Thanks Susan. I am mostly listening myself. My late father passed 13 years ago he was a ham radio operator. I have never had time to look at his hobby (i did take notice of what he did) but I had to sell all his gear at the time. Although I did keep a rig for myself in the form of his Yaesu FT897d and a few other bits. Also he had the atas120 to go with it. I am now going to get it out of the garage and gear it up!
Hi! It is a wonderful hobby! My parents were both hams. I know my mother had a license in 1941. The Yaesu should be a good rig for listening also. You might think about getting a cheap 2 meter Baofeng which would allow you to tune in the local repeaters and listen to the hams in your area. I am sure they would help you get started. I hope I meet you on the air someday!
I can imagine my expression when I heard Brazil on the end-fed antenna I put up last week! th-cam.com/video/mGp-i2XdITM/w-d-xo.html Unfortunately, I had the camera pointed towards the monitor! Looks like I will have to be awake at about 4 in the morning to get the best contacts! 73!
Thank you! I should have come back a long time ago! Put up a 2m yagi today on the veranda, where I found out I could work the repeater behind my hill by bouncing the signal off a cliff. Now I am really on a roll!
Thank you! Just worked England ssb on 40m with it. Just bought a CW key. Looks like I can still receive at least 15wpm, which is probably not too bad after 40 years of inactivity. 73 frm Sue!
Thank you! I am almost finished with putting up an end-fed random wire antenna too close to the building. I actually crawled up on the roof for that one. My son helped film my efforts. Just waiting for some super-strong fishing line that the neighbor can't see to stretch it out to a tree! New gear is fun! (especially when the old gear was well over 40 years old!)
Oh, I will make more contacts! I was just so surprised at getting a response that I could hardly talk! Also, I have to print out some log sheets so I don't have to write on the Users Manual!
Thanks for the inspiration! I got my novice license in 1962 and amateur extra less than a year later. But despite being totally inactive for 50+ years (yikes!) and a dozen relocations, I've kept my license current. Wow - have things changed! Amazingly, after a little struggle, I can still receive 20 wpm and look forward to getting back on the air.
Tnx! I have been going through the old callbooks. Have confirmed the novice in 1962, It looks like I didn't get the extra class until 1979, or 45 years ago, but I had the general and advanced much earlier. After listening to the HF bands, I suspect I might go back to CW also. I am rusty, but I can feel the letters rattling around in my head! I really don't have an ear for SSB, and mostly want conversations anyway, not just signal reports. I am still working on the antennas, but finally got into the 2m repeater (after 40 years), and now have contact with a lot of local hams. I really wanted to take the test again anyway-a lot has changed! By the way, I made 2 other videos on my station! See you on the air! 73 frm LA0CY
Well done Susan. I've a very small garden and setting up an aerial was a challenge. After lots of trial and error I now have Top Band/ 80m /40m ..my favourite bands plus VHF / UHF.
Hi! I guess trial and error is the only way sometimes. I just made another video on how I got on 2meters a few days ago. This is the link: th-cam.com/video/hE4p4hpj9Nc/w-d-xo.html I am plotting to sneak a end-fed long wire down to the woods without it being noticed. It would have been nice to be able to stretch out some radials. Small gardens are sometimes TOO small!
@@suenord1 End feds are easy to set up and hide as there's no coax hanging down from the wire. Try an end fed half wave for 40 metres with a 49:1 as this will also tune on the higher bands. I use one that's an "inverted L" , the vertical section rises 8 metres in a tree on a hidden pole and then off to a chimney. The same wire can be used as a 1/4 wave for 80metres tuned against a single wire counterpoise run along the top of a fence. You can tune counterpoises in the same way as the aerial for maximum current. Give the wire in the woods a go, I dare you! 73 de M0IDF
Oh, I am going to! Bought an untuned wire with a 9:1balun and an antenna turner that works with the FT710. Also got a two foot fishing pole with a little metal fish to throw a line though the tree! Have to go the soccer field tomorrow and practice casting it. Should work 40 through 10. Wire should be 10m long. The rest will be fishing line.
Thank you Phil! I made a second video on my 2 m setup. It is even stranger, but it works! I am almost done making a third video about an end-fed antenna. It should be published by tomorrow.
Fantastic! That ATAS antenna is one of the best things Yaesu did! Hopefully be able to get you in the logbook one day! All the best from here in the UK!
The ATAS fits on my roof, and works with the wire mesh, at least towards the south. That probably has something to do with the hill behind our apartment. I am working on a longwire down the hill which should give better coverage in other directions. Hope we meet on the air someday!
Great work and big HAM spirit, dr Susan! My best wishes, that you can come in the air asap. Have a great time with your hobby! CU in the air. 73 de RJ6K
Thank you! I love experimenting, so getting back on the air is wonderful! I finally got back on 2m after 40 years, which is in another video. I have only had one contact on HF, but that was down in Spain, so it works. Now I am down to the improvements! CU on the air!
