the impedance that produced minimum cable losses...........50 ohms is a happy medium. On a final note...........at 37 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.3 to 1.................at 75 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.5 to 1. What is the difference here? For a transmitter with a tube output and an internal matching network, you wouldn't really see much effect. For a typical solid state transmitter, there would be some difference between the two antenna impedances, because the broadband solid state transmitter would be called upon to deliver more current to the antenna. It probably wouldn't have any effect, unless the ALC circuit was aggressive in its operation. In this case, power foldback would occur into the 37 ohm load. Would it happen? Probably not. I hope this helps. Pete "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... On Wed, 06 Apr 2005 20:14:16 -0400, Vinnie S. wrote in : On Wed, 06 Apr 2005 17:15:08 GMT, Lancer wrote: Why should I be nice? I -was- nice. We have had civil converstations, and I even gave him enough info to install the antenna in his attic, which apparently worked quite well. Then he stuck his finger into the political lion cage and turned into a sniveling crybaby after getting scratched. As for being a general-class amateur, there are literally hundreds of hammie websites that cover nothing but antennas, not to mention the ARRL manual. If he's so serious about radio, why beg a CB group for info on how to install a prefab antenna? J.H.F.C, how did he pass the exam without knowing a few antenna fundamentals? And if part of the hobby is to learn about radio comm, why ask a CB group for tech info when there are countless resources available for hams? Isn't anyone elmering the kid? I thought your were elmering him Frank? He really doesn't need one anyway, he buys his antennas. Even something as simple as a dipole, or sloper... Do you have a problem with that? Show me the rules on antenna requirements, please. Looks like Vinnie is going to be a General-class appliance operator. ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
#2
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On Sun, 10 Apr 2005 19:58:28 GMT, "Pete KE9OA"
wrote in : Hey Vinnie............I can help you. The formula for a 1/4 wavelength radiator is (234 / F) whereby F is the frequency in MHz. This will give you the length in feet. For the radials, (237 / F) will give you that length. Always remember...multiply the radiator length by 1.05 and that is another way of calculating the 1/4 wavelength radials. It should be noted that these formulas are only appoximations. Actual sizes are dependent upon the conductivity and diameter of the elements, and the quantity and angle of the radials. When building a resonant antenna it's a good idea to make the elements a little long and trim to resonance. The feedpoint impedance of a 1/4 wave ground plane is 37 ohms when you have the radials at a 90 degree angle with respect to the radiator. If you have the radials drooped at a 45 degree angle, the impedance rises to approximately 50 ohms. If you have a single radial drooped at a 180 degree angle with respect to the radiator, the impedance rises to 75 ohms. These are impedances for antennas in free space, and are practical only if you can mount your antenna well above the ground and away from any tall objects. There was an article in RF Design magazine a few years back, explaining why certain impedances are used in the RF industry. 72 ohms was the impedance that produced minimum cable losses...........50 ohms is a happy medium. Close. For lowest loss, the optimum characteristic impedance of coax is 76.9 ohms. 70-73 ohm coax is used as a compromise between low loss coax and coax optimized for minimization of flashover, the latter having an impedance of about 60 ohms. And while many people have many different ideas as to why 50 ohm coax is made, it is just a compromise between low-loss/low-flashover coax of 72 ohms and coax optimized for handling power (about 30 ohms, which is too lossy for practical transmission lines). On a final note...........at 37 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.3 to 1.................at 75 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.5 to 1. What is the difference here? For a transmitter with a tube output and an internal matching network, you wouldn't really see much effect. For a typical solid state transmitter, there would be some difference between the two antenna impedances, because the broadband solid state transmitter would be called upon to deliver more current to the antenna. It probably wouldn't have any effect, unless the ALC circuit was aggressive in its operation. In this case, power foldback would occur into the 37 ohm load. Would it happen? Probably not. ......uh, what? Both tubes and transistors use matching networks, so I don't know what distinction you are trying to make there. Power will be reflected from an antenna/coax mismatch -regardless- of whether you have a tube or transistor final. And what does an ALC circuit have to do with transmission line propogation? I hope this helps. Pete ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
#3
