Questions tagged [equipment-operation]

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Looking for specifications for Wilson Electronics WAU 420 amplifier

Hey there helpful people I'm trying to track down some specifications on a Wilson Electronics WAU 420. I have no idea on its exact age but guessing its from the late 90's. It's likely UHF band and ...
Rowan Hawkins's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
527 views

What is band stacking?

What is a band stacking register and/or band stacking buttons on a transceiver? And why would this be useful to an amateur radio operator? Is using "band stacking" a current operating ...
hotpaw2's user avatar
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14 votes
1 answer
3k views

Why does the audio on my FM transceiver cut out every 5.5 seconds?

Specifically, my Icom ID-4100a. What's interesting, is that this happens in MR and VFO modes... but NOT when using the built-in WX stations. For example listening to WX-01 (162.550 MHz), no problem. ...
webmarc's user avatar
  • 4,086
0 votes
3 answers
1k views

How do I trigger hotkeys on AnyTone 878UV?

I've read the manual twice, and watched programming guide videos on youtube, but while I can program hotkey 1-6 just fine, I can't find how to actually trigger them. I found how to trigger the "Fun ...
Thomas's user avatar
  • 734
3 votes
2 answers
2k views

Is it possible to show frequency and channel name at the same time on AnyTone 878UV?

On the AnyTone 878UV I can choose to display the frequency or the channel name or frequency (Settings->Radio Set->4 Ch.Name). But seems to me like there's enough screen real estate to be able to ...
Thomas's user avatar
  • 734
4 votes
2 answers
2k views

Yaesu FT-991A: FM and C4FM modes don't work on HF bands

I bought a second-hand Yaesu FT-991A. It works pretty well and by the look of it's internals I don't believe it was ever repaired. However I noticed one weird thing. When I try to use FM or C4FM on ...
Aleksander Alekseev - R2AUK's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
483 views

How do blind hams operate?

In an earlier question, there seemed to be some surprise when I (indirectly) asked about radio modes accessible to a blind operator. First question: So how do blind hams operate? If I were to be ...
hotpaw2's user avatar
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5 votes
1 answer
270 views

What does a receiver's noise reduction function do?

Some receivers contain a noise reduction button or function. What does this noise reduction do? Is there more than one type of noise reduction? How does the circuit or software know what part of ...
hotpaw2's user avatar
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3 votes
3 answers
3k views

Yaesu FT-891: power drops to 50% when TNR is ON and SWR is 1.5:1

I noticed a weird behavior of my Yaesu FT-891 transceiver. I'm using it with an external autotuner mAT-30 (120W SSB/CW, 30W PSK31), which is compatible with Yaesu FC-50. When I connect a 100W 50 Ohm ...
Aleksander Alekseev - R2AUK's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
134 views

How long can a transceiver be unused before I have to use a variac?

I have an old TenTec Argosy II that hasn’t been powered up for 20 years. How long can electronics go unpowered before I have to worry about the electrolytic needed a slow power up with a Variac?
kd4ttc's user avatar
  • 153
6 votes
1 answer
287 views

Is it safe to run two barefoot rigs on one antenna with an AB switch?

I have a Daiwa CS-201A two position switch. The single side is connected to by quarter wave vertical (40m). The A and B sides are connected to an IC-7300 and TS-830S. The switch is claimed to have ...
Paul's user avatar
  • 781
5 votes
4 answers
11k views

How can I be sure I'm actually hitting the repeater?

I'm just starting to use 2m and 70cm bands, which normally use repeaters to extend range beyond a mile or two (limited mostly by line of sight, as I understand it). When I'm at home, however, I'm not ...
Zeiss Ikon's user avatar
  • 4,097
2 votes
3 answers
4k views

Brand new BaoFeng BF-F8HP -- how to save settings in a channel memory?

I just got this new 2m/70cm hand-held, and I'm working through programming the local repeaters into channels. I've been able to set the repeater frequency in VFO mode, then save the settings to ...
Zeiss Ikon's user avatar
  • 4,097
1 vote
1 answer
3k views

How do I set the "tone" in my new BaoFeng BF-F8HP?

I just got this new 2m/70cm hand-held, my first ham rig. I neglected to order the computer connection cable with the radio (it's on the way, and I've already installed the Chirp software on my Linux ...
Zeiss Ikon's user avatar
  • 4,097
4 votes
6 answers
3k views

How does lowering the RF Gain help with SNR?

Let's say for sake of example we are in the 40m band. I've read articles and posts about riding the RF gain (or even just simply lowering it). And I can see how it is useful in overload situations. ...
Paul's user avatar
  • 781
2 votes
1 answer
156 views

What did I just do to my rig? Audio went crazy and had to reboot

Video I was experimenting with different settings on my IC-7300 and trying out manually controlling the RF Gain with AGC off. Too much gain for a moment caused audio clipping followed by the audio ...
Paul's user avatar
  • 781
2 votes
1 answer
322 views

Embedded Message on Zastone ZT-X6 / WLN KD-C1

I recently got a couple of very basic Zastone ZT-X6 2W UHF handheld radios. The actual brand seems to be WLN and the model KD-C1 (because the programming software I downloaded from Zastone is named ...
Werner's user avatar
  • 123
9 votes
3 answers
1k views

Why does "Ethics and Operating Procedures" suggest tuning on a dummy load?

