From: military-radio-guy Full-Name: Dennis R Starks To: military radio collectors#3 Fcc: Sent Date: Wed, 8 Sep 1999 03:59:59 Subject: MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Sept.8/99 Message-ID: <19990908.035902.8959.5.military-radio-guy@juno.com> X-Status: Sent X-Mailer: Juno 1.49 MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Sept.8/99 Index: ANNOUNCEMENTS; Saturday "Paper Trail", and Sunday's Group Want's Trade's, Inverter Project Final Count, PRODUCT REVIEW, THE GERMAN SEM-35; By Dennis Starks MEMBERS WRITE; MX-6707/AS-1729 Wooo's, ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONT; SEM-35's NEW MEMBER; Joe Ginnane HUMOR; *********************************************** ANNOUNCEMENTS; Saturday "Paper Trail", and Sunday's Group Want's Trade's, I will no longer write your entry for these post. No more, "please add this to my * ", no more post will be included that were not sent with an email address. I'm sorry, but it took me over four hours to edit last weeks list when it should have taken two at the most. This was mainly doe to me looking up email addresses, and copy/pasting them to the adds of people who did not see fit to include them in their message. I also noticed several times, that members had more than one listing indexed, where they should have had all their material included under one. In future, listings will be posted as they are received, and if they don't include an email address, they will not be posted. So send me your listing as you want it to appear! Inverter Project Final Count, Dennis - Here's the final list , useing your base and modifying it with the changes / additions I've received. Please distribute it ASAP, for additions/corrections. Otherwise, it's the FINAL list. No backing out,and remind them there is NO warranty on these units. I will do no testing - just ship as I pull them out of the box. Dave Inverter Project/Count, . Below follows the prices per unit/quantity and those who have indicated that they wish to participate. 2-10 11-99 100> PRC-6 : $30.25 $29.20 $27.50 BC-611 : $35.25 $34.00 $32.10 CPRC-26: as above PRC-10: as above BC-1000: as above PRC-6 BC-611 CPRC-26 PRC-10 BC-1000 Peter Berg 12 12 1 2 2 Ralph Hogan 1 1 1 1 1 Joe Pinner 1 1 1 1 1 Todd Huss 4 1 1 3 2 Geoff Bunza 6 6 6 2 Jeff Ciccone 2 2 2 3 Jim Hopper 3 2 3 1 Bill Howard 1 1 1 1 John Hart 1 Charles Lamb 2 Bob McCord 1 Bob Nickels 2 Lenox Caruth 4 Perry Balinger 5 Bill Jewel 2 Ron Hinze 2 Wes Gladhart 1 2 Roland Maruska 2 Jim Wood 1 1 1 Alan Tasker 1 1 Breck Smith 2 2 Tom Bryan 1 1 Kevin Hough 1 1 1 Kim Campbel 3 3 3 Bob Simpson 2 2 Mike Tyler 2 2 Pat Lombardi 2 4 Jim Karlow 2 5 4 Dave Stinson 6 1 2 Mike Brown 2 1 Jay Coward 3 2 Bruce Haffner 1 1 Dave Thomas 2 2 2 Ed Guzick 2 Meir Ben-Doro 1 Hal Blaisdill 1 1 Buzz KD7BZ 4 3 Dave Sund. 2 1 PRC-6 BC-611 CPRC-26 PRC-10 BC-1000 Totals 64 ea. 69 ea. 11 ea. 41 ea. 18 ea. 203 total units *********************************************** PRODUCT REVIEW, THE GERMAN SEM-35; By Dennis Starks If you've been reading the "Group Post" at all, then your aware of Ralph Hogan's visit here a couple weeks ago. And if you read those reports of his visit, then your also aware that he made the major mistake of bringing with him(among other things) two radios for show & tell that I did not yet have in my collection. One of those he was not allowed to leave with, was the German built SEM-35 which has recently become available to the collecting public via several avenues(more on that later). I was aware of the SEM-35 before Ralph's visit as a result of inquiries that had been made by several of our members. I did a little research to find out just what it was, but had never seen even a likeness of the radio till Ralph showed up here with one. My initial advice to those members who had inquired about it was a cautious one which amounted to, better wait till we know more least you should throw away money on a radio set that couldn't be supported, or repaired(if inoperable when received). But after now being able to closely inspect an example, and even use it for a couple day's, I can now throw all caution to the wind. This is one fine radio! Though some have described the SEM-35 as a German version of a PRC-25, or -77, it is not! It's not even a close cousin. There is nothing similar between them, either inside or out. But before I wonder off on a tit-for-tat comparison of the two, it would be best to give you a description of the radio. General, The SEM-35 is a synthesized, solid state, VHF/FM back-pack transceiver. It operates over the frequency range of 26-69.95mc in two bands(26-46.95 & 47-69.95mc), with 50kc channel spacing. RF output power is typically 1 watt, more on