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![]() "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... On Sun, 10 Apr 2005 19:58:28 GMT, "Pete KE9OA" wrote in : Hey Vinnie............I can help you. The formula for a 1/4 wavelength radiator is (234 / F) whereby F is the frequency in MHz. This will give you the length in feet. For the radials, (237 / F) will give you that length. Always remember...multiply the radiator length by 1.05 and that is another way of calculating the 1/4 wavelength radials. It should be noted that these formulas are only appoximations. Actual sizes are dependent upon the conductivity and diameter of the elements, and the quantity and angle of the radials. When building a resonant antenna it's a good idea to make the elements a little long and trim to resonance. Very true..........I use a spectrum analyzer with a directional coupler and trim for maximum return loww. The feedpoint impedance of a 1/4 wave ground plane is 37 ohms when you have the radials at a 90 degree angle with respect to the radiator. If you have the radials drooped at a 45 degree angle, the impedance rises to approximately 50 ohms. If you have a single radial drooped at a 180 degree angle with respect to the radiator, the impedance rises to 75 ohms. These are impedances for antennas in free space, and are practical only if you can mount your antenna well above the ground and away from any tall objects. Also true, but a good starting point. There was an article in RF Design magazine a few years back, explaining why certain impedances are used in the RF industry. 72 ohms was the impedance that produced minimum cable losses...........50 ohms is a happy medium. Close. For lowest loss, the optimum characteristic impedance of coax is 76.9 ohms. 70-73 ohm coax is used as a compromise between low loss coax and coax optimized for minimization of flashover, the latter having an impedance of about 60 ohms. Good memory. And while many people have many different ideas as to why 50 ohm coax is made, it is just a compromise between low-loss/low-flashover coax of 72 ohms and coax optimized for handling power (about 30 ohms, which is too lossy for practical transmission lines). On a final note...........at 37 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.3 to 1.................at 75 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.5 to 1. What is the difference here? For a transmitter with a tube output and an internal matching network, you wouldn't really see much effect. For a typical solid state transmitter, there would be some difference between the two antenna impedances, because the broadband solid state transmitter would be called upon to deliver more current to the antenna. It probably wouldn't have any effect, unless the ALC circuit was aggressive in its operation. In this case, power foldback would occur into the 37 ohm load. Would it happen? Probably not. .....uh, what? Both tubes and transistors use matching networks, so I don't know what distinction you are trying to make there. Power will be reflected from an antenna/coax mismatch -regardless- of whether you have a tube or transistor final. And what does an ALC circuit have to do with transmission line propogation? This pertains to solid state amateur transceivers that don't have an adjustable output matching network.........most of today's units have fixed-tuned bandpass filters after the output stage. I am not referring to transmission line propagation; I am referring to the fact that, with a fixed-tuned output network that expects to see a 50 ohm characteristic impedance, the ALC can fold back the power. Usually, that doesn't occur until a VSWR of 2 to 1 is reached. My explanation is for illustrative purposes only. I hope this helps. Pete ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
#4
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Oops.............that should have been maximum return loss. Touch
typing...........you know! Pete "Pete KE9OA" wrote in message ... "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... On Sun, 10 Apr 2005 19:58:28 GMT, "Pete KE9OA" wrote in : Hey Vinnie............I can help you. The formula for a 1/4 wavelength radiator is (234 / F) whereby F is the frequency in MHz. This will give you the length in feet. For the radials, (237 / F) will give you that length. Always remember...multiply the radiator length by 1.05 and that is another way of calculating the 1/4 wavelength radials. It should be noted that these formulas are only appoximations. Actual sizes are dependent upon the conductivity and diameter of the elements, and the quantity and angle of the radials. When building a resonant antenna it's a good idea to make the elements a little long and trim to resonance. Very true..........I use a spectrum analyzer with a directional coupler and trim for maximum return loww. The feedpoint impedance of a 1/4 wave ground plane is 37 ohms when you have the radials at a 90 degree angle with respect to the radiator. If you have the radials drooped at a 45 degree angle, the impedance rises to approximately 50 ohms. If you have a single radial drooped at a 180 degree angle with respect to the radiator, the impedance rises to 75 ohms. These are impedances for antennas in free space, and are practical only if you can mount your antenna well above the ground and away from any tall objects. Also true, but a good starting point. There was an article in RF Design magazine a few years back, explaining why certain impedances are used in the RF industry. 