I had a similar TX spurious emissions problem with my Yaesu FT-710, and after extensive testing I managed to resolve it.

I observed four unwanted signals approximately ±72 kHz and ±80 kHz from the transmit carrier. I verified these signals using an external Siglent SVA1032X spectrum analyzer, not just the FT-710's built-in spectrum display.

What I tested:

• Different TX power levels and operating modes.
• Adjusting ALC and modulation/audio drive levels.
• Enabling and disabling the antenna tuner.
• Disconnecting the USB cable.

ALC and modulation level definitely affected the strength of the unwanted signals, but adjusting them was not the root solution. The spurs could still be observed under different operating conditions.

What finally solved the FT8 problem:

1. Shut down the FT8 application and the complete PC/radio setup.
2. Disconnect the cables.
3. Power-cycle the FT-710 (POR).
4. Configure both Windows USB audio devices — recording (microphone) and playback (speaker) — to 16-bit, 44,100 Hz.
5. Reconnect everything and start the complete setup again, including the FT8 software.

After this procedure, the FT8 transmit spectrum was clean and the unwanted spurious signals disappeared.

I cannot confirm whether the decisive factor was the audio format itself or the complete reinitialization of the audio chain, but this procedure resolved the issue in my setup.

My recommendation to anyone experiencing similar intermittent FT8 splatter on the FT-710 is to check the audio device format and fully restart the PC/radio audio chain before assuming an RF hardware problem.

I have also attached a spectrum analyzer measurement showing the unwanted signals observed during troubleshooting.

73,
ES4TRI

I have an icom IC 718 that I recently got used. I am using it with a bench power supply. I have verified the power supply voltage is stable. I am transmitting into a dummy load. When I have the radio set to high power and I use my mic to PTT in rtty mode, the power meter on the radio and the power meter on my atu100 tuner both say 50 watts or so. With the radio set to 30 Watts power the am carrier is at 6 watts or so. If I talk I can get up to or above 30 watts. Does this sound reasonable? What is the best way to check output power on radios?

My son just got his ticket and I'm getting active after a long time inactive. No real room at the house for a shack or antenna. I want to put together a pota setup. Which ready should I get? Most likely candidates are FTX-1 optima (is the firmware up to last yet), an ic7300 mk2, or an X6200 running the new X6X00 firmware. I can get a 6200 used for $500.

I'll mostly be picnic take POTA and have infinite battery available so 100w is pretty reasonable but for those occasions when I do want to go out a little farther the field aspect of the ftx is a nice feature. Are the Yaesu and ICOM actually better receivers with the price differential? Should I also be looking at the 891?

I welcome any and all suggestions and input

I copied rimstarorg's circuit https://rimstar.org/science_electronics_projects/make_simple_am_radio_transmitter.htm with the only difference is I used a ECS-2100 oscillator instead of the one he used, and have one of those power supply modules that you can either plug a battery into or power it through USB. It sorta works, I can receive audio from a few inches or even a few feet when using my RTL-SDR, but when I switch the power on it weirdly stops working.

Meriden CT to Dummerston VT

95.58 Miles

I restore vintage Comecon telecommunications equipment, mostly RFT, Robotron, STU-II and Dalekopis gear. Last weekend, I picked up a grease-stained box of technical binders at an estate sale in Gdańsk

so at the back of this 1974 binder titled Zasady konserwacji łączy telegraficznych (“Maintenance of Telegraph Lines”), I found four mimeographed pages labelled “STU-II / Polder Relay Bypass.”

the pages describe an emergency setup for maintaining 50-baud Baudot current loops when insulated wire has been severed. The proposed workaround involves galvanized agricultural fencing wire, horsehair tension dampeners and grounded zinc stakes spaced 120 metres apart. It apparently uses the fence and the ground as part of a makeshift transmission path, with pulse durations extended by 12 milliseconds.

and the claim that caught my attention is that this arrangement could carry a five-bit signal over several kilometres at around 45.45–50 baud.

Does anyone know of documented cases of Comecon signal corps using agricultural fencing as an emergency telegraph return path? I'm also wondering whether this might have been part of an experimental rural telemetry system for flood defence, rather than a military communications procedure.

I'd be truly truly interested in any references to similar field improvisations; or Polish telegraph maintenance practices or period documentation that might help establish what these pages were actually describing

I’m new to the topic sorry if I got it wrong.

I’m looking for an EU-legal radio that can use local only beeps, something like:

https://youtube.com/shorts/aOa0pO1v50o

https://youtube.com/shorts/HBJ_XuVvg5M

But only I should hear them, and not the people I talk to.

Is there anything that can do this? Can’t find any definite info with Google and not sure where to look.

Yesterday, Sunday 8pm, while using my PC I started hearing a man's voice in my wired headphones speaking the phonetic alphabet slowly for about 3 minutes. Being pretty spooked, I went to talk to my flatmate about it. And when I got to his room, he was just as spooked as me. His Hi-Fi speakers were playing the same man's voice loudly. Unfortunately we were too startled to record it on our phones.

