? Hi Jim,

When I was working on my setup with the KAM all mode, I had several issues. ?I split the task into two parts, first part was getting receive to work, then transmitting. ?

I first got receive working, had the AM/FM switch on the TNC on AM instead of FM. ?Then I had an issue with my receiver having too narrow receive due to settings for “data mode”. ? Fixed both those issues then started seeing some packet traffic being decoded. ?On 20m, I am able to decode only about 1/2 or less of the packets I can hear. ?I have a high noise floor during the day.

I would use the MHEARD, MONITOR on and MALL on to confirm I was decoding correctly. ?I would leave it running for a few hours monitoring only. ?If I can’t decode, then I won’t be able to connect. ?I can confirm as of a few minutes ago I didn’t hear any ID or packets from you - however my receive isn’t the best during the day on 20m.

For transmit, I did need to adjust and keep an eye on the ALC. ? I did the same as you did at first, monitoring my transmitted signal on a receiver to see if it sounded right. ?This confirmed my packets sounded similar to others, so my tone spacing was right. ?ALC was then necessary to monitor and adjust the digital gain on the 991A. ?There is a jumper, K5 to adjust AFSK output on the KAM - these days I would assume not needed with modern rigs, since they have a digital gain control. ?But you can see using the ALC meter if you’re at the right modulation level.

When you’re able to decode okay, but still have trouble connecting, you could try increasing the tx delay. ? Also, try toggling between ax.25 v1 and v2. ?I would think most people are using v2 these days. ?Also make sure packet length is at 60. ?I believe this is near or at the default for the KAM.

Lastly, if all else doesn’t work, perhaps try other bands. ?For example, i thought my setup was an issue until a local ham (KD2YCK) helped me test on 10 meters. ??

I’ll be listening - if you send some beacons/IDs right before sunset and onwards on the east coast, that’s when I’ll most likely hear you on 20m. ?

Good luck and 73

On Aug 26, 2023, at 11:58 AM, Jim <jim@...> wrote:

?

Thanks Jesse,

I'm thinking things are still not right because I'm hearing signals very strong.?? Really very strong....and I'm running 70 watts into an 11 element beam at 85 feet pointing West and I can't connect to anyone.

I'm listening to my transmitted signal on another radio...(RF turned way down) and the signal I'm putting out sounds like a very good packet transmission.??

So, I'm a bit perplexed.??

If anyone see's my beacon, please let me know.?? At least then I'll know that I'm getting out.

I can't help but feel that all I need to do is tweak one setting and I'll be connecting fine....I feel like I'm missing a step or something ....but again, my transmitted signal sounds good to me.?

I'll figure it out...

Thanks

Jim W1JT

On 8/26/23 10:15, Jesse Bertier wrote:

Hi Jim,

I’ll be listening as well over the weekend here FN20, 14.105 LSB. ?N1UGK-1 is my node. ?I’ve recently acquired a KAM All Mode, upgraded it to firmware 6.1 connected to an FT-991A running QRP on a dipole.

73,

On Aug 26, 2023, at 9:11 AM, Jim <jim@...> wrote:

Good morning all...well, back at it here trying to see if I am getting out and if I can make a connection.

Last night I made one weak connection and since then I've been unable to connect to anyone.

I am beaconing every 10 minutes at the moment to see if any of you can "see" me.

I'll back off the beaconing soon....every 10 minutes I realize is annoying.?? I'm just hoping someone sees me.

Please let me know if you do.? Thanks!

Jim W1JT

On 8/25/23 21:36, Jim wrote:

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the tip on the cables.?? He's got a nice site with an impressive amount of cables.

I didn't see one specifically for the FT100 / KAM configuration.?? I'll probably drop him a note tomorrow and see if he has such a beast.

Thanks!

Jim

On 8/25/23 21:02, Richard Hendricks - KE0GB wrote:

Jim:

Just tried connecting to you, but not hearing you.? Check your packet mode on the FT-100, it should be:

Pkt-L:? 300 bps HF Packet using LSB mode

You appear to be right on frequency if you're copying?me.

You should be on 14.105 LSB, or thereabouts.? ? The LEDs should completely fill in form end to end, and
you will see the two opposite ends light up brighter than the others when you're tuned right on frequency.?

Also, how much power are you using?? You shouldn't use more than about 70 watts out to keep things
running cool.? 70 watts is what I'm using here.? It's more than enough for most connects across America
and I'm only using an inverted-vee up about 50 ft. at the apex.

Also, Les at hammadeparts.com makes a swell cable to interface the KAM with any Yaesu radio with
the mini-din data port.? I'm using an FT-450D with the same pinout as your FT-100, and it works just
swell!? I've been using it for the better part of 10 years now.? Plus, his prices are pretty reasonable and
won't "break the bank".? hi hi

73 and good luck!
We'll be listening for ya.
Rick - KE0GB