The ferrite on the USB cable and maybe the rig cable could solve the problem.

You stated that you have a 'safety' ground. That 'safety' ground could be causing problems if it's longer than a few feet long (like a metal water pipe - that water pipe could be radiating RF, causing havoc). Since you're running balanced antennas (dipoles), try disconnecting the ground to see if the problem goes away. If it does, then you've found the answer. I always make it a point to keep my grounds as short as possible by locating the shack on a ground floor, tied into the utility grounds with no more than a few feet between them.

You might have RF in the shack getting into your signalink. I don't know how far away the antenna is (if it's in the attic it's probably pretty close), but it could be too close. Proper grounding of your station might help things or hurt. If the path to ground is too long (resonant on the band you're using) this could lead to a lot of problems.

Not much you can do about being too close to the attic antenna except find a way to move the antenna further away. Since you're using dipoles they don't necessarily need an RF ground, so if your station is grounded you could try disconnecting the ground system to see if it makes a difference.

It's very easy to overdrive your signal with the soundcard digi modes. No matter what you have the rig's power set at, you should set your transmit audio level so there is almost no movement on the ALC. If you overdrive the rig it can do funny things (like RF in the shack). Set your ALC so there is no movement on the needle (or meter display, or light - whichever applies). It should be set far lower than you would use operating SSB.

And it certainly doesn't take much power to operate PSK-31 and other narrow digi modes. I worked the world on just 2 watts and marginal antennas using PSK-31. I have found that stations that are over-driven (and are splattered all over the band) do not get answers when calling or respond to CQs.

Another thing I've found with the Signalink was that since it uses a kind of internal VOX circuit, if the audio drive is set too low it will do what you're describing. Try to up the TX audio on the signalink and at the same time lower the ALC to be sure you're not over-driven.

In hand I'd want a good cigar. On hand I'd want my camping gear, food, fuel, and water. Maybe a radio.

73, AA5ET

I don't know many women who would want to hang out with a bunch of overweight stinky old men, some of who wear orange vests with fake gold ham radio badges. 

I have, works fine with my old PK-232. If you have Vista or Windows 7 you need to make sure the adapter is compatible with the computer. The cheap $10 ones usually don't work with Vista or 7.

If it's a loop (one end of the wire connected to the center conductor, the other to the shield - you probably don't need a balun) it has to be a full wavelength for almost any tuner to match it. For 80 meters you'll need about 260 feet of wire. An 80 meter horizontal loop will perform as an NVIS antenna for seamless coverage out to 500-1000 miles, but can work well for DX on higher frequencies.

Thanks Charles, I'll try that.

Yes, it is inexpensive and may be a great alternative to paying big bucks to that German company. I'm really glad that there may be an alternative here. But... since there is so much amateur radio software out there that I can't seem to get to work properly or has a lot of bugs I'm reluctant to pay before I know it works (I'm not a computer guy... can use them, but when it comes to getting into the meat of the software and configuring things I'm usually at a loss).

It's not something I'll use all the time - I rarely use Pactor email, only when out in the field away from the internet or phones for a long period of time to stay in touch with the XYL and friends (I'm a field geologist).

John,
I'll join the yahoo group. That little window that wants me to enter the registration number also has a link to their website. They want $39 in exchange for a registration number.

I also tried the tutorial that they link to and it didn't exactly match the software; for example in the tutorial they say that in RMS Express under files there should be a WINMOR setup window - I sure can't find it, and it looks like what I have is a different version. Regardless, I'll join the Yahoo group and go from there.

Thanks

Hi all,
I'm having a bit of trouble setting up WINMOR. I've downloaded and installed it (and RMS Express), but can't get a sound card waterfall display... nothing from the sound card is reaching the program. I've noticed that when configuring a little pop up window comes up asking for a registration number... it gives me the option to "remind me later."

Do I have to pay the fee then enter the registration number for it to work? I'd like to know if it will actually work before paying for it. If this is the case a trial period would be nice.

Interface is a SignaLink USB, rig an FT-857D, and computer a netbook running XP. It works fine with Digipan and other sound card modes.

Thanks and 73

Yep, I think you're right. I had the DCD control up (light on) so it wasn't transmitting due to a "busy" channel.

Thanks

Well, doesn't look like anyone has any ideas. I think my plan now is to run packet using a sound card. The UPS man just delivered my new SignaLink USB sound card/interface. Tried it last night on PSK-31 and it works like a charm. Next I'll try packet, then maybe the new WINMOR mode to replace pactor.

Anyone need a PK-232 MBX 7.2?

I just finished a CMOS-4 keyer kit from Idiom Press and it practically fell together. The kit and instructions are top notch and worked perfectly right from the start. Great keyer for a good price. Very happy with it.

Obesity and a general disregard to a healthy lifestyle has killed far more than any "pandemic." Pandemics and terrorism make the headlines, but we're in far more danger FROM OURSELVES.

Once while riding my motorcycle through Tennessee a few years ago and stopped to eat, an elderly (obese) woman told me that riding a motorcycle is too dangerous. My response to her was that one far more likely to suffer an early death by being obese than by riding a motorcycle. Statistics support it. She didn't say another word.

The send light does not come on. Looks like the "error" light comes on. Squelch is on (no sound coming out of the speaker).