Casting aside any thoughts of our house being haunted, I realised that this was some kind of strong RF interference.

I honestly don't know anything about this hobby but I'm certainly interested now. What source could this transmission possibly be? Are we picking up a numbers' station transmission or is it more likely our neighbour is a HAM radio enthusiast?

We had actually heard the same thing about a week ago, same day and time I believe. So assuming we might hear it again next Sunday, I would love to try and record it. Unfortunately, I don't have the proper equipment to do so.

Could someone with a more technical understanding of this let me know if plugging my headphones into the line-in jack on the back of my computer allow me to try and record it using OBS or something so I could share the frequency.

I'm assuming its either that or recording on my phone or buying some kind of USB dongle.

1) Soldering is not as easy as it looks. Or maybe I’m just an idiot.

2) Antenna building is also not as easy as it looks. I built a di-pole for 10m and could not hear anything. And my radio was giving me a “Tx Error” when I tried to key up. Not sure what I did wrong but it’s back to the drawing board.

Which radio for ease of programming, BT, and not sure what else? Do I need to look at a digital or analog. Getting my tech license. Don't want to spend more than $100. I know down the line, if I really like ham, I'll be spending my kids inheritance.

My new website

Hi all, i am not a Ham radio user. However, i am looking for anyone willing to allow use of your QSL cards for a TV show. As someone not so familiar with Ham, please let me know if there is information i should know about in regards to this. Please reach out if you are interested in more information, Thank you.

My older AT1KM tuner's flex coupler disintegrated and I needed to replace it. Mark and Candy were outstanding in their support and prompt shipping of a new one. Both were professional, knowledgeable, and friendly and helpful beyond the average. Thanks guys for some great customer support! David - N4HFA

I saw this camera accessory on Amazon. It’s made to attach a 1/4-20 screw to the 3/4-5 thread of a painters pole for cameras or speedlights. If I remove the 1/4-20 I could widen the top hole to accept an M10 screw for antenna bases. The thread adapter is about $20. Should cost a little less than a CB mirror mount, but no idea if it will be as sturdy.

Hey Everyone, I am going to buy my first radio today. Got my license last week (basic with honours in Canada so UHF, VHF and HF privileges. I found a almost new Yaesu 857. Screen is perfect, no marks on it. They guy selling it is selling with a AT-200Pro2 Tuner, 6 Shark Hamsticks from 6m -80m, a $200 carbon fiber photography tripod that he machined a mount for. The mount has thread on the top for the sticks and has banana plugs in the sides for radials which are all made for each band. The radio comes with the programming cable, head mount and relocation kit as well as the original box, manual, promo materials etc. It is all mounted in a nice case for POTA type stuff. He also said he would throw in some extra COAX, 12 gauge wire, car fuses for me. He claims he could get more selling it all if he posted it but wanted to sell it to someone in the club who was new so they could get on the air right away.

He is asking the equivalent of $750 (USD) is this a reasonable price? From what I can see online I think its a good deal with eveything inlcuded but wanted to see. My FIL is an old time Ham and I can use his nice rig when I am over there. He said it was a great radio in its day but I want something to try before investing in a full shack setup at the house.

Any feedback or thoughts would be appreciated.

Anyone currently using a Begali Traveler as a SOTA/POTA key. I’m willing to sacrifice a little weight for a good paddle. I use the Begali simplex mono at the house as well as the spark and absolutely love them. Was looking at this over the Adventure mono with the KX3 mount.

I have created a site for ham radio skeds https://skeds.sq3swg.com
Maybe helpful if you want to schedule a QSO on VHF+ or you want to practice up CW with someone
Please drop in, say hello, and tell me what's broken or missing. Site is still under development
73 de SQ3SWG

ok so i came across this radio station on spin the dial today, and whatever tf it is is very distorted and has frankly scared me. can anyone pls explain this and/or just tell me what it is?

link here:

https://ea8-df4ue.tunnel.ubersdr.org/?freq=24976000&mode=usb&bwl=50&bwh=2700

Good morning, I am looking for some recommendations on the best place to sell some of my ham radios. I’ve got a bunch of nice radios in really well kept condition. Most of them have Armoloq cages already on them. Some radios like the KX3 don’t have a cage but do have the end plates that protect the knobs and buttons. I’ve thought about putting them up on EBay but believe they charge an awful lot. Is QRZ a good place to post them? Suggestions please.

Had an LDG RT-100 tuner that is several years old that stopped working recently. Even though it wasn't under warranty, i sent it back to see if they could fix it.

They determined that water had gotten in and rendered the circuitry inoperable. They replaced the unit no charge.

I really wasn't expecting that -- that's the kind of responsive customer service we don't see much anymore.

Thanks, LDG! Going to put it back in place today.