this later. DC power derived from an internal battery of approx 12vdc, or an external 24vdc source(more later). It is provided with standard carrier type squelch, and no 150cps tone. Size, 14.25" tall x 10.5" wide x 4.74" thick. Weight, 18.4lbs. (Radio oriented standing on it's battery box with front panel up, weight less batteries) Front Panel Controls/Connections, Controls, Volume control, Mc frequency selector, Kc frequency selector, four digit mechanical frequency display, band selector switch, RF output power level switch Hi/Low(Gross/Klein), Power switch Off/24v/Internal battery(aus/24v/EB), Squelch Off/On(Rausch-SP AUS/EIN), Frequency dial light(water proof push button). Connections, Portable antenna connector(automatically switched for long whip, or short tape types), External antenna connection(standard BNC), Audio connector(1ea for U-77 compatible audio accessories), Auxiliary connector(side of front panel), External power connector(24vdc, side of battery box). Construction, The SEM-35 is a very well made radio. It exhibits extreme quality, and ruggedness, both inside, and out. The cabinet, front panel, and even the battery box, are all made of cast aluminum, making for a very tough, although heavy radio set. The panel layout is very clean, and simple, with all controls arrange for easy access. The frequency display is a mechanical-four digital type that is much easier to see and adjust than any other I've seen on a similar radios of the same vintage. Unlike most radios, the dial light actually provides enough light to allow you to see what your doing. The battery box/power-supply affixes to the bottom of the R/T unit in the typical fashion, but with four hasp fasteners rather than the usual two. Two guide pins also center the battery box to prevent any possible misalignment of the box, or it's floating multi-contact connector, when clamping it into place. Inside the radio, we find three major modules which I believe include the synthesizer, RF stages, and audio. These modules are simply plugged into the bottom end of the R/T unit, and held in place by the outer case. There are no retaining screws. The radio's very wide frequency coverage seems to have been accomplished by an elaborate, yet simple RF section that is permeability tuned. This method would provide for very linear and accurate tracking of these stages, far better than the often tedious multi gang air variable capacitors usually found in these circuits. All visible electronic parts, I/E transistors, capacitors etc, are marked with industry standard part numbers, such as 2N numbered transistors. In all, this was a very advanced radio for it's time, and I'm sure, very expensive. There is no sign of a tube, and if the power consumption figures below are considered, I must assume it is 100% solid state. Accessories, The SEM-35 seems to be of early to mid 70's vintage, but strangely enough it does not use PRC-25 type accessories. Instead, it's audio, and antenna equipment appear to be derived from PRC-10 types. Perhaps this is because of the many thousands of PRC-10 family radios that had been supplied to NATO countries over the years(so many in fact that some countries began to build their own clones). This might have provided a large supply of accessories either ready made, or easily adapted. As noted, the radio can use just about any audio appliance that is equipped with a U-77 type connector. Including the standard H-33 handset, and LS-166 loud speaker. Antennas on the other hand, though they are derived from PRC-10 types, have been slightly modified for use with the automatically switched single antenna connector(PRC-10 family sets had two antenna connections, one for he short tape antenna, the other for the long whip, 1/4" x 28thrd & 3/8" x 24thrd respective). The long whip antenna is the standard collapsible type that's been used on dozens of PRC radios ever sense WW-II, the AT-271/PRC. The rubber spring base too is the same as a PRC-10, AB-129(German designation AB-129/PR-GY), but it has been fitted with an adapter that allows it's connection to the SEM-35. The short tape antenna is also of a standard PRC-10 type(AB-272/TP goose neck base, & standard AT-272 steel tape), but the goose neck base has been modified as per the long whip's AB-129 spring base. All these items are carried in a standard PRC-10 accessory/antenna bag, CY-216(German CY-216/PR-GY). A little clarification might be in order on the 35's portable antenna connector. I've noticed this same connector used on several German built radios of the same vintage. In fact, the day after Ralph's visit a radio arrived that had been captured 20 miles south of Kuwait city during Desert Storm. It