Date: Fri, 3 Dec 93 04:30:32 PST
From: Ham-Equip Mailing List and Newsgroup <ham-equip@ucsd.edu>
Errors-To: Ham-Equip-Errors@UCSD.Edu
Reply-To: Ham-Equip@UCSD.Edu
Precedence: Bulk
Subject: Ham-Equip Digest V93 #120
To: Ham-Equip
Ham-Equip Digest Fri, 3 Dec 93 Volume 93 : Issue 120
Today's Topics:
comments on FT990/IC765/TS850
Features on IC-24AT?
FOX TANGO ADDRESS/PHONE NO. WANTED
Help on Kenwood 2m all mode
How to enable Yaesu FT101b 10mhz xmit?
IC-22S help needed
IC 2AT for Sale
Indestructable HTs?
PK-88 vs KPC-3 vs DPK-2 - Comments?
qrp/access for sale
VHF/UHF SSB/CW fans please read!
what HT is priced < $300
Send Replies or notes for publication to: <Ham-Equip@UCSD.Edu>
Send subscription requests to: <Ham-Equip-REQUEST@UCSD.Edu>
Problems you can't solve otherwise to brian@ucsd.edu.
Archives of past issues of the Ham-Equip Digest are available
(by FTP only) from UCSD.Edu in directory "mailarchives/ham-equip".
We trust that readers are intelligent enough to realize that all text
herein consists of personal comments and does not represent the official
policies or positions of any party. Your mileage may vary. So there.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 1 Dec 1993 15:09:08 GMT
From: cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news.ans.net!malgudi.oar.net!news.ysu.edu!yfn.ysu.edu!ag821@uunet.uu.net
Subject: comments on FT990/IC765/TS850
To: ham-equip@ucsd.edu
In a previous article, cowart@convex.com (Michael Cowart) says:
>
>I am in the market for a new rig. I have narrowed my choices to:
>
>FT-990, IC-765, and TS-850S
>
>I sure would appreciate any comments, good or bad.
>
>Thanks and 73,
>
>Mike
>
>
WEll I think you have done well in narrowing your choices. I spent about
a year trying to make the same decision. I read and reread all the
reviews from all 3 magazines. QST liked the 850 best. I liked the
fact that the 990 had the built in power supply and auto tuner. I was
very interested in computer control.. for logging and contesting as well
as digital modes. The Yaesu's are not real good at this, although I hear
that they had just redone their chip and were offering free upgrades.
I think it is pretty much which one you like best. I would probably buy
the Ten Tec Omni VI if I had enough money.. don't think you can beat their
receivers.
Anyway after about a year the situation resolved itself. I came across
a good deal on a mint 850S with a CW filter, a computer interface and
an Astron power supply. I love therig. I just bought the SSB filter for
my ocassional contesting. The memory keyer works great, the keying is
real good, The receiver is great, The rig's computer stuff is unbelievable
.. I still haven't used about 90% of the features.. but it is real easy
to use the main features without having to be a compouter whiz. I get
great audio reports and use it for PACTOR in the AFSK mode presently.. I
am going to hook up the FSK when I get some time.
Try operating all 3 and see which one you like the best.. the only
way to go, unless like me, that wasn't possible and I just waited
for a good deal.
Another consideration is the internal versus the external power
supply... I had a 30 amp supply already.. and the auto tuner.. I
can't really use one for the way my station is set up.. and don't
really need one.. bought one .. hooked it up and sent it back.
73
Jeff, AC4HF
--
Jeff M. Gold, AC4HF
Manager, Academic Computing Support
Tennessee Technological University
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 1 Dec 1993 05:57:46 GMT
From: swrinde!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!usenet-feed.umr.edu!saucer.cc.umr.edu!eraub@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Features on IC-24AT?
To: ham-equip@ucsd.edu
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 1993 21:37:34 GMT
From: ulowell!swlvx2!rayssd!dws@uunet.uu.net
Subject: FOX TANGO ADDRESS/PHONE NO. WANTED
To: ham-equip@ucsd.edu
I am looking for the address and or phone number of
Fox Tango Corp. The last address I had for them
was in West Palm Beach, Florida. The phone number
has been taken by someone else who was not impressed
with my question. If anyone knows of there
whereabouts the info would be greatly appreciated.
