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Re: Another newbie question - programming frequencies

 

I guess I was just commenting that you can store any frequency in memory via CHIRP. If the radio is receive-only on non-ham frequencies, it will still store it but for receive only. If you do the all-frequency transmit mod, it's your responsibility to not transmit on unauthorized frequencies. But there are uses for this mod. I have a couple VHF transverters that use oddball IF's outside a ham band. I can attenuate the transmit power to what is needed for the transverter.

73, Zack W9SZ


On Wed, Jul 7, 2021 at 9:39 AM Cameron McKay <cjmckay@...> wrote:
Eric, Zak et al (although I'm not sure who Stuart is)...

?
This legal situation is actually much more onerous than it appears on the surface - hence why my response included specific reference to the Act (an Australian legislative document found ) and the applicable clauses.? Even being in possession, especially if the rig was made capable of transmission on those frequencies (even if only programmed as 'receive only') would like be deemed as 'with intent to operate'. If the radio was found to be functional (and especially given that the question has been asked in a pseudo-public forum) then there would be little in the way of a 'defence' (I can think of one but I'm not placing it into the public domain).? This is a specific issue I have asked our National Representative Body to have addressed in future revisions of the legislative instruments.

73,

Cameron

----- Original Message -----

To:
<[email protected]>
Cc:

Sent:
Wed, 7 Jul 2021 14:18:44 +1000
Subject:
Re: [FT-857] Another newbie question - programming frequencies


Hi Zack,

?

Agreed, however, Stewart was also mentioning about transmitting using the radio hence Compton¡¯s, and my, comments about its none type approval here in Australia. One of the requirements for type approval here for non amateur band equipment is that it not be programmable, on transmit, from the front panel.

?

73¡­.Eric VK2VE.

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Zack Widup
Sent: Wednesday, 7 July 2021 13:33
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [FT-857] Another newbie question - programming frequencies

?

Yes, but if he wants to listen to various frequencies? without having to tune to them each time, the rig will accept any frequency in its range for receive only. I am never going to transmit on LF NDB frequencies or AM BCB frequencies, but I have quite a few of those programmed into the radio with CHIRP.

?

73, Zack W9SZ

?

On Tue, Jul 6, 2021 at 9:24 PM Compton <comptonallen@...> wrote:

Although technically possible your amateur rig, FT 857, will never be permitted to Tx on those commercial frequencies, sorry, you will need a commercially approved radio.

--
Compton
VK2HRX
Sydney, Australia



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Re: Another newbie question - programming frequencies

 

Eric, Zak et al (although I'm not sure who Stuart is)...

?
This legal situation is actually much more onerous than it appears on the surface - hence why my response included specific reference to the Act (an Australian legislative document found https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2021C00046) and the applicable clauses.? Even being in possession, especially if the rig was made capable of transmission on those frequencies (even if only programmed as 'receive only') would like be deemed as 'with intent to operate'. If the radio was found to be functional (and especially given that the question has been asked in a pseudo-public forum) then there would be little in the way of a 'defence' (I can think of one but I'm not placing it into the public domain).? This is a specific issue I have asked our National Representative Body to have addressed in future revisions of the legislative instruments.

73,

Cameron


----- Original Message -----

To:
<[email protected]>
Cc:

Sent:
Wed, 7 Jul 2021 14:18:44 +1000
Subject:
Re: [FT-857] Another newbie question - programming frequencies


Hi Zack,

?

Agreed, however, Stewart was also mentioning about transmitting using the radio hence Compton¡¯s, and my, comments about its none type approval here in Australia. One of the requirements for type approval here for non amateur band equipment is that it not be programmable, on transmit, from the front panel.

?

73¡­.Eric VK2VE.

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Zack Widup
Sent: Wednesday, 7 July 2021 13:33
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [FT-857] Another newbie question - programming frequencies

?

Yes, but if he wants to listen to various frequencies? without having to tune to them each time, the rig will accept any frequency in its range for receive only. I am never going to transmit on LF NDB frequencies or AM BCB frequencies, but I have quite a few of those programmed into the radio with CHIRP.

?

73, Zack W9SZ

?

