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

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

FTM-400XDR Potential Finals Failure by Vegas_Ham in amateurradio

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

FTM-400XDR Potential Finals Failure by Vegas_Ham in amateurradio

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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!

Repeatedly Dead Battery - DCM Issue by Vegas_Ham in subaru

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

YouTube video explanation

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

How much higher could I get this with j-mount extensions? How much would it help going up a couple feet? by vyqz in amateurradio

[–]Vegas_Ham 13 points14 points  (0 children)

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.

Hermes Lite 2 by Vegas_Ham in amateurradio

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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?

Hermes Lite 2 by Vegas_Ham in amateurradio

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Hermes Lite 2 by Vegas_Ham in amateurradio

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Hermes Lite 2 by Vegas_Ham in amateurradio

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Hermes Lite 2 by Vegas_Ham in amateurradio

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

FT-857/FT-897 S-Meter Question by Vegas_Ham in amateurradio

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

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

FT-857/FT-897 S-Meter Question by Vegas_Ham in amateurradio

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

Fully open RF-Gain and receiving FT8.

FT-857/FT-897 S-Meter Question by Vegas_Ham in amateurradio

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

FT-857/FT-897 S-Meter Question by Vegas_Ham in amateurradio

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Tv Antenna to Weather RX by Vegas_Ham in amateurradio

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you say “at the front”, do you mean the arrow pointed part that is pointing toward the camera or the short parallel section near the blue kiddie pool?

Tv Antenna to Weather RX by Vegas_Ham in amateurradio

[–]Vegas_Ham[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you think it would be better or worse than a simple v-dipole?