was an SE-6861 HF backpack transceiver built by Telefunken. It had been used strictly for monitoring purposes, and delivered from the factory in desert tan color with arabic panel markings. Supplied with the radio among other items, was a short tape antenna, also in desert tan color, marked AT-272 SEM-35. The radio's portable antenna connector is actually a male threaded stud on the radio's front panel. In the center of the stud is a 1/4" spring loaded protrusion that when depressed actuates an internal switch in the radio changing from long to short antenna load circuits. The before mentioned modifications, or adapters, made to/for the PRC-10 antennas either depress this protrusion(for short tape antennas) or are relieved so as not to contact it(long whip antennas). DC Power Requirements/RF Output Power, The SEM-35 can be operated from a front panel selected DC power source of either 24vdc external, or internal batteries. As supplied, the battery box contains what appears to be a removable adapter that houses 9ea standard "D" cell batteries providing a nominal 13.5vdc. As this battery adapter/housing is removable, there is the added advantage of being able to use non-standard nicad, or gell cell type batteries.without modifications to the radio. Also included inside the battery box is some as-yet unidentified, and complex circuitry that allows operation of the radio from an external 24vdc, and a connector is provided on the side of the battery box for this purpose. The voltage/current requirements and comparisons for both internal battery, and external voltage source were measured as below: Internal Battery Receive, 12vdc/140ma 13vdc/130ma 14vdc/120ma Internal Battery Transmit(high power), 12vdc/750ma for 1.9 watts output. 13vdc/650ma for 1.9 watts output. 14vdc/570ma for 1.9 watts output. (low power setting produces less than half the current requirement for high power operation) External Voltage Source Receive: 22vdc/82ma 23vdc/80ma 24vdc/75ma 25vdc/72ma External Voltage Source Transmit: 22vdc/600ma for 1.9 watts output. 23vdc/400ma for 1.9 watts output. 24vdc/375ma for 1.9 watts output. 25vdc/350ma for 1.9 watts output. (low power setting produces less than half the current requirement for high power operation) Note the constant RF output power regardless of voltage input or source. This would tend to show that the radio has some automatic limiting that maintains a constant output power regardless of power supply voltage. Also note that there was no noticeable change in audio output with these varied input voltages. While the high power RF output was measured at a constant 1.9 watts, the low power setting was too low to produce a reading on the watt meter. I must assume then that this power level must be of an order less than 100mw. Field Trials, To my delight, the following weekend after shaming Ralph out of his radio, there came an opportunity to simultaneously try it out in the field and show it off. A hamfest in the city park at St Charles(outside St. Louis Mo.) I always try to take radios that are compatible with both types of squelch systems, carrier and 150cps tone, because we never know what might show up to communicate with. As the SEM-35 has standard carrier squelch, it would serve that type. But as it has no 150cps tone on transmit(something we got to fix) it wouldn't break squelch on an unsuspecting PRC-25. So a PRC-25 was left mounted in the Power Wagon along with one of Steve Haney's excellent adapter/speaker/audio-amplifiers. This device is a modified LS-454 loud speaker which has an 8 watt audio amplifier built into it, along with circuits to allow operation of it, and the radio, directly from an external 12vdc. It produces ground shaking audio output that could be easily heard across the park. The SEM-35 was affixed with it's long whip antenna, which in tern supported a large yellow "Wanted" sign at the top that could be seen from across the pavilion. It was then perched atop a milk crate and placed almost out in the walkway for all to see, and play with. Though the 35 has only one audio connector, operation with both a loud speaker and a mic was desired so I connected a CX-1574 cable/adapter. This cable/adapter provides for two U-77 type connections where there is only one connector available, both an H-33 handset, and LS-166 loud speaker could then be connected at the same time. To my great amazement, the SEM-35 had plenty of audio output to drive both these accessories to a very useable level. Very seldom is a radio of this type able do drive a loud speaker alone at a volume that can actually be heard, but the 35 could drive both the speaker, and the handset at the same time with more than