August 2013 MONITORING TIMES 59

New MFJ Power Supplies Now Available Most hams will tell you that, as they continue to build their shacks with new radio capability, the one purchase that they make regu-larly is an additional power supply or two. MFJ recently added two new power supplies to their line – MFJ 4128 and MFJ-4230MV switching power supplies. The MFJ-4128 can power your HF, VHF, or UHF mobile or base transceiver with an output of 28 Amps maximum and 25 Amps continu-ously at 13.8 VDC.

This basic power supply has all of the output connectors you will ever need. The unit has five-way binding posts for high current rigs and quick connectors for low current accesso-ries. It also has a low, seven amperage cigarette lighter plug, perfect for powering small acces-sories. It is lightweight (only four pounds), compact (7-inches wide, 2.25-inches high and 7.5-inches deep), so it can also be carried on your business and vacation trips to far away and exotic locations. The 4128 features over-voltage and over-current protection systems and has a quiet inter-nal cooling fan with “fan on” LED. It features a selectable AC input voltage from 85 to 135 VAC or from 170 to 260 VAC, so you can literally take it around the world. The MFJ-4230MV is billed as the world’s most compact switching power supply that also has a meter and adjustable voltage control. A simple front-panel, push-button switch lets you

choose either the Amp meter or Voltmeter. At just 5-inches wide, 2.5-inches high and 6-inches deep, it weighs only three pounds. It’s the perfect pack-n-go power supply for Field Day, DXpeditions, camping, hiking or to pack for your next business trip or vacation to some faraway place. MFJ-4230MV gives you 25 Amps con-tinuously or 30 Amps surge at 13.8 VDC. The voltage is front-panel adjustable from 4 to 16 volts. This power supply also has a selectable

input voltage from 120 or 240 VAC at 47 to 63 Hz, and an excellent 75 percent efficiency rating with extra low ripple and noise; less than 100 mV. A whisper-quiet fan cools by convection and forced air cooling. Normal airflow around the power supply is continuous and a heat sensor increases the fan speed when the temperature rises above 70 degrees Celsius. DC output is available via the five-way binding posts on the back of the MFJ-4230MV so you can power your equipment with ease. All MFJ switching power supplies are protected by MFJ’s famous “No Matter What,” one-year limited warranty. MFJ will repair or replace (at their option) your switching power supply for one complete year. The MFJ-4128 sells for $85 and the MFJ-4230MV sells for $90. For more information, to order, or for your nearest dealer, call 800-647-1800 or see www.mfjenterises.com.

Free Weather Software Available As we approach the peak of the hurricane season here in North America, up-to-date in-formation is important to all of us. I’m always on the lookout for good weather software and I have found some that has been developed by Scott Davis N3FJP. WXWarn is easy to use free weather software that will monitor National Weather Service (NWS) warnings, watches, forecasts, etc., and alert you (by audio and visually) as new ones are issued. You can monitor the whole U.S., your state, county or list of counties. You can also monitor and screen for specific alerts. This configurable software will also display up to 12, real-time weather graphics that you can configure for content and size! This software is designed to download and parse weather data published by the NWS. The WXWarn software gives you a clear

picture of any weather event and severe weather predictions, near or far, at a glance. WXWarn will also optionally provide pleasant weather audio alerts as new NWS updates are issued that meets the criteria you set. This software is entirely free, with a small advertising window on the main display, or, if you would like to eliminate the ads and free up screen space for weather images, you can register the program for $7.00. You can register this software by credit card or via PayPal. While you are at Scott’s website, check out his other free software package: WXSpots is a free software package that all responsible weather enthusiasts are welcome to use. The software runs on your PC and connects to a server so that you can join the WXSpot weather community. All observed reports of severe (and routine) weather are relayed to ev-eryone connected. WXSpots will also connect to your home weather station and automatically report when you are experiencing strong winds. Reports can be screened by state, county or a list of counties. The WXSpots community in-cludes weather hobbyists, SkyWarn observers, meteorologists, meteorology students, and those interested in severe weather observations. In addition to observed reports, WXSpots includes messaging features so that everyone can talk about the weather they are seeing and share links and information on forecasts and thoughts on future weather developments. WXSpots provides:• The ability to communicate real-time, first hand observa-

tions and messages quickly and efficiently anywhere.• The ability to add the eyes of SkyWarn enthusiasts who

aren’t amateur radio operators.• An automated, historical record of recent observations.• Audio alerts that can be specified by the user, based

on location.• Messaging features that allow communication with a

specific individual, group or all connected users.• The ability to provide data from your home weather

station. WXSpots will run on all flavors of Win-dows from Windows 95 through Windows 7. The program requires very little CPU power

