I've gotten into the habit of long pressing the Z817 at every band change. Not sure how or if it matches automatically. Am I missing a key point in operation?
Mike WA1MAD
On Oct 9, 2024 5:40 PM, Al WB9UVJ <markaren1@...> wrote: Allan,
I have the Z11 which is the predecessor to the Z817.? I had to add an accessory from W4RT called the One Touch Tune to allow me to key and tune from the radio.?
?
The tuner has a couple of thousand memories and once a tuning setup has been stored, the tuner will go back to that one once it senses the frequency.? When setting the baud rate, you change the CAT function (#14) baud rate, not one of the other settings.? You have to press and hold the F key to store the new setting.? If you have the right cable, it will only fit in the ACC port on the back of the radio.? Be sure that the tuner is not in the "Bypass" mode and then operate as outlined in the manual.? The tuner will key the transmitter for a full tune up cycle as shown in the manual.? You can find the manual on the DX Engineering site.
--
Al Skierkiewicz
WB9UVJ
|
Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
On Mon, Oct 7, 2024 at 11:05 PM, James Todd wrote:
Way back in the day, I knew a fellow who used the space for a memory keyer, CW filter, and something else. ?He had to use external batteries anyway, so that saved some space for other things. With SMD s and tiny relays, there might be enough space in there for an antenna, tuner.?
I've used it for carrying antenna wire, 7m or so for a fishing rod vertical antenna and a few
meters of wire for a radial, spare fuses, and a pack of chewing gum for when my bottle(s) of water run
out down the beach, just to give my mouth some livation.
?
Maybe we should have a discussion about what else the cell compartment could be used for ?
?
Simple first aid kit ?
Ham license paperwork / bandplans ?
Small note pad and pen for logging / QSO notes ?
Earbuds ?
Emergency ciggerettes and lighter for when out DXPEDITION goes sour and stranded on a desert island ;-)
Mini torch / flashlight / gas lighter ?
Candy ?
Condoms ? (OK JUST JOKING!!)
?
73 de Andy
?
|
Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
On Tue, Oct 8, 2024 at 11:00 PM, Joseph Wonoski wrote:
The Power Sonic one sitting in front of me as I type has the information printed directly on the case.
Standby use 13.6 V
Cyclic use 14.4 - 15.0 V
Initial current limit 2.1 A
?
Just for reference, initial current limit is NOT the safe limit.
?
It only specifies what the pack initially draws from a deep discharge.
?
If the initial current limit is greater than 1/10th cell capacity then you
screw your pack :-(
?
Repeat -?
?
If the initial current limit is greater than 1/10th cell capacity then you
screw your pack :-(
No way in hell would I let any pack of mine go beyone that, I proved that the
hard way of course.
?
73 de Andy
?
?
|
Allan,
I have the Z11 which is the predecessor to the Z817.? I had to add an accessory from W4RT called the One Touch Tune to allow me to key and tune from the radio.?
?
The tuner has a couple of thousand memories and once a tuning setup has been stored, the tuner will go back to that one once it senses the frequency.? When setting the baud rate, you change the CAT function (#14) baud rate, not one of the other settings.? You have to press and hold the F key to store the new setting.? If you have the right cable, it will only fit in the ACC port on the back of the radio.? Be sure that the tuner is not in the "Bypass" mode and then operate as outlined in the manual.? The tuner will key the transmitter for a full tune up cycle as shown in the manual.? You can find the manual on the DX Engineering site.
--
Al Skierkiewicz
WB9UVJ
|
Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
On Wed, Oct 9, 2024 at 10:27 AM, Mike EI9FEB wrote:
PS / Alarm / Security / Emergency light gel packs are the worse as the assumption is that they are not regularly deep discharged. One or two deep discharges destroys them.
These devices do destroy gel cells that have been discharged, but there's two
ESSENTIAL conditions here that need to be understood as to why.
?
1 - A too deep discharge below about 10.5v without them being re-charged
is the killer. Assumes something like a 12v gel cell.
?
and
?
2 - The crappy inbuilt chargers dont have the current limiting, and the gel cell gets
a what of maybe 1.5 - 2 amps before settling down after about an hour or two.
