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  1. Need2Know

    Grundig Satallit 750 power supply options

    I understand this radio works best using the D cells rather than a wall wart that generates some hum. I'm considering an external AGM 6-volt battery instead of the D cells for several reasons: 1) The AGM would be rechargeable. 2) The AGM would last longer between charges compared to replacing...
  2. Need2Know

    Best antenna combo to use with MFJ-1026

    My objective is to reduce the noise floor in several short wave bands. With the antenna configuration described below, I'm not yet receiving the results I want - a significantly lower noise floor. I am not able to ID the noise sources, whether atmospherics (unfixable) or nearby point source...
  3. Need2Know

    J-pole 2 meter antenna question

    This is a question I probably should have asked before I bought my current J-pole. But here it is: Is there any difference in reception or propagation in a 2 meter or 70 cm antenna that uses thin rod material such as that on an automobile antenna, vs. using a many times thicker, 1/2 inch...
  4. Need2Know

    Lightning and Attic Antennas

    On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being "I'll shoot my eye out" and one being "go ahead and give him the BB gun", how much should I worry about an ungrounded antenna in my attic. I have professionally installed lightning rods all over my roof. But I am told even a near strike can charge the...
  5. Need2Know

    Rechargeable batteries in the BT-13

    I have a Kenwood HT with the optional BT-13 AA battery holder. It says "do not use rechargable batteries" on the unit. Why not? Will the voltage be too low? Will it simply reduce the output of the unit or will it do something worse? I am well stocked with Sanyo Eneloops. Why don't they...
  6. Need2Know

    RX signal comparison: 710 vs. 6a

    I had both radios receiving the same net on the same frequency at my base station last night to compare their reception audio. The S meters on both indicated a strong signal. The signal is from a repeater a little over a mile away. The 710's signal was crystal clear hooked up to a J-pole...
  7. Need2Know

    What is best way to attach a long wire to an HT?

    I have a Kenwood F6A wide band HT that I would like to hook up to a long wire. The antenna connector on this unit is an SMA female. I also have an SMA to BNC adapter for it for alternate radio-mounted antennas. What is the best way to securely hook up a long wire to this type of radio (of...
  8. Need2Know

    Reaching out beyond 100 miles with VHF/UHF

    I understand that without repeaters, VHF/UHF reach out maybe 10 miles plus or minus, depending on antenna height on either end. With repeaters on towers, maybe 20 to 30 miles is typical. In undertand that starting with 6 meters and lower frequencies (HF) our signals can start to bounce off...
  9. Need2Know

    Kenwood TH-F6A programming software confirmation

    I'm learning the TH-F6a HT programming software for which there is not a lot of instruction. Can you confirm if I've entered the following data into the window, below, correctly before I enter a dozen more incorrectly: Station name: K4VRC RX: 443.225 TX: 448.225 PL: 103.5...
  10. Need2Know

    Broadband antenna for rx only

    In understand that the stock antennae on most HT's provide minimal performance. For the Kenwood TH-F6A, (receives 0.1 through 1300MHz), what antenna or antennae would produce significant improvement below 100MHz short of going to an outdoor antenna? I will have a dual band attic mounted...
  11. Need2Know

    Populating programming software before receipt of radio

    As mentioned earlier, I have a couple of Kenwood radios on order. **Jump_im** Not that I'm anxious, or anyting like that, but I have already downloaded the programming software for each. Is there any harm in entering the rx and tx frequencies and offsets and tone frequencies in advance of...
  12. Need2Know

    Finally hit the "buy" button

    Given that I finally received the proceeds from the sale of some of my camera equipment, and since the 20-year old Azden radio I was given doesn't seem to work very well, I took the plunge and bought my first radios. Should receive them by next week, and operational within two. They are the...
  13. Need2Know

    Field strength meter options

    I was exploring various field strength meters that I might use to determine the best location for my 2 meter/70cm antenna. Option 1 is building it myself. This may be the cheapest option for many. But I doubt if it would be for me because everything I subsequently tested with it would...
  14. Need2Know

    Typical attenuation of an attic mounted antenna compared to outdoor antenna

    What is the typical signal propagation loss to be expected from a 2 meter/70cm J-Pole antenna mounted in an attic where the roofing material is the common 5/8" plywood and asphalt shingles, compared to the same antenna mounted outside at the same height? How much loss can be expected? Is it...
  15. Need2Know

    What is best supplement for a 2 meter mobile

    I am being gifted by a friend with what he calls a "bare bones" 15 year old, 2 meter mobile radio. I assume it is 50 watts. I also want to do APRS and 70cm and have other current "bells and whistles" in a second radio. This gift may take me in a different direction on the purchase of a...
  16. Need2Know

    Kenwood's recommended APRS software: Will it work with 64 bit OS

    In Kenwood's complete manual for APRS for the TM-D710 Mobile, reference is made to APRS software, with a link provided to this site APRS Client for Windows - Official UI-View Home Page for downloading the software. My question is this: Will the 32 bit software mentioned work on a 64 bit...
  17. Need2Know

    B-Square J-Pole

    Does anyone have experience with this 2 band J-Pole? Quality ham radio antennas built to last a lifetime Thoughts?
  18. Need2Know

    Hams and Scanners

    Sounds like breakfast, but this is a legit question. I'd like to hear from hams who also have a scanner (I'm interested in the Uniden Home Patrol) and how they use their scanners in conjunction with their ham rigs. I understand our HF/VHF/UHF ham transceivers are not the best equipment for...
  19. Need2Know

    HT or Mobile for Newbie's first radio

    OK. Here is a twist on a similar question I posted earlier. I'm a 60 something newbie who just got my tech license. I'm interested in APRS, EchoLink, other computer interfacing possibilities, and possible ARES and emergency/public service uses. The radio would be used 98% of the time from...
  20. Need2Know

    Can a Serial to USB adapter be used on Kenwood?

    My computer does not have any serial ports. Will the PG-5G serial communications cable work with a serial to USB adapter to the computer on the TM-D710?