Regarding the Miracle Antenna, I think a lot of people are being very unfair and at this point somewhat cruel especially when some of you refer to it as a joke. After reading the page info they seem quite serious about this and I think it does exist as a product. This aren't claiming that it will bring about world peace. They are just saying if you want a compact antenna that works reasonably well for it's size then give it a try. The bottom line is they are proud parents of this new products and want to see it used by FT-817 and other QRP hams. Read the FAQ section and see what they have to say about its performance compared to full sized antennas. This is just my opinion on the subject.
Gene and Princess
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
----- Original Message ----- From: <FT817@...> To: <FT817@...> Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2001 5:27 PM Subject: [FT817] Digest Number 470 To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: FT817-unsubscribe@... and for a great FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions ) see Please note that your messages and files sent to this group become public domain upon submission and may appear anywhere on the Internet or in print without notice or compensation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are 25 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables... From: "David Henn" <drhenn@...> 2. Re: New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables... From: Brickle@... 3. Re: Balun From: lebloke@... 4. Web site update - THP HL-50B infomation From: "Caitlyn M. Martin" <caitlynmaire@...> 5. Re: New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables... From: "David Henn" <drhenn@...> 6. Re: New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables... From: Brickle@... 7. Slinky dipoles From: ka4lbd@... 8. Re: New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables... From: "David Henn" <drhenn@...> 9. Mini antennas for HF... From: Tom Mc <tjmc@...> 10. Need transmitting help! From: K5HOY@... 11. Small, portable, light weight Hexbeam From: "Mark A. Smith" <kb5kyx@...> 12. Re: Need transmitting help! From: "David Henn" <drhenn@...> 13. rf feedback From: "Don" <k7ugq@...> 14. Re: New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables... From: "F.B. Nutter, Jr." <fbnjr@...> 15. Re: Re: Balun From: "Don" <k7ugq@...> 16. Re: Mini antennas for HF... From: "Cortland" <ka5s@...> 17. Re: Small, portable, light weight Hexbeam From: w4wb@... 18. More Balun Questions From: "Brian Frobisher" <froby@...> 19. Re: Need transmitting help! From: K5HOY@... 20. Re: Mini antennas for HF... From: don@... 21. Green Wire Mod -- Do you have 3 or 5 wires? From: "David Harvey" <david@...> 22. MOD problems From: rcrice@... 23. Re: New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables... From: "David Harvey" <david@...> 24. Re: More Balun Questions From: "John O. Newell" <jnewell@...> 25. Re: Need transmitting help! From: "David Harvey" <david@...>
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 14:44:27 -0000 From: "David Henn" <drhenn@...> Subject: Re: New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables...
--- In FT817@y..., Bob Camp <bob@c...> wrote:
Hi Pres, I think the issue is the frame of reference. "exhibits remarkable DX performance for a 50-inch whip on the FT- 817"
Bob Camp KB8TQ Hello,
I agree with Bob, Just read what they say.(carefully)
I'm sure it will work a lot better than just sticking a single 50" whip in the back of the FT817 with no tuning arangement, On it's non-resonant frequencies that is.
Rgds - David
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 15:06:57 -0000 From: Brickle@... Subject: Re: New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables...
--- In FT817@y..., "David Henn" <drhenn@y...> wrote:
I agree with Bob, Just read what they say.(carefully) Am I missing something here? Isn't the *point* of the whole elaborate joke obviously to lampoon claims for small antennas on the FT-817?
Frank AB2KT
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 3 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 15:14:05 -0000 From: lebloke@... Subject: Re: Balun
Just a little info on your question...
A 1:1 current balun is equivalent to a transmission line running through a choke core - by isolating one side from the other to non-differential conditions, it prevents rf from getting back down the feedline once it's "released" from the transmission line at the connection to the antenna. This helps to force equal currents to flow in the antenna legs, as they have nowhere else to go (so to speak). A sleeve-type balun (a few cores strung on the coax at the feedpoint) will work identically.
A 1:1 Voltage balun is a 1:1 transformer, with one side (feed) referenced to ground (the shield) and the other side floating (the antenna). Either works fine, but the current type has the advantage of limiting rf on the outside of your coax in the case of reflected power.
Voltage baluns show up when someone is trying to create a ratio other than a whole-number-squared (1:1, 4:1, 9:1) like, for instance, 6:1 as these cannot be created with the "transmission line through a core" model. Thus they resort to the transformer model instead.