?
It's too much for the batery chemistry to survive, and should ALWAYS be limited to
1/10th of pack capacity. All it needs is a current limiting resistor, and my experience
of things like UPS's and emergency lights etc has shown that they never bother
to include this vital but utterly essential component.
?
Please please re-read my advice ;-)
?
If you don't observe thes rules then you kill the pack, simple.
?
73 de Andy
?
?
|
Me too. Thanks a very popular tuner
Mike WA1MAD
On Oct 9, 2024 5:05 PM, "Ron Wright via groups.io" <lt_wright_flg@...> wrote:
I have a z817 I use with my ft817. I have to use the tune button on the tuner to force tuning. It forces the rig to put out power and tune. No command from the rig. Works great?
73 Ron n9ee?
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 4:50 PM, Ken N2VIP <ken@...> wrote: This is a current product, have you tried to contact LDG? Ken, N2VIP On Oct 9, 2024, at 14:58, Allan Forster <allanforster1955@...> wrote:
? I have a Z817 tuner, I bought it 2nd hand, it came with the control cable but I do not believe it is the original cable.
My FT-818 will not work with the tuner, it does not change mode and power and so the tune cycle fails. ?The Baud rate is set correctly.
The tuner works fine without the cable I.e. manually sending a carrier to tune.
I do not know what is at fault, the cable, the ATU or the FT-818
?
Is there anything special with the original LDG cable?
?
Any thoughts?
?
Thanks
?
Allan G4NNJ
|
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Wed, Oct 9, 2024, 3:58?PM Allan Forster via <allanforster1955= [email protected]> wrote: I have a Z817 tuner, I bought it 2nd hand, it came with the control cable but I do not believe it is the original cable.
My FT-818 will not work with the tuner, it does not change mode and power and so the tune cycle fails.? The Baud rate is set correctly.
The tuner works fine without the cable I.e. manually sending a carrier to tune.
I do not know what is at fault, the cable, the ATU or the FT-818
?
Is there anything special with the original LDG cable?
?
Any thoughts?
?
Thanks
?
Allan G4NNJ
|
I have a z817 I use with my ft817. I have to use the tune button on the tuner to force tuning. It forces the rig to put out power and tune. No command from the rig. Works great?
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 4:50 PM, Ken N2VIP <ken@...> wrote: This is a current product, have you tried to contact LDG? Ken, N2VIP On Oct 9, 2024, at 14:58, Allan Forster <allanforster1955@...> wrote:
? I have a Z817 tuner, I bought it 2nd hand, it came with the control cable but I do not believe it is the original cable.
My FT-818 will not work with the tuner, it does not change mode and power and so the tune cycle fails. ?The Baud rate is set correctly.
The tuner works fine without the cable I.e. manually sending a carrier to tune.
I do not know what is at fault, the cable, the ATU or the FT-818
?
Is there anything special with the original LDG cable?
?
Any thoughts?
?
Thanks
?
Allan G4NNJ
|
This is a current product, have you tried to contact LDG?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Oct 9, 2024, at 14:58, Allan Forster <allanforster1955@...> wrote:
? I have a Z817 tuner, I bought it 2nd hand, it came with the control cable but I do not believe it is the original cable.
My FT-818 will not work with the tuner, it does not change mode and power and so the tune cycle fails. ?The Baud rate is set correctly.
The tuner works fine without the cable I.e. manually sending a carrier to tune.
I do not know what is at fault, the cable, the ATU or the FT-818
?
Is there anything special with the original LDG cable?
?
Any thoughts?
?
Thanks
?
Allan G4NNJ
|
I have a Z817 tuner, I bought it 2nd hand, it came with the control cable but I do not believe it is the original cable.
My FT-818 will not work with the tuner, it does not change mode and power and so the tune cycle fails. ?The Baud rate is set correctly.
The tuner works fine without the cable I.e. manually sending a carrier to tune.
I do not know what is at fault, the cable, the ATU or the FT-818
?
Is there anything special with the original LDG cable?
?
Any thoughts?
?
Thanks
?