Amazing job, well done. I've been playing with my ATAS 120 and not having much luck mounting in the yard. I'll try what you've done with the mesh. It works well on the car, just need some more ground under it for the yard. Hope you have heaps of contacts. Very inspirational. 73's from VK
The mesh helps a lot. It provides an unbroken surface and was WAY better than my tiny patch of "garden" on the hillside. Probably doesn't hurt to ground the screen. The best part about that antenna is that you can tune it to the various bands without leaving the shack. I am sure I will have lots of contacts.
Welcome back, i hope to make contact sometime :) Great job on the setup for the 120 atas, thanks putting u pa video on your exploits! Love the ft710, a great modern rig that i also have in my shack. cheers, de vk2moe
The FT710 is really nice, and has most of what I need. I doubt that it has the range to work Australia, but I am now plotting how to run an end-fed long wire down to a tree in the woods without getting noticed! I also put up a 2m yagi on the veranda, and made a video about it. That was sort of a miracle- I found a cliff to bounce off!
Tnx! I should have done it years ago, but it is an complicated place for antennas! There are 2 other ham radio videos on my youtube page, if you are interested! I plan upon being very active pretty soon. Hope to work you soon! 73 frm LA0CY!
Thank you! My setup improves daily. Spent today waterproofing my 3 antennas. I have some odd approaches to challenges on my other two ham radio videos also. Example: bouncing my vhf signal off a rock to open the repeater. I like making things work! See you on the air!
I am getting there pretty fast. I bolted down all the remaining radials from the foot of the ATAS 120A to the metal mat, and I think it improved the reception on the FT 710. It will probably also help with transmission. Also almost done with my end-fed random wave antenna. That should be interesting! See you on the air!
I just bought my first HF radio! Yaesu FT-710 Field! Can't really mount an antenna on the house, so I'm looking around for other ideas! Enjoyed the video! 73!
a US expired license can be renewed by taking any test like the technician exam for example. there are online exams now from what i understand. love the video! 73, chuck
I didn't know that, but the callsign I had for 50 years has been reassigned anyway, and my Norwegian one is 44 years old, so I can just use that one. I recently took the exam here and passed. Thank you!
Finding new solutions is fun! I just got in 2m, after 40 years, by putting together a yagi and pointing it at a rock down by the soccer field, which is about 120 degrees in the wrong direction for the repeater. Works like a charm!
Thank you! I think I may have some distortion on the FT 710. I am not getting out as well as I think I should. I will get there! Ordered a CW key today. That might be another way to go.
@@suenord1 If someone is complaining about distortion on Single Sideband (SSB) from your Yaesu FT-710, there are several potential causes to consider: Mic Gain Settings: The mic gain might be set too high, leading to over-modulation and distortion. Lowering the mic gain can often resolve this issue. Compression Settings: If you're using the compressor feature, it might be set too aggressively. Excessive compression can cause distortion. Try reducing or turning off the compression to see if it improves the signal. Power Output: If the power output is set too high, especially if you're driving an amplifier, it can cause distortion. Check that your power output is within normal limits for SSB operation. Bandwidth Settings: Ensure that the SSB bandwidth settings are correct. A bandwidth that's too narrow can cut off parts of the signal, leading to distortion. Microphone Quality/Compatibility: If you're using an aftermarket microphone, it may not be compatible with your FT-710, or it may require different settings. Testing with the stock microphone can help identify if this is the issue. Audio Equalization: If you've adjusted the audio equalization settings, these may be causing distortion if not set correctly. Try resetting to default settings and then fine-tuning from there. Antenna and SWR: High Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) can cause problems with transmission, including distortion. Ensure your antenna system is properly matched and the SWR is within acceptable limits. RF Feedback: If your station is experiencing RF feedback, this can cause audio distortion. Ensure that all cables are properly shielded and routed away from high-power RF sources. Power Supply Issues: Ensure that your power supply is delivering clean, stable power. Voltage drops or spikes can cause distortion in the transmitted signal. By systematically checking these factors, you should be able to identify and correct the source of the distortion in your SSB signal. (this is something I looked up on google - maybe this will help with tracking down the distortion on the FT-710. I have the same radio. i love it).
Tnx! I googled most of that also. I have changed the mic audio settings and will use the SD card record mode to listen to myself and see if it helps. It is a fantastic tranceiver. I have a local ham who is going to help me find my best settings on his FT 710. I assume he also has another receiver in the house.
It is a good angle for a screen. I can click most of the parameters with my mouse, so it is easier. It is on my workbench, though, so I have to fold it against the side wall when I am working!
Thank you! Am happy to be back! I just made a video on my 2m setup. I never thought I could use 2m from my QTH! Now I can talk with the local hams also!
Thank you! I made a couple of contacts last night on 2m via at least 2 bounces off other hills. I have assumed that the repeater was impossible for 35 years, but got it with the yagi.
