Guess I asked too many questions!! 
james
WD5GWY

Zenki,
  Interesting information. Since you did test the HLA-300, what were the
readings that you got. And how hard were you driving it with the 706?
Not defending the HLA-300 but, if you were driving it at full output power,
I'm certain that contributed to the poor IMD performance you noted.
W8JI tested the HLA-150 from RMItaly and with less than 5 watts drive
stated that the IMD products were "acceptable" as long as output was
kept to 90 watts or a bit less.
  One question that I have wanted to ask you, (no not your call sign I know
you won't reveal that) is why do you consider 12 volt devices to be bad as
far as being used in power amplifiers? Can they not be used in Class AB amplifiers
at all? I also note that you feel that higher voltage parts (similar to the finals in my
FT-1000MP MKV) are better. So, is it a voltage problem or simply a design problem
with the devices? I have been trying to read up more on IMD and solid state devices
and have yet to find a clear answer to this question. And since you seem to really
feel very strongly about it, I figured to ask you and ask here. That way, all of us
can learn.

james
WD5GWY
 

I've been lucky with my setup and have experienced only one lockup with
PowerSDR and my Flex 1500. (no amp) But, the problem was I had way
too many things going on at once on the same computer. ( I get carried away
at times and leave several programs opened)  Now, I can keep PowerSDR running
and just a couple of other things going and no problems. 
 At 5 watts I don't expect any RFI problems to happen. But, I have had them with
traditional radios in the past too. (making the computer crash etc.) Proper
grounds and rerouting of cables etc. (including some ferrite beads) solved that
problem.
  While I enjoy using SDR radio, I would not want it to be my only radio. That is
why I have the FT-1000MP MKV and several other rigs. I do have an amp, but, have
been too lazy to use it.( Amaritron 811H) Besides, I seem to do pretty well whether
I'm running qrp at 5 watts or less, or 200 watts on the 1000MP MKV. (and even with
the amp at 500-600 watts)
Either way, I'm glad there is such a wide selection of radios to mess with.
james
WD5GWY
 
 

The Tokyo Highpower HL-45B is a nice amp. I have a friend that uses one.
It is surprising how well the 1500 does, even at 5 watts. I use mine regularly
and have had very few people say they had a hard time hearing me.
It's certainly not 20 over 9, but, then again, if you can carry on a conversation
without a lot of repeats, then things are not that bad.
Have fun, the 1500 is a very good qrp rig and priced just right.
james
WD5GWY

Well, as you once told me, it's one thing to argue a point with someone, but quite
another to insult someone. And that type of language isn't necessary to make a point.
james
WD5GWY

I think the above comment was uncalled for. No need for foul
language. 
 While you may not agree with him, there's no need for such
a comment like that.
james
WD5GWY

I have both radios and like them both. But, if I had to choose only one, it would be
the ICOM 7000. The IF DSP and Noise Blanker in the 7000 is much better than the
AF DSP and Noise Blanker in the TS-480SAT. The one thing I really liked about the
480SAT is the display. It is very easy to see. (quite large compared to the 7000)
But, the 7000's display is easy to see as well.
  The 480SAT takes up a lot more room than the 7000. Especially if you do not remote
it. (using the MB-480 mount) The 7000 is much smaller and lighter. As for cooling
the 7000 does run hotter than the 480SAT. But, the case is a heatsink. I have yet to
have any heat related problems with the 7000. And I do constantly get good audio reports
and no one has been able to tell me which radio I am on. Even, guys that have heard me
on both radios. So, if someone is able to ID someone using a 7000, it is likely a guess.
OR, the person has not set up the radio properly.
  The audio on the 480SAT is very nice too. I have always got good audio reports with it
as well. I do not have the extra filters in the radio. Adding those would probably help it
quite a bit. They are both good radios. But, the one thing that I really don't like about the
480SAT is the fact that the microphone has to be connected to the body of the radio and
unlike the 7000, cannot be connected to the remote display. That to me makes no sense.
The design of the 480SAT is good for mobile use and putting the body out of sight. But,
having to run the microphone cable to the body limits where you can easily mount the body
and display.
   Both are good radios and have their pluses and minuses. But, again, if I could only  have
one of them, it would be the 7000.
james
WD5GWY
 

Reread W8JI's article, it is the HLA-150 he is reviewing, not the BLA-350. One is a mobile
amp and the other is for base use.
james
WD5GWY

I have been doing a LOT of reading about IMD lately and I can clearly
see now why it is not a good idea to put any amplifier behind the Flex 1500.
 The numbers listed by the ARRL testing labs really do speak for themselves.
It is better to use the 1500 as-is, as a qrp radio instead of driving an amp with
it. Its IMD numbers even at 5 watts is not that good. But, will create less problems
than it being amplified.  W8JI gives a good explanation about what IMD is and is not.
 Thanks to everyone that keeps pounding on that here and elsewhere. Whether you
know it or not, some of us do get around to trying to learn more about IMD , including
the cause and the cure(s).
james
WD5GWY
 

Yes, very nice bunch of people there. And they really do welcome new people.
There are others around as well on 75.
Also, if you are up early (5am or so EST) you can check in with Talkshop on 7.195.
Andrew in Maryland is usually Net Control. And another nice bunch to talk to.
james
WD5GWY

Oh, and during the day on 7.195 there is a very large group that comes and goes
all day.

I'm afraid those questions are outside my pay grade! 
If you are near one of the hamfests that Flex Radio will be
attending in the next few months, you might pose those
questions to them.
  Or you could post them on their Facebook page and get
an answer there. Several of their programmers and engineers are on there
and "should" be able to give you an answer.  Also, you might ask
on the Flex Users Net on 14.329 +- each Sunday at 1pm CST.
Several of their people are there as well. And the net can also be heard on
Echolink (directions are on Flex Radio's website).
james
WD5GWY

The Little Tarheel II while not as efficient as it's larger siblings, is not that
bad of an antenna. And it beats the heck out of hamsticks and a 102" whip
and auto tuner. ( I know, because I've used all three on an 18 wheeler)
 If that is all the OP can do, then it will work. Just install it the very best way
you can. Follow the advice on Alan's website and you will get as much out of
the Little Tarheel II as possible. 
  Some people for one reason or another, cannot install the largest screwdriver
antenna made. So, they use what works best in their situation. At least it will get
you on the air and on several bands. And surprisingly well too.
james
WD5GWY

This is probably the cause of the problem. I have seen this exact problem occur because
the small screw was missing. It is very easy to overlook.
Also, low voltage when the engine is not running will have similar effects. The IC-7000 is much
less forgiving of voltage drop (despite what the manual says) compared to the older 706 radios.
james
WD5GWY
 

I found this video to be quite interesting and thought I'd share it
here:
http://arvideonews.com/hrn/HRN_Episode_0061.html

james
WD5GWY


Hmmmm, cannot edit the Subject line........sometimes I type a bit too fast.
Should be "Interesting new VIDEO from Ham Radio Now".

I agree, for what a new or even a used 1500 costs, you get a pretty good
value for your money. I certainly enjoy using mine.
james
WD5GWY