most recent 30 from http://ask.elmershack.com 2010-09-05T03:44:22Z http://ask.elmershack.com/feeds http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/rdf http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/294/studying-for-the-tecnician-test Jim West 2010-06-21T22:31:51Z 2010-09-01T15:23:40Z

<p>Hi, </p> <p>I wish to study for the tech. license &amp; heard there is a new wrinkle to the testing as of July 2010. </p> <p>What will I need to study to be up to speed for this new change(s)?</p> <p>David west</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/237/surge-protection-for-a-dipole-antenna Nick 2010-01-29T03:09:15Z 2010-08-30T15:27:02Z

<p>I am installing a dipole antenna and and plan to attach the coax feedline coming from the antenna to a polyphase lighting arrestor that is mounted to a bulkhead in a watertight box outside of my shack. The bulkhead is grounded. I will be running the coax from the polyphase arrestor into the shack and attaching it to my antenna tuner. Some hams have told me not to ground the coax sheilded wire. Others have told me it should be grounded. </p> <p>I am a bit confused on this issue. I thought that grounding the feedline coax through a lightning arrestor was the correct way to help protect your equipment from nearby strikes and static electricity. I plan to disconnect the coax when there is a chance of a storm or lightning in the area.</p> <p>Your advice on this issue would be appreciated.</p> <p>Thanks,</p> <p>Nick </p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/192/antenna-grounding-buss Nick 2010-01-11T12:54:26Z 2010-08-30T15:24:54Z

<p>I understand that copper is the best material to use for a grounding bus, but can aluminum or other metal work as a substitute? I am trying to ground my antennas at the exterior of the house.</p> <p>Thanks,</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/189/is-yf-a-commonly-used-abbreviation AC0QW 2010-01-09T17:21:46Z 2010-08-30T15:22:52Z

<p>According to this <a href="http://www.hamradio.cc/cw/cw%5Fmorse%5Fcode%5Fabbreviations.php" rel="nofollow">chart</a> (and I've seen it other places), YF is an abbreviation for wife in ham radio. I've heard XYL being used quite a bit, but never YF. Is YF really used to abbreviate wife?</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/174/what-does-a-ham-radio-emergency-response-kit-have-in-it kmortensen 2009-12-30T13:54:36Z 2010-08-30T15:21:57Z

<p>I'm not a member of an ares group or any other emergency communications group at the moment, but I am thinking that it would be a good idea to add ham radio to my family's 72-hr kit. What should I include?</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/176/what-are-the-advantages-of-software-defined-radio AC0QW 2009-12-31T13:53:25Z 2010-08-30T15:13:09Z

<p>I've been reading a lot lately about software defined radio. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using SDR over a traditional transceiver?</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/223/inverted-v-apex-angle unknown (yahoo) 2010-01-25T08:34:28Z 2010-08-30T15:07:39Z

<p>Inverted “V” My understanding is that the best or common angle is 90 degrees. The ARRL antenna book says 90 but nothing else. I found a web sight by K7MEM and in this web sight says “ For best results with this type of antenna, the Apex Angle should be kept between 70 and 110 Degrees. Below 70 Degrees the radiators start to become parallel to each other and signal canceling will start to occur. Above 110 Degrees the antenna starts looking like a standard dipole, minimizing any of the feed impedance and shortening effects. The optimum Apex Angle is 90 Degrees.” Thank you Martin E. Meserve K7MEM. My backyard is 61.5’ long if I install a 50’ tower add 3’ and have my 12’ end supports 60’ apart I’m looking at a inverted “V” apex angle of 72 degrees, close to the 70 degrees that Marten is talking about. In W1ICP Lew McCoys book he says basically throw up as long a wire as you can ad feed is with ladder line in the center and that is what I am going to do. I will be using the Palstar AT1KBAL tuner and W7FG 600-Ohm Open Wire Feeder But to put a proper base and a free standing tower up is a lot of money. And I’m looking for some more input on the 72 degree apex “V” angle. Am I going to be ok at 72? Do any of you hams put up such a narrow “V” up and had good results with it? Thank you KD7KCP C5641E@msn.com</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/311/antennas-in-the-attic KZ4N 2010-08-14T18:22:01Z 2010-08-28T20:23:39Z

<p>I have a strict Home Owners association, and have to mount my antennas in the attic. I currently have home made UHF/VHF antenna mounted in there and have no problems. I also have a two meter/70cm vertical antenna mounted in the attic. both are about 10 feet apart. Now i am getting ready to span the length of the attic with an end fedz 20 meter antenna. This antenna will be strung from one end to the other in the attic and will pass within 1 to 2 feet of the 2 meter antenna. Now i doubt that i will be transmitting on both at the same time, but may be monitoring one and transmitting on another. My whole concern here is with RF from one antenna affecting the other enough to damage my radio equipment on the other end? Do i need to be concerned?</p> <p>Thanks,</p> <p>Myron - KZ4N</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/273/where-can-i-get-a-replacement-microphone AC0QW 2010-04-15T13:30:55Z 2010-08-27T01:02:33Z

