|
I'm fond of my FT-817 and plan to keep and use it . ?Have portable and walkabout antennas for it. Planning to get either a PTT or VOX headset for it. Very happy with my 2 FT-991As. ?Will do "expeditions" in my minivan sized RV and use nearby repeaters that have 90 mile radius as I search for hobby farms that still raise the Stone Mountain Cannonball watermelons (aka Black Diamond). ?These are the best and were the most common in the US Southeast until about 1960. ?These are big, round, dark green, and average 40-60lbs each. ?They do not pack at all in stake-bed farm trucks, so there were frequent "melon avalanches" that often had fatalities. ?The melons were outlawed to be taken to market because of this, so they are now only found at farm stands by a growing patch, and these are not easy to find!
Probably need a MOTA award for "Melons On The Air" when found ? ?:-)
Chuck K4TZO
-----Original Message-----
From: Marty Hartwell
Sent: Aug 11, 2020 3:14 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ft817] TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
That group are designing yet another amp, much smaller is
footprint too and more
upgrades since improvement in design features. From my experience
and lack of
much use for the current one I am not sure I would sell mine just
to build a newer one.
I think if anything I would keep what I have and I need more
power or features I would
go with an FT-991 maybe.
Not doing much of anything for the time being though.
Cheers
Marty kd8bj
PS. By the way during one of my longer trips to UK in the 80's I
had the good fortune
to meet the Rev George and attempt to operate from a park in
Oswestry with a very
under powered TX and very poor antenna with a home brew small
unit. With a nice
antenna from the home area on a better antenna it worked fine.
On 8/11/20 5:51 AM, Peter (G1FXE) via
groups.io wrote:
On Mon, Aug 10, 2020 at 02:42 PM, Marty Hartwell wrote:
I have been following along here with this discussion, and
just noticed that Peter is and I
would presume have a UK version of the ND. While Mike has a
US version of the ND.
Marty,
You are correct I do indeed have the UK version but it does appear
that my rig is somewhat unique in allowing a Softmod as others
with UK versions
(including my colleague who bought his within weeks of my
purchase) are unable to use this method
BTW I also have a HFpacker amp..well most of it anyway as I have
still to complete the build !
?
--
Peter.....
(G1FXE)
|
Hi Chuck
A question please. Is it safe to say the FT-991A is a good
replacement for the FT-857D?
Say size wise and mostly the same but up to date or with more
features?
Thanks
Marty kd8bj
On 8/11/20 3:43 PM, Chuck Cole wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I'm fond of my FT-817 and plan to keep and
use it . ?Have portable and walkabout antennas for it.
Planning to get either a PTT or VOX headset for it.
Very happy with my 2 FT-991As. ?Will do "expeditions"
in my minivan sized RV and use nearby repeaters that have
90 mile radius as I search for hobby farms that still
raise the Stone Mountain Cannonball watermelons (aka Black
Diamond). ?These are the best and were the most common in
the US Southeast until about 1960. ?These are big, round,
dark green, and average 40-60lbs each. ?They do not pack
at all in stake-bed farm trucks, so there were frequent
"melon avalanches" that often had fatalities. ?The melons
were outlawed to be taken to market because of this, so
they are now only found at farm stands by a growing patch,
and these are not easy to find!
Probably need a MOTA award for "Melons On The Air" when
found ? ?:-)
Chuck
K4TZO
-----Original
Message-----
From: Marty Hartwell
Sent: Aug 11, 2020 3:14 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ft817] TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
That group are designing yet another amp, much
smaller is footprint too and more
upgrades since improvement in design features. From
my experience and lack of
much use for the current one I am not sure I would
sell mine just to build a newer one.
I think if anything I would keep what I have and I
need more power or features I would
go with an FT-991 maybe.
Not doing much of anything for the time being
though.
Cheers
Marty kd8bj
PS. By the way during one of my longer trips to UK
in the 80's I had the good fortune
to meet the Rev George and attempt to operate from
a park in Oswestry with a very
under powered TX and very poor antenna with a home
brew small unit. With a nice
antenna from the home area on a better antenna it
worked fine.
On 8/11/20 5:51 AM, Peter
(G1FXE) via groups.io wrote:
On Mon, Aug 10, 2020 at 02:42 PM, Marty Hartwell
wrote:
I have been following along here with this
discussion, and just noticed that Peter is and I
would presume have a UK version of the ND.
