Hi Robert (W5WSS),

Thanks for the reply.  Not that it probably makes a difference, but the antenna is being fed into an MFJ-998 tuner in the shack, which is connected to an ALS-600, then of course it is connected to the rig.

I know there are many variables involved so you can't really give any kind of definitive answer, but based on my current configuration versus going with a remote tuner at the base of the antenna (and doing away with the one in the shack), how much more improvement in efficiency would you expect to see?  Would it be enough to offset the cost of a remote tuner.  Since I am using more than the typical 100-200 watts, I would need a higher power rated tuner which drives up the cost significantly.

Thanks,
Carlton

I have one of the DX Engineering 43' verticals mounted about 20 feet from my shack.  It is fed with direct burial RG213 coax.  I have often wondered how much (if any) I would benefit from having a remote tuner given the short distances involved.  Does anyone have any opinion on that?

Carlton

From a design and production point of view, I can certainly understand why they would want to build a single amplifier that serves multiple markets, however, it would seem that the people in the 'lower' market (ie, hams) are paying a lot of extra money for capabilities (ie, more power) that they are not legally able to take advantage of.  I do not have any idea how much the extra tube (and supporting circuitry) and the beefier transformer required for dual tubes adds to the cost, but I'm willing to be it is not inconsequential.

Carlton

While I don't consider myself religious by any means, I do find it disheartening that someone cannot post their opinion without being attacked.  I don't think he was trying to push his religious beliefs on anyone or look down on those that do not share his beliefs.  He was also referring to the 12 step program for recovery in which 'God' does not have a defined meaning as a religious entity, but rather a meaning to each individual, hence the 'as you understand God' part.

Be grateful that you live in a country that allows free speech and expression of opinion without fear of reprisal.

It is rare to see a response from a vendor that comes across as genuine as this one did.  Heck, it is rare to see a response from a vendor at all.

Personally, I have ordered a lot of stuff from GigaParts and always get it fast.  They are my first stop when I start looking for something.

I'm not discounting the OP's issue, but just saying I have had good luck with them personally.

Which God(s) did you anger?   :-)

It would be nice if more people showed the character that you just did.

From the factory, the power cord does not have a plug on it, you have to put one on it, so you get to choose.  However, it sounds like you got one used so it probably already has a plug on it.  I would ask the previous owner which style plug he put on it and then find the mating part at Home Depot or such.

It never hurts to double check the ports/pins or ask opinions as you did.

I too have trouble finding time to operate lately.  I have had very good results with the 950 as well, it is a nice rig.

Yes, it will work.  I use the same Signalink and cable betwen my 817/857/950 with no problems.

I read through it and think it is a great start!

It would have been nice if they had had an indicator that came on to show you that the shutdown was due to no/low oil pressure.  I hate 'safety' features that are silent, how are you supposed to know where the fault is?!

I just had to laugh at the responses, the last sentence of the original post says:

"I'm not trying to 'beat the system' or break any rules, I'm just confused!"

The very first response: "It's called the honor system. If you can live with yourself trying to fool them, then go ahead. I do it the legit way"

Then the second response: "You may get by on forging (which is what this is)...but it is easier to just work them!"

The OP made a point of saying that he was just inquiring and had no intention of trying to beat the system...yet, the assumptions seem to be that he is...

Does no one read the entire post anymore before hitting the Reply button?

Sorry, but I just had to comment, I'm sure I will get some flames for this..lol

I second that...I have learned a lot by attending seminars.  They give you a chance to ask questions of the experts in the field.

I had the same problem with a USB SignalLink.  It turned out to be RF causing the USB link to freeze/fail.  I have to admit however, I'm surprised that you would still see the problem at only 5w.  I ended up using chokes on the USB cable.