I have some other ideas also. Have a longwire with a 9:1 balun I might try to sneak past the neighbors, and a 2m yagi I am setting up on the porch today
what i find amazing is that after 40 years pause the knowlege on amateurradio is right there at hand like it was yesterday. what is your current callsign in amateurradio ? is it still LA0CY ? that callsign is mentioned in the descption of the video. can you comprehend morsecode ? i like 20m, maybe i hear you there. when you have your own property, then an antenna is no problem, even only a 5 meter long fiberglas mast put on a screwdriver stuck in the ground would be enough to hang a 1/4 wavelength copperwire on it for 20m, with ground radials that would be a good antenna already.
I recently took a license course because I originally took my ham test in the Dark Ages. I make films on my TH-cam channel, rebuild my computers periodically to handle 360 video editing, and occasionally fly drones, so I do use some theory. I still use LA0CY. It was a reciprocal license, but is 44 years old. I was allowed to keep using it. 20 wpm Morse code was required for my Extra Class ticket. Yep, I remember it. Learned it when I learned the alphabet. My mother was a ham in 1941. I am sorely tempted to use CW, since I don't have much of an ear for SSB. I would use a keyboard to write it down. Need to practice a bit. Ground radials are almost impossible in this apartment because we are built down a rocky hillside with no lawn. I will figure something out!
Thank you! Now I am all excited because I set up a 2m yagi today to try to work a repeater 25 miles away. I found out that my local repeater, which is only about 10 miles away, and straight behind a large hill, can be picked up via reflection off a cliff next to a nearby soccer field. It works because of the high gain of the yagi! That will be the next video!
Thank you! I am almost finished with a short video on the 2m antenna I put up last weekend. I am just waiting to film a QSO to make the video complete. I am a little rusty!
It is a great radio! With the new technology that has been developed during my absense, I will be able to communicate no matter what obstacles I encounter!
Thank you! I am working on it! Current project is an end-fed random wire antenna. I would like to move somewhere that I can put up a proper antenna. In the meantime, I am learning a lot through my normal method-making mistakes! Hope to work you someday. 73s!
I only tried to call one station, down in Spain, but I only had it on 50 watts, and they came right back, so I am sure now that I can make more contacts! Have been working on setting up a 2m yagi this weekend. 73s de LA0CY
Thank you! I am now putting a 2m yagi out on the veranda to try to reach a repeater 25 miles away. The close repeater direction is straight up the 44 steps down to the apartment. Will report!
Thank you! I have put up 3 antennas, and made videos on all of them, but the 2m yagi pointed about 120 degrees from the repeater direction has been the most useful so far! I am trying to revive my CW also. 73 frm LA0CY!
Thank you! I just got the 2m to work by bouncing the signal off a cliff about a quarter of a mile away with a yagi! Worked 4 stations on a repeater I could never reach before!
Tnx! The ATAS will go on the car if I ever get a antenna-friendly QTH. I am not hearing the US very well from my roof. I also put up an end-fed short antenna, but I think the ATAS is better. I bought a straight key last week. Maybe CW will work better. I have two other videos on QRZ.com. Hope to work you! 73 frm Sue, LA0CY
By your callsign, you have probably been a ham about as long as I have. I can't pick up much outside Europe right now, but I would like to set up a big tribander someday! (not here, though). I hope to work you also!
The antenna wasn't tuned when I took that picture, but I have a non-switching power supply and lots of turns of the coax around a ferrite ring just before the antenna goes into the tranceiver. I am working on a second HF antenna now, a longwire- that might improve the signals. Also, I got on 2m. That is another video.
It was a Wstiry 10.1inch monitor. I converted to VGA with a BENFEI DVI-D to VGA. The power adapter did make some noise. Got rid of it by winding the power adapter cable through one of those little ferrite clamps. Also, it would probably be easier to just get a screen that has a DVI imput without having to convert to VGA.
I have an FTDX-10 and repurposed an older monitor (22" I think) that had a DVI-D input. Bought a new monitor to replace it on the PC. Works great but the dimensions are off in 800x600 so there's black bands on the top and bottom. Can't find any way around this, so I'm on the hunt for a monitor that will accept the signal full screen. FTDX-10, an amazing modern radio with fantastic capability...with a DVI-D output to 800x600. Mind boggling. No issue paying an extra $20 for HDMI License. C'mon Yaesu!!!
Mine has about a half-inch stripe on the right edge, so it doesn't quite fit either. Using a screen with a DVI input will probably save you extra work, but I have only used the little screen on the video. I have some old monitors, but since the radio is on my workbench, I figured there would be less chance of smashing a small screen than a larger one.
Hi Andrew! I just got a cheap 10.1" screen off Amazon. You should probably get one with a DVI input so you don't have to convert it to VGA. The arm it is on is a simple wall extension. You can use the mouse on most of the controls with an extra screen.