73's
Dave WA1UWU
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 1993 16:01:37 GMT
From: pacbell.com!sgiblab!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!news.inesc.pt!animal.inescn.pt!bart!avale@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Help on Kenwood 2m all mode
To: ham-equip@ucsd.edu
Hello,
I have one Kenwood TR751E all mode 2m, and I need use the
tone encoder TU-7 that I already have.
In the schematic and tecnical manual do not refer what to do with the config.
diodes D3, D4, D5, D6 and D7 on the Control Unit. What are the individual funcion
of each other. The D14 is on the owner manual and is to config. the step, but
the others!? I only need to inform the unit that he has the TU-7 installed.
If anyone of you have this kind of information, or the email/internet of Kenwood,
I will thank you a lot.
73, Antonio (CT1DZY) E-mail: avale@bart.inescn.pt
------------------------------
Date: 30 Nov 1993 18:04:04 -0800
From: elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!usc!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!news.kei.com!nic.hookup.net!news.sprintlink.net!news.world.net!teleport.com!teleport.com!not-for-mail@ames.arpa
Subject: How to enable Yaesu FT101b 10mhz xmit?
To: ham-equip@ucsd.edu
Does anyone know how to enable a yaesu ft101b so it will transmit on
10 Mhz? Presumably there is some simple wire to clip (I had always
heard rumours about that). Any advise/references would be appreciated
jwalters@teleport.com
WB7AAK Portland, OR
--
jwalters@teleport.COM Public Access User --- Not affiliated with TECHbooks
Public Access UNIX and Internet at (503) 220-0636 (1200/2400, N81)
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 1 Dec 1993 13:59:24 GMT
From: das.wang.com!wang!jcole@uunet.uu.net
Subject: IC-22S help needed
To: ham-equip@ucsd.edu
prvalko@vela.acs.oakland.edu (prvalko) writes:
>Clint Hastings (hastings@dseg.ti.com) wrote:
>: I have this Icom IC-22S hanging around from years ago and
>: I want to put it to some use. The diode-matrix programmed
>: frequency synthesizer won't go below 145.8 MHz, and most
>: of the action here in my new location is below 146. I can
>: program it below that frequency, but the unit appears not
>: to function - just like if there are no diodes in that
>: slot at all.
>: Does anyone have any ideas on how to extend the frequency
>: range on this unit, down to say 144?
>As I recall, the design of the synthesizer precluded putting the unit on
>the "new" 145 MHz repeater sub-band. You would really have to do some
>major redesign to make it work there.
>I bought a 22S in 1977. It was quite the rig at that time (being
>semi-synthesized) and was several HUNDRED dollars less than the U.S.
>built (yup, there were US made VHF rigs way back then) Clegg FM-DX.
>I still see a 22s at swaps out here (Michigan). They sell for $50-$80.
>I doubt it's worth the effort to try and get it to operate on 145.
>73 paul wb8zjl
>: thanks, clint KC7XX
Years back, I also had the IC-22s -- and LOVED it. It was a great
radio for its time! My recollection on frequency coverage was that
the synthesizer didn't have a wide enough range (would fall out of
lock) -- which was why the radio was not set up to cover any more
of the band. Then, too, most of the FM activity wasn't that low in
frequency back then! I seem to recall there was a way to re-tune
the rig to work down there -- but it may have required some mods
to do it.
There were some interesting mods, too, mostly appearing in 73 magazine
during Wayne's great push of FM (remember the bumper stickers?!) you
might be able to find. One was an external box with thumbwheel
switches and a diode matrix for more versatile frequency control. Icom
put out a subsequent release of the radio with frequency selection done
the same way, but I don't remember the model number (still called
IC-22 <something>).
73, John WA8ZPF
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 1 Dec 1993 02:14:36 GMT
From: netcomsv!netcom.com!alfadale@decwrl.dec.com
Subject: IC 2AT for Sale
To: ham-equip@ucsd.edu
I have become rather inactive and no longer use a trusty
Icom IC 2AT with built in sub-audible tone card, a standard battery
pack, and a (bad?) heavy duty battery pack. Also includes
charger and original documentation and rubber ducky, of course!