Allan G4NNJ
|
Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
But alarm/security gel packs I assume you mean used ones that have been in float for long periods of time.
On Wed, Oct 9, 2024 at 5:27 AM, Mike EI9FEB <ei9feb@...> wrote: Making up a NiMH pack without the tray (file / sand a corner and solder) fits fine with any model of NIMH. Avoid ones claimed to be 2700 mAH or higher unless you know they are good. I've had to replace nominal 12V packs in test gear that used spot welded AA cells.
UPS / Alarm / Security / Emergency light gel packs are the worse as the assumption is that they are not regularly deep discharged. One or two deep discharges destroys them.
The internal battery compartment is a feature and no worse than any handheld CB using NiMH and maybe 5x better run time than 1970s AA NiCd cells (2500 mAH vs 450 to 500 mAH)
|
Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
Making up a NiMH pack without the tray (file / sand a corner and solder) fits fine with any model of NIMH. Avoid ones claimed to be 2700 mAH or higher unless you know they are good. I've had to replace nominal 12V packs in test gear that used spot welded AA cells.
UPS / Alarm / Security / Emergency light gel packs are the worse as the assumption is that they are not regularly deep discharged. One or two deep discharges destroys them.
The internal battery compartment is a feature and no worse than any handheld CB using NiMH and maybe 5x better run time than 1970s AA NiCd cells (2500 mAH vs 450 to 500 mAH)
|
Re: nothing special about a twinlead dipole
Yes, common on domestic VHF-FM radios, though they may have a 300 ohm input or a 75 balun. The only small innovation/variation on this (as with G5RV) is using a specific length of twin as a matching stub, though I'm not convinced that an air core balun for 40 m at the drive point and coax isn't better. I've also used CRT LOPT core with coax wound on it at the feed of a random wire.
Also low loss twin of any impedance is plastic spacers (width depends on diameter of wire) and a pair of wires. Also if you want to use a tuner (match box), then that works best with no twin feed, put it at the feed point, and then the important thing is avoiding a half-wave (or maybe full wave) as most tuners can't match that.
|
Re: author of an article assigns all rights to the ARRL
That's a draconian theft of Intellectual property unless the Author still has all rights and the ARRL is simply getting non-exclusive publishing rights.
|
Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
In my view, the internal battery storage compartment is superior to the alternative, which is some kind of proprietary backpack style lipo.
I find that the FT817/FT818 internal battery storage is much more flexible and diy friendly than alternatives in the amateur radio world.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mon, Oct 7, 2024 at 05:02 PM, Joseph Wonoski wrote: Although I remain a
Yaesu fan, I view the internal battery compartment feature as a fundamental
failure along with the internal charging control. I use the space for spare
fuses and such.? ?FWIW, JMHO, YMMV, etc.
Joe N1KHB?
Sent from AOL on Android
On Mon, Oct 7, 2024 at 4:46 PM, G0FTD via
groups.io<andyfoad@...> wrote: On Sun, Oct 6, 2024 at
10:17 PM, Andy GD1MIP wrote:
Thanks all, I have reverted to the dry cell tray and some NiMH AA cells whilst
I ponder my options.
Just another small note.?Just about all rechargable cells like AA type are
over size physically.?Bulging battery compartment syndrome etc.?ENELOOP
cells use the correct dimensions as well as having a VERY low self
dischargerate. You can leave them for months when charged, unlike NiCd / other
NiMH chemistrytypes that goes dead after a few months, and do not
recover.?Sure, you can charge the older type, terminal voltage can be reached
and your whizzbangcharger says ready to go. Un oh, nope. Now try pulling some
current out of them and therig will switch off.?The other bugbear of using
the internal empty cell case is terminal resistance.?Keep this contacts clean
on the cells / springs otherwise it's like having a pack witha high internal
resistance that limits the current.?Try to run 5w output and again the rig
shuts off, grr.?That's why I keep going back to a simple ?15? external 7ah
gel cell for /P ops.?73 de Andy?
|
Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
Except that 13 volts is too low for cyclic use. The lower voltage is intended for standby use. At least another volt higher will get you a fuller charge.? Each manufacturer has their own max charging current spec. The Power Sonic one sitting in front of me as I type has the information printed directly on the case. Standby use 13.6 V Cyclic use 14.4 - 15.0 V Initial current limit 2.1 A ? ?I personally use 14.4 V. Charging current normally doesn't reach the max spec unless I've discharged deeper than usual. I once saw a brand specs at 1.8 A, but that was years ago of some namea I don't recollect. Been using these things for decades counting work applications. That's what has always worked well.
