Ann:

Your Small Wonders transceiver should work with any PSK software that uses a soundcard.  I believe it uses a VOX circuit so you're good to go with whatever software you choose.

73
Tim
W9THD

Ann:

Your Small Wonders transceiver should work with any PSK software that uses a soundcard.  I believe it uses a VOX circuit so you're good to go with whatever software you choose.

73
Tim
W9THD

Ann:

Your Small Wonders transceiver should work with any PSK software that uses a soundcard.  I believe it uses a VOX circuit so you're good to go with whatever software you choose.

73
Tim
W9THD

Who among you has successfully installed two sound cards in Windows XP?  

I had the idea of adding a second card so I could run my ham software and still have my original card available for other tasks.

My Dell 4700 has a Sound Blaster Live card installed.  I purchased a Sound Blaster Audigy SE, removed my modem to open up a slot, and installed the Audigy. Then I installed the SB software, taking care to create a different folder for it so it wouldn't wipe out the original card's software.  

But when I reboot I get the blue screen of sudden death with a stop error warning.  I assume it's because of a conflict somewhere but I'm stumped.  

Anyone have ideas?

About three years ago I put up an 80 meter doublet fed with ladder line to go with my 80 meter loop, also fed with ladder line.

After comparing them for over a year with an A/B switch in line, the doublet came down.  The loop is still up.

73
Tim
W9THD  

Thanks for the reply.  Here's an update.  I exchanged the KP-1 for another new unit and it exhibited the same behavior. Sent it back to the dealer, who was able to observe the same behavior on their own rig.  They sent me a third unit which they tested, and it is working as it should.  I hope to post an update after the January contest but I think this third unit will work out as it should.

73
W9THD

I picked up a Mirage KP1  2 meter preamp at a hamfest this weekend to see if it would improve my SSB/CW receive. My shack is right at the bottom of my 48 foot tower, and since I don't climb, I thought I'd try the in-shack model to see if it might help on the weak signals.

What I've observed has me puzzled.  On the 2 meter band, the pre-amp seems to have little effect, or actually some  attenuation of signals on my TS-2000.  However, when I switch to the sub-receiver and use the general receive, tuning into the public service bands or to distant NOAA weather stations, switching the preamp on provides around a 10 db boost.

Any thoughts?

First thing I did when I got my 2020 was open it up and go through it thoroughly with some tuner cleaner.  All pots, switches, especially the band switch, which really needed it.

Sometimes a little tuner cleaner will work miracles.  It's worth a try.

73
Tim

Three years ago I stood where you stand now, and asked myself the same question.  The problems with the 746Pro were making big news. I really liked the looks of the Pro and really wanted one, but I was afraid of all the failures.

In the end I bought a TS2000 and I've never regretted it. It's a fine radio, does everything I want it to do, and it has more features.

Mine had only one failure....a pre-amp chip died....but it was my own fault as I was messing around with a boat anchor on the same desk and forgot to switch off the antenna.

I started with ICOMS....a 2100 and a 706 MK IIg...both of which I still have...along with three Yaesu mobiles.  If you believe what you read in the review section here on E-ham, then you've got to wonder about ICOM's quality control lately.  Even now, after the supposed fix to the 746Pro, I still see posters claiming their new radio has died.

I've never operated a 746Pro, but I tend to agree with  some TS2000 users who own both....the 746Pro is likely the superior radio of the two on HF, at least by some small increment.  

But if you want a wider range of features, with UHF and  satellite abilities too, AND you're concerned you might lose sleep at night wondering if your radio will be alive or dead in the morning, well then the way seems clear to me.

I guess that makes me a Chevy man, because I know my radio won't be Found On Road Dead sometime in the future.

Good luck with your decision.

Tim

Looking for someone who has experience with the Tempo 2020. This radio sort of fell into my lap and it's my first boat anchor. Receive is fine but transmit has some problems.  Looking for someone who is willing to email me direct so I can ask a few questions.

73
Tim
W9THD

w9thd@arrl.net

I've run an 80 meter loop for about 3 years now and can tell you that it performs very well for close in work at a height of 30 feet.  I used to get very favorable signal reports when checking into our state traffic net on 80 meters, usually about 140 to 170 miles from the net control operator.

My loop is strung between trees that circle the house. There have been some RFI issues once in awhile, but for the most part it is not a problem. I cannot comment on actually mounting the antenna to the house, though I would think that would increase the odds of causing RFI to other devices inside the house.  Yet I've read of guys running dipoles in their attic, so I wouldn't be too concerned as long as the antenna won't come into close contact.

I prefer feeding the loop with ladder line. This can greatly reduce any feedline losses, and it sounds like your tuner can handle the balanced line, so no other balun is needed.

I say, give it a try.  I think you will be pleased.

73
Tim
W9THD