The seminal work "Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur" suggests in subsection II.8.1 to perform tuning only on a dummy load. Sometimes before transmitting it is necessary to tune (...
xmjx's user avatar
  • 203
3 votes
3 answers
11k views

What is "Busy Channel Lockout"? Why do I want to control this feature?

I was reading up on a radio review, and it mentioned something I was not familiar with, "Busy Channel Lockout". Unfamiliar with the term, I did an Internet Search, but didn't get back much, and for ...
YetAnotherRandomUser's user avatar
1 vote
3 answers
2k views

How Can I Remove a Password From a TYT MD-UV390 (Non-GPS)?

I just purchased a TYT UV-390 (Non-GPS) on Amazon. It arrived, I unboxed it and charged it and turned it on and it's asking for a password. The same goes if I try and read or write to it using CPS ...
Mike Curtis's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
189 views

Help with ZaStone D900

I ordered a ham radio from eBay (doesn't matter which one) and I have gotten a completely different one than what I ordered. I'm quite new to amateur radio so please excuse my innocence/idiocy. I ...
Iain Rosen's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
480 views

How were 1920s hams able to measure megahertz frequency?

I was reading 200 Meters and Down but one thing that was unclear to me was that hams in the 1920s were operating on the 200 meter frequency, which is around 1.5 Mhz .... or 1500 kilocycles to use the ...
RoboKaren's user avatar
  • 834
6 votes
3 answers
1k views

Alinco DJ-500T handheld radio will not transmit, why?

Shows the word OFF on screen when PTT is pressed. In settings "TX" is set to on, what am I missing? The manual is no use due to poor translation and general incompleteness.
Kevin's user avatar
  • 61
3 votes
1 answer
999 views

Am I calibrating my SWR meter, SWR-001, correctly?

I have an SWR-001, which seems to be released under two different brands, MyDEL and Sharman. The MyDEL SWR-001 looks like this: and the Sharman one looks the same except for the label on the bottom ...
Pablo Fernandez's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
3k views

Spectrum Analyzer: using "Max hold" for peak detection of a burst signal

TX works at 433 MHz and sends a burst of 64 bytes every second. The burst itself lasts for 102.4 ms. The width of TX signal is 400 kHz. RX is an Spectrum Analyzer (R&S FSL6) with a receiving ...
luw's user avatar
  • 57
2 votes
2 answers
945 views

Tuning to Aviation Band on Kenwood D-710G?

I got a brand new Kenwood D-710G under the Christmas tree and have been exploring many of its functions. This one has me stumped: How do I set, let's say, Band A to a frequency of 131.550 (AM) to ...
LTCSZ's user avatar
  • 21
3 votes
1 answer
125 views

APRS: what is with stations clustered in the middle of a lake?

I just recently started using APRSdroid, and I've been just looking at maps, and I've noticed that in my area there are spots with just a cluster of stations on top of each other (in this specific ...
J. Polfer's user avatar
  • 131
0 votes
1 answer
333 views

Temporary Skip frequency on an Icom ID-51 PLUS2

On the scanning options for the Icom ID-51 PLUS2, there's one called Temporary Skip Timer that can be any of: 5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes The manual says: Temporary Skip Timer Selects ...
Pablo Fernandez's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
3k views

How do I set up my radio for an antenna tuner?

I recently acquired an MFJ Versa Tuner II model MFJ-949D as well as a Kenwood TS-430S radio. The instructions for the tuner state (in part): For optimum operation of the MFJ-949D, the transmitter ...
Lance's user avatar
  • 941
1 vote
0 answers
266 views

Yaesu FT-65R quick function keys: changing values

I am using a FT-65R radio and loving it much. However I have a problem with assigning menu items to P1-P4 buttons. If I assign CTCSS menu item to, let's say P2, then after pressing P2 the menu item is ...
mikea's user avatar
  • 111
2 votes
3 answers
12k views

Baofeng BF-888s radios don't talk to Baofeng BF-888s+ radios

I had originally bought a set of BaoFeng BF-888s+ radios that perform very well and perfectly suit my needs. Needing more, I bought another set, this time buying BaoFeng BF-888s radios. (Same model ...
magma's user avatar
  • 123
5 votes
1 answer
393 views

Receiving commercial / public-safety on a general-coverage HAM transceiver

I have an ICOM-7100 that I've installed in my mobile as my primary (nay, only) HAM transceiver; and I'm trying to avoid wasting a ton of space in my vehicle (not to mention money) for a proper scanner,...
ELLIOTTCABLE's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
163 views

What protocol does the Vertex VX-2200/2100 use for programming?

