About six months ago I was considering selling my Mark V due to the fear of not being able to get it repaired due to parts. I found out about Bryan Cambell, he repairs only Mark V's, can do a complete overhaul of the rig, and has parts for many many years. I sent him my rig and in about two weeks it was returned better than new. He fixes all the cw click problems and does all current upgrades and alignment. The Mark V is a tremendous rig and ones antenna and DX expertise are the weak area for most hams!

73,

Don K3PRN

I own an AL-80B and see no reason to purchasing the grid protection. Just monitor grid current when tuning the amp. I purchased a used, extremely clean AL-80B for $850 and would suggest looking for a used one rather than new. The cost savings can be used fort a dummy load etc.

73,
Don K3PRN

I went through trying numerous serial drivers to get try and get two no-name USB to Serial (RS-232) converter cables to work. No luck and two days of frustration. A ham, Scott KN3A,  suggested I get:   http://www.usconverters.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=67&products_id=279.  Uses the FTDI chip FT232BL which seems to be the state of the art chip and tells you exactly which driver to use for all forms of Windows operating systems (Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000). Costs $24.25 with USPS shipping of $8.55. This converter with my Yaesu FT-817nd, Yaesu CT-62 data cable, connected to my Acer Notebook worked the first time! This USB to Serial (RS-232) converter may not work for all systems but this would be my first cable to try. Local computer or Big Box stores have adapters but do not mention chip used and of course, the sales help, just give you a "Blank look" when questioned.

Good Luck,

Don K3PRN

Hi:

I used a Force 12 Flagpole antenna for four years. I ordered the extra 4' section and the antenna is comprised of 20' of 2" aluminum pipe, a fiberglass insulator section, and the ground mount pole.
The top of the unit has a cap in which thin nylon rope goes through to a tie off about 1' from the ground. I ran the flag (you must purchase flag separately) for a month. Radials are essential for vertical antennas. See the vertical antenna article in past QST. Also use an Alpha Delta lightning arrestor at the base of the antenna to a 8' ground rod (Do Not use 4' ground rods!). Ground rods can not be substituted for radials!

As to how well the flagpole works? A very difficult question to answer as there are so many variables to consider. I got my PSK31 WAS with it and have worked about 50 countries with PSK31.

Secondly, tell no one that you are a ham! As they say in the Navy "Loose Lips Sink Ships!"

Also see the S9 vertical sold for $75 in kit form. This antenna is very difficult to see and may work in your area.

Unfortunately I can not use my flagpole at my new qth, and am using a 20 meter delta loop in the attic.

If you have any further questions, just e-mail me at druokonen@hotmail.com.

73,

Don K3PRN

Years ago I saw a firm that sold hv switchingpower supplies for hf amps. I can not locate the firm, please help.

Don K3PRN

Discussion about small "pole pigs',the
high voltage transformers on telephone poles.I am in the Baltimore, Annapolis Maryland area.

Try Japan Radio Company's ST3 headphones. There designed for the communications frequency range wise rather than high fidelity. I have used them for years and there are well made and comfortable.

73 Don K3PRN

How to open ports 5198 & 5199.

Don K3PRN

Yes, I was also told by my local radio club that during Field Day, they preferred the club to run cw rather than my PSK31 digital station. I would have provided all equipment including antennas. I have operated PSK31 exclusively at my personal station for over 4 years and is my mode of choice.  I really wanted to run PSK31 not cw or ssb for Field Day. I did not participate in Field Day that year and am no longer a member of that club. This years Field Day was to be a two man operation. Scheduling problems with my fellow ham precluded it at the last minute. I really feel that all modes of operation should be presented at Field Day and I hope that other clubs realize this this as well.Operating time can be scheduled for all modes particularly with today's bandpass filters.

Jason:

Congrads on getting your General license. I use PSK31 99% of my air time and have done so for the past 3+ years. Since you are operating on 80, 20 , and 17 meters, your antenna probably can be tuned to 40 meters (7.070) and 30 meters (10.149). There is far more PSK31 on these bands than 17 meters. I have probably worked 20 stations on 17 meter PSK31 and 3 on 12 meters. I do not operate 15 or ten meters.

Also consider joing various digital groups and clubs such as The European Phase Shift Keying Club (EPC), the 30 meter Digital Group, Digital Modes Club (DMC), and the PODXS (Pennsylvania Ohio DXS). They have numerious contests and awards plus it makes the amateur radio digital world stronger.

Keep enjoying amateur radio and e-mail me with any questions you may have.

Don K3PRN
druokonen@hotmail.com

Looking for hf amplifier repair person in the Maryland area.
Thanks,
Don K3PRN

Having problems with the "break in" tab. Into my transmission, the tx cuts off and the program freezes up. This occurs in the DM780 module using PSK31. I have deleted and reinstalled this version, build 1989; as well as build 1901 with the same problem.
My hardware setup works very well with Digipan Ver 2.0., so I beleive it is something in the program or my setting it up. Help would be appreciated as I want a full service program like HRD/DM780.

I am planning to put up one high end verticle at my new QTH. I am thinking of either the Hy-Gain Hy Tower 18HT or the Stepp Big IR verticle. Which would give me the best results. I will put it up in a clear space,ground mounted area. I will also use 60 radials if necessay. Thanks for your advice.

I want to build the 432 Mhz, 8 element Quagi antenna. The director elements pass throught the boom. They suggest wood or fiberglass for the boom material. Would 1-1/4" PVC pipe work as a boom on 432 mhz?

I want to build the 432 Mhz, 8 element Quagi antenna. The director elements pass throught the boom. They suggest wood or fiberglass for the boom material. Would 1-1/4" PVC pipe work as a boom on 432 mhz?