Make me a reasonable offer and it's yours!
Dale
ex: K3LSE
W8CYS
WD6GEW
KE6JX
alfadale@netcom.com
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 27 Nov 1993 13:12:42 EST
From: ucsnews!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!news2.uunet.ca!xenitec!lemsys!ve3faq!smc@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Indestructable HTs?
To: ham-equip@ucsd.edu
In article <2cu017$f5o@crchh941.bnr.ca>, Kenneth E. Harker writes:
>
> I am wondering about something... what's the most "indestructable"
> HT available? Is there one that could withstand not just being dropped,
> but being dropped and rolling down a steep, rocky trail? Or being in
> the vest pocket of a ski jacket when you crash and burn and land on top
> of it? Something as rugged as most camping flashlights for example? Are
> there any HTs that are really waterproof? Like if you dropped them in a
> stream or in a bank of wet snow, they would still work? How about an
> HT that would operate in temperatures from -10c to 40c?
> If this "dream" HT doesn't exist, what's the closest to it? Are
> there things that can be done to "ruggedize" existing units?
> I'm not a terribly active outdoors type, but I would like to be able
> to take an HT along with me on camping or skiing trips and not have to
> worry about anything except how much battery life I have...
> --
I am a fan of the Icom Ox-AT line. I own an 02-AT as well as an 04-AT.
There isn't too much that I haven't done to these radios. My 02 has
probably had the most brutal treatment.
One day I dropped it down a 50 foot tall rectangular shaft. It was
concrete, about two feet long, and a foot wide. I saw it bounce off of the
cement walls as it took its plunge. I was pretty worried at the time, but
then I heard it talking down the hole. I found a rope, and pulled it out
with a coat hanger. There were two scratches on the back that were new --
and that was it.
Another time I used the radio in some pretty wet conditions. I was out
biking in a torrential downpour, and used the radio all the way home. The
gaskets in the top kept out most of the water. A bit got in, but taking the
back off and wiping it out got rid of it. The water got in through the
screw in the back which connects the finals to the metal case. This screw
has been missing in the back for as long as I can remember, and it has
never overheated.
This handy also survives some pretty good winters, too. I have used it
in weather way below -10 degrees celsius. In fact, last night I slipped and
the radio broke my fall. About two weeks ago, I did radiocomm for a local
parade, and it was caked solid with ice and snow when I finished. As for
heat, it has survived heat over 30 degrees, (maybe more when left in cars
etc). The only affect that temperature has, is the speed of the display.
The colder the temp, the slower the display updates.
These have been the highlights that I can think of. I will continue to
bash this radio around for quite some time. None of the new equipment can
even come close for durability, at least in my opinion. I have an Icom 2SAT
and it feels like a toy in comparison. I think that if I have to replace
this one, a Motorola will be my choice. Durability is the most important
feature to me, and I would recommend the Icom 02AT, 03AT, 04AT and 12AT to
anyone who is as destructive as I am with their radios.
Scott
--
73, de Scott W. McIntyre VE3 FAQ | <smc@ve3faq.uucp> +1(519)571-7405
------------------------------
Date: 30 Nov 1993 14:56:19 -0600
From: pacbell.com!sgiblab!darwin.sura.net!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!concert!corpgate!crchh327.bnr.ca!kharker@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: PK-88 vs KPC-3 vs DPK-2 - Comments?
To: ham-equip@ucsd.edu
In article <fmitchCHA6Gu.632@netcom.com>, fmitch@netcom.com (Felton Mitchell) writes:
|> Dave Jenkins (djenkins@wang.com) wrote:
|>
|> : The BayPac (BayCom) modem was fun, but, it is time to upgrade to a REAL TNC.
|>
|> : Most of my packet operation is in TCP/IP but some is still AX-25. All of it
|> : is in VHF/UHF (HF privs yes, radios no). The option of operating "portable"
|> : is attractive for coolness and/or emergencies, but, is not essential.