<p>I have a Alinco DR-600 radio. When I transmit there is an intermittent hum on my signal that I am pretty sure is caused by a bad microphone or microphone cable.</p> <p>The microphone is labeled EMS-12 which seems to be out of stock everywhere I look.</p> <p>There are several models of replacement microphones that seem to be suggested but I am not sure which one is the right one.</p> <p>How can I figure out which one to use?</p> <p>Is there a non-alinco microphone that you'd recommend for this radio instead?</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/304/special-call-sign-designator-list-descriptions Nicky new guy 2010-07-29T12:42:15Z 2010-08-27T01:00:57Z

<p>call sign designator list / descriptions</p> <p>Where do I find a descritions of designators that follow call signs. In example W1AW/8 (mobile), W1AW/5 etc. etc. ? Thanks</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/300/starting-out-in-cw-need-straight-key-recommendation-for-a-beginner John Vogel 2010-07-13T04:30:48Z 2010-08-27T00:59:29Z

<p>I'm working on saving up for an HF rig (probably will buy new). One of the things I'm looking forward to is getting into CW. I'd like to know what kind of accessories I could build or start looking for. I think I'd like to try a straight key first. What's a good one for a beginner?</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/271/splicing-coax-cable Nick 2010-04-15T11:55:27Z 2010-08-12T23:23:11Z

<p>Can coax cable be spliced? If so, what is the correct method? Will splicing coax result in a db loss or change impedence? </p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/242/ferrite-bead-baluns Nick 2010-02-02T21:11:58Z 2010-08-12T23:14:52Z

<p>Has anyone had experience building/using ferrite bead baluns? How do you determine the number and type of beads to use? Any pointers and designs would be appreciated.</p> <p>Thanks,</p> <p>Nick</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/4/balanced-vs-unbalanced-feed-lines MrJDH 2009-12-06T07:25:07Z 2010-07-28T02:46:26Z

<p>What makes a feed line balanced or unbalanced?</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/297/750watts-vs-1400-watts-what-is-the-db-difference-in-signal-s-units K8PG 2010-07-01T17:28:23Z 2010-07-01T18:25:02Z

<p>I would calculate it at about 1.7 db or 1 s unit more on the meter? What say All?</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/293/radio-antenna-troubles Jim West 2010-06-21T22:28:00Z 2010-06-22T22:36:37Z

<p>Hi, I have had a Yeasou mobile and a J pole antenna for years as my base station. </p> <p>I don't talk on it very much, and haven't done so for a little while. Now I am not able to get out. When I key up I simply just recycle back to the frequency number. I'm out of practice, and it's been a while since i studied these things. Can anyone give me some troubleshooting tips?</p> <p>I've been thinking for a while I might need to get up on the roof and shine up the copper j-pole. Could this be my problem? </p> <p>kb9ues</p> <p>Thank You</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/292/conditioned-power-to-shack-benefits-ya-or-na Nick 2010-06-16T17:49:02Z 2010-06-16T17:49:02Z

<p>Has anyone had an opportunity to test or use conditioned power to feed your shack (in addition to regulated power supplies)? If so, has it improved signal quality, reduced noise levels, etc? What type of power conditioning units/devices did you use? Has anyone tried the units that install at the breaker box?</p> <p>Do the benefits (if any) out weigh the costs and effort?</p> <p>Your feedback is appreciated.</p> <p>Thanks,</p> <p>Nick</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/291/robyn-500a-ham-rig ed 2010-06-15T22:16:53Z 2010-06-15T22:16:53Z

<ol> <li>List itemLooking for any info on the Robyn 500 a ham rig. I would like to get a manual. Someone said that it is the same as the SB 36, however there are major differences. I have the manual for the SB 36 and the power supply wiring and the transmit section are different.</li> </ol>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/287/why-does-my-signal-fade-away-after-around-1-2mil-or-so phil reed 2010-06-07T16:59:25Z 2010-06-08T02:16:09Z

<p>I own a 2 meter Icom IC V8 &amp; a Yaesu FT 270 E. Being new to 2 meter radio I am upset that I cannot get out furher then around 1/2 a mile or so. I live in the Falkland Islands and NEED my radios to work wherever I go in case of emergency. Am i missing something in the set up? Do I need to access a repeater? The Islands here are covered with radio repeaters and People on West falkland call ppl on East falkland every day? My Callsign is VP8- DNC Thank you if you can help. </p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/254/how-to-use-300-pdc5 william 2010-03-05T07:54:56Z 2010-05-06T15:36:14Z

