Quote:

Believe me, Yaesu has its share as does Elecraft (I have a K3). However, I believe Icom's drop in quality has been far more significant than Yaesu's (maybe my expectations were higher). Note I recently purchased an Icom IC-7200 as a backup and portable rig and believe it's a good performer for its price class. Time will tell if there are any serious issues. So I guess I have some "love" left for Icom.

End of Quote:===============================

With the quality issues I and others have had with Icom the past 4 to 5 years, we around here joke that MFJ must have bought them out.

In my shack I have a Icom 756 Pro II, a pro III and a 7600.....I like the features and the bandscopes built into the Icoms.

I have an FT 920, 2 FT 2000D's and will be going after a FT 5000 some time later this year.

I personally would go with the FT 2000 over the Icom. The Yaesu are better built rigs, I have had more failures over the years with Icoms from the displays going out, RF coming in from other antennas {seperated by over 20ft} damaging an Icom 746. The Icoms are not built as tough in my opinion as the Yaesu's.

I have been using Yaesu's for over 15 years and todate have NEVER had one fail. Not that the next five minutes one could fail.

Most of the grips people have about the FT 2000 is pure and simple because they want to pull it out of the box turn it on and use it, and do not bother to read up and program properly for the use they put it through. Set up a Ft 2000 properly by going through the menu's and you will have a rig that will blow you away.

The 7600 is nice, and it has a lot of great bells and whistles, am I sorry I purchased it, NO. But it will prob be my last Icom....I'm just not that thrilled with them.

Yes, pickup a Serial to USB Adapter, plug it right in and start using your computer to control the TS 2000.

I use Mac Logger DX and have been controlling my TS 2000, my FT 2000 and my Yaesu rotor controller from my Macintosh logging program for years now with out any issues.

There are several folks who make good USB to serial adapters.

Going to take my assessment test thru the state of Michigan. With my mind set and knowledge base after taking the test I am afraid they will want to put me in charge of the F.C.C. or even higher. I am also afraid they will want to keep me and ask me many questions about many things. Why are people the way they are .?? Why do some people have a lot of advice and afraid to follow it. I will tell them what I think they can handle. So take care all . I am loving hf more and more. Changed my lead in ladder line and took it out of the shack. ran it different than I had it before now I can operate on 160 meters with it..Again taking the test to determine where the tax payers are going to send me to school for more education to re-invent myself.. And make a bunch of money to fuel the Obama machine 73s to all. And give the illegals with health care.. Then the illegals should not have to take the test to get a ham licensee either and get free auto insurance and social security. And also there first hf radio with coax/ladder line and a g5rv.And a 100 foot tower tilt-able.And also a free laptop. So with that said goodnight to all. kc8ktn/chuck..

End of Quote:==============================

In all of that you forgot to tell us is your granddaughter with you?

you normally throw that in to the mix for one reason or another.

I came to your defense twice in two threads and I am 100% sorry I did at all.

You bring conflict with you every place you go.

RE: icom 718   Reply
by WX7G on March 29, 2010    Mail this to a friend!
KC8KTN,

The IC-718, tuner, and your G5RV antenna are not bad the way they are.

The biggest bang for your buck at this point is to add an amp such as an Ameritron AL-811. Why do I say that this gives more bang for your buck than an antenna? The next step up antenna-wise is a triband Yagi on a mast with a rotator. That will cost as much or more than the amp yet cover only three HF bands. The amp will cover all HF bands (except 60 meters) and one MF band (160 meters).

End of Quote:===================================

No point to an amp, until you can hear them you can't work them and making a bunch of noise on the bands does not accomplish anything.

Get a quality antenna up, learn to work and use the rig and go after the contacts first, then with experience add an amp.

RE: icom 718   Reply
by VA3DXV on March 29, 2010    Mail this to a friend!
Y'all can give this guy good advice till you're blue in the face, he's still going to "pimp his rig" before he does the smart thing.

End of quote:===================================

The tone of this thread has been friendly and helpful, he asked a valid question and even if you are right, there is no reason to start up the bullshit snide comments again.

Quote:
If you were a vetern ham keeping a 718 on hand as a third radio, then I would recommend that if they like the radio a lot, they might put some filters in it.

Lots and lots of new hams fall into the trap that the radio and accessories for the station makes a successful operator. Not true. There is no radio, filter, or accessory that is anywhere near a substitute for a good antenna system, skill, and experience. I bet you could buy a $5,000 radio and use the antenna you have right now (sorta G5RV, and still not make as many QSO's as a guy down the road with a plain 718 and a small tribander on a 35' tower.
Or even a set of dipoles for every band.

End of Quote:===================================


The old saying that the guy who has a $5000 radio, and a $10 antenna has a $10 radio and it is an extremely true statement.

Charles, the best advice is to get a high quality antenna and coax assembly put up first, before spending a single dime on anything else.

The 718 is an entry level radio, but with a high quality antenna you will be extremely pleased with it.

If you are looking at dipoles, I can not recommend the DX-Blaster Cage dipole enough, mounted 25ft up flat top you will work great DX with it, if you have more money and a tripod on your roof and or a tower, get a decent tri-bander beam.

That is where your money will best serve you.

Quote:

I was just giving you the same treatment that you were giving me about the callsign thing. Making comments on things you dont understand is stupid just like you guys did to me.And it seems to me you guys dont like it. Like the one ham pointed out earlier i tried to make up but still somebody has to throw a dagger at me that starts it all over. But not anymore your are all a bunch of HYPOCRITS you give out advice which is lacking and then cant even follow it . Then try to spin it that I am wrong . Ok .. There is a old saying only a fool argues with a fool. So this is the end for me .. Proven fact its easier said than done.. kc8ktn/chuck..