Regards... Robert
Can anyone enlighten me regarding the difference between a 1:1
balun
marked as a "Current Type" and another 1:1 marked only as a balun? I am
going to use either one to couple unbalanced coax to a flat top dipole.
thanks
Don Johnson
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Message: 4 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 12:18:30 -0400 From: "Caitlyn M. Martin" <caitlynmaire@...> Subject: Web site update - THP HL-50B infomation
Hi, everyone,
I began work this morning on an amplifier section for the Tokyo Hy-Power reflector web site. It will have four pages, total, and the one that I
think will be most interesting to y'all is the page with info on amps for use with low power rigs. That page is about one third done, and I have to run otherwise I'd get it done now. The main thing, especially for those on the FT-817 and HFPack groups, is that detailed specs and mod info for the HL-50B are already posted. The page, which is a work in progress and is not yet linked from the other pages, can be seen at:
Comments, contributions of more info, and constructive criticism are always welcome. I hope this page can provide useful info to those considering an HL-50B to go with their FT-817 or other QRP rigs.
73, Caity KU4QD
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 5 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 16:17:50 -0000 From: "David Henn" <drhenn@...> Subject: Re: New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables...
--- In FT817@y..., Brickle@p... wrote:
--- In FT817@y..., "David Henn" <drhenn@y...> wrote:
I agree with Bob, Just read what they say.(carefully) Am I missing something here? Frank AB2KT Hi Frank,,
You tell me.. But I think you are, Again read it carefully.
What's "your" point of reference for small.? anything less than say 5 over 5 stacked beams.
Just because of a(maybe)unfortunate choice of names, It do's not change the facts or their comparative statement.
All they are doing is comparing a standard 50" whip, with their 50" whip with a built in tuning arrangement.
I'm pretty sure if they had named it the "ABC Antenna" this thread would not exist.
Best Rgds - David
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 6 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 17:27:58 -0000 From: Brickle@... Subject: Re: New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables...
--- In FT817@y..., "David Henn" <drhenn@y...> wrote:
Again read it carefully. It was a perusal of the "order" page at the website which included no payment method information whatsoever that solidified my immediate suspicion that the whole business was a satire.
What's "your" point of reference for small? "Small" is what *I've* got :-) At least as far as signal is concerned anyway.
I guess I was wondering why the discussion of "frame of reference" when the whole thing was so obviously a joke at the expense of gullibility, wishful thinking, and overly-high expectations.
Frank AB2KT
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 7 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 17:45:25 -0000 From: ka4lbd@... Subject: Slinky dipoles
I had a 160 meter slinky antenna as an inverted v. It worked very well. A rope down the center was secured to the loops at short intervals to keep sagging to a minimum. They come in at least 3 sizes. I plan to use the smaller size to make a 6 meter portable version for the FT 817. L. Smith ka4lbd
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 8 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 18:23:27 -0000 From: "David Henn" <drhenn@...> Subject: Re: New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables...
--- In FT817@y..., Brickle@p... wrote: >> Hi Frank,,
I think this subject should now leave the building.. But just to close on your points..
It was a perusal of the "order" page at the website which included no payment method information whatsoever..... Not sure where you are looking, But it clearly indicates the payment situation and option on the page I looked at.!
"Small" is what *I've* got :-) No comment.
when the whole thing was so obviously a joke at the expense of gullibility, wishful thinking, and overly-high expectations. Very well done for a joke.!!! I can not vouch for the availability or legitimacy of the product.
Rgds - David
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 9 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 14:45:08 -0400 From: Tom Mc <tjmc@...> Subject: Mini antennas for HF...
Hi Gang,
I've seen / used small antennas before ( the HT-750 antennas for starters and the the PW-1 now )and have come to a conclusion; they work but not well!
Don't take this the wrong way... they do work, ( yes I've worked DX on a 40inch whip), but poorly due to the physical/electrical size of them as compared to a regular HF antenna.
If there is no choice then of course use a shortened antenna, but most of the time there is an option.
Any light weight end feed wire of lenght(without coax)or light weight dipole (or V ) with coax/twinlead will outdo the small antenna easily ( and prob fit in a zip-lock bag).
comments welcome
best Tom aa2vk
-- **** * Member of NORCAL, NJQRP, LIQRP, SGCI * * K2 #1213 * * LIQRP Web Page: www.erols.com/tjmc/liqrp * * Personal web page : www.erols.com/tjmc * ****
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 10 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 19:09:24 -0000 From: K5HOY@... Subject: Need transmitting help!