While Mike has a US version of the ND.
Marty,
You are correct I do indeed have the UK version but
it does appear that my rig is somewhat unique in
allowing a Softmod as others with UK versions
(including my colleague who bought his within weeks
of my purchase) are unable to use this method
BTW I also have a HFpacker amp..well most of it
anyway as I have still to complete the build !
?
--
Peter.....
(G1FXE)
|
Hi Marty, Don't know the FT-857D, but the FT-991A has everything and all reviews say it's great, so I'd feel safe in saying that the FT-991A is a complete and deluxe upgrade for the FT-857A.
-----Original Message-----
From: Marty Hartwell
Sent: Aug 11, 2020 4:54 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ft817] was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA
Hi Chuck
A question please. Is it safe to say the FT-991A is a good
replacement for the FT-857D?
Say size wise and mostly the same but up to date or with more
features?
Thanks
Marty kd8bj
On 8/11/20 3:43 PM, Chuck Cole wrote:
I'm fond of my FT-817 and plan to keep and
use it . ?Have portable and walkabout antennas for it.
Planning to get either a PTT or VOX headset for it.
Very happy with my 2 FT-991As. ?Will do "expeditions"
in my minivan sized RV and use nearby repeaters that have
90 mile radius as I search for hobby farms that still
raise the Stone Mountain Cannonball watermelons (aka Black
Diamond). ?,,,
Chuck K4TZO
|
The FT857/897 are the basic 100W radios that does cover a lot of bands as the FT991 does (HF/6m/2m/440 and all mode).
But the FT991 is IF DSP allowing of setting up IF filters where the 857/897 requires additional filters you buy and also is useless AF DSP.? The FT991 also does Fusion and has a touch screen making it easier to get to the menus.? The menus in the 857/897 suck, that is to access them.? Also the FT991 being IF DSP, it also uses the DSP for shaping the rcv and xmt signal, lots of filters for adjusting this.
The FT991 is a few notches above the FT857/897 that are more of 2000s radios where FT991 is more modern.
73, ron, n9ee/r Ron Wright, N9EE/R Hernando Co ARES EC
BSEE Micro Computer Concepts Spring Hill, Florida
146.64 repeater, 1100 ft HAAT 352-835-5610
On Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 8:33:00 PM EDT, Chuck Cole <cncole@...> wrote:
Hi Marty, Don't know the FT-857D, but the FT-991A has everything and all reviews say it's great, so I'd feel safe in saying that the FT-991A is a complete and deluxe upgrade for the FT-857A.
-----Original Message-----
From: Marty Hartwell
Sent: Aug 11, 2020 4:54 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ft817] was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA
Hi Chuck
A question please. Is it safe to say the FT-991A is a good
replacement for the FT-857D?
Say size wise and mostly the same but up to date or with more
features?
Thanks
Marty kd8bj
On 8/11/20 3:43 PM, Chuck Cole wrote:
I'm fond of my FT-817 and plan to keep and
use it . ?Have portable and walkabout antennas for it.
Planning to get either a PTT or VOX headset for it.
Very happy with my 2 FT-991As. ?Will do "expeditions"
in my minivan sized RV and use nearby repeaters that have
90 mile radius as I search for hobby farms that still
raise the Stone Mountain Cannonball watermelons (aka Black
Diamond). ?,,,
Chuck K4TZO
|
Thank you Chuck .
I love these lists.? ?As an Australian I had no idea about the historical significance of these melons.
I hope you find the melons you are looking for.?
Doug? ?VK1ZDJ
On Wed, 12 Aug. 2020, 6:43 am Chuck Cole, < cncole@...> wrote: I'm fond of my FT-817 and plan to keep and use it .? Have portable and walkabout antennas for it. Planning to get either a PTT or VOX headset for it. Very happy with my 2 FT-991As.? Will do "expeditions" in my minivan sized RV and use nearby repeaters that have 90 mile radius as I search for hobby farms that still raise the Stone Mountain Cannonball watermelons (aka Black Diamond).? These are the best and were the most common in the US Southeast until about 1960.? These are big, round, dark green, and average 40-60lbs each.? They do not pack at all in stake-bed farm trucks, so there were frequent "melon avalanches" that often had fatalities.? The melons were outlawed to be taken to market because of this, so they are now only found at farm stands by a growing patch, and these are not easy to find!
