Jeff,

"Hamsters" is already being used by a custom-bike riders & builders club.  Members include some very high-visibility motorcycle enthusiasts (Arlen Ness, Dave Perowitz, etc.).  Anyway, point is that the name association is well established by now.

The other thing you may want to keep in mind, once you start wearing colors, you invite a certain image, and most "civilians" won't take the time to read 'em to figure it all out.  I personally choose not to wear them.

OK, all that being said, it would be cool to meet some other ham/riders, I know I'm the only one in my crew!  Good luck with the initiative, I hope it works out.

de Tony, W3FLH
73

Les,

Thanks for the reply.  I've thought about running HRD in Bootcamp on the Mac, which would also give me the option to run my N3FJP logs as well.  Maybe that's the best way to go about it, especially since the Mac isn't "dedicated" to ham functions.  I'll give that a shot this weekend and post my results.

Any other takers?

de Tony, W3FLH
73

Hello all,

I am having some issues setting up my Macbook (non-Pro) to play nice with my digital/CAT interface.
Here's the hardware:
Macbook (OS 10.6)
G4ZLP Dual channel interface (older model, w/USB for CAT & 2-plug set up for digimodes)
Yaesu FT-990 (v1.3)

The Mac has a single port for input/output on the soundcard, which I was attempting to overcome with an inexpensive (read: cheap) USB adapter.  The adapter has good reviews, mostly from people using it in audio applications (converting LP's to digital, line-in for musical instruments, etc.), but I have no other feedback for ham-related applications.  Anyway, I did a little experimenting, and found that the 'ZLP seems to get the audio to the Mac direct, but not so well thru the adapter.  So I guess that's an issue.  I was trying to hold off on spending the $35 for an iMic adapter, but that may be the best answer.

In any case, there's still an issue with rig control.  I am trying to run RUMLog, but I seem to be having trouble getting it "talk" to the '990.  The software shows the '990 in the compatible rigs drop-down, but the best I can do is get it to key the rig continuously.  I'm sure this is something I'm missing, and I'm hoping someone can shed some light on this for me.

Incidentally, this set up worked FB when using it with my old Dell D610 laptop.  Of course, getting it that point wasn't without lumps of it's own...

I appreciate you all taking the time to read this, and I hope you may have some encouraging news for me in reply.

de Tony, W3FLH
73

(Also posted in the Computers forum...)

Hello all,

I am having some issues setting up my Macbook (non-Pro) to play nice with my digital/CAT interface.
Here's the hardware:
Macbook (OS 10.6)
G4ZLP Dual channel interface (older model, w/USB for CAT & 2-plug set up for digimodes)
Yaesu FT-990 (v1.3)

The Mac has a single port for input/output on the soundcard, which I was attempting to overcome with an inexpensive (read: cheap) USB adapter.  The adapter has good reviews, mostly from people using it in audio applications (converting LP's to digital, line-in for musical instruments, etc.), but I have no other feedback for ham-related applications.  Anyway, I did a little experimenting, and found that the 'ZLP seems to get the audio to the Mac direct, but not so well thru the adapter.  So I guess that's an issue.  I was trying to hold off on spending the $35 for an iMic adapter, but that may be the best answer.

In any case, there's still an issue with rig control.  I am trying to run RUMLog, but I seem to be having trouble getting it "talk" to the '990.  The software shows the '990 in the compatible rigs drop-down, but the best I can do is get it to key the rig continuously.  I'm sure this is something I'm missing, and I'm hoping someone can shed some light on this for me.

Incidentally, this set up worked FB when using it with my old Dell D610 laptop.  Of course, getting it that point wasn't without lumps of it's own...

I appreciate you all taking the time to read this, and I hope you may have some encouraging news for me in reply.

de Tony, W3FLH
73

(Also posting in the Digital Modes forum...)

Mike, I sure was glad to read your post - I thought I was going crazy!

I, too, heard that same CQ, and I had my TX set to 144.490, but still no reply.  Not sure why I couldn't get thru either, as I had him S8-S9 (full quieting)...certainly whet my appetite for more, though!!

de Tony, W3FLH
73

Phil,

You can't go wrong dealing with Gregg (WB8LGZ).  I purchased some very nice African Paduak pieces from him for my BY-1, and also had him custom-cut another piece for the base of my straightkey, and his communication and workmanship are both top-shelf!  It was really great to see him mentioned in CQ (be aware, he may be QUITE busy nowadays...), he really deserves that recognition.