On Tue, Jul 6, 2021 at 9:24 PM Compton <comptonallen@...> wrote:

Although technically possible your amateur rig, FT 857, will never be permitted to Tx on those commercial frequencies, sorry, you will need a commercially approved radio.

--
Compton
VK2HRX
Sydney, Australia



This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.


Re: FT-857 power connector

 

I don't understand how the plug that came with the FT857 and two others on cables I have purchased elsewhere can all have faults. As I mentioned, all these plugs fit just fine on the FT897D and the Kenwood TS850SAT I have but none of them fully seat in the connector on the FT857D. I would have to assume a fault with the FT857D connector. I don't know what the problem is, though.

What I ended up doing was unsoldering the power cable inside the FT857D and replacing it with another 3 foot length of # 12 gauge cable pair (with red and black insulation). I did this because, if I choose to sell the radio at some time, I want to be able to restore it to its original state as I got it. I put an automotive fuse holder with a 30A fuse in each lead. I put an Anderson Powerpole on the other end (which is what I wanted in the first place). It works fine. Voltage drop displayed by the radio is about 0.2 volts under hard key-down under full power. This is acceptable to me.

It was recommended that I do not use a soldering gun with a loop-type heating element because it produces magnetic fields that could affect components in the radio. I have a Weller GT soldering gun that does not produce magnetic fields. It is a 150W soldering gun with a ceramic type heating element. I have used it to solder pipe cap filters onto pc boards.

73, Zack W9SZ


On Tue, Jul 6, 2021 at 1:10 PM VA7OTC John Erskine <va7otc@...> wrote:
On 2021-06-27 07:13, Zack Widup wrote:
> I own both an FT897D and an FT857D.? I have three power plugs that are
> supposed to be for the connectors on the FT897 and 857. All three work
> perfectly well on my FT897. However, none of the three will fully seat
> on the connector that is on the wire on the FT857. I have a hard time
> plugging any of them in on the FT857. Have any of you encountered
> this? I haven't been able to figure out WHY the connectors won't fully
> seat on the FT857 connector.
>
> 73, Zack W9SZ

Hullo Zack,

Most interesting. I've read the suggestions posted thus far.

A thought, simply because a connector works on the FT-897 you have, and
works with one doesn't mean that it hasn't adjusted itself. It may not
be the functional standard there. <g>

Have you more samples of this type to try it with, friends or locals
perhaps?

I have the FT-857D and there is a fine match between it's connector, the
stock one for my Kenwood TS-440Sat, and the spare I bought for the
latter for mobile installation back in the day. All will fit either
radio, and power it.

All I can offer for the moment.

73, John
--
J. D. Erskine
VA7OTC/VA7RCN
Victoria,? BC
Re: Another newbie question - programming frequencies

 

Thanks everyone. There is no value in me doing this if I can't transmit and receive on those frequencies.
I understood that in an "emergency" situation (which in reality is the only time I would do this) all the normal constraints like type approval went out the window?
Re: Another newbie question - programming frequencies

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Hi Zack,

?

Agreed, however, Stewart was also mentioning about transmitting using the radio hence Compton¡¯s, and my, comments about its none type approval here in Australia. One of the requirements for type approval here for non amateur band equipment is that it not be programmable, on transmit, from the front panel.

?

73¡­.Eric VK2VE.

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Zack Widup
Sent: Wednesday, 7 July 2021 13:33
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [FT-857] Another newbie question - programming frequencies

?

Yes, but if he wants to listen to various frequencies? without having to tune to them each time, the rig will accept any frequency in its range for receive only. I am never going to transmit on LF NDB frequencies or AM BCB frequencies, but I have quite a few of those programmed into the radio with CHIRP.

?

73, Zack W9SZ

?

On Tue, Jul 6, 2021 at 9:24 PM Compton <comptonallen@...> wrote:

Although technically possible your amateur rig, FT 857, will never be permitted to Tx on those commercial frequencies, sorry, you will need a commercially approved radio.

--
Compton
VK2HRX
Sydney, Australia



This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.


Re: Another newbie question - programming frequencies

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Hi Stewart,

?

Although you can program in any frequency to receive, you may not use the radio to transmit as it is not a type approved radio for transmitting outside the Amateur bands in Australia.