I have goofed up on some setting somewhere. When I am trying to transmit on 2 mtrs. and key the mic, the red light comes on but I see PO 7.000 on the dial. What happened and how do I fix that? thanks...I have been out of ham radio so long, I have forgotten a lot of basics! Jo K5HOY
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 11 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 14:20:23 -0500 From: "Mark A. Smith" <kb5kyx@...> Subject: Small, portable, light weight Hexbeam
Group,
I found a website that some of you are probably already aware of. This company manufactures a portable 2 element beam made of wire and fiberglass spreaders. I believe the weight was under 8 pounds, the gain was around 4-6db, and the turning radius less than 10 feet on 20M.
They also have a 5 band beam. I haven't purchased one of these yet, but I've read more than a few good reports on them. It seems they are comparable to a trapped 3 elem./3 band yagi in performance, but with a much smaller footprint. The wire element lengths are full sized, and they're suppose to quiet like a quad. They also sell collapsible masts for portable op.
If any of you have any experience with these I'd sure appreciate any comments you might have.
Their website is
Mark KB5KYX
----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Mc" <tjmc@...> To: <FT817@...> Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2001 1:45 PM Subject: [FT817] Mini antennas for HF...
Hi Gang,
I've seen / used small antennas before ( the HT-750 antennas for starters and the the PW-1 now )and have come to a conclusion; they work but not well!
Don't take this the wrong way... they do work, ( yes I've worked DX on a 40inch whip), but poorly due to the physical/electrical size of them as compared to a regular HF antenna.
If there is no choice then of course use a shortened antenna, but most of the time there is an option.
Any light weight end feed wire of lenght(without coax)or light weight dipole (or V ) with coax/twinlead will outdo the small antenna easily ( and prob fit in a zip-lock bag).
comments welcome
best Tom aa2vk
-- **** * Member of NORCAL, NJQRP, LIQRP, SGCI * * K2 #1213 * * LIQRP Web Page: www.erols.com/tjmc/liqrp * * Personal web page : www.erols.com/tjmc * ****
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: FT817-unsubscribe@... and for a great FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions ) see Please note that your messages and files sent to this group become public domain upon submission and may appear anywhere on the Internet or in print without notice or compensation.
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________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 12 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 19:26:19 -0000 From: "David Henn" <drhenn@...> Subject: Re: Need transmitting help!
--- In FT817@y..., K5HOY@a... wrote:
I have goofed up on some setting somewhere. When I am trying to transmit on 2 mtrs. and key the mic, the red light comes on but I see
PO 7.000 on the dial. Jo K5HOY Hi Jo,
My first reaction is that you have "Split" enabled some how. I assume you have something like 146.525 on the display, and then when you press the PTT the 7.00 is appearing.?
I don't have my manual to hand. Look in the manual for operating in split mode. That is receiving on one frequency, and transmitting on another.
Rgds - David
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 13 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 15:38:11 -0400 From: "Don" <k7ugq@...> Subject: rf feedback
here's a tip discovered recently that me be of help to others. I was playing around with an MFJ and Icom mic and the Ft-817. I noticed that when I used an rf power any (35 watts) for two meters, and the MFJ mic I would get rf feedback on the transmit audio. Really distorts the audio! The Yaesu hand mic did not produce the same results, it worked perfectly. I discovered that you can remove the coiled cord from the Yaesu stock hand mic, (squeeze thru the boot at the bottom of the mic) and you end up with a very well shielded cat 5 cable that can be connected to the MFJ or any mic that requires an RJ-45 connector.
Don Johnson
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 14 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 15:58:02 -0400 From: "F.B. Nutter, Jr." <fbnjr@...> Subject: Re: New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables...
It's made in Canada! 72, Fil W8FIL
Glyph wrote:
Miracle Whip salad dressing (imitation mayonnaise) must not be sold in
Canada. This won't be the first time a wonderful-sounding product name in one country came out sounding funny in another country.
I'm a bit suspicious of no ground or counterpoise required. But it really is time to do an antenna shootout between all these products. We could sell an article on that to QST. Or have them do the testing.
Next thing someone will have a device to turn all our house wiring into a GIANT, HOUSE-SIZED DX ANTENNA!
-- Bil KD6JUI
----- Original Message ----- From: <lebloke@...> To: <FT817@...> Sent: Friday, June 15, 2001 9:54 AM Subject: [FT817] New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables...
Press Release
June 15th, 2001 Montreal, Quebec
The Miracle Antenna Company is pleased to announce the release of The
Miracle Whip for the FT-817.