I got the replacement fingerpieces for the same reason as you - mine were loose when I got the paddle.  Not so loose as to really interfere with the operation, just enough to make me consider something different.  I also contacted Bencher and ordered new lever arms for the fingerpieces (Bencher part #10004 - order each arm individually) so as to avoid having to drill out the old rivets, and to leave the originals intact in case I decided to move it along at a later date  (see my post here http://www.eham.net/forums/CompanyReviews/4985 ).

Good luck whichever way you go.

de Tony, W3FLH
73

KT4WO just gave some great advice.

That would be the only way that I've come across to scan individual bands on the '718.  And you get all the advantages of the computer interface to boot (digimodes, on-screen control of available features, etc.).  

de Tony, W3FLH
73

Just wanted to add my experience to the list...

I had a few exchanges with Joan at Bencher, trying to get an extra set of arms (only) for my BY-1.  We exchanged a few emails, to one of which she attached a .pdf of the parts list for the paddles (pretty handy to have at your disposal), and finally a phone call to place the order.  All-in-all, a very nice experience, Joan was great to deal with, even though it was a little hectic on her end, and I wouldn't hesitate to go back to them for anything I might need.

Thanks Joan/Bencher for great customer service, and even better products!

de Tony, W3FLH
73

Cary,

You definitely want to check the RF/SQL as previously mentioned.  That rig has a few options as to how to configure that knob; you'll need to access one of the menu functions to set it to your desired operating style (P.S.: It's not as simple as turning the knob CW/CCW).  Testing by plugging in an external speaker/headphones isn't a bad idea, either.

Consult your manual, or if need be, I can thumb thru mine and help you out.  BTW, I think the '718 is a great little rig for the money.

de Tony, W3FLH
73

Charlie,

Check out      www.w4rt.com     and look at the one-filter board he makes to do just that (go to the Main Page, then "ICOM Accessories", then "IC-718", then "...Dual Filter...").  It's clean, it's pre-engineered, and it's proven to work.  It may be a bit pricey, but it's probably the most straight-forward way to get it done.  Heck, he'll even install it for you, if you'd like...

BTW, let me know how it works out, I'm seriously considering doing it to my '718!

Good luck & Good DX!

de Tony, W3FLH
73

Bruce (N0PFE),

I checked Byron's site, and he lists the FT-990 specifically as one of the rigs he DOES NOT work on.  Did you contact him prior to sending it in, so he granted an "exception"?  I'd like to get mine serviced (some minor issues that annoy me), and am always keeping an ear open for a recommended tech.

de Tony, W3FLH
73

Unfortunately, on that particular rig, it's also the 60m mod...

I hope that you are performing this mod with altruistic intent:
They mean to drop a dab of solder across the two halves specified (on the "face" of the board, not the "solder" side).  It's a circle split down the middle; bridge the halves with the solder.  Be careful not to hold too much heat to the board while doing it, though.

I'm not familiar with the MARS/CAP mod, but I know that's the same procedure for slowing the tune-rate on that rig.

de Tony, W3FLH
73

WQ3T:
Stop it, Dave....you're scaring me!!!

Maybe in another week or so, if I'm not shaking too badly, I'll look you up for a sked! HI

de Tony, W3FLH
73

Thanks, Mike.  I thought that was how it worked, but I couldn't be positive.  I really appreciate your input.

FWIW, my code speed is coming along nicely, thanks to this software.  I actually found myself copying correctly on the keyboard last night without really "hearing" what was being sent; that's a first!  I've got the speed set at 26wpm, and the bars are getting lower every day...a little more practice and I'll have to get up the guts to go QRV!

Thanks again for replying.

de Tony, W3FLH
73

Hello all,

I just found Morse Machine software (see the hompage here  http://downloads.tech-pro.net/morse-machine_tpmm01.html  ) and I'm very impressed by it.  It gives good, instant feedback, and I seem to be coming along better than with other programs I've tried.  There's very little info I can find about the program, so I've got a question:  What do the bar-levels indicate?  I'm not sure if a higher level on the graph is a good or bad sign...

Other than that, it seems to be working well for me, mostly because I like the interaction and it keeps me coming back (the most important parameter, right?).

Thanks in advance for your replies.

de Tony, W3FLH
73