If you have a HF antenna connected, try it on the VHF side. It actually should work surprisingly well. Also have your HT on the input frequency to make sure your signal makes it out.?
Buzz
KD4CXI
On Thursday, June 20, 2019, 20:24, 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