Joe N1KHB?
On Tue, Oct 8, 2024 at 4:26 PM, G0FTD via groups.io <andyfoad@...> wrote: On Mon, Oct 7, 2024 at 10:02 PM, Joseph Wonoski wrote:
? Although I remain a Yaesu fan, I view the internal battery compartment feature as a fundamental failure along with the internal charging control. I use the space for spare fuses and such.
Hi Joe,
?
I agree it was a failure.
?
I wanted to use the space for 18650's, but it was a millimeter too small in each dimension.
?
But Martin admin says he's printed a cell pack and got it working.
?
I wonder if it's down to the cell protection that adds the extra length that spoils it.
?
Non protected cells are a tiny bit shorter.
?
Just a few extra millimeters in the cell pack area would have made all the difference, grrr.
?
But that has to be tempered with the fact that these 18650's are only really 2500-3000mah
max, so I guess even if we could have fitted them then operating time was at least in
my opinion just a bit too short for my liking, so it was back to a 7ah gel cell.
?
Cheap, easy to charge , just supply with 13v current limited to about 700ma as we have both agreed.
?
73 de Andy
?
?
|
Thanks Ken. Good insight.
Mike WA1MAD
On Oct 8, 2024 3:41 PM, Ken N2VIP <ken@...> wrote: I don't think the issue is that the boards are "prone to fail" instead I think it's a matter the use case of taking the radio in the field, rigging up temporary/compromise antennas, then Mr. Murphy shows up...
A PA board failure renders a radio useless, and with the FT -817 it's replacement is fairly easily made for a reasonable cost.
Also, with the phenomenal # of FT-8-7/717nd/818 radios in the field, the number of failures may be high compared to other radios, but proportionately the same as other radios. Ken, N2VIP On Oct 8, 2024, at 13:33, Michael Davis via groups.io <maddmd818@...> wrote:
? Thanks Ron. I wonder why the PAs fail. Hi SWR? Shorted coax? I read about the FETs going into self oscillation if internal battery is left in place. I also think I read that ND and 818 are better protected. Mine is new to me, non ND, almost brand new from an estate/SK? I'm using the LDG Z817 to minimize risk. Now to decide if I should get a PA board as a spare before they are gone. 73
Mike WA1MAD On Oct 8, 2024 2:05 PM, "Ron Wright via groups.io" <lt_wright_flg@...> wrote: I have replaced my 2004 FT817 PA twice.? Ordered the board from Yaesu and installed it.
I am EE and have done a lot of electronics although in work relied on techs to handly most of that.? Seems many dont like giving tools to EEs, but I have done most at home.
Replacing the PA is some what simple.? Do need to unsolder the old board and install including soldering the input and output coaxes to the board.? Then there is an alignment where you connect an Amp meter in the power line and adjust 2 pots, one for each PA transistor.? You will need a multi meter. There are good instructions on some of the FT817/8 boards.?
Dont be afraid of doing this.? Not like small surface mounted ICs.? Everything is rather large and easy to solder.
73, ron, n9ee/r Ron Wright, N9EE/R Hernando Co ARES EC
Spring Hill, Florida also n9ee55@...
On Monday, October 7, 2024 at 08:08:14 PM EDT, Ken N2VIP <ken@...> wrote:
That's great, thanks for sharing your success with us. I suspect you're right about saying it was for an FT-817.