Larry Van Horn, New Products Editor

60 MONITORING TIMES August 2013

Books and equipment for announcement or review should be sent to What’s New, c/o Monitoring Times, 7540 Highway 64 West, Brasstown, NC 28902. Press releases may be faxed to 828-837-2216 or emailed to Larry Van Horn, larryvanhorn@monitoringtimes.com. When ordering or inquiring about the products mentioned in this column, be sure to tell them that you saw it in the pages of Monitoring Times magazine.

or RAM and should run just fine on any PC capable of running Windows. If you have an old laptop collecting dust that you would like to use for WXSpots, as long the PC can connect to the Internet it should be just fine. For more information on both of these software packages visit Scott’s website at www.wxspots.com.

The Copper J-Pole Adapter The copper J-pole, also called the copper cactus, is a classic, low-cost, easy to build, two meter or 70 cm antenna for the beginner as well as the more experienced ham. However, when attaching the SO-239 or N chassis-type connector to the J-pole, there has been no solid, efficient, good-looking way to make that firm connection. The connector is typically attached to the side of the J-pole with only one screw, making it insecure and causing an unnecessary loop in the coax. Now Dennis Bartholomew AF6TR offers a kit to help with the assembly of a two meter or 70 cm copper J-pole antennas. His products pro-vide a very professional looking and functional method of securely attaching the SO-239 or N connector to the J-pole. The adapter is machined from solid brass and is designed to be soldered to the base of the antenna. The SO-239 or N connec-tor can then be attached to the adapter, making a very secure connection point. In addition to the SO-239 and N connector, an adapter is offered for use with three-quarters inch copper tubing. The larger tubing is commonly used for six meter antennas. The kit includes all of the hardware you need to assemble your J-pole, except the copper tubing and some fittings, which are available at all home supply stores. You can get more information or order the kit from the developer’s website www.jpoleadapter.webs.com

Hands-On Radio Experiments QST’s monthly Hands-On Radio column, written by Ward Silver N0AX, is one of the most-read sec-tions of that magazine. Wire-less technology continues to develop rapidly and radio experimenters are eager to discover what makes their radios work. Even seasoned experts will encounter new approaches to practical methods, new explanations for familiar topics and new ideas that will enhance your understanding of the radio art. Step-by-step, Sil-ver expertly leads you through each experiment. And, you’ll make discoveries along the way. ARRL’s Hands-On Radio Experiments Vol-ume 2 gathers all of the columns over the past five years, from 2008 through 2012, and has 60 short electronics experiments, designed to increase your understanding of basic radio fundamentals,

components, circuits and design:

• Electronic Fundamentals • Simulation • Antennas and Transmission Lines • Electronic Circuits and Components • RF Techniques • Practical Construction

This publication includes a complete parts list for all experiments in volumes one and two. Speaking of volume one, published in 2008, it has 61 short electronics experiments, designed to increase your understanding of basic radio fundamentals, components, circuits and design:

• Radio and Electronic Fundamentals • Semiconductor Basics • Building Block Circuits • Power Supplies • Filters • Oscillators and Buffers • Transmission Lines & Impedance Matching • Workshop & Design Techniques

These experiments first appeared in QST magazine’s Hands-On Radio column from 2003-2008. The first volume of this series sells for $20 and the latest edition is available for $26.

Understanding Your Antenna Analyzer Antenna analyzers are one of the most important pieces of equipment in an amateur

radio station. Designed to measure impedance or standing wave ratio (SWR), the properly used antenna analyzer determines the de-tails of an antenna’s tuning characteristics and helps maximize its performance. Even the simplest antennas can benefit from using one,

and your success on the air may depend on it, but only if you understand and avoid the common pitfalls. Understanding Your Antenna Analyzer is an introduction to the various types of analyz-ers available, their component parts, how they operate and how to utilize them to get the best possible data. It discusses how to adjust your antenna, enhance your antenna analyzer and the ways certain analyzers can be used as general purpose test instruments in an amateur radio lab. This new ARRL publication, by Joel R. Hallas W1ZR, includes:

• Why Measure Antennas? • Making Antenna Measurements • Information Available from an Antenna Analyzer • Hooking it Up and Making it Play • Adjusting Your Antenna • Taking the Feed Line Into Account • Other Antenna Analyzer Applications • Enhancing Your Antenna Analyzer • A Survey of Available Antenna Analyzers This new 128-page software cover publica-tion sells for $26. To find out more about any ARRL publica-tions, call their Publication Team toll-free in the U.S. 1-888-277-5289, Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern time [Out-

The ARRL Antenna Book—22nd EditionThe ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications includes all of the information you need for complete

antenna systems—from planning, to design and construction. It includes antennas from the HF low bands through VHF, UHF and microwave; xed station, portable, mobile, maritime, satellite and more. CD-ROM included!*Softcover Book and CD-ROM. Retail $49.95

The ARRL Handbook—2013 EditionThe ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications is widely recognized as being the standard reference among

radio amateurs and other technologists—experimenters, engineersand students. It’s lled with essential information from across the expanse of radio communication fundamentals, covering nearly every aspect of radio and antenna design, equipment construction, and station assembly. CD-ROM included!*

The ARRL Operating Manual—10th EditionThe ARRL Operating Manual for Radio Amateurs is the most complete guide to Amateur Radio operating.

You’ll nd everything you need to know—from exploring the broad range of ham radio activities, to sharpening your on-air skills. Put your equipment to use!

The Best in Radio CommunicationsEssential Publications for Every Ham!

90th Edition! It Just Keeps Getting Better!

Everything for the Active Ham Radio Operator!

Exciting Antenna Projects and Design!

Hardcover Book and CD-ROM. Retail $59.95Softcover Book and CD-ROM. Retail $49.95

*System Requirements: Windows® 7, Windows Vista®, or Windows® XP, as well as Macintosh® systems, using Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® software. The Acrobat Reader is a free download at www.adobe.com. PDF les are Linux readable. The ARRL Antenna Book utility programs are Windows® compatible, only. Some utilities have additional limitations and may not be compatible with 64-bit operating systems.

Softcover Book. Retail $34.95

ARRL The national association forAMATEUR RADIO ®

www.arrl.org/shop

side U.S. telephone (860) 594-0355]. You can also contact the ARRL, the National Association for Amateur Radio® via snail mail 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1494 USA, or visit their website at www.arrl.org.

The 2013 WRTH Bargraph Frequency Guide Released World Radio TV Handbook or WRTH is the most accurate and complete guide to the world of radio on LW, MW, SW and FM, available in any form. The company that produces the printed WRTH has just released a CD with details of the A13 season that takes part of the print informa-tion, international broadcasts on LW, MW and SW and domestic SW, and displays it as a graphic color bargraph. The WRTH Bargraph Frequency Guide has been designed to give the maximum information in a clear and easy to read format. It is supplied as a pdf. Text columns show the frequency of the broadcasts in kHz; the names of the stations mak-ing the broadcasts or the broadcasters responsible for the broadcasts (you can tell international from domestic broadcasts at a glance, as stations making domestic broadcasts are shown in Italic type); the transmitter site code for international broadcasts and the country code for domestic transmissions; and the power of the transmitter in kW. Each entry also has a color bar. These color bars show the duration of each broadcast in UTC on the 24-hour clock. The color of the bar shows the language of the broadcast. Eighteen languages are identified by different colored bars, with the color and language shown at the bottom of the page. Other languages, or combinations of languages, are shown above a buff-colored bar. Information above the bar also gives the target area or country at which the broadcast is aimed; an indication of the days on which the broadcast is made; and symbols showing if the broadcast is inactive, irregular, of variable frequency, or used for DRM broadcasts. You can use these pages to identify a broad-cast you have heard on a specific frequency, or you can scan the color bars to find broadcasts in your chosen language at a particular UTC time. You can also use the “Find” function in Adobe Acrobat to search the pdf for frequencies, stations, or sites. The disk also includes a list of abbreviations used in the bargraph, along with decoding tables for international transmitter sites and countries or geographical areas. These are also supplied as pdfs. There is also a sortable list of transmitter sites in the Excel format on the CD. The pricing and shipping for the WRTH Bargraph Frequency Guide is only available from the WRTH website at www.wrth.com.