?

73¡­.Eric VK2VE.

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of vk2dhv@...
Sent: Wednesday, 7 July 2021 10:45
To: [email protected]
Subject: [FT-857] Another newbie question - programming frequencies

?

Is it possible to program non HAM frequencies into an 857 using something like CHIRP?

In Australia we have HF networks which cater for remote area 4WD travel. They license frequencies off the regulators for club members to use.

An example is??which uses 3890.5, 11487, 7899, etc.

If it is technically possible to access those frequencies from an 857 (once the legalities have been sorted), that avoids the need to carry a (heavy and bulky) second radio.

Thanks.



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Re: Another newbie question - programming frequencies

 

David,

The specific answer to your question is YES however...

I'd (strongly) suggest the 'legalities' can not be sorted as you are suggesting.

Have a good read of the Radiocommunications Act in particular Clauses 46-48 and Clauses 157- 161 (FYI - your FT-857 is a non-standard device).

Regards,

Cameron - VK2RA/VK2CKP/KX4BS




----- Original Message -----

To:
<[email protected]>
Cc:

Sent:
Tue, 06 Jul 2021 17:44:50 -0700
Subject:
[FT-857] Another newbie question - programming frequencies


Is it possible to program non HAM frequencies into an 857 using something like CHIRP?

In Australia we have HF networks which cater for remote area 4WD travel. They license frequencies off the regulators for club members to use.

An example is??which uses 3890.5, 11487, 7899, etc.

If it is technically possible to access those frequencies from an 857 (once the legalities have been sorted), that avoids the need to carry a (heavy and bulky) second radio.

Thanks.

Re: Another newbie question - programming frequencies

 

Yes, but if he wants to listen to various frequencies? without having to tune to them each time, the rig will accept any frequency in its range for receive only. I am never going to transmit on LF NDB frequencies or AM BCB frequencies, but I have quite a few of those programmed into the radio with CHIRP.

73, Zack W9SZ


On Tue, Jul 6, 2021 at 9:24 PM Compton <comptonallen@...> wrote:
Although technically possible your amateur rig, FT 857, will never be permitted to Tx on those commercial frequencies, sorry, you will need a commercially approved radio.

--
Compton
VK2HRX
Sydney, Australia

Re: Another newbie question - programming frequencies

 

Although technically possible your amateur rig, FT 857, will never be permitted to Tx on those commercial frequencies, sorry, you will need a commercially approved radio.

--
Compton
VK2HRX
Sydney, Australia
Re: Another newbie question - programming frequencies

 

Yes, I have all sorts of frequencies programmed into mine via CHIRP. LF NDB's, broadcast band, various shortwave stations, the local NOAA weather on 162.55 MHz, etc. They all work fine.

73, Zack W9SZ


On Tue, Jul 6, 2021 at 7:45 PM <vk2dhv@...> wrote:
Is it possible to program non HAM frequencies into an 857 using something like CHIRP?

In Australia we have HF networks which cater for remote area 4WD travel. They license frequencies off the regulators for club members to use.

An example is??which uses 3890.5, 11487, 7899, etc.

If it is technically possible to access those frequencies from an 857 (once the legalities have been sorted), that avoids the need to carry a (heavy and bulky) second radio.

Thanks.

Re: Another newbie question - programming frequencies

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

You can certainly program those frequencies, although it will not transmit o nthose without a modification to open up the transmit.? Just program them like a regular frequency as it has 500 Khz to 30 MHZ continuous receive

vk2dhv@... wrote on 7/6/2021 17:44:

Is it possible to program non HAM frequencies into an 857 using something like CHIRP?

In Australia we have HF networks which cater for remote area 4WD travel. They license frequencies off the regulators for club members to use.

An example is??which uses 3890.5, 11487, 7899, etc.

If it is technically possible to access those frequencies from an 857 (once the legalities have been sorted), that avoids the need to carry a (heavy and bulky) second radio.

Thanks.

--
Jeff K. Steinkamp (N7YG)
Tucson, AZ
Scud Missile Coordinates
N32.2319 W110.8477

Another newbie question - programming frequencies

 

Is it possible to program non HAM frequencies into an 857 using something like CHIRP?