Hi! I made a couple of other videos recently that you might like. One is about getting on 2 meters when you can't hear any repeater, and the other is about trying to set up another type of HF antenna. These are the links: th-cam.com/video/hE4p4hpj9Nc/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/mGp-i2XdITM/w-d-xo.html Keep working on it--higher licenses are just a matter of persistance!
Hi there… I passed the UK licence back in 1996 but life took me away from the hobby like you 🤨 thanks goodness I just put my then new icom 706 and atu in the wardrobe and didn’t sell it along with other bits and pieces. A radio friend sparked off my interest again early 2023 and I’ve been working hard to establish a radio room or shack… 😵💫 the secret is persistence and taking it easy with working , I’m not fit anymore and only have like a 3 hour window every day to try and build, so don’t over do it because it takes days to recover…😒☹️ maybe as an idea for you, think about a doublet, and use the plastic gutter brackets of the roof to suspend it off the ground, it a good forgiving antenna for the likes of ourselves who are impeded by different circumstances… but get your little lad 😁 🤦♂️ to go up the ladder and string as much as you can around the gutter,,, I think it may surprise you. It pleases me to find your efforts to get into radio…THERES SO much to understand now… internet, sdr, ft8, etc…. 🫨 🧐 😵💫 😳 And like you when I’m set up it will be to listen for a few weeks. Just keep going at it, nice and steady. 😉 Best wishes mind how you go. 😁 💎 💙
Hi Rube, My rain gutter is only about 7 meters, so I will stick with the ATAS 120A for a while. I just put up a yagi on 2m on the veranda. I have a big hill in the direction of the repeater, but found out yesterday that by bouncing it off a cliff by the soccer field that I can pick up the repeater in the next town. I am monitoring the repeater, and will try my 2m out when I hear someone. I did listen to a net last night, so I know it will receive anyway. I also bought a non-resonant long wire that I might try to sneak past the neighbors eventually. Technology has improved a lot in the last 35 years or so. I bought an external antenna tuner, so I will be able to try experimental antennas without blowing up the tranceiver. I will make a video about the yagi when I dare to use it! Have a nice day! 73s Sue
Tnx! I am on the air, sort of. Put up a very short end-fed antenna last week. Spent yesterday trying to waterproof it. The video on that project seems to be popular, but no-one watches the one on using a 2-m yagi to bounce off a rock. I am trying to figure out how to improve the mic settings on the FT 710 today. A local ham said I need to improve the settings. I don't have a very good ear for SSB yet either, so still have some mic fright. I will try calling CQ again tonight!
Congrats on a job well done! You demonstrated true ham spirit by turning a difficult QTH into a functional radio station!! 👍🏻
Thank you! I think I need challenges to thrive. I will make it work! I can probably make the ATAS 120a more efficient also.
Thanks Susan. I am mostly listening myself. My late father passed 13 years ago he was a ham radio operator. I have never had time to look at his hobby (i did take notice of what he did) but I had to sell all his gear at the time. Although I did keep a rig for myself in the form of his Yaesu FT897d and a few other bits. Also he had the atas120 to go with it. I am now going to get it out of the garage and gear it up!
Hi! It is a wonderful hobby! My parents were both hams. I know my mother had a license in 1941. The Yaesu should be a good rig for listening also. You might think about getting a cheap 2 meter Baofeng which would allow you to tune in the local repeaters and listen to the hams in your area. I am sure they would help you get started. I hope I meet you on the air someday!
I really enjoyed your happy expression when you heard the Ohio contact from Norway. You’re very handy!
I can imagine my expression when I heard Brazil on the end-fed antenna I put up last week! th-cam.com/video/mGp-i2XdITM/w-d-xo.html Unfortunately, I had the camera pointed towards the monitor! Looks like I will have to be awake at about 4 in the morning to get the best contacts! 73!
Love your antenna designs! Very clever! Great setup, and nice garden too! Keep up the great work.
Thank you! The 2m yagi bouncing off a rock is the most practical, but I just worked Italy on 20m CW Once a ham, always a ham! 73 frm LA0CY
This is awesome, welcome back to the hobby!
Thank you! I should have come back a long time ago! Put up a 2m yagi today on the veranda, where I found out I could work the repeater behind my hill by bouncing the signal off a cliff. Now I am really on a roll!
@@suenord1 Thats Cool!
Thank you! Just worked England ssb on 40m with it. Just bought a CW key. Looks like I can still receive at least 15wpm, which is probably not too bad after 40 years of inactivity. 73 frm Sue!
You are an inspiration to me! Fine work building this! My ATAS is on the way for my FT-991a
Thank you! I am almost finished with putting up an end-fed random wire antenna too close to the building. I actually crawled up on the roof for that one. My son helped film my efforts. Just waiting for some super-strong fishing line that the neighbor can't see to stretch it out to a tree! New gear is fun! (especially when the old gear was well over 40 years old!)
Congrats! I can’t wait to see you make contacts!