I have seen a number of programming cable schematics on the internet, but I couldn't understand very much how they worked. From what I picked from all schematics, it appears the protocol uses the <...
Ronan Paixão's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is it possible to program the Vertex VX-2200 using the back DB 15-pin connector?

The service schematic of the Vertex Standard VX-2200 VHF radio shows that the ACC5 and ACC6 pins of the back DB 15-pin connector ...
Ronan Paixão's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
327 views

Kenwood D710G TNC Won't Monitor ID Packets?

I recently got a Kenwood TM-D710G and have been experimenting with using its internal TNC connected to a serial port on my laptop for packet / PBBS operation. I can connect to PBBSes whose callsigns I ...
Juffo-Wup's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
2k views

What's the difference between the normal and S-meter squelch in IC-2730?

I recently obtained an IC-2730E and can't figure out the difference between its squelch options. Unfortunately, the user manual isn't very helpful. The squelch option had 3 types: off, attenuation and ...
AndrejaKo's user avatar
  • 2,883
1 vote
1 answer
2k views

How many independent power settings does the Yaesu FT-897/857 have?

I have found, and the manual agrees, that the Yaesu FT-897 (and presumably the essentially identical FT-857) stores multiple “RF POWER SET” values, for different bands. The manual simply describes ...
Kevin Reid AG6YO's user avatar
  • 24.5k
2 votes
1 answer
334 views

Yaesu FTDX-1200 how to load band stack register

I have a Yaesu FTDX-1200. There is a feature that allows storage of 3 sets of frequency for each of the band selection buttons. I tried pressing store and then the band button but it does not seem to ...
user2572757's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
727 views

How can I disable the TOT time out timer of the TM-V71A?

I am using the Kenwood TM-V71A as an EchoLink link station. When I try to play our weekly bulletin, which has a duration longer than 10 minutes, the TOT cuts the transmission short. I do understand ...
roland's user avatar
  • 31
3 votes
3 answers
5k views

Setting up a Kenwood TM-D710G for APRS

If I am going to use a Kenwood TM-D710G for APRS, will I need to leave one of the VFOs on the APRS frequency of 144.390 MHz, or does the TM-D710G have a 3rd VFO built-in specifically for APRS use?
W8AWT's user avatar
  • 1,326
8 votes
1 answer
1k views

Antenna tuning while receiving

I've built AA5TB's antenna coupler for a 5W 20m transceiver. Tuning was kind of difficult because my transceiver has buttons for sending a dot and a dash, but no tuning mode, so I couldn't have the ...
user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
474 views

Does amateur radio induce a health risk?

Electromagnetic Exposure wise, does Amateur radio (Particularly 1.8 to 440 megahertz) induce a health risk due to RF radiation? Other than the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits, which will ...
Skyler 440's user avatar
  • 7,600
1 vote
1 answer
404 views

Squelch sensitivity decreased when antenna is connected

I have a radio with a really horrible squelch. When the knob is all the way to most sensitive, the squelch has problems, the noise is not constant, the noise comes on and goes off. When the antenna ...
Skyler 440's user avatar
  • 7,600
1 vote
1 answer
402 views

How do you operate an "up 3" split dx station with a Kenwood TS570 or similar HF radio?

My Kenwood has "split" and "rit/xit". Is the "split" mode suitable for operating a split for a DX pileup situation, where a station is listening "3 up"? I'm confused about which of the larger or ...
Warren  VE3WPX's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
499 views

What does the “USER” programmable key function do on the Yaesu FT-897D?

I was just reviewing the manual of my Yaesu FT-897D to remind myself of useful functions I might have forgotten about, and I found the programmable function keys, which can be set to any of “All Multi ...
Kevin Reid AG6YO's user avatar
  • 24.5k
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

How would this RF field strength meter be calibrated?

I'm interested in an RF field strength meter that doesn't have to be lab quality, but still gives enough information about the RF field to know if an area exposed to RF is above the safety limits ...
Adam Davis's user avatar
  • 12.1k
12 votes
3 answers
8k views

How is "clarifier" control helpful?

My radio-club recently got a Yaesu FT-225RD transceiver and I'm trying to digest its manual (available for download here). This is the first ham radio that I'm learning how to use, so I could be ...
AndrejaKo's user avatar
  • 2,883
3 votes
1 answer
1k views

How do I select a programmed memory scan on the Yaesu FT-897D?

The Yaesu FT-897D has a so-called “Programmable Memory Scan (PMS)” feature, which allows limiting scanning to a user-defined band by creating special paired memory entries which set the upper and ...
Kevin Reid AG6YO's user avatar
  • 24.5k
1 vote
2 answers
1k views

Kenwood TS-590S VGS-1: Voice keyer does not transmit unless VOX is enabled

I have a Kenwood TS-590S with a VGS-1 voice guide/storage module, which I use in multi/multi contesting operations for voice keying (calling CQ). There's one drawback - it seems to only transmit ...
oh7lzb's user avatar
  • 2,391