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Oh for crying out loud grow up. I read you are supposed to be 45 years old start acting like you are at least 10 years old will you.

There is a GREAT TEST to give yourself. Ask yourself why is it that in every conference/thread you are involved in you get into a conflict and PEOPLE PICK ON YOU. Simple test is what is the common denominator in all of those conference? YOU. So if a conflict breaks out every place you go, then it's time to stop and say WHAT AM I DOING TO GET THIS REACTION and then freakin change what you are doing. Except I do not believe you want to change, I believe you enjoy the conflict. Living with you must be hell.

I see dozens of threads here start each day, some of them with very good questions and some of them with really freakin stupid questions. Some smart ass answers and some very helpful answers. But only those with you turn into a conflict and ONLY YOU ARE PICKED ON AND TREATED UNFAIRLY.

Quote:


Another one that changed his call sign why.If you want a war with me I will give you one or just keep your opinion to yourself. Jimmy jimmy jimmy what a joke . Have anice day Why did you change your call sign hmmm.. As the song said in the early 90,s things that make you go hmmmmmm. I think I know why you changed it to hide the past and lousy advice you give...Or you had to..... kc8ktn/chuck. How do you like my advice. Not so easy going down as it is comming out. The final word. You can leave .... I will hold the door for you..... Ahmen..... the end.......73......

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As much as I am loath to get involved in this utterly stupid thread, I have to ask Chuck what  his fetish is over changing call signs.

Call signs historically changed over the years as you upgraded, this was automatic.

In 1968 my call sign was issued as a novice, then it changed when I upgraded to General. I then left the hobby in the late 70's and when I was issued a new call sign as a tech I kept it until I upgraded to Extra and I wanted what I worked hard for a 1X2.

Yet you seem to think a change to your call sign is some sign of weakness, admission of guilt to something, or running and hiding. All logic which I am not grasping.

Could you please explain your logic

The FT1000 Mark V is an great radio and has an excellent receiver. I have one that will remain in my stable of gear as long as it continues to work and or can be repaired. There are times that it seems to our perform my FT 2000D's on the receiver side.

That said there are advantages to the FT950 as well. It's a new rig and takes advantage of some advancement in technology regarding filtering, etc. Also the DMU is a great tool and I love the band scope, etc that is on it and have a DMU installed in both of my FT2000's and my FT9000.

I would prob recommend going with the FT 950

Most nets are open and welcome new folks, and some are dedicated to specific functions or groups. So pay a little bit of attention to what is going on and then if you fit in with that group, jump in. In 99% of the cases they will welcome you with open arms.

Have you looked on the FCC site for your call? QRZ takes a day or two longer and most new calls show up by tuesday after the test.

The Unusual Suspects Ham Radio group in San Antonio Texas puts on a Field day event each spring, this field day event is held at the ranch of Greg & Ruth Lewis {N5XO/KE5MHJ} and test our skills in setting up remote field operations with no power, just God & Nature. We are 100% self contained packing in tents, antenna's, generators, radio's to operate.

Friday March 27th and Saturday March 28th will be the dates of this event.

We hope to work you during this event.

We operate on 15 meters, 20 meters and 40 meters from 12:00 UTZ to 00:00 UTZ and from 00:00 to 04:00 we operate 40, 80 and 160 meters.

Club Call sign is WX5US

Band Plan is as follows: +- 10 depending on activity on band

21.275 15 meters
14.268 20 meters
7.185 40 meters
3.823 80 meters
1910 160 meters

Our goal is to make as many contacts as possible U.S and DX and test our remote field operating skills and setup.

We will QSL 100% on all QSL Cards we get for our special Field Day Event.

Look forward to working you.

Location: Cedar Creek Ranch
Tarpley Texas

Note: County Hunters will be able to log 2 counties on this event with a contact with us. Medina County Texas and Bandera County Texas as we will be operating on the county border

The Unusual Suspects Ham Radio group in San Antonio Texas puts on a Field day event each spring, this field day event is held at the ranch of Greg & Ruth Lewis {N5XO/KE5MHJ} and test our skills in setting up remote field operations with no power, just God & Nature. We are 100% self contained packing in tents, antenna's, generators, radio's to operate.

Friday March 27th and Saturday March 28th will be the dates of this event.

We hope to work you during this event.

We operate on 15 meters, 20 meters and 40 meters from 12:00 UTZ to 00:00 UTZ and from 00:00 to 04:00 we operate 40, 80 and 160 meters.

Club Call sign is WX5US

Band Plan is as follows: +- 10 depending on activity on band

21.275     15 meters
14.268     20 meters
7.185       40 meters
3.823       80 meters
1910        160 meters

Our goal is to make as many contacts as possible U.S and DX and test our remote field operating skills and setup.

We will QSL 100% on all QSL Cards we get for our special Field Day Event.

Look forward to working you.

Location: Cedar Creek Ranch
                  Tarpley Texas

Note: County Hunters will be able to log 2 counties on this event with a contact with us. Medina County Texas and Bandera County Texas as we will be operating on the county border

Be nice if he just landed on 14.275 and him and the crazy canadain can spend the rest of their lives arguing with each other and playing with toys.

Quote:

Hooo boy! Here we go again!
He never said what 68 group he helped run so that leaves all of us wondering as usual.
I tried to listen out for the 7.268 group to check in today but they were so weak i had a hard time hearing anyone.

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I ran a search for 268 net and 268 group and only found a boy scout group. Must be a small group to allow a NEW guy with no HF experience and hence NO activity with this group to be net control the day he gets his lic.