Hi Teak,

When you first turn on your radio, look at the top left corner of the disply.  It will say HP-x where x is equal to the hyper memory the radio is in.  The truth of the matter is that you cannot ever get out of the hyper memory modes.  I set my radio up where HP-1 is my "normal" mode.  I set my other hyper memories up so that I have various memory banks linked depending on the geographical region I'm traveling in and so that it is already in a mobile scan mode.  When in doubt, or if I touch the wrong button, I can simply push whichever hyper memory I want, or HP-1 to give me my "normal" radio.

I agree with you that the manual does a poor job explaining the operation of the memories, but once I got over the hurdle of how they worked, I really enjoy them.

73,

Wane - KB7FSC

I am thinking its time to install a filter in my rig.  I operate mostly CW, psk, rtty and ssb.  My question is for those running 480's, would the 270 hz be too narrow to run comfortably with cw, psk and especially rtty, or should I invest in a 500 hz filter instead?  I will probably end up eventually buying two filters for my rig, but only have the money for one right now.

I've never operated a rig with filters before so I'm wondering how much can I expect the narrow filters to cut down adjacent signals compared to the AF DSP that is built into the radio.  I noticed even though I narrow down the DSP filter, strong adjacent signals can still nearly wipe out the signal I'm trying to pull in.

Thanks,

KB7FSC - Wane

I have 146.520 in the scan set of my mobile radio here in Montana.  We are a very large, rural state.  I haven't made a lot of mobile to mobile qso's on this frequency, but the past year I've made two air mobile contacts.  One was with a ham in a Lear jet, and the other was with an air force pilot in a modified F-18 who was flying from the west coast to the east coast.  When those airplanes are up at 30,000 feet, they can really get their signal out!  I was driving just east of Malta, Montana and the air force pilot was flying over Billings, Montana.  That was about a 190 mile range.  Both of these are two of my more memorable contacts on 2M!

Wane - KB7FSC

I have a Yaesu ft-2900 and it's little brother ft-1900.  I am happy with both radios and their features versus their cost.  I was rather surprised when I started programming them, by hand without software, that the only way to delete memories was with a "chainsaw" radio reset.  What I ended up doing is programming in my memories into the radio, and then utilizing the memory banks to customize the settings.  So, for example, I have Bank 1 as local 2 meter stations, Bank 2 as local scanner frequencies, Bank 3 as 2 meter stations on a travel route I normally take, etc...  Stations can be added and pulled out of memory banks as desired without impacting the original memories.  Also, you can use the memory channels in multiple banks.  For example channel one can be placed in Bank 1, Bank 2, etc...  I found that by utilizing the banks, and by also linking the banks, the radio is a little more forgiving and configurable.   In fact, once I finished programming my radios, they basically stay in memory bank mode.  I would encourage you to look into utilizing the memory bank feature. 

The cleanest way to delete individual radio memories is with software and the programming cable.  I probably should invest in this myself, but for the $50 investment, I'm willing to sit in front of my radios and push buttons to complete the programming.

Good luck, and I hope this suggestion might help you out.

73

Wane - KB7FSC

I am wondering if someone can clarify an operating protocol question for me.  I hold an advanced license and operate mainly on HF bands.  My father in law currently has a technician licence.  He is interested in getting a General licence, and since he is visiting this weekend, I thought it might encourage him to operate my station this weekend on HF.  The problem is that 10 meters is not performing very well here.  I know that he can operate on the HF bands with advanced privileges if I am sitting in the radio room with him.  However, what are the correct protocols for ID?  Does he use my call sign/his call sign, or just my call sign?  Is there anything else I need to know regarding this practice?  I knew at one time, but I'd like to be sure before we get on the air tomorrow.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

Wane - KB7FSC

This last week I finally "got around to" interfacing a 2m radio with echolink to make a linked station.  My radio is a Yaesu FT-2900R, my digital interface is a signalink USB, and my computer is a Toshiba laptop running Windows 7, 64 bit.  I had a few issues with echolink and windows properly recognizing the Signalink, but after some trial and error, my echolink link seems to be up and running with clear audio. 

Now for my question/dilemma.  I would like to be able to occasionally talk on my Yaesu radio, but the signalink ties up the microphone jack.  In order to do this, I have to unplug the signalink cable from the radio jack, and plug my radio mic into the radio. I know this is a rather strenuous process  , but I got to thinking why couldn't I use the built in microphone in my laptop to convey the audio to the signalink.  This should activate the PTT circuit, and I would be good to go, and save myself the laborious task of hooking and unhooking my mic plug at the radio.  I've spent quit some time searching the web, and I haven't been able to come up with any software that can accomplish this rather seemingly simple task.  In addition, I would like to be able to use the spacebar (or another keyboard button) to act as a PTT switch, just like echolink does.

I'm just playing around here, and learning as I go, so I'm curious if anyone could point me in a direction?

Thanks much!

KB7FSC - Wane

PS (If its easier, you can call me on my echolink node KB7FSC-L, 610032)

Good morning Grant,

I have a Kenwood TS 480 SAT with a SignalLink USB and HRD with DM780.  I have been using this combination since the first week of December.  I would echo similar comments as KG5UPR.  My radio is the 100 watt version, but I run my power at full level on the radio, and adjust my TX level with the TX dial on front of the signallink.  I have menu 46 set at 2 and menu 47 set at 5.  I have the wave set to 50% for the CODEC sound device.  I do not have any additional filters in my radio.  I typically run around 30 watts, and have received many compliments about a very clean signal with this combination.  If I want to adjust the power, I adjust the TX dial on the front of the signallink.  I have my RX dial on the signallink set at about 50% also.  I am not doing any qrp operating.  This combination works very well for me.

