When I key my 2 Meter Transceiver (the antenna is in the room), I get a loud HUMMM through my PC Speakers. Now I can just turn off the amp to the speakers when I am on the rig, but that would be to easy. Is this a type of interference? Can someone point me in the right direction so I can figure out a fix. I imagine that I need to wrap something around the speaker wire so the signal is not picked up.
Thanks in advance!
Scott KD4EBL

Really, Really, Really, good point!

I am getting back into Ham radio after a 12 year absence. Having fun studying for my General, have made a few contacts on my old rigs. My question is rather simple. I have several HT antennas (actually , several mobile antennas with magnetic mounts, a diamond X-50, and a butternut HF antenna (never used). The Diamond was kept outside and may have gotten some water in the coax which was just cut off years ago when I had to move. I really want to know how good these antennas are and if they should work on the desired frequencies. I have a SWR meter somewhere in the basement, but am wondering in this digital age, if I should invest in an antenna analyzer to help sort this out. In addition to the antennas, I also want to make sure the old coax (and connectors) I am using is still good.

1) Should I buy an antenna analyzer or use another device to check the antennas? If so, which one? I can afford a couple of hundred dollars, but wonder if the expensive MFJ models will really help me in the long run.

2) What would be a good resource (book, internet site, article, etc) that would walk me through what steps to perform?

I have an old PK-232. I did an upgrade in 1996 to Gateway/Pactor from AEA and bought PC-Pak for windows v 2.0. I never really used the thing so it has low mileage. What can I use it for today? Should I consider an upgrade? I do want to get into some digital modes and hook it up. What software do I need? I know these are basic questions, but I just want to get some basic ideas and then try to learn some new modes. I have a all mode 2M rig, a triband HT and a Kenwood 430. Old radios, but all are working! Any thoughts?

I have a Kenwood TS-430S that I have never really used and has been sitting in my basement. It has been at least 13 years since I last had it powered up (as a no code tech, I was just using it as a receiver). Any suggestions or comments on how to bring it back on line? Should I have it serviced before I use it or just jump in! Sure, I will do the obvious, check for bad cables, check the power supply, etc. But it worked last time used it. I also have heard that there are parts that need to be lubricated and the internal battery surely needs replacing.

My other question is that I have a Kenwood SP-930 speaker. While not a exact match (the SP-430 would be that), does it make sense to keep that speaker or sell it and locate a SP-430? Any reason NOT to use a SP-930 with the TS-430S?

I have my tech licence now (former no code tech) but am studying for my General Licence that I plan on taking at Dayton. I want to try out HF and I am assuming the TS-430S ( with a couple of good antennas) will be a good starting place.

Update: Mike Dell contacted me this morning and wrote that he would upload the files to www.hamradioclass.org this week.
Thanks Mike from all of us studying the General material before the questions change in June!

Scott

Itunes no longer has it and while the website says it will be moved shortly,that was almost a year ago. I really would like a downloadable class for my iphone.