The Miracle Whip is an all-band (1.8 to 450 mhz) 50-inch whip antenna
with integrated tuner for transmitting and receiving that mounts directly on the FT-817. It operates with a typical SWR of 2:1 or better across this entire range, and may be operated without a ground.
The Miracle Whip exhibits remarkable DX performance for a 50-inch whip on the FT-817 (and should do just as well on any similar rig). We
have consistently worked DX stations on SSB under good conditions in our tests; we are confident there is no other antenna its size on the
market that will perform as well or better. In fact we believe there
is no other antenna like it on the market, period.
The Miracle Whip uses a uniquely designed C-VAT - a Continuously Variable Autotransformer - to match the whip to the 50-ohm output of
the radio. Tune-up may be accomplished simply by peaking the one-knob
tuning dial for maximim signal strength on receive - the antenna is then tuned for transmitting.
The July issue of QST magazine will contain an article by our chief designer, Robert Victor VA2 ERY, on building a Miracle Whip yourself.
We have engineered an electrically similar, but mechanically different, high-quality precision-mechanism version of this antenna built to commercial standards to offer to our clients.
The Miracle Whip will retail for $109.95, but may be ordered for a limited time via our website for $79.95. Groups members are invited to
visit www.miracleantenna.com to review more information on the Miracle
Whip and our other fine products.
Readers may submit questions regarding The Miracle Whip to lebloke@....
Thank you!
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________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 15 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 16:12:06 -0400 From: "Don" <k7ugq@...> Subject: Re: Re: Balun
Thanks Robert. learn a little something everyday.
Don ----- Original Message ----- From: <lebloke@...> To: <FT817@...> Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2001 11:14 AM Subject: [FT817] Re: Balun
Just a little info on your question...
A 1:1 current balun is equivalent to a transmission line running through a choke core - by isolating one side from the other to non-differential conditions, it prevents rf from getting back down the feedline once it's "released" from the transmission line at the connection to the antenna. This helps to force equal currents to flow in the antenna legs, as they have nowhere else to go (so to speak). A sleeve-type balun (a few cores strung on the coax at the feedpoint) will work identically.
A 1:1 Voltage balun is a 1:1 transformer, with one side (feed) referenced to ground (the shield) and the other side floating (the antenna). Either works fine, but the current type has the advantage of limiting rf on the outside of your coax in the case of reflected power.
Voltage baluns show up when someone is trying to create a ratio other than a whole-number-squared (1:1, 4:1, 9:1) like, for instance, 6:1 as these cannot be created with the "transmission line through a core" model. Thus they resort to the transformer model instead.
Regards... Robert
Can anyone enlighten me regarding the difference between a 1:1
balun
marked as a "Current Type" and another 1:1 marked only as a balun? I am
going to use either one to couple unbalanced coax to a flat top dipole.
thanks
Don Johnson
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________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 16 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 20:31:06 -0000 From: "Cortland" <ka5s@...> Subject: Re: Mini antennas for HF...
I agree. For my home-made mag-mount antennas, if they don't blow off the car, I can make them larger. So far, I am up to a Bug-Catcher made out of various masts and coils. The longer the better.
Cortland
--- In FT817@e..., Tom Mc <tjmc@e...> wrote:
Hi Gang,
I've seen / used small antennas before ( the HT-750 antennas for starters and the the PW-1 now )and have come to a conclusion; they work
but not well!
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 17 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 21:20:32 -0000 From: w4wb@... Subject: Re: Small, portable, light weight Hexbeam
Mark,
The Hexbeam is excellent and real. In short, it was the only antenna to hold up for Chuck at Bouvet Island. It is a bit pricey, but worth it. I have the 5-band one ready to put up soon. Friends that have it simply are very pleased with the Hexbeam.
72 de Barry - W4WB
--- In FT817@y..., "Mark A. Smith" <kb5kyx@k...> wrote:
Group,
I found a website that some of you are probably already aware of. This
company manufactures a portable 2 element beam made of wire and fiberglass
spreaders. I believe the weight was under 8 pounds, the gain was around
4-6db, and the turning radius less than 10 feet on 20M.
They also have a 5 band beam. I haven't purchased one of these yet, but I've
read more than a few good reports on them. It seems they are comparable to a
trapped 3 elem./3 band yagi in performance, but with a much smaller footprint. The wire element lengths are full sized, and they're suppose to
quiet like a quad. They also sell collapsible masts for portable op.
If any of you have any experience with these I'd sure appreciate any comments you might have.
