I have a new MFJ-644. Eveything works fine until I the MFJ-644 gets grounded to the radio (IC-756ProIII). The ground can come from the audio input cable or from a common 12V power supply. With the ground I get nothing but a large growling noise on the mic input to the radio. Without the ground, the rig audio is fine.

Any ideas?  73  Bob K2QPN

I have a Relcomm RMM-SR001 remote coax switch. Anybody have any information for building a control box??

I finished the PFR-3 about 3 weeks ago. I am happy with the radio. I have worked 17 countries so far with a vertical antenna. I am looking forward to QRP DXCC. Speaking as an experienced kit builder, building the kit was not difficult - no surface mounted parts. The assembly manual could be better - certainly not a Heathkit. A couple of times I had to stop and figure something out. I rate the PFR-3 a 5. Assemble manual is a 4. Hopefully the manual will improve over time.

I have both a G5RV and a ground mounted 4BTV with the DX engineering 30 meter trap. I use it exclusively on 40, 30, 20, and 15 meters because it out preforms the G5RV. On 80, 17, and 12 meters I use the G5RV. On 10 meters, it depends on conditions.

I have worked over 250 countries with the 4BTV. If you chase DX, go for the vertical - especially if you add on 30 and 17 meters.

73, Bob K2QPN

I owned a 746Pro for about 3 years. It was a great radio. I would still have it today but I got a deal on a 756Pro3. Since then, I bought a 7000. No side by side. My tin ears think that the 7000 receiver is about the same as the Pro3. That would make it some what better than the 746Pro. The difference is small. I would recommend the 746PRO for strictly home operation. NO digging through menus since all controls are on the front panel. The 746Pro also has an auto antenna tuner - a real plus.

I was looking for a QRP rig for use while traveling. I decided on 20 meters. The antenna is small and 20 is open  part of the day even at the bottom of the sun spot cycle. Although I like 15, it will another couple of years before 15 comes into it's own.

I opted for a Small Wonder Labs DSW-20 kit(no longer available). The frequency readout is via morse code. There are some multiband kits available like the ATS-3B.

Happy QRPing.

73, Bob K2QPN

I had a 746Pro for several years and never had that problem. Are you using some kind of computer radio control software? If so, disconnect the CI-V cable and see if the problem goes away. Could be your software. If not try to reset the radio. You can also ask on the 746 forum on Yahoo groups.

73, Bob K2QPN

I have spent many nights in hotels with HF rigs - QRP and 100w. Stretching out a dipole on top of a 6' hedge is better than hanging 1/2 a dipole out the window. Plus, many hotel windows do not open. I have had good luck operating from a rental car using a Super Antenna vertical in the parking lot. I power the rig from the cigarette lighter or clip onto the battery. Many hotels have an S9+ noise level. I guess because of the TV's, networks, door locks, etc. About 50% of hotels are impossible to operate from. Moving to the parking lot solves the problem. For VHF/UHF - an HT with a rubber duck antenna works fine. Pre-program the HT for your area of operation. I use the HT as a mobile rig with a speaker/mic and a mag mount antenna. The mag mount also works in the room if needed.

You can get 220v to 110 step down transformers (50W) pretty cheap on eBay. You can also get a set of international adapter plugs. You need the transformer unless your power supply is rated for 110-220v - but you will need an adapter plug since European sockets have round holes. Armed with a transformer and adapters you will be set. I have used that setup all over Europe.

Bob K2QPN

I use a Pro3 with logger32. If you have 'Use narrow CW filter' checked under radio setup, then logger32 will select cw filter 2. You need to permanently change cw filter 2 to your desires. Check the Pro3 manual page 61 under 'Filter bandpass width setting'. I have customized a filter for PSK (USB-D) and logger32 selects correct filter.
73 - Bob K2QPN

The service manual is available for download at:

           http://www.qsl.net/icom/manuals.html

The info should be in there.

I am a fan of verticals. My experience shows that a vertical will beat a low dipole - but you need as many radials as possible. Recently I had a 30 meter dipole @ 20 ft. The vertical beat it every time. I took the dipole down.

My vertical is a Hustler 4BTV with the 30 meter trap. The SWR is fine on every band with out a tuner. I didn't have to fiddle with it. My radials are spread in a 200 degree arc because of location. I have worked 241 countries with the vertical in 3 years at the bottom of the sunspot cycle.

I would very wary of cutting a trap. A mistake would be costly. Good luck.

73, Bob K2QPN

I have been using Logger32. Works well. Very flexible and has RTTY, PSK, CW, rotor and rig control built in. Best of all it is free.

I have an SB-200 and a SB-220 operating with a IC-746Pro.  The amp's ALC voltages were incompatable with the Icom. I have been running both amps without using the ALC connection for several years. No problems.

I am doing remote control today. In my shack, I have an IC-746Pro connected to a PC. The shack PC is runing Logger32 or Commander to control the rig. The rig is connected to the  PC sound card with a PSK interface. PC also runs Skype to send the rig's audio to the remote PC. I control the shack's PC from a remote PC using VNC. VNC shows the screen of the remote PC. Nothing fancy but it works and all the software is FREE! I use this lash up to monitor the rig and listen for DX spots. If I hear one I'll walk downstairs to the shack. I use it locally but it could be a 1000 miles, all you need is an IP connection.