In Australia we have HF networks which cater for remote area 4WD travel. They license frequencies off the regulators for club members to use.

An example is??which uses 3890.5, 11487, 7899, etc.

If it is technically possible to access those frequencies from an 857 (once the legalities have been sorted), that avoids the need to carry a (heavy and bulky) second radio.

Thanks.
Re: FT-857 power connector

 

On 2021-06-27 07:13, Zack Widup wrote:
I own both an FT897D and an FT857D. I have three power plugs that are
supposed to be for the connectors on the FT897 and 857. All three work
perfectly well on my FT897. However, none of the three will fully seat
on the connector that is on the wire on the FT857. I have a hard time
plugging any of them in on the FT857. Have any of you encountered
this? I haven't been able to figure out WHY the connectors won't fully
seat on the FT857 connector.
73, Zack W9SZ
Hullo Zack,

Most interesting. I've read the suggestions posted thus far.

A thought, simply because a connector works on the FT-897 you have, and works with one doesn't mean that it hasn't adjusted itself. It may not be the functional standard there. <g>

Have you more samples of this type to try it with, friends or locals perhaps?

I have the FT-857D and there is a fine match between it's connector, the stock one for my Kenwood TS-440Sat, and the spare I bought for the latter for mobile installation back in the day. All will fit either radio, and power it.

All I can offer for the moment.

73, John
--
J. D. Erskine
VA7OTC/VA7RCN
Victoria, BC
flashing screen

 

A couple of times my FT-897 flashes the frequency and mode portion of the screen.? If I power off and on, it clears.? The frequency displayed is a random HF frequency.

This has happened when I was starting up JTAlert and turning on radio at same time

73 Steve VE5SR
Re: Spurious transmission on 6m

 

I have opened the unit, and re-tightened all the bolts that hold the PCB's
Most seemed OK, but some could be turned a little.
Tested it, and until now (2 days) I haven't seen the fault re-appearing, while before it was almost permanent on 6m.
So it seems to do the trick.

I tried to understand what happened. I can't believe that the screws are actually too loose. I noticed they are (probably) zinc plated. I guess that over time some oxyde layer develops,causing high impedance at certain positions. Moving the screws a bit (losing and re-tightening) will probably damage the oxydelayer enough to lower the impedance to within tolerances to avoid oscillation.
Another explanation can be oxydation in the tapped holes in the alumin(i)um frame they are connected to?

The solution may be temporary, will keep an eye on it.

73
Peter/PA3FQH
Re: Spurious transmission on 6m

 

I experienced a similar situation where the ALC display would max out on 6m when operating digital modes and the supply voltage displayed on the rig would drop to approx 9 volts, but the voltage displayed on the power supply was normal (13.8).? I didn't think to switch the power supply meter to show current.

It looks like I might have experienced a similar, if not the same issue.

I searched the group for "ALC maxing out" and similar terms but didn't find anything relevant so gave up and?swapped the rig out with an FT100D that was in my mobile so I didn't ever get to the bottom of the issue.

I'll pull the covers off the 857 again and check the contacts on the mounting screws etc.

Thanks for this info.
--

73
Rob
VE3RXH
Re: Spurious transmission on 6m

 

Thanks all,

Will give it a try next week. I will post results when done

73
Peter/PA3FQH
Re: Spurious transmission on 6m

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

I remember this issue coming up on the group from time to time, over the years.? So far as I remember, it's usually caused by a loose screw holding the PCB to the chassis which isn't making good electrical contact.

???? Good luck,

????????????? cheers,

??????????????????????? Darrel, aa7fv.

On 6/28/2021 07:07, David wrote:

It is known that the 857 tents to have spurious oscillations once in a while. I think it is a feedback from the filters into the first stages of the RF generation.
What I suggest is:
?- remove top and bottom enclosure
?- clean all mating surfaces, I use sandpaper
?- I add thin 1 mm gaskets (foam over fabric) to improve contacts
?- check all screws that hold the board down.
?- close the unit, add the four screws from mounting into a car. Be careful not to use too long screws
?- I also add ferrite loaded elastomer on the inside of the enclosure on the RF power amp side. I do not know if this helps and is needed.

