I need some help on the subject.  This is related to another question I posted (see MFJ-1214PC to ICOM 146 interface).  I am a newbie in the RTTY and fax modes.

I have gotten the box to work with the radio by using the cabling information from the packetradio.com site.  I can get the radio to key up on the MIC port and I have a signal going out with RTTY tones.  I verified this by using a receiver and checking about 200 feet from the antenna using minimum power, about 5 watts.  The problem is that I have tried to establish a number of QSOs and I do not get anybody.  I set the box in accordance with the instructions on the unit, including the adjustment, using a receiver, of the R-36 resistor for proper signal volume.  I can also see the QSOs right on the computer screen.  I believe I might not be transmitting the correct tones and shift.  Can somebody tell me which is the standard?  The ARRL book and the net sites do not have the information I am looking for.  I am sure the box is similar to the 1272 and 1274 from MFJ.  Glad to get any help and maybe set up a test session with a fellow ham.  Thanks for help in this!

Bert, KA2UUP

If you have limited space or problem with aesthetics in your neighborhood, I found that the MFJ-1798 does an excellent job.  It is a vertical antenna that works on 2-80 meters and is rated to full legal power.  I do not use the 2 meter element that much because it is very narrow in its SWR and my radio does not have an automatic tuner for that band.

I use an Ameritron ATR-30 tuner for HF, though, and can tune the full length af all bands (not 2 meters) to almost 1:1.  90 watts in good conditions with this antenna has taken me all the way to the Ukraine and Buenos Aires, Argentina from Massachusetts with excellent reports on SSB voice and CW.  I have mine only 6 feet from ground level.  Because of the inverted counterpoise, there is no need for radials.  If you can hang it from the house, the better it will get.  It will set you back only 230 clams and will take 6-8 hours to build.

The only experimentation I am doing with it is loading it up for 160 meters.  I can match it with the ATR-230, efficiency is kind of low for that band, but I have not had any complaints from neighbors about not letting them watch TV but the radio guys can hear me.  Also, I am interested in how much the years will affect it.

I plan to add a dipole for 160 meters anyway in the future, though.

Bert, KA2UUP

I tried the site and it had highly valuable information on this.  I tried it and it works.

I own an ICOM IC-746 transceiver and I am seriously thinking of acquiring the MFJ-1214PC adapter for other modes of transmission apart from voice and CW.  Is there a premanufactured cable for the MFJ-1214PC to use the ACC 1 port of the IC-746?  If there is, which is the MFJ part number?  I took a look at the MFJ on-line catalog, but the copy is blurry and the number of the cable I think it uses is indistinguishable.  I also took a look at the on-line manual for the MFJ-1214PC, but it is not specific enough to say if the cable with 8 pins (MFJ-5084) is actually the cable that would interface with the ACC 1 8-pin DIN connector in back of the IC-746, or if it is an open cable for the user to wire him/herself.

Also, for CW, how do you send using the MFJ-1214PC?  Seems that you need to connect the MFJ-1214PC to the microphone input of the transceiver and use a switch for the microphone/computer change.  Can the MFJ-1214 use one of the two CW key inputs of the IC-746?  Is there also a premanufactured cable for this?

If anybody has an MFJ-1214 in operation, I would appreciate any comments you can provide me related to the performance of the unit.  Thanks for the help!

Alberto L. Rodríguez, KA2UUP
PO Box 57
Mendon MA 01756-0057
E-mail:  Bert.Rodriguez@hanscom.af.mil (work)
   Bert_Rodriguez@msn.com (home)

Tim:

Thanks for advice.  As I told Jim, I'll go with the relay to be safe.

73's

Bert

Jim:

Thanks for the reply.  I'll probably go with the relay just to be on the safe side.  73's

Bert

Do I need to put in a relay between the 811H amp and the ICOM 746 exciter?  From what I have read I do not need it.  However, from talking to some of the other hams, seems that they are using them anyway.  Is it absolutely necessary to connect or not for this type of equipment combination?  Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Bert.Rodriguez@hanscom.af.mil
KA2UUP