I just started using digital modes. I have an FT 897D and I bought the SignaLink USB and I'm using Digipan 2.0. Everything seems to be working OK, but I noticed that when I transmit to a station, when the station comes back to me the freq is a little off and I have to readjust my cursor.

Tonight a station in Canada told me of a problem paculiar with Digipan and the SignaLink USB. He said the data rate correction for TX needs to be set to 10000 for it to work right. I made the adjustment and after that The station always came back to me on the same freq. I transmitted on. Any of you experience the same problem with the SignaLink USB and Digipan? I'm thankful to the Candian Ham who pointed this out to me.

I'm very fortunate.  The Anoka County Radio Club in Metro MPLS/ST Paul is very friendly.  I checked into the 144 repeater yesterday for the first time and was immedieately greeted and welcomed.  Invited to join the net by the NCS.  I also tried their 220 machine and was immeadiately welcomed by a ham who uses that machine.  Nice bunch of folks!  I intend to check out their club meetings.  If I use the repeater I should help support it.

Thanks everyone!

My backyard has many burried cables such as phone, cable tv, electrical, rtc.  If I run a radial field on the surface for a vertical will this cause a problem? Also, My backyard is small surrounded by a chain link fence.  Anything of concern for the radials with the fence?

TNX!

After thinking about it for awhile, I do have lots of room in the front of the house.  I think I'll put up a flag pole antenna like one of those from Force-12.  Anyone use one of these?  I could always build one, myself.  I could put a nice little fence around it and the neighborhood kids could'nt touch it and get hurt.  I'd have plenty of room for the radials.

Steve is indeed great to talk too.  He is honest and is not misleading about his product.  He doesn't advertise the product for something it is not, just what it is.  If you want to know about his SWR/Bandwidth claims and how he got them, just call him and ask.  He will talk to you.

It is not expensive, so just get one and try it.  If you don't have the room for a dipole, it is better than having nothing.

This type of antenna is seen in old Ham photos.  Try it then give a review.  I believe that if the antenna works for you and you're having fun, then that is all that matters.

My prefernces are HF SSb, and PSK31 and other digital modes.  I do operate CW sometimes.

The roof mount tower could be an option.  The fence encloses my back yard, and two other neighbors.  If used as a counterpoise it would give me good length.

Oh, yes I forgot to mention - The city has a no towers ordinance.

"You did not mention your front or side yards. I would look for a way to incorporate the advantage of the nice height advantage. "

I live on a corner lot, so my front and especially my side yards are good sized, but no trees there.  It is a busy street with lots of young children running around and no fence to keep them safe from the antenna like the fenced in back yard.

Thanks for your advice everyone.  I appreciate it.

I have a problem deciding what antenna to put up for HF.  I had all my trees blown down except one in a severe windstorm.  My problem is a small backyard  with a chainlink fence around it and a two story house with foil backed insulation.  The yard is about 25 to 30 feet from house to back fence and about 50 feet long.  The tree is on one side  of the yard and is about 20 to 25 feet tall.  Any suggestions of what I might try.  I have portable antennas I could deploy, but I'm looking for something more permanent and preferably less conspicuous.

Ron

I like it.  I was wondering about how to deal with this problem myself.  I'm going to follow your suggestion!

Thanks everyone for the great advice!  I will give it a go!  I have an old Ten-Tec tuner from the 1970's?  I can't remember the model off hand.  I will use it, run the twin lead through the wall to it, and just have fun.

Thanks!
Ron

By the way, I will not be transmitter more than 175 watts or so.

Ron
WA0RJ

I've never used twin lead and I'm considering it for a multiband dipole.  My house has foil backed insulation so I am concerned about bringing the twin lead or ladderline directly through the house. Would that cause a problem?  

Would it be a better idea to run some coax out through the wall and connect to a balun such as the LDG RBA 4:1 using the RBA as an interface between the coax and the twin lead and tune with a tuner?  What about products like the Radio Works remote 4:1 balun or the MFJ remote balun?  Is the length of coax between the shack and the remote balun critical?  

Any suggestions for using twin lead in at my location appreciated.  I've always used coax, but I'm beginning to see a better way!

TNX

Ron
WA0RJ

Try a Ventenna HFp portable vertical.  I love mine and it works great.  http://www.ventenna.com