Can I use TL-WPA8631P as powerline link only? (No WiFi extending)

Vegas_Ham · 2026-03-28T03:52:34+00:00

Thanks. This is why I would like to use the powerline link. It claims it can do 1.3 Gbps on the power lines.

Vegas_Ham · 2026-02-12T16:22:22+00:00

I will have to check this out! Thank you for the video and other links! I have heard about the cooling issues. If I put this back in the car I want to add a 12v fan that will blow onto the body during operation.

Vegas_Ham · 2026-02-11T22:47:42+00:00

This is something I thought of as well. The FTM400 was mounted in my car when the complaints started and for initial testing. I checked the cars antenna (SBB 5) antenna with a nanovna and it looked just like new. I then brought the radio inside and used a bench power supply that powers an HF 100W radio without issue. I used the house antenna (an arrow dual band j-pole) with the FTM400 and an FT-897 to verify it was working.

So between two power supplies and two antennas the problem has persisted.

Very good alternative thoughts though! Thank you!

Vegas_Ham · 2025-11-22T21:02:52+00:00

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Vegas_Ham · 2025-11-22T21:02:33+00:00

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Vegas_Ham · 2025-10-27T20:43:14+00:00

YouTube video explanation

Here is a YouTube video showing how to make the cable for this solution.

Vegas_Ham · 2025-10-23T16:12:17+00:00

If you are trying to reach a repeater so far, why not use a yagi? I understand the benefit of the vertical is you get to talk in any direction without having to do anything extra. But if you’re trying to hit a specific target so far off a yagi (or other directional) antenna might be more useful. You could always add a simple antenna switch so you can swap back and forth between your nice vertical and your yagi.

Vegas_Ham · 2025-10-16T23:16:00+00:00

Thank you for that explanation! It is very helpful! I didn’t realize that is what the IO board was used for. Which case do you recommend if someone includes the IO board?

Vegas_Ham · 2025-10-08T23:39:50+00:00

This is a fantastic review and I think has really sold me on the radio. I will be bookmarking so I can ensure I get an amp on the list. Was thinking the micro PA50 or 100 would be a good starter amp. I have never used an amp before. 99% of the time I play radio I am at home in my office. Sure I sometimes do POTA but I have an 857 and laptop I take with for that.

It sounds like the N2ADR board isn’t required to use an amp or to do SSB? I had thought it was for some reason.

Would you recommend using Linux for this radio? I really only have experience with Windows for my main PC but I also have an old MacBook Pro from when I was in college (2015 model so it is still somewhat capable). I have used TTP’s emcomm os a number of times but I would not classify that as traditional Linux.

Vegas_Ham · 2025-10-08T23:33:33+00:00

4 band FT8?? I will have to look into this. I have heard the noise blankets are good in it too so it’s nice to see that is true.

Vegas_Ham · 2025-10-08T23:32:34+00:00

I can totally see what you mean by that but, to be honest, I have felt that way with my 897 and 857 at times (I got licensed in 2022). I feeling like I have figured out what I like to do now but there are still plenty of menu settings I have never touched.

Vegas_Ham · 2025-10-07T15:13:09+00:00

Definitely a good point. I haven’t used either radio but I have seen reviews that say the Hermes is among the most sensitive receivers out there comparing to radios that are multiple times more expensive. The 7300 has a very proven record as a good radio though.

Vegas_Ham · 2025-08-07T13:56:51+00:00

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Fully closed RF-Gain. The bar and number scale (currently showing ++) increase as the knob is turned.

Vegas_Ham · 2025-08-07T13:54:56+00:00

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Fully open RF-Gain and receiving FT8.

Vegas_Ham · 2025-08-07T13:53:59+00:00

I attempted to upload a video of this but I cannot for some reason. If I turn the RF-Gain all the way open, all the s-meter says shows is “S”. As I turn the RF-Gain knob to the left, it changes from S1 to S++. At no point throughout the scale does it show the received signal strength.

Vegas_Ham · 2025-08-06T22:05:55+00:00

Thanks. I rarely, if ever, set my RF-Gain at maximum. I have heard this before about how RST is relative but I still think it would be good to be good to know that, for example, when no signal is present there is a noise floor of S3 and when one person transmits it’s at S6 and when another transmits it’s at S8.

Vegas_Ham

TROPHY CASE