Oh, I will make more contacts! I was just so surprised at getting a response that I could hardly talk! Also, I have to print out some log sheets so I don't have to write on the Users Manual!
Thanks for the inspiration! I got my novice license in 1962 and amateur extra less than a year later. But despite being totally inactive for 50+ years (yikes!) and a dozen relocations, I've kept my license current. Wow - have things changed! Amazingly, after a little struggle, I can still receive 20 wpm and look forward to getting back on the air.
Tnx! I have been going through the old callbooks. Have confirmed the novice in 1962, It looks like I didn't get the extra class until 1979, or 45 years ago, but I had the general and advanced much earlier. After listening to the HF bands, I suspect I might go back to CW also. I am rusty, but I can feel the letters rattling around in my head! I really don't have an ear for SSB, and mostly want conversations anyway, not just signal reports. I am still working on the antennas, but finally got into the 2m repeater (after 40 years), and now have contact with a lot of local hams. I really wanted to take the test again anyway-a lot has changed! By the way, I made 2 other videos on my station! See you on the air! 73 frm LA0CY
Well done Susan. I've a very small garden and setting up an aerial was a challenge. After lots of trial and error I now have Top Band/ 80m /40m ..my favourite bands plus VHF / UHF.
Hi! I guess trial and error is the only way sometimes. I just made another video on how I got on 2meters a few days ago. This is the link: th-cam.com/video/hE4p4hpj9Nc/w-d-xo.html I am plotting to sneak a end-fed long wire down to the woods without it being noticed. It would have been nice to be able to stretch out some radials. Small gardens are sometimes TOO small!
@@suenord1 End feds are easy to set up and hide as there's no coax hanging down from the wire. Try an end fed half wave for 40 metres with a 49:1 as this will also tune on the higher bands. I use one that's an "inverted L" , the vertical section rises 8 metres in a tree on a hidden pole and then off to a chimney. The same wire can be used as a 1/4 wave for 80metres tuned against a single wire counterpoise run along the top of a fence. You can tune counterpoises in the same way as the aerial for maximum current. Give the wire in the woods a go, I dare you! 73 de M0IDF
Oh, I am going to! Bought an untuned wire with a 9:1balun and an antenna turner that works with the FT710. Also got a two foot fishing pole with a little metal fish to throw a line though the tree! Have to go the soccer field tomorrow and practice casting it. Should work 40 through 10. Wire should be 10m long. The rest will be fishing line.
@@suenord1 Your enthusiasm is infectious Susan! Well done.
Tnx!
Good outcome. Interesting way of solving issues. Thank you. Look forward to more. Regards, phil 🇬🇧
Thank you Phil! I made a second video on my 2 m setup. It is even stranger, but it works! I am almost done making a third video about an end-fed antenna. It should be published by tomorrow.
Fantastic! That ATAS antenna is one of the best things Yaesu did! Hopefully be able to get you in the logbook one day! All the best from here in the UK!
The ATAS fits on my roof, and works with the wire mesh, at least towards the south. That probably has something to do with the hill behind our apartment. I am working on a longwire down the hill which should give better coverage in other directions. Hope we meet on the air someday!
Great work and big HAM spirit, dr Susan! My best wishes, that you can come in the air asap. Have a great time with your hobby! CU in the air. 73 de RJ6K
Thank you! I love experimenting, so getting back on the air is wonderful! I finally got back on 2m after 40 years, which is in another video. I have only had one contact on HF, but that was down in Spain, so it works. Now I am down to the improvements! CU on the air!
Love watching your journey back into the hobby, instant subscribe. De M0KTY
Thank you! I should have done it years ago- I have always intended to do so! 73 and see you on the air!
Amazing job, well done. I've been playing with my ATAS 120 and not having much luck mounting in the yard. I'll try what you've done with the mesh. It works well on the car, just need some more ground under it for the yard. Hope you have heaps of contacts. Very inspirational. 73's from VK
The mesh helps a lot. It provides an unbroken surface and was WAY better than my tiny patch of "garden" on the hillside. Probably doesn't hurt to ground the screen. The best part about that antenna is that you can tune it to the various bands without leaving the shack. I am sure I will have lots of contacts.
Welcome back, i hope to make contact sometime :) Great job on the setup for the 120 atas, thanks putting u pa video on your exploits!
Love the ft710, a great modern rig that i also have in my shack. cheers, de vk2moe
The FT710 is really nice, and has most of what I need. I doubt that it has the range to work Australia, but I am now plotting how to run an end-fed long wire down to a tree in the woods without getting noticed! I also put up a 2m yagi on the veranda, and made a video about it. That was sort of a miracle- I found a cliff to bounce off!
Welcome back to the hobby Susan, Great work and i hope to work you on the bands someday.
Tnx! I should have done it years ago, but it is an complicated place for antennas! There are 2 other ham radio videos on my youtube page, if you are interested! I plan upon being very active pretty soon. Hope to work you soon! 73 frm LA0CY!
good work
Thank you! Now I am working on a 2m yagi to pull in a repeater which is theoretically too far away. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Really cool!