ample volume(even for me!) Bob Simpson was expected to arrive early in the morning of the hamfest, and it was known that he would have a PRC-25 in his truck, also provided with one of Steve H's amp/supplies. It was also known that Bob had never been to this hamfest before, and that he would probably need some directions to find it. Finally, from a distance of about 50 yards from my truck, I heard Bob's call come through the loud speaker(Steve's amp had done it's job). I quickly ran back to the truck to answer his call. Once comms had been established, I directed Bob to turn off his squelch so that I could then play with the SEM-35. Little did I know that he had adopted a procedure when approaching me where he always turned his squelch off because he never knew what I might be talking on. Bob was about 1.5 miles out, in a big city having lots of buildings and adverse terrain. The SEM-35 worked great! While talking to him, I switched power settings from high to low several times, and never lost contact. In fact, Bob couldn't even tell any difference on his end(remember, low power is less than 100mw). I might note, that a PRC-126 was also in operation with a steel tape antenna. It too was tried, but Bob couldn't hear it until he actually entered the fairly large park area. The SEM-35 continued in operation the rest of the day, a great hit with all who played with it, veteran military user, and interested bystanders alike. A special note, as you know, Ralph hadn't had time to play with the radio before leaving out on his trip. He did have time to install some batteries in it, and brought it along both as an object of show-and-tell, and as a backup radio for the PRC-25 he had temporarily mounted in the van he had rented for the trip. The day after Ralph left here, I noticed that I had forgotten to turn the radio off after we finished playing with it the day before. These same batteries operated the radio all of the hamfest day, are still in it now, and not yet depleted. Not bad! Conclusions, This is one all round fine radio set! Great for the user, and collector alike. All those so far known, came from the same original source, and exhibit the same very good physical condition(the one Ralph left me is in excellent, almost unissued condition). Judging by their design, and extreme quality in construction, it is very doubtful that you might get one that is inoperable. Draw backs, there are few. The 35 is slightly heavier, and larger than the PRC-25/77, but offers 100% solid state construction, dual power supply options, greater frequency coverage, and greater audio output. The 35 doesn't have 150cps tone on transmit, but as soon as I find a schematic, this failing will be quikly remedied. Now the best news. For our European members, the SEM-35 is available from Helmit Singer for around $150(maybe less accessories, originals available). You probably already know of, and how to contact him. For members in the U.S. Mike Murphy has imported a quantity of the sets and is offering them to us for $225 less accessories. Mike doesn't have any of the original/modified antennas for them, but is having made adapters that allow use of PRC-25/77 antennas at a cost that is competitive with the originals. See his advertisement below. Ralph originally got his/mine from Helmit Singer as a cooperative effort between him Alan Tasker, and Peter Berg. After the cost of shipping and customs had been added to the $150 purchase price, Mike's deal came in at a little less expensive. Dennis Starks; Collector/Historian Midwest Military Communications Museum email: military-radio-guy@juno.com *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; MX-6707/AS-1729 Wooo's, Howdy folks, I just purchased what I thought was an almost mint MX-6707/VRC base and antenna. The antenna is in great shape, but I noticed that the bandswitch was a little stiff to turn. I got it home, disassembled the base unit, and the darn thing was full of water. I figure the motor is history, but the tuning section still looks like it is good shape. I have rinsed it in clear water, and then I am going to soak the parts in rubbing alcohol to displace the water for a couple of hours. Then air dry it for about a week. This proceedure has worked before. My question is, does anyone have a diagram or manual for this beastie? This is the first time I have had to dig into one. 73's, Mark Cobbeldick, KB4CVN in soggy Central Virginia ed) Your problem with the MX06707 is a classic one. Usually both the gear train, and motor have been damaged because somebody tried to manually switch bands backwards(the manual band switch will only turn in one direction). For some reason, your water logged condition