I also have an SB-200 with the Harbach power supply upgrade running on 120V.  Panel meter HV reads 2200V.  Amp works fine - 600 watts out.  I actually keep my meter switched to read grid current and rarely look at HV - unless I see a post like this that makes me curious.

73,

Richard, AB4ZT

Here's the URL in my bookmark:

https://lotw.arrl.org/lotwuser/default

73, Richard
AB4ZT

I've been uploading via DXKeeper and also manually logging on to LoTW via an old bookmark just fine.

Richard, AB4ZT

I agree with W8JX.  It is time to move on.  XP is dead.  I just upgraded computers including getting rid of XP and it was "good riddance".

The "N" in "QRN" doesn't stand for anything.  QRN is the Q signal for interference from natural phenomena, such as lightning.  What does the "X" in "QRX" stand for?

I had an MA5B up 35 feet for several years.  It held up well and it had no problem with 600 watts CW.  Beyond that, however, it was a shortened 2-element yagi and performed as such.  Directional, but perhaps only a little better than a dipole at the same height (10, 15, 20).  When I replaced it with a full-size 3-el yagi, the additional element and boom length made a significant difference.  Unless I absolutely had to go with a smaller antenna because of space considerations, I would not go less than 3-el.  Even cost is not an issue - I got my 3-el used for $250.  If I did absolutely have to go with a 2-el, I would probably stick with the Cushcraft.

The specs cited for the 3-el hybrid are garbage.  10 feet is very, very short for a 3-el design.  You are not going to get that gain with a shortened, short boom 3-el yagi.  Although they did specify a dipole at 25-feet as a reference ().  Who does that?   Forward gain should be specified versus free-space references.  My 3-el has 14-foot boom and you really don't want to go shorter than that for 3-el designs.  A step-up is an 18-foot boom design.  When it comes to comparing antennas you pretty much have to ignore claimed specs and rely on what you know about basic antenna design and how each antenna will perform based on number of elements, boom length, element size, etc.

73,

Richard, AB4ZT

First - get a dummy load, it's really not optional equipment, especially with a linear amplifier. I've used an inexpensive dry dummy load for 20 years, and the power rating is plenty for an SB-200. Just pay attention to the de-rating curve.

Second - check the SWR into the amp.  Depending on the radio if it is much more than 1:1 the radio will start reducing power and you won't get the input power you need.  If the SWR is high you will need to adjust the tuned inputs.  This is where I would start.

Also, unless you have a real peak reading meter, you won't get an accurate PEP measurement on SSB.  FM will because it is a continuous carrier, but be careful about keying FM too long into an SB-200.  It is not made for long stretches of 100% duty-cycle modes like FM and RTTY at full output.

73,

Richard, AB4ZT

Well, it does say "mainly" SSB and digital, and not "only", so I guess there is some hope for CW.  Perhaps that is just wishful thinking.  In any case, I'll take whatever I can get.

73,

Richard, AB4ZT

Thanks Dave - I have bookmarked that page in case I need it in the future.  And thanks for a great set of programs. They are the best I have come across, free or otherwise, yet.

73,

Richard, AB4ZT

I knew all I had to do was post this question and I would figure it out...by fumbling around I found that RTS in Commander needs to be set to "on".

73,

Richard, AB4ZT

Hello everyone:

I have been running DX Labs Commander for a while using the TS -590 serial port and have switched over to USB.  I have checked all the menu settings and everything seems correct (both on Commander and on the 590).  However, while Commander sends commands to the radio fine, it does not seem to read any data coming from the radio.  No frequency, no s-meter (I did change the config in Radios to smeter=true, and it was working with the serial connection), no mode change, nothing.  Anyone else run into this or have suggestions?

Other info - changed computers, now running Vista 64-bit vs XP.  Is there a security setting I missed?

Many thanks and 73,

Richard, AB4ZT

We are steadily replacing all of our incandescents and CFLs with LEDs and have no issues whatsoever. 

73,

Richard, AB4ZT

Getting back to your vertical: Just to be clear, are you saying that if your vertical simply fell over where it stands, it would contact power lines?  If so, then yes, the vertical has to be moved or replaced.

On the other hand, if you are saying that it would only contact power lines if it were physically removed from the base and carried (by wind or whatever) to power lines, that is a different story.   Almost no antenna would pass that test.  I would stay with the vertical.  By comparison a 15' high dipole would be sure to disappoint.  Besides, it should not be right underneath the power lines either.  A power line could fail and drape across the dipole, which could be pretty bad.

73,

Richard, AB4ZT

Hello all:

My wife and I love the Mystic area, and may retire there.  However, I need to make sure no tower issues get in the way.

In Mystic-Groton, it appears that towers are totally out of the question in the historic district (even though there are a lot of non-historic homes in that district), but even outside the district there is a 35' height limit that can be exceeded only with a special exception, and that special exception is subject to renewal.  That is, even if you get the exception, there is no guarantee that in 5 years you can keep your tower.

In Mystic-Stonington, outside the seaport historic district, there appears to be no such height restrictions.

I have corresponded with the government entities there, but I was wondering if anybody has any personal experiences they would be willing to share.

73,

Richard, AB4ZT

Hello Gene:

I have lived all my life here on the west coast of Florida, and for most of the years I have been DXing I used wires and a vertical.  About 7 years ago I got an MA5B at 35' (a little better) and then replaced it with a Mosley TA-33 a couple of years ago (BIG difference).  I also have a 6BTV for low bands, and many times on 20 meters and up the signal difference between the two is pretty profound.  That being said, the somewhat better conditions of the past 18 months have helped quite a bit.  Back around 1990 I worked a VU using a piece of magnet wire thrown up in a tree, and worked Peter I with an R7 and 100 watts.  Actually, I was also one of the lucky ones to work 701YGF in 2000 before they got shut down with that same R7.

It might be worth parsing through the list of DX you noted to sort out those QSOs made on the low bands, since the Yagi is only going to be a player on 20 and up.  Maybe you have done that, but my experience has been that the 3-el Yagi has made a significant difference for me on the higher bands.

FWIW

73,

Richard, AB4ZT