Well, it arrived about a week ago, right on time. It has been fun (?)
installing it in this small retirement apartment. Had a hard time getting
a good SWR on the Isotron 20 meter antenna hung up on the ceiling of the
porch (first floor apartment). No RF ground available (real stealth
outside). Finally put in a counterpoise wire (16 1/2 feet - only operate
on 20 meters now) and have SWR around 2:1.
Big problem was apparent RFI. Made my TV jump. That didn't bother me, as
we don't look at TV when I am operating and visa versa, however, I was, and
am, concerned about bothering the neighbors. I finally, apparently solved
the problem by putting ferrite filters on the coax at the antenna. No more
jump. I have ordered an artificial ground tuner kit from TT. I am only
planning on operating at about 5-10 watts, so perhaps no-one will hear me??
I was concerned about the extended receive of the Peg in this environment,
as I like to do SWL. I have a Sony 2010 SW radio which works great here.
However, I have found, even with this marginal antenna that the Peg can
hear everything that the Sonly can. I do have some monitor interference
which masks weak SSB signals sometimes. However, I can hear them by
turning off the monitor.
This is one heck of a radio and I like the unlimited memories and DSP
filtering. I wish that the noise filter worked on AM. At least I haven't
been able to use it on AM.
Still soldering permanent cables and will try TX'ing in about a week. If
you live a few block away you may be able to hear me <gr>.
Thanks for everyone's input and help.
Dick, N5XRD
BTW I didn't want to have a problem with leaking electrons so I have it in
a vertical position on my desk <gr>. (It fits quite well that way)
--
FAQ on WWW: http://www.contesting.com/tentecfaq.htm
Submissions: tentec@contesting.com
Administrative requests: tentec-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems: owner-tentec@contesting.com
Search: http://www.contesting.com/km9p/search.htm
|