Probably need a MOTA award for "Melons On The Air" when found ? ?:-)
Chuck K4TZO -----Original Message-----
From: Marty Hartwell
Sent: Aug 11, 2020 3:14 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ft817] TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
That group are designing yet another amp, much smaller is
footprint too and more
upgrades since improvement in design features. From my experience
and lack of
much use for the current one I am not sure I would sell mine just
to build a newer one.
I think if anything I would keep what I have and I need more
power or features I would
go with an FT-991 maybe.
Not doing much of anything for the time being though.
Cheers
Marty kd8bj
PS. By the way during one of my longer trips to UK in the 80's I
had the good fortune
to meet the Rev George and attempt to operate from a park in
Oswestry with a very
under powered TX and very poor antenna with a home brew small
unit. With a nice
antenna from the home area on a better antenna it worked fine.
On 8/11/20 5:51 AM, Peter (G1FXE) via
wrote:
On Mon, Aug 10, 2020 at 02:42 PM, Marty Hartwell wrote:
I have been following along here with this discussion, and
just noticed that Peter is and I
would presume have a UK version of the ND. While Mike has a
US version of the ND.
Marty,
You are correct I do indeed have the UK version but it does appear
that my rig is somewhat unique in allowing a Softmod as others
with UK versions
(including my colleague who bought his within weeks of my
purchase) are unable to use this method
BTW I also have a HFpacker amp..well most of it anyway as I have
still to complete the build !
?
--
Peter.....
(G1FXE)
|
Thanks for your reply, Ron!
I'm glad to encounter someone with your depth of current?knowledge!
I'm technical and have patents for computer chip design, etc, but?I'm just returning to ham radio after 60 yrs and to Florida after 32?year "exile" up north for a job after the Challenger accident. ?Retired now. ?Ham radios had glowing glass bottles and some?earthed grids when I was active and did some DIY before. ?I'm?catching up, but it's taking a while.?
Chuck K4TZO
-----Original Message-----
From: "Ron Wright via groups.io"
Sent: Aug 11, 2020 9:28 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ft817] was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA
The FT857/897 are the basic 100W radios that does cover a lot of bands as the FT991 does (HF/6m/2m/440 and all mode).
But the FT991 is IF DSP allowing of setting up IF filters where the 857/897 requires additional filters you buy and also is useless AF DSP.? The FT991 also does Fusion and has a touch screen making it easier to get to the menus.? The menus in the 857/897 suck, that is to access them.? Also the FT991 being IF DSP, it also uses the DSP for shaping the rcv and xmt signal, lots of filters for adjusting this.
The FT991 is a few notches above the FT857/897 that are more of 2000s radios where FT991 is more modern.
73, ron, n9ee/r Ron Wright, N9EE/R Hernando Co ARES EC
BSEE Micro Computer Concepts Spring Hill, Florida
146.64 repeater, 1100 ft HAAT 352-835-5610
On Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 8:33:00 PM EDT, Chuck Cole <cncole@...> wrote:
Hi Marty, Don't know the FT-857D, but the FT-991A has everything and all reviews say it's great, so I'd feel safe in saying that the FT-991A is a complete and deluxe upgrade for the FT-857A.
|
Thanks, Doug!
Not even some old-timers in the Florida Ag departments knew of these, but some GA folk do. The search has become interesting and is not over yet! ?History is interesting, but these are the very best melons for eating! Probably could grow them in many areas of OZ. ?Burpee seed company has "Black Diamond" melon seeds.
Chuck K4TZO
-----Original Message-----
From: Doug Jackson
Sent: Aug 11, 2020 11:08 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ft817] was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA
Thank you Chuck .
I love these lists.? ?As an Australian I had no idea about the historical significance of these melons.
I hope you find the melons you are looking for.?
Doug? ?VK1ZDJ
On Wed, 12 Aug. 2020, 6:43 am Chuck Cole, < cncole@...> wrote: I'm fond of my FT-817 and plan to keep and use it .? Have portable and walkabout antennas for it. Planning to get either a PTT or VOX headset for it. Very happy with my 2 FT-991As.? Will do "expeditions" in my minivan sized RV and use nearby repeaters that have 90 mile radius as I search for hobby farms that still raise the Stone Mountain Cannonball watermelons (aka Black Diamond).? These are the best and were the most common in the US Southeast until about 1960.? These are big, round, dark green, and average 40-60lbs each.? They do not pack at all in stake-bed farm trucks, so there were frequent "melon avalanches" that often had fatalities.? The melons were outlawed to be taken to market because of this, so they are now only found at farm stands by a growing patch, and these are not easy to find!