Thank you! I spent most of the day putting together an antenna in the living room. Not quite ready for a rocking chair yet!
@@suenord1❤😂
A lot of interesting ideas for my own qth! Thank you!!! Hope to meet you on the air.
Thank you! My setup improves daily. Spent today waterproofing my 3 antennas. I have some odd approaches to challenges on my other two ham radio videos also. Example: bouncing my vhf signal off a rock to open the repeater. I like making things work! See you on the air!
I love my FT710, it's a lot of gear for the money! Catch you on the air!
I am getting there pretty fast. I bolted down all the remaining radials from the foot of the ATAS 120A to the metal mat, and I think it improved the reception on the FT 710. It will probably also help with transmission. Also almost done with my end-fed random wave antenna. That should be interesting! See you on the air!
I just bought my first HF radio! Yaesu FT-710 Field! Can't really mount an antenna on the house, so I'm looking around for other ideas! Enjoyed the video! 73!
Hi Alex! The FT-710 is a really good rig. It does just about everything! 73 and hope to work you! de LA0CY
a US expired license can be renewed by taking any test like the technician exam for example. there are online exams now from what i understand. love the video! 73, chuck
I didn't know that, but the callsign I had for 50 years has been reassigned anyway, and my Norwegian one is 44 years old, so I can just use that one. I recently took the exam here and passed. Thank you!
adapt and innovate, you are an inspiration for hams of all ages. KI7HER
Finding new solutions is fun! I just got in 2m, after 40 years, by putting together a yagi and pointing it at a rock down by the soccer field, which is about 120 degrees in the wrong direction for the repeater. Works like a charm!
I just heard your story on QSO Today! What a great story!
Thank you! I think I may have some distortion on the FT 710. I am not getting out as well as I think I should. I will get there! Ordered a CW key today. That might be another way to go.
@@suenord1 If someone is complaining about distortion on Single Sideband (SSB) from your Yaesu FT-710, there are several potential causes to consider:
Mic Gain Settings: The mic gain might be set too high, leading to over-modulation and distortion. Lowering the mic gain can often resolve this issue.
Compression Settings: If you're using the compressor feature, it might be set too aggressively. Excessive compression can cause distortion. Try reducing or turning off the compression to see if it improves the signal.
Power Output: If the power output is set too high, especially if you're driving an amplifier, it can cause distortion. Check that your power output is within normal limits for SSB operation.
Bandwidth Settings: Ensure that the SSB bandwidth settings are correct. A bandwidth that's too narrow can cut off parts of the signal, leading to distortion.
Microphone Quality/Compatibility: If you're using an aftermarket microphone, it may not be compatible with your FT-710, or it may require different settings. Testing with the stock microphone can help identify if this is the issue.
Audio Equalization: If you've adjusted the audio equalization settings, these may be causing distortion if not set correctly. Try resetting to default settings and then fine-tuning from there.
Antenna and SWR: High Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) can cause problems with transmission, including distortion. Ensure your antenna system is properly matched and the SWR is within acceptable limits.
RF Feedback: If your station is experiencing RF feedback, this can cause audio distortion. Ensure that all cables are properly shielded and routed away from high-power RF sources.
Power Supply Issues: Ensure that your power supply is delivering clean, stable power. Voltage drops or spikes can cause distortion in the transmitted signal.
By systematically checking these factors, you should be able to identify and correct the source of the distortion in your SSB signal.
(this is something I looked up on google - maybe this will help with tracking down the distortion on the FT-710. I have the same radio. i love it).
Tnx! I googled most of that also. I have changed the mic audio settings and will use the SD card record mode to listen to myself and see if it helps. It is a fantastic tranceiver. I have a local ham who is going to help me find my best settings on his FT 710. I assume he also has another receiver in the house.
I like the external monitor placement for ergonomics. Looking down at my radio gets my neck!
It is a good angle for a screen. I can click most of the parameters with my mouse, so it is easier. It is on my workbench, though, so I have to fold it against the side wall when I am working!
love your persistence. 73's
I certainly am not going to give up now that my gear is working! I missed ham radio. I am really excited about getting back on the air!
Welcome back to the hobby, 73 de OO4M
Thank you! Am happy to be back! I just made a video on my 2m setup. I never thought I could use 2m from my QTH! Now I can talk with the local hams also!
Brilliant!
Thank you! Maybe I can sneak a long wire down the hill and really get out! I am already plotting!
Welcome back!
Thank you! I made a couple of contacts last night on 2m via at least 2 bounces off other hills. I have assumed that the repeater was impossible for 35 years, but got it with the yagi.
Great vid & radio. The FT710 is the best deal out there. 👍
I agree! It does everything you could possibly want to do, on a lot of different bands! The controls are pretty straightforward also. Having fun! 73s!
Dx commander channel has a ton of antennas ideas im learning about.. great job on your antenna!
