Brian
You mentioned the rig was Mars modded.? Was that done by the dealer (HRO, etc) or after the fact by someone else??? Reason I am asking is because on a few of those "how to" websites, its mentioned that vhf/uhf repeater access function may suffer after the mod.? Try accessing other local 2m or 440 repeaters.? If none work, try full reset. If still no luck, then........
Another quirk I learned with mine.? If you have the programming cable connected from the rig to a computer but the computer is off, you may lose repeater access.? Yaesu could never tell me why.
Cliff W3KKO
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On Thursday, June 20, 2019 sv.takara <FT-857@...> wrote:
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I have read all the replies and have indeed started to build a 2M Vertical Dipole.. So I ma not ruling out that it could be an antenna issue. However...
If a HT can hit a repeater 22 miles away with 1W in my shack, then in theory, the 857D with the same antenna attached should also be able to do this with 5W (minimum allowable power). Yes, the HT frame (not the human holding the radio as we absorb RF energy, not reflect it) is acting as the counterpoise to the antenna. So it goes to show that the frame of the 857D is greater in area than a HT. On top of that, I know that a cournterpoise is needed and I had one on when I was testing. Watt meter showed 4W output and SWR showed about 1.3:1. It is possible that a common mode current is building up and preventing me a clean signal.
The radio is showing TEN and when I key the mic, the repeater input of 146.13MHz is shown. So as for programming I believe all the parameters are correct. Some specifics...
Power is provided by a 12VDC 22AH AGM battery. SOC on the battery is 80+% on key down. So there is ample power available.
As far as antennas are concerned, I do have an ICOM IC-707 with HF antenna aboard my boat. it works fine. It is just a 35' wire with tuner and the appropriate ground both wire and seawater. I do understand antennas.
With that in mind, I must assume that the radio is not at fault. I shall concentrate on the antenna. It should be finished tomorrow. I will let you know how it turns out..
Thanks for everyone's comments.
Brian D
KF6BL
S/V Takara
