Speaker


May 24, 2016: Allen Wolff KC70: Coax, not just a RF hose


This talk is about one of the most ubiquitous items used by hams – coaxial cable. “Coax, not just a RF hose” is not intended to be training but an in-depth perspective about this method of signal transmission.

Some of the items to be presented are:
- The speed of light and wavelength
- The history and science behind coax
- Materials, construction and manufacturer
- Types of coax
- Coax loss, VSWR and its significance
- “Why 50 ohms?”
- Measuring tools
- Tuning the antenna system
- You too can use a Smith Chart (software)
- Other uses for coax

ARRL Life Member and Extra class licensee Allen Wolff, KC7O, was first licensed as WN2NTL/WB2NTL in New York in 1964, then as WB2NTL in New Jersey, WB9TXP in Indiana, KA7CGN and KC7O in Utah, and KC7O in California. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Communications from Drexel University, Philadelphia PA.

Allen has over 45 years’ experience in aerospace manufacturing operations and quality management.  He has worked on the Lunar Module Apollo missions 9 through 14, military communications systems, the MX missile guidance system, commercial and military aircraft hydraulic actuators, spacecraft deployment systems, titanium fuel tanks for satellites and launch vehicles, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems. He is currently semi-retired and a management, engineering and quality consultant.

He supports the local police by leading the Sierra Madre Emergency Communications Team and is a member of the Pasadena Radio Club. He enjoys travel, photography and camping and has been a 1B Field Day station from 2007 to 2014 and last year he was a 1E, emergency power station, from his home QTH making 362 contacts.

In 1999 he was awarded the Herb Brier Instructor of the Year award from the ARRL for 17 years of teaching Novice and Technician classes accounting for at least 450 new Ham Radio licenses.