I have some other ideas also. Have a longwire with a 9:1 balun I might try to sneak past the neighbors, and a 2m yagi I am setting up on the porch today
what i find amazing is that after 40 years pause the knowlege on amateurradio is right there at hand like it was yesterday. what is your current callsign in amateurradio ? is it still LA0CY ? that callsign is mentioned in the descption of the video. can you comprehend morsecode ? i like 20m, maybe i hear you there. when you have your own property, then an antenna is no problem, even only a 5 meter long fiberglas mast put on a screwdriver stuck in the ground would be enough to hang a 1/4 wavelength copperwire on it for 20m, with ground radials that would be a good antenna already.
I recently took a license course because I originally took my ham test in the Dark Ages. I make films on my TH-cam channel, rebuild my computers periodically to handle 360 video editing, and occasionally fly drones, so I do use some theory. I still use LA0CY. It was a reciprocal license, but is 44 years old. I was allowed to keep using it. 20 wpm Morse code was required for my Extra Class ticket. Yep, I remember it. Learned it when I learned the alphabet. My mother was a ham in 1941. I am sorely tempted to use CW, since I don't have much of an ear for SSB. I would use a keyboard to write it down. Need to practice a bit. Ground radials are almost impossible in this apartment because we are built down a rocky hillside with no lawn. I will figure something out!
Well done.
Thank you! Now I am all excited because I set up a 2m yagi today to try to work a repeater 25 miles away. I found out that my local repeater, which is only about 10 miles away, and straight behind a large hill, can be picked up via reflection off a cliff next to a nearby soccer field. It works because of the high gain of the yagi! That will be the next video!
Awesome job 🎉 get er done
Thank you! I am almost finished with a short video on the 2m antenna I put up last weekend. I am just waiting to film a QSO to make the video complete. I am a little rusty!
You should buy a fibreglass pole 12 or 10m long so you can easily make wire verticals or dipoles and put them high up
In our hillside apartment building, we can't have anything higher than the roof. If I ever move, the suitability for antennas will be my top priority.
Thx for the Video. 73 DG1PK
Thank you! I made another one almost nobody has seen on my 2m setup. I am planning more antennas!
Nice radio. 73s will make contact soon i hope.
It is a great radio! With the new technology that has been developed during my absense, I will be able to communicate no matter what obstacles I encounter!
Best 73, hope to see You on the Air one day
Thank you! I am working on it! Current project is an end-fed random wire antenna. I would like to move somewhere that I can put up a proper antenna. In the meantime, I am learning a lot through my normal method-making mistakes! Hope to work you someday. 73s!
My signals will improve! 73s!
@@suenord1 i m sure with your current set up and good propagation we can make it on HF, i m located near Paris, France 73
Yes, France should work with the right propagation. I am mostly picking up southern Europe with the ATAS 120A.
@@suenord1 often monitoring 18140 and 28510 usb, best 73-88
Nice idea of the counterpoise. Hope you will do QSOs once again. 73 de DK6MR
I only tried to call one station, down in Spain, but I only had it on 50 watts, and they came right back, so I am sure now that I can make more contacts! Have been working on setting up a 2m yagi this weekend. 73s de LA0CY
Nice setup. 73s
Thank you! I am busy trying to make it better! 73s
Well done 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Thank you! I am now putting a 2m yagi out on the veranda to try to reach a repeater 25 miles away. The close repeater direction is straight up the 44 steps down to the apartment. Will report!
Nice to see other female hams enjoying the hobbie
Yes, there are some! My mother got her license in 1941, and I knew many when I was younger.
Best video I've seen today! KE8YMM
Thank you! I have put up 3 antennas, and made videos on all of them, but the 2m yagi pointed about 120 degrees from the repeater direction has been the most useful so far! I am trying to revive my CW also. 73 frm LA0CY!
Well done!👏🇨🇮
Thank you! I just got the 2m to work by bouncing the signal off a cliff about a quarter of a mile away with a yagi! Worked 4 stations on a repeater I could never reach before!
Loved the video. I use the ATAS in my car with the FT891. Great job! Hope to make a QSO on HF, my call is W5MHG, 73.
Tnx! The ATAS will go on the car if I ever get a antenna-friendly QTH. I am not hearing the US very well from my roof. I also put up an end-fed short antenna, but I think the ATAS is better. I bought a straight key last week. Maybe CW will work better. I have two other videos on QRZ.com. Hope to work you! 73 frm Sue, LA0CY
Oh, I have been watching some of your videos on TH-cam!
Inspiring! Hopefully work you someday. 73 de K7SD
By your callsign, you have probably been a ham about as long as I have. I can't pick up much outside Europe right now, but I would like to set up a big tribander someday! (not here, though). I hope to work you also!
Nice Shack. i love it.