72 ohms was the impedance that produced minimum cable losses...........50 ohms is a happy medium. Close. For lowest loss, the optimum characteristic impedance of coax is 76.9 ohms. 70-73 ohm coax is used as a compromise between low loss coax and coax optimized for minimization of flashover, the latter having an impedance of about 60 ohms. Good memory. And while many people have many different ideas as to why 50 ohm coax is made, it is just a compromise between low-loss/low-flashover coax of 72 ohms and coax optimized for handling power (about 30 ohms, which is too lossy for practical transmission lines). On a final note...........at 37 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.3 to 1.................at 75 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.5 to 1. What is the difference here? For a transmitter with a tube output and an internal matching network, you wouldn't really see much effect. For a typical solid state transmitter, there would be some difference between the two antenna impedances, because the broadband solid state transmitter would be called upon to deliver more current to the antenna. It probably wouldn't have any effect, unless the ALC circuit was aggressive in its operation. In this case, power foldback would occur into the 37 ohm load. Would it happen? Probably not. .....uh, what? Both tubes and transistors use matching networks, so I don't know what distinction you are trying to make there. Power will be reflected from an antenna/coax mismatch -regardless- of whether you have a tube or transistor final. And what does an ALC circuit have to do with transmission line propogation? This pertains to solid state amateur transceivers that don't have an adjustable output matching network.........most of today's units have fixed-tuned bandpass filters after the output stage. I am not referring to transmission line propagation; I am referring to the fact that, with a fixed-tuned output network that expects to see a 50 ohm characteristic impedance, the ALC can fold back the power. Usually, that doesn't occur until a VSWR of 2 to 1 is reached. My explanation is for illustrative purposes only. I hope this helps. Pete ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
#5
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On Mon, 11 Apr 2005 08:03:21 GMT, "Pete KE9OA"
wrote in : snip On a final note...........at 37 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.3 to 1.................at 75 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.5 to 1. What is the difference here? For a transmitter with a tube output and an internal matching network, you wouldn't really see much effect. For a typical solid state transmitter, there would be some difference between the two antenna impedances, because the broadband solid state transmitter would be called upon to deliver more current to the antenna. It probably wouldn't have any effect, unless the ALC circuit was aggressive in its operation. In this case, power foldback would occur into the 37 ohm load. Would it happen? Probably not. .....uh, what? Both tubes and transistors use matching networks, so I don't know what distinction you are trying to make there. Power will be reflected from an antenna/coax mismatch -regardless- of whether you have a tube or transistor final. And what does an ALC circuit have to do with transmission line propogation? This pertains to solid state amateur transceivers that don't have an adjustable output matching network.........most of today's units have fixed-tuned bandpass filters after the output stage. I am not referring to transmission line propagation; I am referring to the fact that, with a fixed-tuned output network that expects to see a 50 ohm characteristic impedance, the ALC can fold back the power. Usually, that doesn't occur until a VSWR of 2 to 1 is reached. My explanation is for illustrative purposes only. I understood that much. My point was that whenever an antenna/coax mismatch occurs, tuning the output tank (as with a tube final) doesn't cure the mismatch or the resulting signal loss. All it does is protect the final from the reflected power. The output tank should be matched to the characteristic impedance of the coax whether the final is a tube or a transistor. If the coax shows standing waves, the mismatch should be fixed at the point of mismatch, not at the radio. I realize that this is not always practical, but people should know that such a conjugate match just dissipates that reflected power somewhere else, usually from the outside of the coax or the radio. As for ALC, I thought you were referring to a different type of limiting. My bad. ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
#6
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Point taken..........it sounds like you are either also in the business, or
have quite a bit of interest. I understand that an output matching network only tunes out the imaginary terms, and that matching the impedance at the antenna feedpoint is the best approach. "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... On Mon, 11 Apr 2005 08:03:21 GMT, "Pete KE9OA" wrote in : snip On a final note...........at 37 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.3 to 1.................at 75 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.5 to 1. What is the difference here? For a transmitter with a tube output and an internal matching network, you wouldn't really see much effect. For a typical solid state transmitter, there would be some difference between the two antenna impedances, because the broadband solid state transmitter would be called upon to deliver more current to the antenna. It probably wouldn't have any effect, unless the ALC circuit was aggressive in its operation. In this case, power foldback would occur into the 37 ohm load. Would it happen? Probably not. .....uh, what? Both