Glad she's up and running, enjoy! Ken, N2VIP On Oct 7, 2024, at 18:59, Tech Guy <tech48055@...> wrote:
? It was easy. Desolder two small coax cables, power jumper, ground jumper and other ground. Tack solder a wire to the pad the positive jumper connected to and put a milliamp meter in line. Set the radio to 1.8 Mhz CW. I used a dummy load. Press ptt and adjust the pot on the right to about 42 ma when ptt pressed. Move to the left pot and adjust to about 82ma. Remove the wire and put the positive jumper back. I did add sone heatsink compound to the board before I screwed it to the heatsink. Look at the videos mentioned for details. I used to do tv repair years ago. This is much easier than pulling the smt fets that I couldn’t find anyway. Just be careful with heat and touching other pads or parts.
|
Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
Thanks Andy, I've ordered the Windcamp battery, door kit a few days ago and today on Prime day, ordered 4,18650 batteries, a 3 cell holder and charger. My "plan" is to incorporate the 3 batteries and holder into the compartment, with a Powerpole cord to plug into the Windcanp power adapter. Now I may be a bit low on voltage, at 11.1vdc. but it may work. Just playing around with ideas.?
Mike WA1MAD
On Oct 8, 2024 4:26 PM, "G0FTD via groups.io" <andyfoad@...> wrote: On Mon, Oct 7, 2024 at 10:02 PM, Joseph Wonoski wrote:
? Although I remain a Yaesu fan, I view the internal battery compartment feature as a fundamental failure along with the internal charging control. I use the space for spare fuses and such.
Hi Joe,
?
I agree it was a failure.
?
I wanted to use the space for 18650's, but it was a millimeter too small in each dimension.
?
But Martin admin says he's printed a cell pack and got it working.
?
I wonder if it's down to the cell protection that adds the extra length that spoils it.
?
Non protected cells are a tiny bit shorter.
?
Just a few extra millimeters in the cell pack area would have made all the difference, grrr.
?
But that has to be tempered with the fact that these 18650's are only really 2500-3000mah
max, so I guess even if we could have fitted them then operating time was at least in
my opinion just a bit too short for my liking, so it was back to a 7ah gel cell.
?
Cheap, easy to charge , just supply with 13v current limited to about 700ma as we have both agreed.
?
73 de Andy
?
?
|
Re: Internal battery FT-817ND
On Mon, Oct 7, 2024 at 10:02 PM, Joseph Wonoski wrote:
? Although I remain a Yaesu fan, I view the internal battery compartment feature as a fundamental failure along with the internal charging control. I use the space for spare fuses and such.
Hi Joe,
?
I agree it was a failure.
?
I wanted to use the space for 18650's, but it was a millimeter too small in each dimension.
?
But Martin admin says he's printed a cell pack and got it working.
?
I wonder if it's down to the cell protection that adds the extra length that spoils it.
?
Non protected cells are a tiny bit shorter.
?
Just a few extra millimeters in the cell pack area would have made all the difference, grrr.
?
But that has to be tempered with the fact that these 18650's are only really 2500-3000mah
max, so I guess even if we could have fitted them then operating time was at least in
my opinion just a bit too short for my liking, so it was back to a 7ah gel cell.
?
Cheap, easy to charge , just supply with 13v current limited to about 700ma as we have both agreed.
?
73 de Andy
?
?
|
I don't think the issue is that the boards are "prone to fail" instead I think it's a matter the use case of taking the radio in the field, rigging up temporary/compromise antennas, then Mr. Murphy shows up...
A PA board failure renders a radio useless, and with the FT -817 it's replacement is fairly easily made for a reasonable cost.
Also, with the phenomenal # of FT-8-7/717nd/818 radios in the field, the number of failures may be high compared to other radios, but proportionately the same as other radios.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Oct 8, 2024, at 13:33, Michael Davis via groups.io <maddmd818@...> wrote:
? Thanks Ron. I wonder why the PAs fail. Hi SWR? Shorted coax? I read about the FETs going into self oscillation if internal battery is left in place. I also think I read that ND and 818 are better protected. Mine is new to me, non ND, almost brand new from an estate/SK? I'm using the LDG Z817 to minimize risk. Now to decide if I should get a PA board as a spare before they are gone. 73
Mike WA1MAD
|
Michael Davis
Al WB9UVJ
KM4JHK paul
Allan Forster
Mike EI9FEB