Their website is
Mark KB5KYX
----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Mc" <tjmc@e...> To: <FT817@y...> Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2001 1:45 PM Subject: [FT817] Mini antennas for HF...
Hi Gang,
I've seen / used small antennas before ( the HT-750 antennas for starters and the the PW-1 now )and have come to a conclusion; they work
but not well!
Don't take this the wrong way... they do work, ( yes I've worked DX on a
40inch whip), but poorly due to the physical/electrical size of them as
compared to a regular HF antenna.
If there is no choice then of course use a shortened antenna, but most
of the time there is an option.
Any light weight end feed wire of lenght(without coax)or light weight
dipole (or V ) with coax/twinlead will outdo the small antenna easily (
and prob fit in a zip-lock bag).
comments welcome
best Tom aa2vk
-- **** * Member of NORCAL, NJQRP, LIQRP, SGCI * * K2 #1213 * * LIQRP Web Page: www.erols.com/tjmc/liqrp * * Personal web page : www.erols.com/tjmc * ****
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: FT817-unsubscribe@y... and for a great FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions ) see Please note that your messages and files sent to this group become public
domain upon submission and may appear anywhere on the Internet or in print
without notice or compensation.
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 18 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 15:44:44 -0700 From: "Brian Frobisher" <froby@...> Subject: More Balun Questions
I have yet another Balun question.
I recently purchased the balun that is the companion to the LDG Z-11
tuner. It did not come with very good instructions and I am looking for some
ideas as to how to wire up a wire antenna to it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 19 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 23:06:27 -0000 From: K5HOY@... Subject: Re: Need transmitting help!
My first reaction is that you have "Split" enabled some how. I assume you have something like 146.525 on the display, and then when you press the PTT the 7.00 is appearing.?
I don't have my manual to hand. I couldn't figure it out even with the manual ;-) I have been just playing around with this thing so decided to just do a HOME + POWER on and start all over. It seems to be working OK on 2 meters now. Jo K5HOY
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 20 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 23:02:21 -0000 From: don@... Subject: Re: Mini antennas for HF...
Any light weight end feed wire of lenght(without coax)or light weight
dipole (or V ) with coax/twinlead will outdo the small antenna easily (
and prob fit in a zip-lock bag).
The problem is an available supporting structure of a dipole/inverted- V OR an end fed wire (which also needs a counterpoise of some sort [and that will re-start a whole different subject all over again]) ;) isn't always available! That is the point that keeps getting missed. Or maybe the real-estate isn't available - YES a dipole will work better - but frequently it is not practical or possible to put one up!
I think it was here or the HF Pack group that the "Black Widow" fishing poles came up last week. I have purchased 2 of the 20' versions (about $45 total delivered from www.cabelas.com - ordered Saturday, had them Tuesday ).
I have fashioned a mounting horn out of 1 1/2" PVC pipe to hold them in a V (upright, not inverted) and plan to try my design using wire wrap wire for my trials - if it works, I will used 26 gauge flex- weave from Radio Works.
What I have modeled using NEC4WIN is a triangle loop fed at the BOTTOM with a gap opposite the feed point. Each leg is about 19.5 ' up the V and then 14 ' towards the opposite side accross the top with an insulator in the middle - probably use a rubber band for lite weight and tension.
With it mounted at 30" - inches not feet - picnic table-top heigth - the modeling shows some nuls off the side, but better performance than a full size 1/2 wave resonant dipole @ 20' on 10/15/20/40 and @ 40' for 80. Lower angle of radiation and more of it at the horizon! In fact, on most bands, the angle gets lower when ground mounted.
It also looks like it has some pretty good high angle stuff too on the lower bands for NVIS - with the zeinth pattern sort of a 3 leaf clover shape - now if I can get the Z-11 to match it on those bands - first try will be with the tuner right near the feed point and NO balun - we'll see - think I'll go pick up a 4:1 balun just in case.
Could/will use my SG231 with my Icom stuff for higher power - sure that will match it.
So here is a self-supporting antenna that looks like it will perform well, cover a broad range bands, is fairly light weight (I'll weigh it later), will be easy to mount, doesn't require a counterpoise/groundplane and is easy to build and will work with an automatic tuner - so once it is up, no adjustments are necessary - this sounds too good to be true! Maybe we should call it the Miracle Whip-beater antenna!!!
Will keep all posted - but plan on having it working for June 30 HF Pack schedules. See you on the air.