|>
|> : I am trying to decide between asking for a PK-88, KPC-3 or DPK-2. Some of
|> : the relative merits that I know of include:
|>
|> : PK-88: Y Y N Y ? ? $139.95
|>
|> : KPC-3: L Y Y Y N Y $119.95
|>
|> : DPK-2: L Y N Y 2 3 $109.95
|> : ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
|> : | | | | | | |
|> : | | | | | | +------- HRO Price
|> : | | | | | |
|> : | | | | | +--------- Open squelch operation
|> : | | | | +------------ TNC-2 Compatible
|> : | | | +--------------- PBBS
|> : | | +------------------ WEFAX
|> : | +--------------------- Kiss Mode
|> : +------------------------ 12 Operation (L = Low power consumption)
|>
|> : 1) The guy at HRO said it does KISS Mode but it didn't say in the catalog.
|> : 2) "100% firmware compatability with TAPR TNC-2"
|> : "* TNC-2 Compatible * Runs all TNC-2proms"
|> : 3) $31.95 optional board
|>
|> : Oddly enough, the guy from HRO didn't talk up the DPK-2 at all. He said the
|> : other two would work fine but that if I wanted to do HF packet some day then
|> : I should not get the KPC-3.
I have amended your diagram to show two clarifications about the KPC-3,
which I have and have been very pleased with. The KPC-3 does have KISS mode, but
is not TNC-2 compatible. It can communicate with the terminal program at up to
9600 baud. Over the air, you are limited to 1200 baud, however, and as far as
I know, you cannot add anything to get it to go faster than that. It does
not have its own internal clock. Also, as far as I know, it cannot do HF packet.
(But then again, if I could afford an HF rig, I would probably be able to afford
a multimode controller as well...). The KPC-3 will run for weeks on a 9V battery
held inside its own case, which makes it very portable.
One personal note: the open squelch operation (also known as "software
carrier detect") improves the packet throughput of my setup by about 300%.
The only radio I have available is a Yaesu FT-209RH which occaisonally gets
"stuck" with the squelch open and requires that I manually hit the PTT button
to get it unstuck. Even when it doesn't get stuck, it seems like my packets
get out a lot better with software carrier detect. Anymore, I can't imagine
using the TNC without it. If I were buying another TNC, I wouldn't consider
the DPK-2 without the option board, and then it becomes way too expensive...
Just my thoughts...
--
======================================================================
Kenneth E. Harker BNR "Any opinions expressed
kharker@bnr.ca Richardson, Texas, USA are solely mine and do
N1PVB (214) 684-5115 not represent BNR"
======================================================================
------------------------------
Date: 1 Dec 1993 15:31:07 GMT
From: caen!malgudi.oar.net!news.ysu.edu!yfn.ysu.edu!ag821@uunet.uu.net
Subject: qrp/access for sale
To: ham-equip@ucsd.edu
New 20 meter A&A engineering QRP transceiver:
Portable, Single-signal superhet receiver with narrow CW
crystal filter, VFO main and fine tuning, audio derived AGC
and two stages fo audio filtering for listening comfort, 5
watts output power, semi-QSK TR switching with adjustable
delay, sidetone generator with adjustable volume, perfect
for backpacking, portable or home QTH use, built in speaker
with plenty of audio, earphone jack. 6 X 7.25 X 3.
Assembled, tested, works great off power supply or gell
cell.
$125 shipped US
also have some new Tejas accesories.. the Curtis Iambic keyer
int he nice Tejas case, and the Tejas audio filter in the nice
Tejas case.
Also the Idiom Press CMOS SuperKeyer II in plastic Radio Shack
case with nice large push buttons, AA internal battery holders,
and an extra jack to hook up straight key.
this is the best contest keyer there is... 4 memories and bunches of
features.
73
Jeff, AC4HF
--
Jeff M. Gold, AC4HF
Manager, Academic Computing Support
Tennessee Technological University
------------------------------
Date: 2 Dec 93 03:40:37 GMT
From: ogicse!emory!rsiatl!ke4zv!gary@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: VHF/UHF SSB/CW fans please read!
To: ham-equip@ucsd.edu
In article <2dimka$in1@oak.oakland.edu> prvalko@vela.acs.oakland.edu (prvalko) writes:
>Hi. Am am interested in getting more involved with VHF/UHF work.
