The first thing that comes to mind is using copper will allow for a simpler connection of the copper ground strap (you are using strap and not wire - right?).

I silver solder (braze) all my SPG connections.  I use the brazing rods from Georgia Copper with 5% silver.  So  it's a continuous copper path.  

The price of copper has come back down.  Another advantage I can think of is a lightening strike will provide significant heating in any metal.  Copper has a much higher melting point over aluminum.  Less spalling means less damage.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Jim - KB1NXE

Well, if they can explain the 43' Vertical, then the TAK Tenna must be next.  I understand you must explain the theory behind the TAK in the next pool of General Questions.

Because LRZ does the math that proves his point, not the facts.

I've recently replaced all my meter and display lamps with LEDs.  Bright white and in some case Blue LEDs make great replacements.  Just select the correct resister for the lamp and voltage available.  The other advantage - They'll outlive me!

One trick is to carefully break out the glass bulb of a dead lamp and solder in the LED and resistor.  Insulate the LED legs with heat shrink or insulation stripped from wire.  Leave the legs long enough so you can aim the LED.  Also sand the LED to a frosty white before you begin to act as a diffuser.

This would be the correct way.  Computer to CT-17.  CT-17 to P3 and CT-17 to PW-1.  Just as stated above.

The CT-17 has four ports, and they are all parallel connected to the RS-232 (MAX232) chip.  All four ports come into one line and then into the input of the MAX232.

One thing I noticed is I had a P3 and my IC-706MkIIG connected at the same time to the same CT-17.  When I changed bands on the P3, the 706 followed!  The frequency tracked as well.  It shouldn't have done this as the addresses were completely different.  My guess is Icom uses an unknown 'Broadcast' address for the output of this info, and everything else sees it and reacts accordingly.  I now have 2 CT-17s.

I don't believe it matters.

Gravity being what it is, below the boom may aid in preventing the element(s) from twisting around the boom.  It will also present a better place to collect crud (in the saddle of the clamp).  

It's a "6 one way - half a dozen the other" situation.

Personally - I place them on bottom.

Bill,

   I don't understand your comment.  

   The guy ships something - whatever - but it gets smashed on it's way.  Claim is filed, FedEx picks it up. Pays the $100.00 the insurance covers.  So, seller gives buyer his $65.00 and still pockets $35.00.  In my mind, the seller has now sold the scope for a total of $85.00 (50 + 35).  Not bad for a deal he originally brokered for $50.00.  But he wants to keep the money it cost to ship as well.  That's wrong in my book.  The buyer did nothing wrong.  Up until he packed the scope improperly, the seller didn't either.  Then to add insult to injury, he wants to be reimbursed for the lousy shipping job he did?    

   Gus should give back all $65.00 and not a penny less.

Kevin,

   Looks fantastic.  Just don't wear shorts with the A/C blowing!!!

   I don't see how you are bringing in the coax.  I have an idea using a couple of NEMA boxes and 4" PVC conduit.  Also, what's the box like structure on the far wall (not the windowed wall)?  Looks like a circuit breaker box or such.

   Like I said in my original post to your original post, I'm about to do almost the same, but with less space.  I have about 9' X 9' to deal with.  A window on one wall.  Thinking a "U" with some drawers. Again, thanks for the posts and the ideas.

Jim - KB1NXE

Another idea (I've used this to upgrade HyGain rotor controllers from the screw terminals) is to use multi-color PowerPoles.  I used a panel mount fixture for the back of the controllers.  They snap in with a lock mechanism.  Works great.  I also matched the colors to the cable.  The locking feature made it a more viable and desired solution to the other plugs.

HTH
Jim - KB1NXE

On raised letters, place a small amount of paint on a piece of paper.  Not much, but a thin coat large enough to cover the letters to be replaced.  Then careflly, backing it with something sized for the job at hand, 'rubber stamp' the raised letters.  You should also mask the area around the letters in case your aim is off.

'Sunken' letters can be refilled with paint.  Takes a small brush and a steady hand.

Surface letters are the worst.  Especially white.  The model industry sells a special paper and coating to make your own decals.  Basically allows modelers to make any size and graphic they wish for their projects.  You print what you want in your InkJet printer and coat it.  Dry, and apply like the decals of yesteryear (al la Revel Models).

HTH.

Jim - KB1NXE

If a topic interest you, subscribe to it (up there on the right or at the top of the text box in a reply).

Then you just need to check the top billings for new interesting topics and avoid the chaff.

I just bought a house and will be building my shack.  The room I will be using is kinda small, but useable.  You've given me some ideas, and for that I thank you.  

Good Job.  All I can say is "Drool".

Jim - KB1NXE

Lon,

FYI from Wikipedia:

 [Usenet: possibly influenced by British slang ‘plonk’ for cheap booze, or ‘plonker’ for someone behaving stupidly (latter is lit. equivalent to Yiddish schmuck)] The sound a newbie makes as he falls to the bottom of a kill file. While it originated in the newsgroup talk.bizarre, this term (usually written “*plonk*”) is now (1994) widespread on Usenet as a form of public ridicule.

I shoot a gun by pulling it's trigger.  It fires a bullet as a result.

Man, this has been a good and fun read.

Never, not even once, did I see anything stated about a modded radio being used to transmit outside of it's approved frequencies.  I did see the implication that it was possible in event of a permissible event.  OK.  No laws broken.  You see, just modding the radio is not the problem - like many of you seem to think.  It's only when you use that modded radio to actually transmit.  And only then if those transmission don't fit into a very narrow group of events is the law broken.  That has NOT occurred.  In fact, the OP seems to be one of the few who just may encounter those events whereby it is legal.  Don'tcha get it?

I can imagine in the event of a hiker with a compound fracture, this will be considered a life threatening event.  I think we can all agree on that.  Now, would it be illegal, if the only radio able to communicate was a two meter HT modded to transmit outside the ham bands on say the Sheriffs Freq (at 155.070) to call for assistance?  I think the rules are clear and it would not.

Now, how many of you in the above scenario have both the modding instructions and the tools necessary to perform the mod on site?  I thought so.

Most of you have built a straw man, and now that it's on fire, your doing your best to defend your own pyromania.  Grow up please.

To the original poster and the lawyer who came to his aid, I applaud you both, not only for your knowledge of the rules, but your tolerance for the child like barrage of mental special Olympics you've endured...

Lon - Specifically - PLONK!  (look it up)

Jim - KB1NXE