tubes and transistors use matching networks, so I don't know what distinction you are trying to make there. Power will be reflected from an antenna/coax mismatch -regardless- of whether you have a tube or transistor final. And what does an ALC circuit have to do with transmission line propogation? This pertains to solid state amateur transceivers that don't have an adjustable output matching network.........most of today's units have fixed-tuned bandpass filters after the output stage. I am not referring to transmission line propagation; I am referring to the fact that, with a fixed-tuned output network that expects to see a 50 ohm characteristic impedance, the ALC can fold back the power. Usually, that doesn't occur until a VSWR of 2 to 1 is reached. My explanation is for illustrative purposes only. I understood that much. My point was that whenever an antenna/coax mismatch occurs, tuning the output tank (as with a tube final) doesn't cure the mismatch or the resulting signal loss. All it does is protect the final from the reflected power. The output tank should be matched to the characteristic impedance of the coax whether the final is a tube or a transistor. If the coax shows standing waves, the mismatch should be fixed at the point of mismatch, not at the radio. I realize that this is not always practical, but people should know that such a conjugate match just dissipates that reflected power somewhere else, usually from the outside of the coax or the radio. As for ALC, I thought you were referring to a different type of limiting. My bad. That's ok............sometimes, I tend to think in Greek! Pete Gianakopoulos |
#7
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On Mon, 11 Apr 2005 13:46:07 -0700, Frank Gilliland
wrote: Both tubes and transistors use matching networks, so I don't know what distinction you are trying to make there. Power will be reflected from an antenna/coax mismatch -regardless- of whether you have a tube or transistor final. And what does an ALC circuit have to do with transmission line propogation? This pertains to solid state amateur transceivers that don't have an adjustable output matching network.........most of today's units have fixed-tuned bandpass filters after the output stage. I am not referring to transmission line propagation; I am referring to the fact that, with a fixed-tuned output network that expects to see a 50 ohm characteristic impedance, the ALC can fold back the power. Usually, that doesn't occur until a VSWR of 2 to 1 is reached. My explanation is for illustrative purposes only. I understood that much. My point was that whenever an antenna/coax mismatch occurs, tuning the output tank (as with a tube final) doesn't cure the mismatch or the resulting signal loss. All it does is protect the final from the reflected power. The output tank should be matched to the characteristic impedance of the coax whether the final is a tube or a transistor. If the coax shows standing waves, the mismatch should be fixed at the point of mismatch, not at the radio. So much for running a non-resonant length antenna through a tuner. Sounds like you read a different book this time. I realize that this is not always practical, but people should know that such a conjugate match just dissipates that reflected power somewhere else, usually from the outside of the coax or the radio. Which is the main reason why a non-resonant, tuner matched antenna is less efficient than one that is resonant. But you'll argue that with me just to argue. Dave "Sandbagger" http://home.ptd.net/~n3cvj |
#8
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On Mon, 11 Apr 2005 08:03:21 GMT, "Pete KE9OA"
wrote: It should be noted that these formulas are only appoximations. Actual sizes are dependent upon the conductivity and diameter of the elements, and the quantity and angle of the radials. When building a resonant antenna it's a good idea to make the elements a little long and trim to resonance. Very true..........I use a spectrum analyzer with a directional coupler and trim for maximum return loww. So do I. It gives a much better picture than a simple SWR bridge. The feedpoint impedance of a 1/4 wave ground plane is 37 ohms when you have the radials at a 90 degree angle with respect to the radiator. If you have the radials drooped at a 45 degree angle, the impedance rises to approximately 50 ohms. If you have a single radial drooped at a 180 degree angle with respect to the radiator, the impedance rises to 75 ohms. These are impedances for antennas in free space, and are practical only if you can mount your antenna well above the ground and away from any tall objects. Also true, but a good starting point. Some people like to make the subtle conditions into much greater points than they need to be. .....uh, what? Both tubes and transistors use matching networks, so I don't know what distinction you are trying to make there. Power will be reflected from an antenna/coax mismatch -regardless- of whether you have a tube or transistor final. And what does an ALC circuit have to do with transmission line propogation? This pertains to solid state amateur transceivers that don't have an adjustable output matching network.........most of today's units have fixed-tuned bandpass filters after the output stage. I am not referring to transmission line propagation; I am referring to the fact that, with a fixed-tuned output network that expects to see a 50 ohm characteristic impedance, the ALC can fold back the power. Usually, that doesn't occur until a VSWR of 2 to 1 is reached. My explanation is for illustrative purposes only. Not only that, but the bandpass filter characteristics of the output stages can change if the load impedance changes significantly, increasing loss and broadening the cutoff points. Dave "Sandbagger" http://home.ptd.net/~n3cvj |
