If you ever plan to use the Kenwood software, be sure that you get a USB to serial cable that uses the FTDI chipset. Best idea is to go with the DB25 to DB9 converter and just use the native serial port.
73,
Jim  K8SI

Just an FYI...you can not run the 480HX with just the one primary power source connected - it will operate in "Receive Only" mode in this instance.  To transmit, you must have power on BOTH connectors.  Also, setting the power level to 100w output still will draw much more than a typical 100w rig.  Just thought I'd throw that out there to curb some misinformation.
73,
Jim  K8SI

Well, as I see it from my perspective, my radio has a serial port, and with all the problems I've had getting USB converters to work, I chose to get a PCI Express 2-port card.  Cheap, available and simple enough to install and set up.  I don't see any reason to fight with the converters at this point...yeah, old technology, but it works.  If and when I get a newer rig, I worry about it then.  I have better things to do with my time than fight with the new tech stuff every time I reboot my computer.  I do use USB gear (Winkeyer USB, SignaLink USB, etc.), but my radio is native RS-232, so I figure why not give it what it wants? Just my opinion, YMMV!
73,
Jim  K8SI

Not quite, at least on my 480HX.  If you only power up the primary, all you have is a receiver.  Correct though that the secondary doesn't power the rig up at all.  FWIW, I do find that the little extra power helps at times when running CW...I can work pretty much whatever I hear with 200W, which is why I don't use my amp in that mode.  I only use my amp on 80 and 40 SSB.  I prefer outboard tuners, but that's just my opinion.  With a properly tuned amp input, it's never an issue.  I do use the ALC to keep me from doing anything stupid though...

73,
Jim  K8SI

I have a TS-480HX, and I had a MFJ-993B originally when I bought the radio.  The 993 worked just fine, no problems. The trick is, don't use an interface cable.  As soon as you plug in an interface cable into the AT plug on the rig, it puts it in the 100w mode. Instead, I programmed my PF button to do a CW Tune at 20w.
73,
Jim  K8SI

Thanks for the help, Dave.  Still trying to get my head around all that this package can do.

73,

Jim  K8SI

So, how do I fix the ST0R QSO that keeps showing up as "broke" in my log?  It still doesn't recognize entity 521 (Republic of South Sudan).  Also, it apparently isn't set up to recognize the fact that in Virginia, we have Independent Cities that are not part of any county.

73,
Jim  K8SI

You should be able to find copper flashing at any of the big box home supply stores.  As W8JI says, it's really easy to shear.  It's pretty soft and easy to work with.  I've used it for bonding straps.

I have a 52-inch Sony Bravia LED hanging on the wall in the room right next to my shack, and no problems either way...no RFI generated by the Sony, and no RFI/EMI effects in the Sony even when I'm QRO.  My antenna is hanging at the end of the house above the wall the TV is hanging on.

Well, I just looked online, and the color front and back cards from UX0UO were $89.95USD, while K4JSG's price is $79.95USD.  I know I have received cards printed by UX0UO, and Jeff printed mine, and as far as color and graphics quality, Jeff's look a little better, and the card stock is about the same between the two, nice and heavy.  Jeff does 3.5 x 5 OR 4 x 6 for the same price BTW.

For DXCC Challenge, one only needs to confirm 1000 band entities, on any band from 160-10 meters, excluding 60 meters.  Just wanted to toss that out there.
73,
Jim  K8SI

I see this all the time.  I, too have a PP account, and I NEVER charge extra...and won't buy from anyone who does.

73,
Jim  K8SI

To simplify a little further, think of it this way...K = "Over", AR = "Out".  All you Military/MARS types will recognize the difference there...

I had the Kenwood version of one of those interface boxes, and I had lots of problems with RF getting into it and making it go squirrilly, so I just got rid of it.  Now I just use the TX Tune function in my 480 to put a 20 or so watt signal out to the tuner and let the tuner's automatic function do its thing.  Then I put the tuner in semi-auto and off I go.

Ahh...somewhere just below North Cackalacky, right?

73,  K8SI