First off, I want to say that the IC-7600 has been a great radio for me, and I have no doubt that the IC-7610 is much better. I was thinking about finally taking the plunge and upgrading to the 7610 soon, so I started following the IC-7610 group at Groups.io. There was suddenly a mention... Continue Reading →
A WiFi-Connected N1MM Antenna Selector Prototype
I have been considering automating a 2X6 antenna switch using the Broadcast Antenna Selection Data from N1MM+ (which I may refer to as simply N1MM from here on). Most Ham Radio contesters use N1MM+ for contest logging and many are now using it with two radios in a Single-Operator-Two-Radio (SO2R) arrangement. N1MM Broadcast Data for... Continue Reading →
Can I Use My ZS6BKW on 160 Meters?
I wanted to get on the air for the CQ 160 contest this weekend but my Inverted "L" is down. I have a ZS6BKW that I have used on 80m before and wondered if I could do it on 160 meters. The two legs are around 45 feet each and the ladder line is about... Continue Reading →
FTDX-3000 Power-cycles During TX
I have been using my FTDX-3000 for several years and suddenly, in a contest, the rig power-cycled when I was transmitting on 20 meters. This happened a couple of times, and it needed immediate attention. I have found in the past that some radios would power-cycle when the input voltage/current was too low. I assume... Continue Reading →
Using WSPR Transmission for HF Antenna Testing
I have been playing around with the weak-signal propagation mode WSPR for about a year now. Most of my WSPR initial work was in receiving and reporting Spots from WSPR transmitters. Now I wanted to do some HF antenna testing but it was in a rough RF reception environment. So instead of receiving and reporting... Continue Reading →
WSJTX Caused FTDX3000 Blinking Green RX LED
I have been using WSJTX with Yaesu FTDX3000 for many months. It had been working fine, but the recent version 2.5.4 causes an issue with the Rig when I try to change Bands. If I use the WSJTX software to change Bands, there is a relay click and the RX LED starts to blink. While... Continue Reading →
ARRL CW Sweepstakes 2022 – Finally got the Broom
I had a great time working the ARRL CW November Sweepstakes contest this year. I know that many Hams do not care for SS with the long, complicated exchange but I think it is a great challenge. After many years of trying and hoping, I finally managed to work all 84 Sections for the "Clean... Continue Reading →
Connecting an IC-7300 to the Elecraft KPA-500 Amp and KAT-500 Tuner
***** Important Update with WARC Band Warning (at end of Post) ***** I have been using the Elecraft KPA-500 and KAT-500 with two Icom rigs; the IC-7600 and the IC-7300. This article details how I have chosen to interconnect the KAT/KPA-500 with my IC-7300. There are also varying options for interconnecting the 7300 with this... Continue Reading →
IC-7300 Firmware Upgrade to V 1.40
I see that ICOM just released a new Firmware upgrade for the IC-7300. This is Version 1.40 and it has some good looking upgrades to the Waterfall and the scope display, among other things. I also like the added ability to customize some of the Front panel control functions. I am going to go through... Continue Reading →
IC-7300 “SEND” signal – Be Careful when using it
There has been an ongoing discussion for quite some time about a reported "RF Tail" on the IC-7300. This report is based upon the fact that the 7300 provides a SEND signal that is supposed to be useful for telling offboard equipment if the 7300 is currently Transmitting or Receiving. Actually there are two of... Continue Reading →
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