This file is not intended to be read by humans. Please go to the formatted index
# format auto-updated on access: Mon 27-Nov-2017 11:28:56 +01:00 CREG Journal 85 (0-24) This issue has a cover date of March 2014 and was published on 1 March 2014. The online version is now at version 2, and contains some minor corrections to pages 2 and 8. Front Cover (1) Many experimental lower frequency modes employ very low data rates, with long distance reception often at very low signal strengths. Reception often relies on software to produce spectrographic displays; displaying both wanted and unwanted signals and using colour to aid discrimination. Image: Mike Bedford Contents (2) List of Contents and masthead information VLF and Down: the Bottom End of the Radio Spectrum (3-4) In this issue we have several articles concerning radio operating in the VLF portion of the spectrum and below. Here Mike Bedford introduces this topic and provides some background material. Amateur Experiments at VLF (4) Further to Mike Dennison's guide to experimenting in this part of the spectrum (Dennison, 2014), John Rabson provides some information on recent tests and results. Experimenting with VLF - Some Practical Guidance (5-6) Radio amateurs in several countries are now permitted to work at VLF with potential spin-offs for cave radio. Mike Dennison provides some guidance for those wanting to experiment in this part of the radio spectrum. Using Dispersion to Measure Ground Conductivity (7-8, 19) Several methods of remotely measuring ground conductivity are known, which depend on measuring the amplitude and phase of a received signal, relative to its transmitter. All of these methods require the separate transmission of a phase reference signal, with attendant difficulties. David Gibson proposes that by transmitting a suitably constructed signal, a phase measurement may be made without the need for a separate reference. This is achieved by making use of the phenomenon of dispersion, in which the phase velocity of a wave depends on its frequency. A related technique that makes relative measurements of signal amplitude is also described. Advances in ULF Through-the-rock Technology (9-12) Mike Roper, CTO at Vital Alert Communication Inc. describes the unique challenges posed by mine communication and introduces the Canary ULF radio that was designed to meet these challenges. State-of-the-Art Overview of Caving Lamps - Part 2 (13-15) Mike Bedford concludes his round-up of today's caving and mining lamps and summarises his findings with a tabular comparison of the lamps included in both parts of this article. We Hear (16) News and events - Mike Bedford brings us the latest to impact the world of cave radio and electronics, including African Show Cave Comms, LORAN Returns in USA?, Fabric Batteries, Spider Fuel Cell, Biomimetic Undersea Robot. Calculating Trigonometric Functions on a Simple Microprocessor (17-18) As an alternative to look-up tables, Ian Todd describes the CORDIC method of accurately calculating trigonometric functions on simple microprocessors. Letter and Notes (19) Bat Detector Loudspeaker, Radiolocation Kits. Web Watch (19) A brief selection of links from Peter Ludwig. Digital Voice in Cave Radio (20) There is increasing interest amongst radio amateurs in using digital voice systems over radio. John Rabson provides some information on current techniques that may be useful below ground. Ultrasonic Distance Measurement Investigations (21-24) Chris Hunter describes the development of cost-effective distance measuring equipment in which the ultrasonic transmitter and receiver are separated and linked by radio. The Adventures of GREG (24) Illustrations by Adrian Higgins with words by Mike Bedford.