is also a common one. Don't waist alcohol trying to get rid of the water, though I am not a WD-40 proponent, and think it is a piss poor lubricant, it does have one attribute, it will clean, and displace water. Ever drown out a Ford on a rainy day? A role of paper towels will not dry it enough to make it start, but a quick squirt of WD-40 on the plug wires, and under the distributer cap, and off it'll go. One more common problem with the AS-1729 is the copper contacts at the bottom of the lower mast section. The fingers of which are often broken off, and the corresponding area of the MX-6707's spring has been eaten away from arcing. You'll want to check these before trying to use the antenna. I have most of the manuals for the AS-1729 and will loan them to you for the purpose of making copies. But you would then be obligated to make copies at the same time for all other members in need. *********************************************** ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONT; SEM-35's SEM-35 TRANSECEIVERS, LESS HANDSET/ANTENNA, TO MEMBERS FOR $225 EA. VERY GOOD COND. (includes shipping to group members in the lower 48 states) Custom made antenna adapters available separately, cost should be on the order of less than $20ea. H-156 handsets also avail, but must be re-wired for use.(as U-77 plugs are not soldered, this only requires unpluging, and re-arranging three wires). MURPHY'S SURPLUS EMAIL: murphy@cts.com http://www.maxpages.com/murphyjunk 401 N. JOHNSON AVE. EL CAJON, CA. 92020 619 444 7717 FAX 444 6750 *********************************************** NEW MEMBER; Joe Ginnane Dennis~ First of all, let me thank you for this invitation - i greatly appreciate the opprotunity to pacticipate in your group. It has taken me awhile to reply - vacation, work travel, and my fathers' operation got in the way of email!! My name is Joe Ginnane, and my call in KI8HP, from Cleveland, ohio. I got my ham radio ticket back in 1978, and my very first tranciever was an RT-70 / AM-65 combo from Fair Radio. I cut grass all summer for that thing, and it ws in great shape. How dismayed i was to find NO activity on wide-band FM!!! My main interests are in manpack vhf/ hf radios, covert/"spy" radios, and downed-pilot radios. I presently have a PRC-25 w/all acc'ys, PRC-68, PRC-6 pair, TRP-4, R-392, GRC-9, all in working order. I also have a number of URC-4, ULT-11, URC-64, PRC-90 radios in various states. Where my fascination for these distress radios came from, i have NO idea. I would like to get a group together to build upp a complete and operational radio CP, either a mobile traier or tent, and set it up at some of the military vehicle shows, and hamfests around the country. I would also like to try to generate some interest in making a military surplus calling channel on six meters, say 51 mhz (most prc-6's are there already). THere are alot of sets out there covering 6 meters, and alot of lisenced hams have these - i think it would be fun to put them to use. Well there you are. I happily accept your requirements stated in the email, and look foreward to hearing from you Joe Ginnane KI8HP *********************************************** HUMOR; A little black box of jewels and rocks with lanterns that flicker and glow Make lighter the gloom in my little back room where often I haste to go An anthm it peals of whistles and squels and of voices so ghostly and queer That you'd never decry, should you chance to pass by, what a brotherhood foregathers here! Each separate tone has a soul of its own: each voice is the voice of a friend. United through space in this gathering-place at the radiant rainbow's end. Reverberant sounds ride the wave that rebounds like the waves of the sea, from afar, Reporting the doings, the comings and goings of brothers, wherever they are. A curious band, spread over the land, yet joined from equator to poles Disperses the gloom in each little back room by this magic communion of souls I could part with a lot of the things that i've got, but I'll carry my love to the tomb Of that little black box and the joys it unlocks when I enter that little back room by Max P Vander Horck, WA6HUW in QST, November, 66 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Hollywood is right on the spot. A movie has been made about the Clinton administration. It is rumored to be already completed. All that is left is to figure out the title of the movie. Here are some candidates for the title: * Citizen Stain * Prince of Ties * The Bad News Bares * Dumb and Dumber Two * Lady and the Tramp * The Hoarse Whisperer * Apackolies Now * Dial M for Monica * Willy Wonka and the Cigar Factory * Saving Clinton's Privates * Easy Liar * All the President's Women * The Lying King * Free Willy * President Dolittle * Terms of Impeachment * All's Well That Ends * The Wizard of Odds * Hip, Hip, Beret * Driving Miss Monica * A Bra Too Far * Tie Panic * Independent Counsel Day * The Six Commandments * Nightmare on Pennsylvania Avenue * Neither an Officer Nor A Gentleman * The Full Monica * President on a Hot Tin Roof * Red Faced in October * Honey, I Shrunk the Presidency * The Me Lie Massacre * Bedtime for Bubba ----------------------------------------------------------------- One day, a man comes home from work and finds his blonde wife leaning over the kitchen sink and crying. He said, "Honey, what's wrong?" She said between sniffles, "I...I dropped the ice cubes on the floor, and then I rinsed them off in hot water, and now I can't find them." ----------------------------------------------------------------- SEMINARS FOR FEMALES (prepared and presented by males): 1. Elementary Map Reading 2. Crying and Law Enforcement 3. Advanced Math Seminar: Programming Your VCR 4. You CAN Go Shopping for Less than 4 Hours 5. Gaining Five Pounds vs. The End of the World: A Study in Contrast 6. The Seven-Outfit Week 7. PMS: It's YOUR Problem, Not Mine "It's Happened Monthly Since Puberty....... Deal With it" 8. Driving I: Getting Past Automatic Transmissions 9. Driving II: The Meaning of Blinking Orange Lights 10. Driving III: Approximating a Constant Speed 11. Driving IV: Makeup and Driving: It's As Simple As Oil and Water 12. Football: Not a Game: A Sacrament 13. Telephone Translations: formerly titled "'Me Too' Equals I Love You" 14. How to Earn Your Own Money 15. Gift-giving Fundamentals: formerly titled "Fabric Bad, Electronics Good" 16. Putting the Seat Down By Yourself: Potential Energy is on Your Side 17. Beyond "Clean and Dirty": The Nuances of Wearable Laundry 18. Yes, You Can Fill Up At A Self Serve Station 19. Joys of the Remote Control: Reaping the Benefits of 50+ Channels 20. What Goes Around Comes Around: Why His Credit Card is Not a Toy 21. His Best Friend Can Be Yours Too 22. His Poker Games: Deal Yourself Out 23. Commitment Schmittment (formerly titled "Wedlock Schmedlock" 24. To Honor and Obey: Remembering the Small Print Above "I Do" 25. Why Your Mother Is Unwelcome In The House 26. Your Mate: Selfish Bastard, or Victimized Sensitive Man? SEMINARS FOR MALES (prepared and presented by females): 1. Combatting Stupidity 2. You, Too, Can Do Housework 3. PMS: Learn When to Keep Your Mouth Shut 4. How to Fill an Ice Tray 5. We Do Not Want Sleazy Underthings for Christmas: Give us Money 6. Understanding the Female Response to Your Coming in Drunk at 4:00am 7. Wonderful Laundry Techniques: formerly titled "Don't Wash my Silks" 8. Parenting: No, It Doesn't End With Conception 9. Get a Life: Learn to Cook 10. How Not to Act Like a Jackass When You're Obviously Wrong 11. Spelling: Even You Can Get it Right 12. Understanding Your Financial Incompetence 13. You: The Weaker Sex 14. Reasons to Give Flowers 15. How to Stay Awake in Public 16. Why it is Unacceptable to Relieve Yourself Anywhere but the Bathroom 17. Garbage: Getting it to the Curb 18. You Can Fall Asleep Without IT if You Really Try 19. The Morning Dilemma if IT's awake: Take a Shower 20. I'll Wear it if I Damn Well Please 21. How to Put the Toilet Lid Down: formerly titled "No, It's Not a Bidet" 22. "The Weekend" and "Sports" are Not Synonyms 23. Give Me a Break: Why We Know Your Excuses are Bull 24. How to Go Shopping with Your Mate and Not Get Lost 25. The Remote Control: Overcoming Your Dependency 26. Romanticism: Ideas Other Than Sex 27. Helpful Postural Hints for Couch Potatoes 28. Mothers-in-Law: They are People Too 29. Male Bonding: Leaving Your Friends at Home 30. You, Too, Can Be a Designated Driver 31. Seeing the True You: formerly titled "No, You Don't Look Like Mel Gibson When Naked" 32. Changing Your Underwear: It Really Works 33. The Attainable Goal: Omitting "tits" From Your Vocabulary 34. Fluffing the Blankets After Flatulating is Not Necessary 35. Techniques for calling home *********************************************** The preceding was a product of the"Military Collector Group Post", an international email magazine dedicated to the preservation of history and the equipment that made it. Unlimited circulation of this material is authorized so long as the proper credits to the original authors, and publisher or this group are included. For more information concerning this group or membership contact Dennis Starks at, . A list of selected articles of interest to members can be seen at: http://www.softcom.net/users/buzz/backmail.html ***********************************************