Palstar makes two different models - one with the detector inside and one with an outboard detector (they call it a mobile) with a mounting bracket.

I had the mobile type but used it indoors with the detector at the wall interface.
They feature a Peak Hold function that will hold the peak for 2 seconds which I use all the time. It allows me to check my output after I have unkeyed. 

They are listed on the Palstar website under Palstar Accessories for $179.95 each.

I only sold mine when I got a Palstar tuner that has all the same functions as the meters, albeit without the remote detector.

Clint - W5CPT -

I just leave mine in a big pile on the end of the workbench.

Clint - W5CPT -

Congratulations to both of you. While Ham Radio is not the only (or the best) foundation for a union, it is a good one.
I hope to see both of you make the best of your common interest.

Clint - W5CPT -

The first thing to do is to go to this webpage:

http://www.aa5au.com/rtty.html

While Don focuses on MMTTY ( a great program) most of what is on his page is applicable to all RTTY programs.
And he discusses interfaces, the differences between AFSK and FSK, Trouble shooting and more.

Clint - W5CPT -

It came up for me.

Clint - W5CPT -

George - firstly congratulations - I would suggest that you find the local ham radio club to locate folks in the area who can give you a hand.

I will offer one piece of advice which I learned by doing. Never attach any antenna (other than a vertical) to the house.  I have in the past mounted a 6M and a 2M beam to the house and bracketed a tower to the same house.  While mechanically both installations were fine, they both caused MUCH noise inside the residence.  The Sommers Beam on the tower and the VHF stack both resonated at different wind speeds and when they did (which was often) it could be heard throughout the whole structure.  The sound was a low groan at low wind speeds and a high pitched whine when the wind picked up speed.

Clint - W5CPT -

He did not “steal” your callsign. Yes he did open a website using the callsign the FCC issued to you to use on the ham bands, but you do not have a copyright on the call itself.


There is a kk5tc.com (no www)

Now to the heart of the matter – both of you need to take your squabble off the public forums. IF (big IF) either one of you did something that is prosecutable, then it belongs in the courts, not here.

Clint – W5CPT -

The standard by which all other headsets are measured is Heil.
Not inexpensive, but you truly get what you pay for.

http://heilsound.com/amateur/products/headsets.php

Clint - W5CPT -

I had a Palstar PM2000AM and was very pleased with it. It comes in two models - one has an outboard detector module (the model I had) and the other with the detector inside.  They call the AM the mobile model, but I just put the detector near the wall feed-through.  It has a Peak Hold feature which I like. It will hold the peak reading for 2 seconds before it returns to Zero. That makes checking it easier if you are trying to do two (or three) things at once.   At $180 the price is reasonable.

btw: I only sold it when I got my Palstar tuner and it has the same circuitry in it.

Clint - W5CPT -

CWGet is a great decoder BUT it works best on machine code. That is code sent by a computer or an automated sending system such as a keyboard keyer or a memory keyer.  It, and most cw readers do not do well with cw sent by hand unless the sender is REALLY good.  I use CWGet to copy the DXPeditions when they run 35 - 40 WPM.  I use a memory keyboard keyer (MFJ-495) to send when I have to send faster than I can with a paddle.

It can be downloaded and used for free but if you want to be able to save your set up it costs about $35 and is money well spent in my opinion.

Clint - W5CPT -

Robert - firstly congratulations for joining the ranks of Amateur Radio. Now for the bad news- The price of something has nothing to do with what it is worth. It has everything to do what someone (even if it is not you) will pay for it.  A buddy may sell you a radio for less than he/she might get for it elsewhere, because you are a friend. But the HamFest vendor owes you no favors.   Starting out in this hobby on a tight budget can be done, but is not easy, or without risks.

Here are some suggestions:

If you have not done so already, join the local ham club. If there are two in your area, join both.  The yearly dues are a good investment not only in the hobby, but in meeting others who might know of a "deal" when one shows up.  Very often well priced radios never get to the HamFest or the For Sale Forum because they exchanged hands at the local level.  And you most likely will have the opportunity to see it work on the seller's desk before you ever unfold the cash from your pocket.

After you join the club(s) every time someone asks for some help putting up an antenna, tower, radial field - volunteer and show up. This is how you develop friends who are willing to do you a favor when they can.

Go to your clubs Field Day and show up early to set up and stay late to clean up - same reason as above.

Stay connected to other hams and you may find a bargain. But if you expect to find one with a guarantee at the HamFest you will be as disappointed as you are now. 

Clint - W5CPT -

I have a set of paddles and a keyboard already on the desk top.  I have a key somewhere (I think). I just don't want to add anything else to the desk top.


Mine does.

Clint - W5CPT -

My question is not about how to tune an amp as W8JI has that well covered on his website (thanks Tom). What I would like to know is: Can I use the RTTY mode to provide the signal while tuning?  On Tom’s website page on tuning he says “CW Key, FM (push to talk), or AM (push to talk). Would not putting the radio in the RTTY mode and using the TX button provide a suitable signal with which to tune?  Using AM or FM opens the mike and any ambient noise adds variations to the output signal that might make the tuning a bit more imprecise. And using the AM mode offers reduced output on my and most radios.  Using the CW mode is feasible but it adds a key to the already crowded desk top.

So is there a down-side to using the RTTY mode to tune that I am missing?

Clint – W5CPT -

There is a button on your radio that will prevent you from being upset about the Cops. It is the OFF button. When the Mob Rule is in effect, it is the only thing you can do, because you will never change the way the Mob operates.

The one positive thing you can do is to mentor a new ham and make sure that he or she is shown the simple rules of courtesy that apply not only to ham radio but to life itself.

Clint – W5CPT -

Having been a clerk in a Ham Radio store I can tell you that there was not any difference between In-store customers and Phone customers. Not in importance, probability of purchasing rather than looking or any other differentiation.

And as a In-store customer at R&L (once while driving through) I will attest that the store is crowded but I did not find it "dirty" at all.  The sales people were friendly and helpful. 

The crowded part comes from the cost of floor space.  Retail space is frightfully expensive to buy/rent and maintain.  I know this because I recently retired from a big-box HIW where I started as a cashier and rose as high as the Admin Manager.  Knowing what the margins are in Ham Radio, I am surprised that any of the stores are able to remain open.  I am sure that owners of the stores are in the business because of an interest in the hobby, not in an effort to make a fortune.  I believe this to be true in any hobby supply business.  I have witnessed a few Ham Stores "go under" - from the first shop in which I ever stopped in Littleton Mass (the name of it escapes me) to Rivendell's in NH and Tucker's in Dallas. 

Remember that if the little shops go away the hobby will cease to exist as we know it. No "retailer" will get in the Ham Radio business for the money because the margins are too low and the volume is too little.

Clint - W5CPT -