Re: Troubleshooting new build
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Jonathon,
I suspect it is the antenna, I have moved it from inside the apartment to out on the windowsill, but it's still not a prime location, it's only about 3 feet off the ground, 1st story window in a 2 story complex, surrounded by brick buildings. I have asked on my local club reflector for both an SWR meter to borrow and a 40 meter net, but no response as of yet. They will, great group of folks, I'm just, well, a 57 year old noob that's a bit impatient! I'm thinking of moving the antenna up to a second story window, and will get set up for calibration as well, as soon as I can get someone on a net.
As always, thanks for the guidance.
regards, Richard - W2KAP 
On Sat, Mar 18, 2017 at 11:13 AM, Jonathan Peakall <jpeakall@...> wrote:
Richard,
Most likely you aren't receiving anything due to your antenna
location. I take it that you are in an apartment or similar
situation. It may be coupling to local objects. Is there a lot of
noise? Try moving the antenna for one thing. Those antennas are a
compromise for when you can't get wire in the air and while much
better than nothing they aren't the best. When are you listening?
During the day you should find some signal in your area. It is
unlikely the receive section of your bitx isn't working but
possible.
I know disposible income is an issue, but a cheap SDR dongle would
let you see what your antenna is receiving, Or perhaps ask if
someone in your club has receiver you can borrow. Ask around for a
net on 40 that is active and listen at that time and frequency.
Remember the bitx may be off frequency until calibrated.
Good luck!
On 3/18/2017 7:44 AM, richard kappler wrote:
My BX is complete and running, I get sound from the
speaker/headphones, when I transmit I get measurable power out
to the antenna. I do not have a SWR meter at the moment, trying
to borrow one until I have some disposable income.
I have done all the checks called for in initial setup,
measured amperage, etc, all nominal.
I am receiving nothing but static and when I transmit I get
no responses. I figure it's one of two things:
1. Antenna improperly tuned (MFJ-1622 with a 33ft
counterpoise, coil shorted to #25, whip fully extended).
2. 40M is dead in my area. Trying to get in touch with
somebody in the local club to set up a test time, but so far
no responses.
Is there anything else I should do/adjust/test?
regards, Richard - W2KAP
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