This antenna came off of my grandfather's truck. I got it after he passed away. Had a 2m/70cm radio in his truck. I'm just not sure that the antenna is dual band. How can I tell? I don't have a tuner. Could I use just any SWR meter? I think I have one of those SWR/Power meters. I can hit our local repeater, but I'm scared to talk on it too long, because I don't want to damage anything.

I don't plan on selling any of it. Just checking to see what "bugs" or common problems these radios had. Thanks!

I actually found an OLD code practice oscillator and key that he drilled me morse code on when I was probably 12. It has sat on the shelf for 12 years and the battery still worked!!! Lots of memories! Remember when I got my tech license, he ordered me my first HT the next day, when IC-V8s were fairly new.

My grandfather passed away a few days ago. He has a few radios that I will be getting. Are these any good? He didn't do much talking, but mostly listened and enjoyed electronics.

IC-730 HF Transceiver with 25 amp power supply
IC-208H mobile dual band
2 Azden PSC6000 2 meter mobiles
Another Icom 2 meter mobile, but can't remember the model.

Thanks to you guys, I got my antenna tuned up to 1:1 swr. Got some great signal reports from MN, MT, NY, CA, and NM. All in about 2 hours time. I wasn't expecting much from this MFJ-1622 apartment antenna, but it actually got out there. Can't wait to get my G5RV up!!! Could not have done it without your guidance. Thanks again!

73
Jacob

It's hard to tell but there is a counterpointed wire coming down. The gutter is plastic! Who woulda thought?!

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm189/Jacob645/90cd88a4.jpg

Got an antenna up and finally got some contacts on 20m. From TX I worked MN, MT, NY, CA, and NM with 100w. Finally starting to figure this antenna out. Got a couple 59s as well!!! Woohoo! I'm all jacked up on ham radio!!!

Thanks all!!!

73
Jacob

Thanks all!!!

73
Jacob

My rig has a "Tuner" button and a "Start" button. I'm using an FT-840. I'm guessing it would be the "Start" button?

"LOL" "BRB" "TTYL" "L8R" "IDK" "BTW" etc..

Are these types of shortened words and phrases acceptable in code? I'm aware that there are many other ones that are frequently used, but are there limits to this? I'm a young guy and know that some of these acronyms are pretty new from the "texting/instant message" generation. Just wondering if things like this are common practice.

That's true. Also, I guess there would be no way to actually "key" to transmit. Not to mention what would happen if someone called!!!!!! BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!

Let me be crazy here. I have an app on my phone that is a CW practice type thing. It produces a sound and the tone is adjustable. Could I go out of my phone headphone jack into a 1/4 out into the mic input on the transmitter?

So I can set a frequency, switch from SSB to AM and key the mic and should get a signal that comes out at the rf output that my transmitter is set at? An I correct in assuming I should not speak into the mic during the AM tuning?  I'll be tuning up on 20 meters (14.3). Trying to make sure the antenna is tuned correctly because my ALC meter is acting strange on my FT-840.

Can somebody tell me how to use my manual antenna tuner without using a CW key to get a solid signal for an SWR reading? I'm pretty sure that I can use the PTT in CW mode correct? Or key the mic in a quiet setting in AM? I just don't want to mess up the transmitter! Thanks!