Overall, I think very good contact of the PCB to the frame and the lids to the frame are needed.
Last time when I had oscillations I found that I had forgotten to add a screw to the lid

David?? OE6NZM / AD0PY / DL7ZM

On Mon, Jun 28, 2021 at 3:59 PM Peter Van Baarle <petervanbaarle@...> wrote:

Hello All,

Since a couple of days I have an annoying problem when operating 6m,
I have the power output limited to 30W, but sometimes I see the A-meter of my PSU going all the way up while transmitting. Power output and ALC go to max, no matter what, even without modulation. This happens on all modes.
I checked with a spectrum analyzer, and found out that when this happens, it outputs a high signal on around 47MHz, and nothing on the expected frequency. This happens irregularly, sometimes it is ok for hours, and suddenly it's not, for a couple of transmissions. Often it resets after a few transmissions.
I believe I have seen it on other HF bands as well, but recently I have only been able to replicate it on 6m. In any case, it seems to happen more frequently on 6m.

It looks like some oscillation is going on in the unit, causing maximum output on a wrong frequency?

I removed all the input and output connections (except the antenna and mike), but this does not change the behaviour. My antenna is reasonably well adjusted, VSWR <1,5. I haven't checked it with a dummy load yet, will do that later.

Does anybody recognizes this?

73
Peter/PA3FQH
Re: FT-857 power connector

 

One has to wonder why the connector is made and broken apart so much that this wear takes place. Andersons were installed at the opposite end so that there was minimal need to make and break the original connector. In my vehicle, there is a heavy power lead with Andersons on the end, want the rig in the car, pull apart the shack Andersons, connect to the car Andersons, simple.

That "Molex" type connector on the 857 can be a bit of a PIA to disconnect but not near as a PIA as the one on the FTdx3000.

John
VE7KKQ


On Mon, Jun 28, 2021 at 6:59 AM Daniel <dleach4512@...> wrote:

Howdy!

I've got an 857d, and the connector on the radio side of my power plug had a similar issue; turns out that the metal pins inside the plastic connector weren't fully seated because they'd worn into the plastic and didn't allow for a solid connection.?
I cut the 'molex' connector off, installed an Anderson Power Pole connector using the ARES standard, and haven't had any issues with power connections since.
I've also been using APP connectors for more than a decade on various other DC powered equipment in my vehicle, office, and shop without any issues.

If you want to go the 'long route', you could check/verify the issue is the pins in the power connector (again, radio side, not the power connector side that connects to other radios fine), and just replace the external section of the molex plug. If you do this, i'd urge you to spend the money to buy the better quality one so you don't have this issue again.

73, de KI4WIN
Re: Spurious transmission on 6m

 

I seem to recall that one way to do something about this is to open up the rig, then clean all the grounding points for the circuit boards, tighten all the screws securing the cct boards or improve them, this was an issue many years ago.
Interesting that these old issues with power cords, interfacing and oscillations are resurfacing.
I haven't searched Google yet, but I wonder if some of the websites detailing these issues are still up and running.

John
VE7KKQ


On Mon, Jun 28, 2021 at 6:59 AM Peter Van Baarle <petervanbaarle@...> wrote:

Hello All,

Since a couple of days I have an annoying problem when operating 6m,
I have the power output limited to 30W, but sometimes I see the A-meter of my PSU going all the way up while transmitting. Power output and ALC go to max, no matter what, even without modulation. This happens on all modes.
I checked with a spectrum analyzer, and found out that when this happens, it outputs a high signal on around 47MHz, and nothing on the expected frequency. This happens irregularly, sometimes it is ok for hours, and suddenly it's not, for a couple of transmissions. Often it resets after a few transmissions.
I believe I have seen it on other HF bands as well, but recently I have only been able to replicate it on 6m. In any case, it seems to happen more frequently on 6m.

It looks like some oscillation is going on in the unit, causing maximum output on a wrong frequency?

I removed all the input and output connections (except the antenna and mike), but this does not change the behaviour. My antenna is reasonably well adjusted, VSWR <1,5. I haven't checked it with a dummy load yet, will do that later.

Does anybody recognizes this?

73
Peter/PA3FQH
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