Recent content by darklife

I've actually had this happen with a long 80' run of RG8u eons ago where I remember one stormy night seeing water leach out of the braid at the end into the connector. Like most suggest the cable is probably toast now but I took down the cable from my tower and let it bake in the sun for a...

I can't help but think when I look at my radio and the meter can measure up to 80+ watts yet the PEP of SSB is 30 almost right to the exact number when testing on my scope and proper watt meter into a dummy load. I've seen a few people on youtube that have the same radio and somehow are pushing...

Just want to say after a year now it's still holding up well. Went with sanding my cut down then cleaning, filling with JB weld around the crack and settle until stiff, then fiberglass kit which I sanded between layers applied until it was snuff for PVC which I mixed up JB weld and slid the pipe...

Was thinking about freebanding on 27.700 with SSTV images to see if anyone logs it but not sure if that is even popular in the US? I hang on the channel sometimes but rarely hear anything except LSB voice chatter. Also not real sure if 30 watts SSB into a A99 clone antenna is even worth the shot...

The whole antenna gave me frustration at first. Slightest change in coax length would give me different readings of lowest SWR at different channels and same with mount height even though I was out in the open away from metal using quality coax. Eventually I said hell with it and just set it up...

Not sure if it's like the 5555n I own but holy hell the modulation transistor bakes if you keydown too long on AM. Might want to look for a cooked bipolar tranny attached to the sides. Sorry if way off, I assume the quad 6 shares a lot with the quad 5 I own.

So no one actually uses channel 9 for emergency use anymore right? :whistle:

Little bit of skip earlier today on my repaired antenna that seems to be back to normal.. Sorry first few minutes is some hams, skip ahead when I drop it down to CB frequencies

Thank you all so much for the ideas. The big stick is back up in the air and holding up pretty damn well! I ended up using the fiberglass cloth and resin and wrapped enough around over the last few days between sanding it until it was as thick as the original. Also used JB Weld for the cut I...

Okay a few quick questions and thank you all for the help. I am very grateful and feeling a little more optimistic (y) I bought Bondo fiberglass resin. hardener, and cloth like those small repair kits have. Also got some JB Weld and a 4" piece of schedule 80 PVC that fits loosely over the cut I...

I am considering that and use the right sized PVC to fit over it but I'm thinking that will take ages to cure. Do you really think it will hold that strong and weather okay? I've never used JB Weld or PVC "cement" glue so not sure which would be stronger and last longer. I read somewhere that...

Well this is ridiculous :mad: Had the 1498 up for almost exactly a year and suddenly yesterday went to turn on the radio only to hear silence. At first I thought it was my radio so adjusted squelch and then tried transmitting only to see my SWR was deep in the red. I was hoping it was just my...

You have to be careful turning up the mic gain in this radio too much, the TIP36c modulation transistor likes to get crispy warm. I adjust from the menu to full mod, then adjust the POT inside a little higher than factory and have good reports. A different mic wouldn't hurt of course.

Want to point out that the SDR receivers had antennas mounted up high and on strong skip days, you can test yourself by going here when conditions are right.. https://www.globaltuners.com

Why should coax cable length matter? I suspect those who install these antennas either have great results or bad because of coax length. My clone antenna (Tram 1498) is so inconsistent in length of coax and antenna length setting and height. I realize this is part of the comedy and real life...