Probably need a MOTA award for "Melons On The Air" when found ? ?:-)
Chuck K4TZO
|
The one and only turn off (FOR ME) on the FT-991 is the inability to remove and remote the front panel.? This is the one and only reason why I’ll stick to the 857.? For my needs, that was a serious omission. ? Mike – KD5KC -- El Paso -- Texas. ? The canyons are calling, colorful and deep.? But I have promises to keep. And miles to go still in my Jeep...?? And miles to go still in my Jeep... ? 
? ADVENTURE:? The respectful pursuit of trouble. ? ? ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Chuck Cole Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2020 18:33 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [ft817] was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA ? Hi Marty,
Don't know the FT-857D, but the FT-991A has everything and all reviews say it's great, so I'd feel safe in saying that the FT-991A is a complete and deluxe upgrade for the FT-857A.
? -----Original Message-----
From: Marty Hartwell
Sent: Aug 11, 2020 4:54 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ft817] was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA Hi Chuck A question please. Is it safe to say the FT-991A is a good replacement for the FT-857D? Say size wise and mostly the same but up to date or with more features? Thanks ? Marty kd8bj ? On 8/11/20 3:43 PM, Chuck Cole wrote: I'm fond of my FT-817 and plan to keep and use it . ?Have portable and walkabout antennas for it. Planning to get either a PTT or VOX headset for it. ? Very happy with my 2 FT-991As. ?Will do "expeditions" in my minivan sized RV and use nearby repeaters that have 90 mile radius as I search for hobby farms that still raise the Stone Mountain Cannonball watermelons (aka Black Diamond). ?,,,
|
Only problem I see is the possibility of importing a non-indigenous species that has unintended consequences.? And perhaps a serious discussion with the customs and agriculture folks.? Checking beforehand might save a lot of trouble.? Kinda like the Salt Cedar tree?
Before the band police jump on this, let’s tie it to the FT-817.? If you drop a 20-pound melon on your 817, ?it will probably dent it badly.? Something that started with Sir Isaac Newton and an apple, but it applies to melons too. ? Mike – KD5KC -- El Paso -- Texas. ? The canyons are calling, colorful and deep.? But I have promises to keep. And miles to go still in my Jeep...?? And miles to go still in my Jeep... ? 
? ADVENTURE:? The respectful pursuit of trouble. ? ? ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Chuck Cole Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2020 0:59 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [ft817] was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA ? Thanks, Doug! Not even some old-timers in the Florida Ag departments knew of these, but some GA folk do. The search has become interesting and is not over yet! ?History is interesting, but these are the very best melons for eating! Probably could grow them in many areas of OZ. ?Burpee seed company has "Black Diamond" melon seeds. K4TZO -----Original Message-----
From: Doug Jackson
Sent: Aug 11, 2020 11:08 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ft817] was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA Thank you Chuck . I love these lists.? ?As an Australian I had no idea about the historical significance of these melons. I hope you find the melons you are looking for.? ? On Wed, 12 Aug. 2020, 6:43 am Chuck Cole, <cncole@...> wrote: I'm fond of my FT-817 and plan to keep and use it .? Have portable and walkabout antennas for it. Planning to get either a PTT or VOX headset for it. ? Very happy with my 2 FT-991As.? Will do "expeditions" in my minivan sized RV and use nearby repeaters that have 90 mile radius as I search for hobby farms that still raise the Stone Mountain Cannonball watermelons (aka Black Diamond).? These are the best and were the most common in the US Southeast until about 1960.? These are big, round, dark green, and average 40-60lbs each.? They do not pack at all in stake-bed farm trucks, so there were frequent "melon avalanches" that often had fatalities.? The melons were outlawed to be taken to market because of this, so they are now only found at farm stands by a growing patch, and these are not easy to find! Probably need a MOTA award for "Melons On The Air" when found ? ?:-)
Chuck
|
But Mike, I said I need my FT-817 and FT-991A in my roving search for melon patches, using a 2m repeater on a 500ft tower that has 80-90 mile radius of coverage.. ?(real plan using my van-sized RV!).
Surely the seed company will know whether export is OK. ?Last year's winner in the giant melon-growing contest was 156lb! A "normal" 60 pounder would not be good for an FT-817..