<p>how do you use, 300-pdc5 swr/power meter and matcher,bough at truck stop no instructions.william</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/279/ground-fault-circuit-interuptors Tom 2010-04-22T13:41:09Z 2010-04-25T18:55:21Z

<p>I live in a 2nd floor apartment with the equipment ground wire hooked up to a cold water pipe that goes to the hot water heater. I have a buddipoll antenna in the spare bedroom. Whenever I transmit with 100 watts one of the gfci outlets trips. Is this safe?</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/248/why-is-it-against-convention-to-call-cq-on-a-repeater AC0QW 2010-02-20T18:08:47Z 2010-04-21T17:11:50Z

<p>What is it against convention to call CQ on a repeater? Anybody know how this tradition started and why ?</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/8/how-do-you-provide-emergency-power-to-your-shack AC0QW 2009-12-08T14:28:54Z 2010-04-18T16:31:29Z

<p>This summer we lost power to our house for 3.5 days. That got me to thinking that I need some sort of emergency power system for my shack so that I can get on the radio even without power. I am learning towards a battery backup solution, but am open to other options.</p> <p>Which type of backup power do you prefer a generator or a battery backup? Which one is simpler and safer when it is around little kids? Are there other options worth considering?</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/268/car-unit-ts-850-problem-xe3ppt Edel Padilla T 2010-04-08T01:29:02Z 2010-04-15T13:55:25Z

<p>Dear Elmer</p> <p>Im live in Mexico I got a TS 850 Kenwood and my question is do you know someone who sell me one of this unit or do you know somebody to fix </p> <p>Please help me because here I can't found the solution</p> <p>thanks a lot </p> <p>73</p> <p>Edel Padilla </p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/17/procedure-for-allowing-non-licensed-people-to-experience-ham-radio KJ4FZA 2009-12-09T20:41:10Z 2010-04-12T06:36:13Z

<p>I have a lot of people ask me about ham radio. My kids are interested, as well as my wife. I want to let them try it out but I understand that I should be in control of my station at all times. My daughter is studying for the tech license and she listens to me using the radio. What is the correct procedure for letting a non-licensed guest talk on my radio?</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/266/can-not-key-up-in-cw-mode ROBERT OXIER 2010-04-07T02:12:51Z 2010-04-09T05:43:00Z

<p>Recentyly purchased a used ICOM -737, Have not made a qso yet, newly liscensed, Tried to ck SWR for 40 meter band, in the cw mode nothing on swr meter, In AM mode I could take readings ok, ckd manual found it didn,t work until I hooked my straight key up to plug hole in back of reciever, now when I switch to cw mode to ck SWR , meter works but I get loud tones intermitent, faster or slower when i turn key speed knob. i made sure external keyer was off on back of transiever, its off still same thing, tried with full bk in and bk-in on and off no difference,, ckd wirering and polairity on 1/4 in jack off key ok. COULD MY INTERNAL KEYER BE STUCK ON ? Or is this something else? Its driving me nuts i was just about ready to make my first CW QSO . THANK YOU BOB IN OHIO</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/253/no-pl-on-my-icom02at Tom 2010-03-04T22:43:55Z 2010-03-22T07:33:51Z

<p>Several of us brandnewbies had a "set up" session a couple nights ago and when I got my 02AT set up I could not get any subaudibles pls repeater tones nothing. However, I am good to go on Simplex mode. What is the likely culprit? Is this something that can be repaired at home?</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/263/yaesu-ft-840-off-frequency David Henry 2010-03-20T08:03:41Z 2010-03-20T09:59:12Z

<p>I just got started with my Yaesu FT 840 and every contact I've made so far has said that it sounds like I'm just a bit 'off frequency'. </p> <p>I'm using an MFJ tuner and have my SWR tuned practically down to nothing. I'm using a regular dipole wire antenna. </p> <p>How do I fix this? Is there an adjustment I can make with the radio controls or do I need to get it serviced?</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/259/one-antenna-several-hookups-question Mike 2010-03-17T20:15:12Z 2010-03-18T14:15:16Z

<p>I want to use one outside antenna but split off several leads so that I have 3 outlets in different locations in the house where I can hook up my portable hf radio. At no time will there ever be more than one radio connected at once. Can I bring in one coax and just split separate lines off using a UHF T connector without problems? Basically in this setup there would be 2 open cable ends where no radio is connected and one cable end where the radio is connected. I'm wondering whether those open ends are ok or should I use an antenna switch to split the cables so that only one is connected electrically to the antenna at a time..thanks for ant advice</p>

http://ask.elmershack.com/questions/256/what-is-the-koch-method-of-cw KC8ZKF 2010-03-07T21:17:58Z 2010-03-07T21:37:07Z

<p>What does the "Koch method" mean when speaking of CW?</p>