Just curious if the "quirky front panel" referred to in original post is the keys not working all the time. I have had trouble with my FT990 with intermittent key function. Its maddening because it doesn't happen all the time, sometimes switching power on and off does the trick, sometimes not. (I have he AC version.) I have posted on this problem before and tried a few suggestions, but still have the problem, but not so severe (yet) as to get rid of the radio.
73
Dave WA8OLD

I have been researching the TS590S (and similar rigs) for well over a year, and may be ready to purchase one. I feel this will suit my needs for a HF rig for my second QTH. What power supplies would you recommend.
I have mixed feelings about switching supplies, but don't know if the companion Kenwood supply PS60 is worth the money. I have had good luck with Astron standard supplies.
If so, that's OK but recommended alternates? Feel free to give technical reasons, if you wish
Thanks es 73 WA8OLD

Thanks. Tried resetting, problem still there. I can work around it for the time being. Will investigate battery next.
Thanks.
73

I have a FT 990 purchased Aug 97. I have been having a annoying  problem. The radio still functions very well in every way, all features work. It is the AC version. After several minutes of operation the keyboard does not function. his includes the bandswitch, keyer, noise blanker, memory, in short all the keys. All other functions remain normal such as T/R, changing freq (as long as I don't use the band switch).....but ! turning the rig power off and then back on, even after just a few second wait solves the problem. May have to do this several times when I operate.
The frustrating part is it doesn't always do this. Sometimes it will function normally without the problem.  I seems to be a little worse when its good and warm, but not always.
Suggestions?
73 Dave WA8OLD

3M used to make and may still make a good plastic scratch remover, for plastic auto instrument covers. I bought  a bottle at the local NAPA store for about 12 bucks a few years ago.
It was the best product of this nature I've come across. Has microsilica that fills in the scratch, but is not nearly as coarse grained as some of the products out there.

I purchased a Yaesu VX-8 with the GPS Mic module, filtered power cord and a couple of DC cords in Feb of 2009 and I would definitely go back. This was all done over the phone, and the price at the time for all the goodies and shipping was several $$ less than others. I prefer to send money orders rather than revealing  my credit card all over the place and they handled that with ease.

Cold solder joints are unfortunately nothing new. I bought a new AMECO TX-62 (6 and 2 meter AM transmitter) in 1968 or thereabouts , it would not transmit right out of the box....opened it up and NONE of the connections on the mutli wafer bandswitch had been soldered.

Thanks for the info. I dont think this fulfills requirements for station ID however. I beleive the FCC regulation is that a call sign be clearly identified, in some commonly acceptable mode. How else to determine a truly illegitimate station ?
Back in 1966 when I used to operate RTTY with and actual Teletype machine, I had to identify by CW. I beleive that has changed so that you can identify by digital modes, but you still MUST present a valid call sign.
Again thanks. Anyone else care to weigh in on this topic?
73 Happy New Year
Dave WA8OLD

Has anybody noticed stations running APRS with unknown or non-amateur identifiers? If so, what gives?
Ive noticed several of them here in Michigan, especially when I travel from my home QTH to Southern Mich.
For instance, there is a station running around here in my part of the state (Eastern Upper Peninsula) with the "call" (note the quotes) of MICON-4 and I've seen this one several times in the last few months.

Check me out on APRS either as WA8OLD  or WA8OLD-7
73

Thanks. Just looked at the Ameritron switch, not a big fan of them  but looks like this would fill the bill.
Now..how to tell the XYL ...

I have a TL-922A:
I am considering upgrading my transceiver either to a 756 Pro III or a DX-2000.I am currently using a FT-990, and I have it set to handle the amp. ( there is an internal  switch to do that on the 990)
Will either of those radios switch switch the TL 922 TR relay (at -100 VDC) ,do I need to homebrew a slave relay system, or any other suggestions.

Thank you es 73

WA8OLD

I am trying to help an area ham getting his old PK-232 running again. He was recently given a HP desktop computer running XP. When he first used his PK 232 he was using an Radio Shack TRS 80. The new computer does have a serial port at least, so I can use the RS232 connector.
A couple of questions, thanks for the info on the last few posts.
1 Did the PK 232 come with terminal and control software like my PK-12 (now PK-96) did? If so is this available for download. Didnt see much on the Timewave Website.
2 I'd like to see if I can get Hyperterminal to run.
I am assuming under properties in setting up the connections start with COM 1 , there are 4 COM port possibilities. I say this beacause I am myself use an old  IBM laptop to run my APRS ststion  with my PK-12 and that is how I have it set. I do rememebr on some of the first computers I had the Modem was considered COM x port.
Guy I am trying to help is 92 has been a ham since 1946,so I have a few challenges. He is trying to find his PK232 manual.

Thanks for reading and 73

Suggestion please on sources or the contacts for mobile mounting brackets for both mobile and or handheld style radios.
Bought a new car and it is very difficult to consider my normal installation, looking for places that may have brackets that mount in alternative locations. Also with a front panel seperated style radio, is the front  panel easily installed with no damage to vehicle. I may go that route
TNX es 73, Dave WA8OLD

Is it terribly difficult to replace the meter light in the Yaesu FT 990. Im pretty handy, but dont want to have to dissasemble the meter like you have to do in some MFJ mighty-fine-junk. I can live without it ...