Chuck K4TZO
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Olbrisch
Sent: Aug 12, 2020 9:35 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ft817] was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA
Only problem I see is the possibility of importing a non-indigenous species that has unintended consequences.? And perhaps a serious discussion with the customs and agriculture folks.? Checking beforehand might save a lot of trouble.? Kinda like the Salt Cedar tree?
Before the band police jump on this, let’s tie it to the FT-817.? If you drop a 20-pound melon on your 817, ?it will probably dent it badly.? Something that started with Sir Isaac Newton and an apple, but it applies to melons too. ? Mike – KD5KC -- El Paso -- Texas. ?
|
STOP IT CHUCK!?? I just spit my 2nd cup of iced coffee all over my desk!
I need a radio with a remote control head for my trailer.? All Band, all mode, 100 watts but capable of QRP, because I will be running on battery power and solar panel (180w) a good deal of the time.? I want/need more than the FT-817.? I need as low an RX power consumption as possible.? I need it as small as possible, the trailer is very small.? But the places we can go with it behind the jeep will be awesome! ? IC-706 series is out, way too much RX consumption.? I think my best bet is another FT-857D.? But I’m open to others. ? 
? Just imagine the places you can go with a JEEP pulling this.? It has a full queen-size memory-foam mattress inside.? My antenna will be a Shakespeare 120-55/AT-1011, with enough extra elements to make it 44 feet tall. ? Mike – KD5KC -- El Paso -- Texas. ? The canyons are calling, colorful and deep.? But I have promises to keep. And miles to go still in my Jeep...?? And miles to go still in my Jeep... ? 
? ADVENTURE:? The respectful pursuit of trouble. ? ? ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Chuck Cole Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2020 8:32 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [ft817] was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA ? But Mike, I said I need my FT-817 and FT-991A in my roving search for melon patches, using a 2m repeater on a 500ft tower that has 80-90 mile radius of coverage.. ?(real plan using my van-sized RV!). Surely the seed company will know whether export is OK. ?Last year's winner in the giant melon-growing contest was 156lb! A "normal" 60 pounder would not be good for an FT-817.. K4TZO -----Original Message-----
From: Mike Olbrisch
Sent: Aug 12, 2020 9:35 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ft817] was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA
Only problem I see is the possibility of importing a non-indigenous species that has unintended consequences.? And perhaps a serious discussion with the customs and agriculture folks.? Checking beforehand might save a lot of trouble.? Kinda like the Salt Cedar tree?
Before the band police jump on this, let’s tie it to the FT-817.? If you drop a 20-pound melon on your 817, ?it will probably dent it badly.? Something that started with Sir Isaac Newton and an apple, but it applies to melons too. ? Mike – KD5KC -- El Paso -- Texas. ?
|
Hmmm?? Black Diamond watermelon are grown just
about all over the US,
including here in Texas. Can be big and super sweet.? I love the
seeds for
seed spitting contests, too.
73, Joe, K8JP/K5
On 8/12/2020 8:35 AM, Mike Olbrisch
wrote:
Only problem I see is the possibility of
importing a non-indigenous species that has unintended
consequences.? And perhaps a serious discussion with the customs
and agriculture folks.? Checking beforehand might save a lot of
trouble.? Kinda like the Salt Cedar tree?
Before the band police jump on this, let’s tie it to the
FT-817.? If you drop a 20-pound melon on your 817, ?it will
probably dent it badly.? Something that started with Sir Isaac
Newton and an apple, but it applies to melons too.
?
Mike – KD5KC -- El Paso -- Texas.
--
Regards, Joe, K8JP/V31JP, Ronnie, Martin & Sidney Pontek
175 Diamond Loch Rd., Apt. 5
Gilmer, TX 75644-9374
U.S.A.
or
P.O. Box 280, Dangriga, Stann Creek District
(Hopkins Village) Belize
903-204-2318 (My TX cellular)
903-884-5990 (Skype telephone number, Belize & TX)
Also, K8JP, member FOC-1743 Feb 2001, QCWA-LM21894, OOTC-4607, A1OP, SKCC-3171T, NAQCC-5798, Flying Pig-2819, FISTS-7625CC951, A1C-2299, SOC 1075, CFO, 10-10 22977, PG1915841, CW Rag chewers #21,
Facebook: Joe Pontek
Skype: v31joepalooka
LotW
|
Doug Jackson