I seem to recall that the PS30 has a second terminal at the back (2 screws) to attach acessories, etc.  I'm not sure of the rating at the second terminal.  It may be capable of handling the full 20 - 30 amps.

If that doesn't work, you should be able to switch the pwr supply on manually, if you connect up the the correct pins on the PS30.

GL and 73,

Tom, NU7J

A friend and neighbor (K7ENR)  just gave me his old Yaesu FT101B.  It's in need of repair but I'm greatful because I used to own an FT101E so it has nostalgic value.  

The rig had been working until he accidentally left it turned on for 2 days, with the fan unplugged but the heater switch in the off position.  The symptom is that the 5A fuse blows when the the rig is turned on.  I haven't tried connecting to a 12V DC source yet, to see if the problem is in the AC power supply.  

I'd appreciate any trouble shooting tips that you can provide!

73,

Tom, NU7J  
nu7j@arrl.net

This is a very common problem which I've seen referred to as "PLL unlock" condition.  Technicians who are familiar with the 940 have seen this condition on a regular basis.  My 940 exhibited these same symptoms.  The condition can be repaired by re-soldering a number of bad solder joints.  The technician who repaired mine works at C-Comm in Seattle, WA, tel 206-783-0616.  I recommend that you call C-Comm or any other reputable Kenwood repair shop for advice.  You may be able to do the work yourself if you can determine which solder joints to inspect and repair.

Good luck and 73,

Tom, NU7J

I haven't heard of that problem with the FT1500M.  However, there's a chronic, well documented problem with the FT100D, which is corrected by modifying the mic.  This issue is discussed in the eHam.net Product Review section for the FT100D.  I believe the FT1500M mic is identical to or very similar to the FT100D, so I would not be surprised if the problem could be corrected by the same method.  If I remember correctly, the mod involves enlarging or unplugging the 4 holes on the face of the mic.

Note: there's an adjustment for deviation in one of the menus on the FT1500M, but I don't think that would help the condition you described.

GL and 73,

Tom, NU7J

ARRL's book on RFI discusses this issue.  Several years ago, I was able to resolve the same problem you're having by following the guidance in the ARRL RFI book.  Since I knew my neighbor so well, I was willing to take a chance and do the work myself, but proceed at your own risk of course.  The alarm company refused to do anything so I had to take matters into my own hands.  If I remember correctly, I added some .01 caps to the control box at the input of each sensor.  (I didn't have to add any beads at the sensor locations, or shield any wires).  

However - the alarm company should be responsible for fixing this!  

GL and 73,

Tom, NU7J

I don't think transmitting while tuning the VFO will cause any failures (as long as an antenna is hooked up).  I have done that to my 940 (and other rigs) into a dummy load with no ill effects.  

I've not heard of that problem, however it should be easily repairable.  

You should still be able to get parts and service for your 940.  I know someone here in the Seattle area who does good work on 940's, but you should be able to find someone closer to home.  Try contacting Kenwood's service dept. if all else fails.  They may even be able to diagnose it over the phone.


GL and 73!

Tom, NU7J

In my opinion, stick with the MC60A.  The only reason to get an MC85 is if you want to use the mic with more than one type of rig.  (The MC85 allows you to add mic cords and select between them).

I don't think the MC85 audio quality is any better.  I don't think the EQ works very well on the MC85.  

If the battery goes dead on the MC85, you're off the air until you replace it.

73,

Tom, NU7J

As far as I know, Kenwood did not market a narrow SSB filter for the 940.  I suspect it was because they did not make provisions to switch between 2 SSB filters.  I seem to recall that there's a mod to re-wire the narrow CW filter switch to allow switching between 2 SSB filters, at the expense of not being able to install or select a narrow CW filter.

I replaced the stock 2.4 khz filter in my 940 with an InRad 2.1 khz filter.  It was not a direct replacement, it required a little effort (per InRad instruction sheet).  I also have 2 CW filters installed.  I'm not sure the 2.1 khz filter made much of an improvement.  (It's hard to tell because you have to remove the stock filter to install the narrow filter).  I wish you could switch between a 2.4 khz and 1.8 khz SSB filter, in addition to being able to switch between CW filters.  Oh well, I guess that gives us an excuse to upgrade some day.

73,

Tom, NU7J

I use the Ten Tec xvtr (model 1208) with my TS940S.  It works great.  It requires 5 watts or less input but can be modified to accept 10W input.  It provides 8W output.  It will work with any HF rig that covers 20M.

I bought my used, factory built 1208 xvtr on e-bay for $100.  (They are available in kit form also).

I recommend it as a good way to try out 6M without having to replace your existing equipment.  Some day I'll sell it to a lucky buyer for $100 and buy a new HF rig which includes 6M and provides 100W output.  In the mean time, I've had a blast with it.  When the band is open, 8W will work the world.  One day in Dec, I was on the receiving end of a huge JA pileup for over 2 hours.  You will be very popular with the 6M crowd, GL and 73,

Tom, NU7J

I'm in the process of purchasing a used PK88 TNC.  Is shareware s/w available for use in Windows 95?  
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  

Thanks and 73,

Tom, NU7J

I'm in the process of purchasing a PK-88 TNC (without software).  I intend to use the PK-88 for connecting to the local DX cluster.  Is there shareware  s/w available for the PK-88 which will run in Windows 95?  If so, which s/w is recommended?  Thanks and 73,
Tom, NU7J

I have a 2 element, 5 band Gem quad.  I don't have any advice re: mechanical issues since mine is a commercially built model.  By the way, I really like the Gem quad.  It's very light weight and sturdy.  I think it would be difficult (but not impossible) to duplicate the mechanical strength of the Gem quad using home made materials and techniques.

I do have some advice re: feed lines:  Don't waste your time trying to save money by feeding a multi-band quad with more than one band per feed line.  It works, but not nearly as well as individual feeders.  I recommend feeding each band with seperate, 50 ohm coax, to a 1/4 wave section of 75 ohm coax, to a balun at the feed point.  I run 50 ohm coax to a 5 band antenna switch (Ameritron) mounted on the antenna, then run 1/4 wave sections of 75 ohm coax to the 5 driven elements.  For a balun, I put several Amidon beads over the RG11 coax at the feedpoint.  Cut the wires carefully per ARRL handbook or Orr's recommended lengths, and make stubs on the reflectors to allow for adjustment.  You'll find that  tuning the reflectors changes SWR as well as F/B.

Surprisingly, the SWR on my quad does not change when it's installed at the top of the tower.  I have been successful tuning it at ground level.  (With the lowest elements only a foot or two above the ground).

Good luck!

Tom, NU7J

DX4WIN logging software does this and alot more.  You can zoom in on any area on the globe.  It also shows beam heading, etc.

I highly recommend DX4WIN software, it works great and the service can't be beat.

73,

Tom

I suggest you post your question on the amplifier reflector.  There are a lot of SB-220 experts there who will be able to assist.

See website:

http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/amps

73,

Tom, NU7J

DX4WIN is fantastic.  I've never heard of a dis-satisfied customer.  Trust me, it's worth every penny.  Incredible features and very intuitive.  Great tech support from the company and also from their reflector.   You can down load free trial software before you buy.  

Tom, NU7J