The other item I found out about recently was to turn on menu 45, which enables the filter for data communications.  I set my radio and DM780 for a centering frequency of 1500, and really enjoy this feature.  When I'm answering a call, I will center the frequency with DM780, and then I can adjust the filter width with my radio if necessary.  I also noticed that by centering the frequency, I don't have to adjust the TX level on the signallink except for when changing bands.


I'm still learning also, but have had good luck with this setup, and I really have enjoyed the features of the 480 and HRD and how well the package seems to play together.  Hope this helps.

73,

Wane - KB7FSC

Thanks for the help.  I got my log squared away and submitted, with some trial and error, and the log robot was finally happy with my efforts.  The combination that worked for me was to download HRD v4 onto another computer, import my logfile into it via ADIF, and export the appropriate fields as an ASCII format into notepad.  Once I did that, I went to http://www.b4h.net/cabforms/arrlrttyroundup_cab3.php and filled out my station information for the header, and pasted the contents from notepad for the contacts.  I'm sure I made this harder then it needed to be, but that is how you learn. 

A little more research into HRD 5 logger shows that the export to Cabrillo is on their "to-do" list, so I'll be looking forward to that feature when it appears.  It will make things easier next go around.  Thank you for the help N3QE and DJ1YFK.  It is very much appreciated.

73
KB7FSC - Wane

I participated in the ARRL RTTY Roundup contest this past weekend.  It is the first contest I have ever entered into, and I had a blast!  It was amazing to me to see the bands so full of signals.

I have not submitted a log for a contest before, and I know I'm supposed to submit a Cabrillo format.  I used HRD Logbook v5.0 build 2636 beta to log my qso's this weekend.  The problem I'm encountering is that this version only exports ADIF format, not Cabrillo as the previous version apparently did.  I thought, no problem, I'll download a freeware ADIF to Cabrillo converter program and I'll have it made.  However, all the freeware programs I've looked at or downloaded will convert ADIF to Cabrillo, but they don't have the ARRL RTTY RU contest listed for the conversion.  I'm concerned my header won't be correct, as well as the format in the QSO body portion dealing with the exchange.  HRD support forum was not opening up on my computer tonight for some reason, so I thought I'd make a post and ask for suggestions so I can convert and submit my log.  I'm pretty sure I'm making this way harder then it needs to be, but I would sincerely appreciate any suggestions to point me in the correct direction.  TNX!

KB7FSC - Wane

I bought a FT-2900R this summer and run it with a 20 amp power supply with no problem.  I wouldn't go any smaller then this for a power supply. For a period of time, I was running it at the full 75 watts before I updated my antenna system.  The radio and power supply would warm up during longer QSO's, but not to the point of having to stop talking.  The radio also has a built in temperature sensor that you can access from the menu system by selecting item 51.  This is a nice feature to make sure everything stays operating properly.  Make sure you keep the radio in an open area so it can dissipate the heat through the large cooling fins.

I have been really impressed with the FT-2900.  I get great audio reports, and I use it for base and mobile operation.  It is a great bargain for the money in my opinion.

Welcome to amateur radio!

73
Wane - KB7FSC

Thanks for the answer.  I'll know in the future what to do.  It is interesting listening to the bands during the contest as it gives me a good idea when and how they are propagating.  I worked some HF in the late 80's and early 90's, and have been off the air since about a week ago.  Just listening to the various stations helps as a refresher for me.  As I get a little more proficient, I'll have to give contesting a try.  It looks really fun.  Thanks again for the information.

73
KB7FSC - Wane

I have a "newbie" question regarding contesting.  This weekend there is obviously a contest taking place on the HF bands.  I have only had my HF setup going for about a week, and have listened quit a bit to the exchanges, and have been researching the contest on the internet.  One question I haven't been able to find is if it is considered acceptable for a non-contest station to respond to the various CQ contest calls?  I don't want to call out to any of the contesting stations if I might mess up their logs and points since I'm not competing.  Thanks for any answers!

73
KB7FSC - Wane

I was able to hit the HF airwaves last night for the first time in over 20 years!  I installed a used HF-9V Butternut yesterday, and coupled it up to my Kenwood TS-480SAT.  I was able to get a few QSO's on 40M, but I need to get back at it today and get more ground radials buried and work on tuning the antenna.  What a blast!  Thanks again for the posts and the knowledge shared on this website.  It has been very helpful to me in getting back on the air.

73s
KB7FSC - Wane

I just wanted to take a few minutes and say THANK YOU to all who have added all the wonderful posts on this website.  While I haven't been an active poster as of yet, I have spent a lot of hours searching and reading a lot of well thought out and articulated information regarding our wonderful hobby.  Many of you take time out of your day to unselfishly share your knowledge with those of us trying to learn new concepts.  It is truly appreciated by myself and many others.

I received my licence when I was in high school, and worked a lot of HF in an already assembled radio shack.  I loved working DX, but stepped away from the hobby for many years when I moved away from my parent's house.  My interest has been renewed since my wife and father in-law received their Technician licenses this summer.  I have spent a lot of hours reading ARRL publications and posts on this site trying to come back to speed on this hobby.  I am getting very close to getting a new HF station assembled, and hopefully I'll get to talk with many of you fine people via the airwaves soon.

Again, I wanted to send out a sincere Thank You.

73
KB7FSC - Wane

Thank you KB4QAA and and AC5UP for your response.

I like the pigtail idea better than what I was thinking with the SO239 connector.  I will have to pick up some different supplies, but it should be better in the long run.  I also like the idea of the choke coil. 

Thanks again for taking time to share your sage advice.

73,
KB7FSC - Wane