#9
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On Sun, 10 Apr 2005 19:58:28 GMT, "Pete KE9OA"
wrote: Hey Vinnie............I can help you. The formula for a 1/4 wavelength radiator is (234 / F) whereby F is the frequency in MHz. This will give you the length in feet. For the radials, (237 / F) will give you that length. Always remember...multiply the radiator length by 1.05 and that is another way of calculating the 1/4 wavelength radials. The feedpoint impedance of a 1/4 wave ground plane is 37 ohms when you have the radials at a 90 degree angle with respect to the radiator. If you have the radials drooped at a 45 degree angle, the impedance rises to approximately 50 ohms. So far, that is what I have read. What I am going to do is this. I am going to add the 45 angled GP, simply because it is fairly cheap, and because it will be much easier to put it up now, than later. The formula you gave indicates that radials should be about 8.8 feet at 27 MHz. If these radials fair poorly, I will take Lancer's advice and build my own. For some reason, the radials are 6 feet. I don't know if they ran 9 feet of wire in there, or what. If you have a single radial drooped at a 180 degree angle with respect to the radiator, the impedance rises to 75 ohms. I won't do this. There was an article in RF Design magazine a few years back, explaining why certain impedances are used in the RF industry. 72 ohms was the impedance that produced minimum cable losses...........50 ohms is a happy medium. On a final note...........at 37 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.3 to 1.................at 75 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.5 to 1. What is the difference here? For a transmitter with a tube output and an internal matching network, you wouldn't really see much effect. For a typical solid state transmitter, there would be some difference between the two antenna impedances, because the broadband solid state transmitter would be called upon to deliver more current to the antenna. It probably wouldn't have any effect, unless the ALC circuit was aggressive in its operation. In this case, power foldback would occur into the 37 ohm load. Would it happen? Probably not. I hope this helps. Pete It's does help, Thanks ! I am borrowing an Autek RF analyzer to check the antenna while I am up in the tree. Most people that have purchase this antenna, say that it is tuned very well to 27.205. I should be flat up and down in CB and 10 meters for about 1 MHZ. I will follow up. Vinnie S. |
#10
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Sounds good, Vinnie....................feel free to e-mail me directly if
you have any questions. Pete "Vinnie S." wrote in message ... On Sun, 10 Apr 2005 19:58:28 GMT, "Pete KE9OA" wrote: Hey Vinnie............I can help you. The formula for a 1/4 wavelength radiator is (234 / F) whereby F is the frequency in MHz. This will give you the length in feet. For the radials, (237 / F) will give you that length. Always remember...multiply the radiator length by 1.05 and that is another way of calculating the 1/4 wavelength radials. The feedpoint impedance of a 1/4 wave ground plane is 37 ohms when you have the radials at a 90 degree angle with respect to the radiator. If you have the radials drooped at a 45 degree angle, the impedance rises to approximately 50 ohms. So far, that is what I have read. What I am going to do is this. I am going to add the 45 angled GP, simply because it is fairly cheap, and because it will be much easier to put it up now, than later. The formula you gave indicates that radials should be about 8.8 feet at 27 MHz. If these radials fair poorly, I will take Lancer's advice and build my own. For some reason, the radials are 6 feet. I don't know if they ran 9 feet of wire in there, or what. If you have a single radial drooped at a 180 degree angle with respect to the radiator, the impedance rises to 75 ohms. I won't do this. There was an article in RF Design magazine a few years back, explaining why certain impedances are used in the RF industry. 72 ohms was the impedance that produced minimum cable losses...........50 ohms is a happy medium. On a final note...........at 37 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.3 to 1.................at 75 ohms, you will have a VSWR of 1.5 to 1. What is the difference here? For a transmitter with a tube output and an internal matching network, you wouldn't really see much effect. For a typical solid state transmitter, there would be some difference between the two antenna impedances, because the broadband solid state transmitter would be called upon to deliver more current to the antenna. It probably wouldn't have any effect, unless the ALC circuit was aggressive in its operation. In this case, power foldback would occur into the 37 ohm load. Would it happen? Probably not. I hope this helps. Pete It's does help, Thanks ! I am borrowing an Autek RF analyzer to check the antenna while I am up in the tree. Most people that have purchase this antenna, say that it is tuned very well to 27.205. I should be flat up and down in CB and 10 meters for about 1 MHZ. I will follow up. Vinnie S. |
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