More that a few times I called Vibroplex and ordered a few extra weights to slow 'em down.
I ended up going to a keyer, but still like the old bugs!
....Dave

Thanks guys for answering my question.
It seems like really cool technology!
Especially when using that Kenwood HT that has
the tnc already built in.
The next hamfest I see a demo, I'll check it out.
For me, I cannot think of any value in it. There is nobody I want to track...and nobody needs to track me. But I can see where for a town fire department or small police force for a large geographical are, that it would be an efficient method of knowing where everyone is.  (Hey...why are all those dots near the Duncan Donuts???)
...Dave

Can someone tell me what good is the APRS service? Please don't just send me to a website. I've seen 'em.
APRS may be a great thing..if so, I am just not informed about it.
It seems to me it is a GPS connected to a mobile VHF/UHF FM rig. Then, a PC connected to a website can track these stations.
There must be more to it than that, because I cannot see value in tracking those stations, or being tracked.  What am I missing???
Thanks...Dave

Some folks would like the D, and some the Mark V.
I used the Mark V on field day, and would not trade my 1000D for two of them!!
...Dave

Thanks all!!  It now all makes sense.
I do have the little radial section, and I now understand that there is no 'pruning' to be done... just attach the radial if I plan on any 70cm activity.
At the moment, I have the typical trunk-lid mount comet antenna.
If I get a new car, I may use the window job...until the car is beat-up enough that I don't mind the scratching up done by external mounts!!!
Thanks again!!
....Dave

Hello! Does anyone have this antenna? It was stock 19-324. One of the steps in assembly says.....
For 70cm operation, clip the radial over the coupler box's connector. Make sure the radial is parallel to and at least 1/2 inch from the edge of the glass.

I don't understand that step at all...clip it to what length, and why do they say "for 70 cm operation"...I thought it was a dual bander. This step makes me think it is a dual bander...as long as you decide on only one band. If you clip the radial as described, can you still use in on 2 meters?
Any help would be appreciated.
....Dave

Tia... I changed the ROM in my 1000D.
With the old version, you will not be able to computer control the rig. Swap out the chip and it will work fine.
No change in the rig's operation or performance....just the computer thing.
You can get the chip from Yaesu. It is just a single chip change.
....Dave

Easiest??
Just get that FRB757 relay box.
It came out for the FT757, but works with other
yaesus.
Color coded RCA wires...just plug it in to the color
coded RCA jacks on the back of the 1000D.
I have one on my 1000D, and it switches a Drake L75.
...Dave

Can anyone give me some advice on hooking up a rig to a computer? For contest work, that is.
I have the radio hooked up so it can talk frequency and modes to the computer. That uses COM1
Then, the sound card gizmo uses line in, line out, and another COM port for PTT. That is used to key the transmitter for PSK, slow scan, rtty etc.
Now, what do I need for programs to send and receive CW?
Do I need a third COM port for this?
Is there a commercially made gadget for this use? I suspect I have to pick off one of the RS232 lines, some circuitry to the key jack of the radio. I don't feel like making RS232 cables at the moment. That is why I was wondering what is available off the shelf.
Thanks for any tips on how you have things hooked up.
....Dave

Can anyone give me some info as to the difficulty of
mod for QSK with the Kenwood amp?
I know the mod uses a vacuum relay, but the
Richard Measures web site only mentions it...no details.
Thanks for any tips.
...Dave

I have the 2B with the 2BQ and also the 2C and 2CQ.
I see the Q multiplier as a 'must-have' option to those little guys.
It turns it into a whole new receiver. I have tried some other radios with Q multipliers, and the Heathkit outboard ones...but none work as well as the Drake. Get it, you won't be disapointed!!
...Dave

I've built a few OLD kits (Heathkit and Eico).
Old circuit boards get a quick going over with
0000 steel wool, then alchohol on a lint-free cloth.
You need the steel wool, the alchohol will not clean oxidation or heavy 'age' from the solder pads.
...Dave

I agree with KD5VHF.
The Yaesu 530 is the nicest I've come across.
But.. it all depends on what you want to do with it.
I live down the road from the local repeater, so I often use that little Alinco credit card sized job.
Other than that....I most often grab the Motorola HT-600.
That HT has NO bells, NO whistles...but the best sounding audio of ANY handheld....bar none!!!

I had a Mosley TA33 that needed a few parts. I spoke with the Mosley folks at Dayton '99.
The price, there lack of knowledge, and delivery dates made my decision to bend the thing up and scrap it. Sadly, HyGain is now MFJ (Junk), and CushCraft was always junk. Some of the new entrys are, in my opinion, crazy overpriced. So, I don't know where to turn. I am hoping something changes before my old TH3 finally succumbs to the elements.

They are now about a grand, more or less depending on such things as condition..original manual etc.
...Dave