Don W6ZO
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 21 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 23:58:05 -0000 From: "David Harvey" <david@...> Subject: Green Wire Mod -- Do you have 3 or 5 wires?
I just did the Green Wire mod on my FT-817 this morning, and I found that popping out the green wire with a pin was easier than I had expected. Before doing it, I checked the information in the FAQ, and it says there are three wires, one green, one black and one red. Interestingly enough, I have FIVE wires: one green, two black and two red. I presume the pos and neg lines are doubled (parallel) to reduce the voltage drop and current loss. My white plastic connector is a five pin. Could it be I have a newer or different version of the rig here in Australia? Or does everybody actually have five wires (but three shared connections)? 73 es 72 de vk2dmh David Harvey mailto:vk2dmh@...
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Message: 22 Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2001 00:15:54 -0000 From: rcrice@... Subject: MOD problems
I just bought a FT-817 at HAMCOM in Dallas a week ago. Works like a
charm. Since I am an Army MARS member, I tried the extended frequency mod. I did the solder blobs on pads 1-4, and cleared the solder blob on the 5th
pad. No extended TX on HF/2M/440. Have done the power + V/M + F reset many times with no effect.
Also, when I do the power + V/M + F reset the display comes up
160m - L 1.800.00
Nothing else shows. Nothing works until you hit one of the other function
buttons, then the display reverts back to normal. Although I haven't looked at it with a magnafying glass, I am pretty sure
none of the pads are shorted to each other. My serial number starts with1E29xxxx
I am baffled. Has Yaesu changed the firmware/hardware?
Robert WB5PKN
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Message: 23 Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2001 00:20:52 -0000 From: "David Harvey" <david@...> Subject: Re: New Antenna for the FT-817 and other QRP portables...
when the whole thing was so obviously a joke at the expense of gullibility, wishful thinking, and overly-high expectations. Very well done for a joke.!!! I can not vouch for the availability or legitimacy of the product. Guys, guys. I don't believe it is a joke. Go read the info at the pages. They have photos of the gadget. It's much too much trouble and work and expense to be a joke. If they really have come up with a variable transformer that does tune all that range, then it's a fan-bloody-tastic breakthrough. Are we all too clever or cynical? Are you all going to tell me I'm too gullible or stupid? Laws of physics, etc... I emailed this "lebloke@..." and this is what I got back:
BEGIN QUOTE Date sent: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 00:10:17 -0400 From: lebloke@... To: David Harvey <david.harvey@...> Subject: Re: Orders from Australia? "Hi there David... We're not quite yet set up to "take the plastic" but how's this... We'll accept equivalent payment in aussie dollars (exchanging is no problem for us here - we're Canadian, remember...) We'll ship to you airmail for 10.00 additional (our normal charge is 8.00 to north america) Comes to 89.95 - as I read the exchange rates, ($1 AUS = .52 US) that's about $172.00 AUS. Please let me know if I'm way off on these rates. Drop me an email with your full address, tell me you're putting your Australian dollars check in the (air) mail, and we'll ship to you the moment your check arrives.. Hows that..? Hope we get to send you one. Thanks for your interest and good comments. Regards - 73 Robert Victor for Miracle Antenna END QUOTE
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Message: 24 Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 20:26:06 -0400 From: "John O. Newell" <jnewell@...> Subject: Re: More Balun Questions
I am looking for some ideas as to how to wire up a wire antenna Brian, it should be pretty straightforward. You run a coax patch from the last device between the transmitter and the antenna (probably your Z-11) and attach the wire antenna to the balun. If you are using 450 ohm ladder line, you can solder banana plugs on and the spacing of the conductors is such that you can plug them into the ends of the binding posts. If you are using something else, you can either solder banana plugs on and plug them into the jack ends of the binding posts, or you can unscrew the outside part of the binding posts and there should be a hole through which you can insert a wire (one per binding post) and secure by tightening the binding posts.
Hope this is clear; come back again if not.
73 John Newell KB1FPM
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Message: 25 Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2001 00:26:54 -0000 From: "David Harvey" <david@...> Subject: Re: Need transmitting help!
I couldn't figure it out even with the manual ;-) I have been just playing around with this thing so decided to just do a HOME + POWER on and start all over. It seems to be working OK on 2 meters now. > Jo K5HOY Jo. I have just got to laugh WITH you. The first couple of weeks when I was getting used to the little beastie, I had to do that reset quite often. I'd get the FT817's settings all mucked up somehow and couldn't figure what I'd done. The manual is far too obtuse. Kind regards, 72 es 73, de vk2dmh David
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