Hello,

I am trying to get a list of the items needed to connect my Ft-840 to my HP desktop computer.  I do not want to work any digital modes
I simply want to control the radio from my PC (not remote control).  Please correct me if I am wrong but, I think I need the CAT cable which will run from the radio to the computer.  Since my PC does not have a RS-232 serial port I will also need a USB to RS-232 converter. Is there anything else I need (Drivers) or need to know.  The software I intend to use is Ham Radio Deluxe.

Am I correct in assuming that I do not need an interface in lieu of the fact that I am not working any digital modes?  Also, since this radio is fairly old what will I be able to control with the computer?  I am not sure this is worth the effort but I am curious.

Any information or additional  advice (where to purchase cables) which would help me link these items together would be appreciated.

Sincerely,

Steve
KB5WHX

The unit was installed in 2004 and the dealer has since went out of business.

The blower motor is a GE ECM 2.3 Motor.  I have read their literature regarding grounding the blower housing to the ground on the input voltage line.  This appears to have been done.

I used an AM radio and found that the noise was strongest near the thermostat and return air area. I accessed the attic and placed the radio near the thermostat wires and the noise was much stronger at that point than the cabinet that houses the blower motor. Apparently, the thermostat wires are picking up the RFI or EMI and carrying the noise down to the thermostat which is just outside my radio room.

Short of running shielded thermostat wire is their a choke or filter that I can install on the thermostat wire?

Just a footnote.  Even though I hear the noise through the receiver and the volume is reasonably loud it does not move my S-Meter.

Thanking everyone in advance for their comments and assistance.

Sincerely Yours,

Steve
KB5WHX
valleys@bellsouth.net

Hello,

I have a Yaesu FT-840 running into a MFJ-989C tuner.  The coax from the tuner goes into the wall  of my radio room and into the attic via pvc pipe then out the eaves to a common point ground.  My antenna is a G5RV and is a reasonable distance away from my house (hieght is 40').
When my AC system kicks on I get RFI accross the bands.
If I turn the AC system off but turn the fan on I still get the RFI.  I can actually hear the RFI slowly increase as the fan reaches maximum speed.  I disconnected the antenna from the common point ground and then disconnected the coax that comes from the tuner at the ground point and noise got worse.  The coax in the attic my be about 10'-12' from the HVAC fan assembly, but I cannot move it any further away.  Another test I performed was to leave the coax connected at the common point ground however I disconnected the coax at the tuner.  The noise (RFI) dropped out completely.  I am far from an expert on this but I beleive the stub of coax (50') from the tuner through the attic and to the common point ground is picking up the RFI from the HVAC fan motor.  My equipment in my shack is not grounded for RFI.  The common point ground I speak of is simply a 5/8"x8' ground rod with a piece of aluminum plate attached to it via ground rod clamps (Ox-Gaurd was used due to disimilar metals) the aluminum plate has a Pl-259 Bulkhead connector attached to it.  In the event of thunderstorms I leave the antenna grounded to the rod but I disconnect the coax which feeds my equipment and move it up and way from the ground rod.  All of my radio gear is unplugged from line during storms. Should I ground my equipment to stop the Fan produced RFI and is the existing ground rod to far away (50').  Would a higher quality coax (Foil wrapped Shield) help in keeping the RFI out of the coax.  One thing I have never seen addressed is can and how could coax be shielded from RFI.  Would metal, plastic or copper  pipe help reduce RFI.  Any assistance, recommendations on how to solve this RFI issue would be appreciated.


Thank you

Steve
valleys@bellsouth.net
KB5WHX

Hello,

Within the last few years I built a new home which has a metal "Galvalume Roof".  I would like to put up a 2-meter vertical antenna however grounding the antenna mast is a problem due to the long run of ground wire and the roof lines.  As I understand a metal roof does not have to be grounded.  I thought abount simply using some metal strapping to ground the mast to the roof so to speak.  Once I am finished using the radio I always unplug the equipment from the house power as well as disconnect the coax and placing the end into a large insulator in order to completely isolate the equipment from any electrical source.  I also do this with my computer.  The coax will enter the house from the attic and flow through PVC pipe that I placed in the walls while the house was under construction.

Any advice or assistance would be appreciated.

Sincerely Yours,

Steve
KB5WHX

I am seeking advice regarding the selection of a DualBand Handheld (2mtr/440) with wide band receive.
I have read the Product Reviews and have become more confused about which radio to purchase.  I am considering the following radio's:

Alinco DJ-TH      $209.99
Kenwood TH-G71A   $269.95
Yaesu FT-50RD-HP  $199.95
Yaesu VX-5R       $249.95

Most of my radio use is spent listening or scanning.  I owned a Yaesu Ft-415 2/mtr in the past and it served me very well.  Obviously the Alinco and the Yaesu FT-50RD-HP are cheaper than the others.  Receive audio as well as transmit audio is important to me.  I have a tendency to lean towards the Yaesu FT-50RD-HP because of my past experience with Yaesu and the price.  This decision is important to me so any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Money is somewhat of a consideration but reliability is more.  I do not believe the Kenwood has quite the extended receive as the other radio's.

Thank's to everyone for you advice in advance.

Sincerely,

Stephen Valley
KB5WHX
valleys@bellsouth.net        

My interest in Ham Radio has been rekindled after a number of years.  I am in the market for  dual band handheld (2mtr/220 or 2mtr/440) with extended receive.  I am considering the Alinco DJ-5Th, Yaesu FT-50RD-HP, Yaesu VX-5R and the Kenwood TH-G71A.  I have owned a Yaesu in the past and it served me very well.  I am leaning towards the Yaesu Ft-50RD-HP as it is about $50.00 or $60.00 cheaper than the VX-5R and the TH-G71A.  I have read the product reviews on these radio's and am more uncertain about which one to purchase,  The FT-50RD-HP has fairly wide receive and the audio seems to be clear and loud.

Any advice or recommendation on these radio's or another handheld would be appreciated.  

Thanking you all in advance.

Steve
KB5WHX