It works! Gotta be carefull with the tools hanging over it!
vy good, seems you may have qrn from smps in the nabourhood.. hope you will reduce that noise.. best rgds fm oz1fjb - ou2v, 73
The antenna wasn't tuned when I took that picture, but I have a non-switching power supply and lots of turns of the coax around a ferrite ring just before the antenna goes into the tranceiver. I am working on a second HF antenna now, a longwire- that might improve the signals.
Also, I got on 2m. That is another video.
Which external monitor do you use? Does it increase your background noise levels? 73 :)
It was a Wstiry 10.1inch monitor. I converted to VGA with a BENFEI DVI-D to VGA. The power adapter did make some noise. Got rid of it by winding the power adapter cable through one of those little ferrite clamps. Also, it would probably be easier to just get a screen that has a DVI imput without having to convert to VGA.
I have an FTDX-10 and repurposed an older monitor (22" I think) that had a DVI-D input. Bought a new monitor to replace it on the PC. Works great but the dimensions are off in 800x600 so there's black bands on the top and bottom. Can't find any way around this, so I'm on the hunt for a monitor that will accept the signal full screen. FTDX-10, an amazing modern radio with fantastic capability...with a DVI-D output to 800x600. Mind boggling. No issue paying an extra $20 for HDMI License. C'mon Yaesu!!!
Mine has about a half-inch stripe on the right edge, so it doesn't quite fit either. Using a screen with a DVI input will probably save you extra work, but I have only used the little screen on the video. I have some old monitors, but since the radio is on my workbench, I figured there would be less chance of smashing a small screen than a larger one.
Nice set up. Where did you get the small monitor for your FT-710 ?
Hi Andrew! I just got a cheap 10.1" screen off Amazon. You should probably get one with a DVI input so you don't have to convert it to VGA. The arm it is on is a simple wall extension. You can use the mouse on most of the controls with an extra screen.
I mean FROM VGA!
@suenord1 thank you Sue de N1XXU
Subbed!
Hi! I made a couple of other videos recently that you might like. One is about getting on 2 meters when you can't hear any repeater, and the other is about trying to set up another type of HF antenna. These are the links: th-cam.com/video/hE4p4hpj9Nc/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/mGp-i2XdITM/w-d-xo.html Keep working on it--higher licenses are just a matter of persistance!
nice very nice
Thank you! I am rapidly expanding my collection of gadgets!
good de JF1QFH
Thank you! Now I have 2m going also. My son went to school in Japan. I probably need a better antenna to send that far, but I am working on it! 73s!
HAVE A NICE DAY
Hi there… I passed the UK licence back in 1996 but life took me away from the hobby like you 🤨 thanks goodness I just put my then new icom 706 and atu in the wardrobe and didn’t sell it along with other bits and pieces. A radio friend sparked off my interest again early 2023 and I’ve been working hard to establish a radio room or shack… 😵💫 the secret is persistence and taking it easy with working , I’m not fit anymore and only have like a 3 hour window every day to try and build, so don’t over do it because it takes days to recover…😒☹️ maybe as an idea for you, think about a doublet, and use the plastic gutter brackets of the roof to suspend it off the ground, it a good forgiving antenna for the likes of ourselves who are impeded by different circumstances… but get your little lad 😁 🤦♂️ to go up the ladder and string as much as you can around the gutter,,, I think it may surprise you. It pleases me to find your efforts to get into radio…THERES SO much to understand now… internet, sdr, ft8, etc…. 🫨 🧐 😵💫 😳 And like you when I’m set up it will be to listen for a few weeks.
Just keep going at it, nice and steady. 😉
Best wishes mind how you go. 😁 💎 💙
Hi Rube,
My rain gutter is only about 7 meters, so I will stick with the ATAS 120A for a while. I just put up a yagi on 2m on the veranda. I have a big hill in the direction of the repeater, but found out yesterday that by bouncing it off a cliff by the soccer field that I can pick up the repeater in the next town. I am monitoring the repeater, and will try my 2m out when I hear someone. I did listen to a net last night, so I know it will receive anyway. I also bought a non-resonant long wire that I might try to sneak past the neighbors eventually. Technology has improved a lot in the last 35 years or so. I bought an external antenna tuner, so I will be able to try experimental antennas without blowing up the tranceiver. I will make a video about the yagi when I dare to use it! Have a nice day! 73s
Sue
Problemy techniczne wcześniej czy później się rozwiąże...Serdeczne pozdrowienia .. SP2MZ ..
Wyzwania są powodem, dla którego staliśmy się radioamatorami! 73 de LA0CY
Excellent work 👏 👍 👌
I hope you're back on the air!
de W6IWN
Tnx! I am on the air, sort of. Put up a very short end-fed antenna last week. Spent yesterday trying to waterproof it. The video on that project seems to be popular, but no-one watches the one on using a 2-m yagi to bounce off a rock. I am trying to figure out how to improve the mic settings on the FT 710 today. A local ham said I need to improve the settings. I don't have a very good ear for SSB yet either, so still have some mic fright. I will try calling CQ again tonight!