I'mn sorry, but I do think you have an "Antenna" problem.  Fix the antenna and you will have an easier "Tuner" solution.

...bill  nr4c

It depends on the radio and the antenna and a lot of other things.

In the past it was easier.  Most older radios with internal ATUs were limited inthe range of impedances that could be matched.  But more recent models such as the Elecraft K3 and KX3, Ten-Tec Eagle and the Kenwood TS-590 and TS-990 have internal ATUs that are equal or exceed the range of external ATUs.  Note that this list may be outdated but the point is, check the specs on the ATU in question (interfnal or external) and make your choice.

...bill nr4c

"Get it up!"
"Hook it up!"
and
"Light it up!"

have fun...

...bill  nr4c

SO-239 on a cable, that's an odd arrangement.  Maybe you are confusing this with the PL-259?

...bill  nr4c

According to the rules, the 3 Stooges have the frequency.  But, since we are supposed to be intelligent, reasonable adults, it is easier for us to move then to fight with the NET.

It's kinda like explaining to the trooper at the accident scene, "I saw him coming, but I had the "Right of way"!".

.nr4c  bill

T ry a hobby shop in your area.  Many R/C flyers use them in field boxes for engine starters, fuel pumps etc.

You carry it home and don't have to pay shipping on 'lead'.

...bill   nr4c

I'd use it widemopen.  This is probably about a total of 2.5-2.8 KHz.  This will give a good range of sound and should sound pleasing to your ears.  Adjust as needed.

...bill nr4c

We have (had) several women members with Amateur Extra licenses in one of the clubs i belong to.  They have been more or less active then their husbands (aoso Extras), usually due to work and family commitments.  One or two have been active in our Amateur Exam activities with W5YI and one of those is still the local VE leader.

in my experience, no "Old Ham Guy" in any way attempted to defer any of them from getting their license, more the opposite.

One of our families (both Extras) have inspired their two grand-children to gain their General tickets, and they will surely go for the Extra when we have enough attendees to hold another Extra Class.  The oldest, a teenage girl, has started a Radio Club in her High School.

"The surest way to get a woman to do something is to tell her she can't!"

...bill  nr4c

Excuse me, but what type of ceramic disc capacitor has a "Cover" that could be removed to look inside?

Are we all talking about the same component?

...bill nr4c

AA4PB, thanks for adding that little detail!  When he said USB, I assumed (bad practice) that he meant "USB>SERIAL" adapter.

Now, if some aspiring ham woutld combine a FTDI chip, and the transistor switches on a small circuit board with appropriate cabling, that would be neat.

I do realize the WINKEYER USB will provide the CW action, but it costs a lot more that the simple switch that will fit inside the D-Sub shell (which is the most expenseve part of the project) and will also work for PTT and also FSK (which the WINKEY USB won't do).

...bill  nr4c

Yes.....

you will need a 1K resistor and a 2N2222 transistor.  On the 9 pin RS-232 connector, Pin 5 is grnd, Pin 7 is RTS and Pin 4 is DTR.

Now, the resistor goes between either RTS or DTR (dependig which you want to use for CW keying) and the BASE of the transistor.  The COLLECTOR goes to the KEY jack on your radio, and the EMITTER connects to the SHIELD of the KEY cable, and also to PIN 5 (GND) of the 9 Pin connector.

The web site http://www.aa5au.com/rttyinterface.html has more information on this including schematic and how to setup for PTT and also FSK.

...bill  nr4c

Ok, I'll bite.....

What are you testing at the 'radio end'?  What's between the coax connector at the radio and the one at the antenna?

A coax that is not shorted at one end, and shorted at the other, is a real mystery.

...bill nr4c

It depends on exactly what type of noise you are trying to get rid of.

Several good solutions have already been described, but it's better to get rid of the noise, and often cheaper as it may be someone else's real problem.  Buying a new rig should be the last resort, unless of course this is your way of getting past the finacial manager (spouse) in which case i'll shut up.

Many recent rigs have good NB circucits and most offer some adjustments, to handle different types of noises.

Try before you buy.

...bill  nr4c

An Astron 35 amp should hold you for a long while.  If you can handle the weight, and don't want to carry it around a lot, get the linear.  The switcher is lighter for easier portbility, but will probably have some small amount of rf noise somewhere on the bands as do most if not all switcher power supplies.

Other choices are West mountain radio has a small very portable unit, and MFJ has some small switchers (note the MFJ have often been pinged for noisy fans).

...bill   nr4c

"Send it in!"

...bc  nr4c