Gordon:

I have complained to no avail on some these types of postings.  That is why I sometimes don't even ask.  To give you an example, some people have asked if "I can replace 811A tubes for 572Bs."  The correct response is "yes, you can."  However, some people think that it is the money coming out of their wallet and start flaming the guy for spending too much money.  My philosophy is if you can do it, more power to you!!!

Sometimes I try to help, but it is too no avail.  Everyone has an opinion.  Problem is that there are a lot of know-it-alls.  I still remember the comment I read from Tim deParavicini, an excelent audio engineer who modifies enalog recording equipment to rediculously low noise figures.  He said that the "audio world was full of dangerous amateurs"!!!!!  So is the ARS!!!!

Good night and good luck!!!

73 and enjoy, Bert @ KA2UUP  

Check out NuMorse.  Good software to learn from. Also, MFJ sells a little device that will send random characters and also some real messages as heard on the radio.  I use it once in a while with headphones.

73 de Bert, KA2UUP

Sure, there are some.  CWGet, Hamscope (CW plus PSK31 and other modes) and another one that I have in my computer but don't remember its name, are the best.  CWGet is probably the one to get as a freebie if you just want to see what is happening in the screen.  You would have to buy the key if you want to transmit CW.

May I also suggest another approach:  You can also get a terminal node controller (MFJ-1278 is a good one), prepare a cable with the appropriate connectors, use the HyperTerminal program for windows and you can use it to receive and send code and also RTTY.  I think MFJ still sells the MFJ-1214 that allows you to do CW, RTTY plus receive pictures in SSTV and WeatherFax.  Only problem is that the interface program used runs on DOS.  Hey, that is not so bad. After all, we in the Ham community are known for recycling things!

Good luck on your search!

73 DE Bert, KA2UUP

The Alinco site, http://www.alinco.com/usa.html, has the service manual with an exploded schematic that will tell your helpers how to put the radio apart.  I hope that helps.  Look for the DR-599 manual, it is the same as the DR-600.

Good luck!

73 DE Bert at KA2UUP

K2YO, how right you are!!!!  Instead of giving this young man encouragement, what he gets in turn is a lot of mean spirited and stupid comments.  Go for the YouthNet, young man, we support you and see you on the air soon!!!

73 DE Bert @ KA2UUP

Must be one heck of Traumahawk to be able to carry HF in it!!!!

73 DE Bert @ KA2UUP

Eric:

My response may be a little late but I hope you see it.  About 3-4 months ago there were two back-to-back articles about solar activity in QST magazine.  It exokaned how scientists detremine that sunspots in the upper latitudes of the sun and of reverse polarity, etc, signal the start of the new cycle.

From reading the articles, my take is that we have learned a lot and we still have to learn a lot about propagation.  It is not an exact science since a lot of trend analysis and statistics are involved.

Best thing to do is to sit once in a while on the radio and listen.  There are times when there are some good openings.  Some beacon tracking software like FAROS helps in seeing if the beacons can be heard at your location.  Sometimes, you can luck out and hear stations all over the world and then disappear just in a snap.

Good luck and enjoy!!!

Bert @ KA2UUP  

Check the June 2008 edition of QST.  There is an excellent article on how to build a spectrum analyzer with a computer.  However, I think it is for RX only.

Check http://www.hy-gain.com/products.php?prodid=DB-218SAT.  The manual tells you about circular polarization, etc.  As to HF, no, you do not need a circular polarization antenna.

This might souond like a dumb suggestion but, did you check HI-LO power switch in the MFJ tuner for the proper position.  If you are tuning at high power with the switch in LO, it is a given it will blow up the circuit.

Also, does your external meter have a HI-LO switch, too?

Other than that, check your cables for shorts.

Good luck DE Bert @ KA2UUP

Go with the 746 either plain or PRO.  8 years and doing good with my 746.

The advantage of the PRO series from what I gather, is that the filtering is done digitally vs. component filtering where you install what you want.

Can't go wrong any way!

Bert @ KA2UUP  

The 811 or 811H is a good amp.  I have had the 811H for 8 years now, with no trouble and have experimented with a number of tubes and made some simple mods.  Support from Ameritron was great when I had a minor problem with a meter.  A big plus is that the designer, Tom, W8JI, is a frequent participant in this forum.

Enjoy!!!

73 DE Bert @ KA2UUP

Agree with the 704.  Forgot about that part.  I apologize.  I use one and works well.

Bert @ KA2UUP

I use an ICOM IC-746, the non-PRO version, with an Ameritron AL-811H.  The connections are the same.  You just need two cables with RCA phono-type plugs on both ends for the amplifier.  To avoid RFI problems, use the shielded type.  One cable is for the keying or activation of the amp when you key up the transmitter.  The other cable is for the Automatic Level Control (ALC).  What the ALC does is that the amp will provide a voltage feedback to the IC-746 in case that the transmitter overdirves the amp, which causes spurious signals in the band, creating unnecessary interference.  Depending on the amp, the adjustment is in the back or the front.  Some people don't use this connection if they are not transmitting at the amps rated full power.  That's your choice.  Of course, you will also need a patchcord to connect the output of the IC-746 to the amp.

Good luck DE Bert @ KA2UUP.

According to http://www.wirelessrepairsandbatteries.com/motorola-parts-and-access-c610-sort-product-order-desc-page-92.html, that part number is available for $472.00.  However, they don't give a description.

Good luck DE Bert @ KA2UUP