>
>Last weekend I made my FIRST OSCAR contact through RS-10/11. I am
>hooked. :-)
>
>I am all set with antenna and such, but I would like some radio ideas.
>I have a TS-700SP, and am looking to replace it with a
>
> TS-790
I heartily recomend you avoid this radio. While touted as a satellite
rig, it is horrible to use operationally. For example, to frequency
track while tuning you have to hold the SAT button down with one hand
while turning the tuning knob with the other. The user interface of
this radio is *not* intuitive. You'll have the manual at hand for quite
a while as you attempt to figure out how to use it's features. More
seriously, while the radio sports optional narrow filters, they only
work in the MAIN band receiver. Now you transmit on MAIN and listen to
the downlink on the SUB receiver. So the narrow filters are unusable.
Also my unit never made rated output power, ran very hot because of poor
thermal design, and died after a month's use. Naturally, Kenwood service
was it's usual slow and sloppy self. When the unit finally came back,
output power was even further below spec, and current consumption had
become excessive. Putting it on the bench, I was able to get it to
approach rated power, and reduced it's current hunger, by proper
tuning of the PA, but it still ran uncomfortably warm. The receiver
sensitivity is pretty good, however, and fairly free from overload
effects.
> IC-940 or
I think you mean the IC-970, a lovely radio. As usual Icom did a
masterful job with this radio, and it *almost* is the automatic
choice. It does almost everything right *except* that the LO
suffers from a bit too much phase noise, and that can be a problem
if there are strong in band signals near your operating position.
And, my God the price. A IC-970H is currently tipping the scales
at nearly $4,000.00 what with the dollar/yen situation.
> FT-736 or
The radio currently sitting next to me is a FT-736. The radio seems
to have been designed by someone who actually works the satellites.
It's very much optimized for that service. It's user interface is
good if not outstanding, it's thermal design is good, the receiver
is excellent, and the transmitter meets specs. My only gripe is that
it's not a true dualbander in the sense we've come to expect. There
can only be one active transmitter and one active receiver at a time.
That's fine for satellite work, and it allows the optional narrow
filters to work, but it's not so good for general terrestrial use
where you often want to keep an ear on a frequency in two different
bands at once.
> FT-290/490 rII combinations.
I haven't used these little guys, but I've used the IC-202 and IC-402
which were the progenitors of the low power portable SSB rigs. If you're
going to operate portable, the little radios are nice, but you probably
won't have optimum antennas so you'll have to drag along an external
amplifier and it's power supply. That's not bad from a vehicle, but if
you plan to walk in on foot you need a strong back for the big battery. :-)
For terrestrial mountaintopping, they're probably nearly ideal, for
portable satellite I'd rather have one of the bigger single piece
radios. They're definitely not the first choice for home station use.
You've left off of your list the quintessential satellite radios,
the IC-275H and IC475H. These radios are ideal for satellite or
terrestrial use. The 275's receiver is probably the best of the
bunch, the radios have intuitive user interfaces, excellent thermal
design, and a CIV interface that allows satellite slave tuning between
the units. The only downside is the recent dollar/yen situation. Prices
have risen almost $400 per unit recently. You'll wind up spending almost
$3400 for the pair.
Gary
--
Gary Coffman KE4ZV | Where my job's going, | gatech!wa4mei!ke4zv!gary
Destructive Testing Systems | I don't know. It might | uunet!rsiatl!ke4zv!gary
534 Shannon Way | wind up in Mexico. | emory!kd4nc!ke4zv!gary
Lawrenceville, GA 30244 | -NAFTA Blues |
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 01 Dec 1993 12:27:55 -0600
From: ucsnews!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!agate!dog.ee.lbl.gov!hellgate.utah.edu!cc.usu.edu!sy_j.pgh.wec.com!user@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: what HT is priced < $300
To: ham-equip@ucsd.edu
can I buy an HT (2m/440) that is priced less than $300 ? or a
2m HT priced less than $200 ? if so, what model ?
what is the price of used HTs 2m or dual band these days ?
jerry
--
"Beware of bugs in the above code; I have only proved it correct, not
tried it."
-- Donald Knuth
------------------------------
End of Ham-Equip Digest V93 #120
******************************
******************************