hamradiocomms

hamradiocomms

Ham Radio Communications
Amateur Radio Equipment reviews & Operations
Transceiver operation
QRP
DX contacts
Portable operations
Antenna Experiments
Morse keys
Solar panels, batteries, charge controllers & other solar related reviews.

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  • @Nepherael
    @NepheraelКүн бұрын

    I owned one of these. I had to sell it to pay some bills. I'm trying to find one at a deal. Want to get back in the hobby so bad. I finally have my own property. Gonna build an antenna tower and everything.

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocommsКүн бұрын

    It sounds like a great plan, best of luck and have fun !

  • @Nepherael
    @NepheraelКүн бұрын

    @@hamradiocomms It looks like they sell on ebay pretty regularly. It'll happen soon enough. I was able to communicate overseas in data and throughout most of continental North America with just a speaker wire dipole in a tree. Can't wait to see how it goes when I actually build something

  • @clintcornett79
    @clintcornett7912 күн бұрын

    Does this radio cover 462.000 to 467.000 for GMRS ?

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms12 күн бұрын

    You can receive GMRS but not transmit. Transmit is 430-450mhz.. receive goes up to 469mhz

  • @MrTommy001
    @MrTommy00121 күн бұрын

    Thank you for this helpful video. I just got my 891 about a week ago and am trying to get used to getting through the menus and making some adjustments. I've got an MC-750 portable antenna and a Bioenno battery. I plan to get into POTA and this setup will hopefully get me up and running with minimal problems. I also notice that my new radio has newer firmware than what you showed. That's good because I hate doing any kind of software upgrades - ha.

  • @muskrat1949
    @muskrat194923 күн бұрын

    I'm a new ham and just received my dummy load. I see that you connected the dummy directly to the antenna connection at the back of the rig. What tests can you do this way? thanks

  • @danielnicholls6868
    @danielnicholls6868Ай бұрын

    i have the 20 amp renogy seems to stay on 100 % for a long time. i wish the amps plus voltage would give you the wattage coming in have to add them up every time to get wattage.. but works fine

  • @mattcurtis3019
    @mattcurtis3019Ай бұрын

    Same it doesn't light up in the dark, the buttons if Ur a night time listening

  • @peytonfleming7953
    @peytonfleming7953Ай бұрын

    Is this a 12 or 24 volt solar panel (weize)

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocommsАй бұрын

    These are 12v panels.. though i currently have them in series for 24v going to the controller.

  • @tomleddy7620
    @tomleddy7620Ай бұрын

    How do you like the Alinco radio?

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocommsАй бұрын

    It's a great radio, fun to have colors tied to different functions. Has been reliable so far.

  • @tomleddy7620
    @tomleddy7620Ай бұрын

    Great review. I may be able to get one soon and it sounds perfect for me. Thanks.

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocommsКүн бұрын

    Thank you! Good luck and have fun.

  • @berlinmitte
    @berlinmitteАй бұрын

    Would this make a good first iambic key experience? What would be the price range I'd have to expect?

  • @BogusBolloks-mf4wq
    @BogusBolloks-mf4wqАй бұрын

    TY for all the info👍 I just received mine (SX-600) I love the classic design. Mainly bought it for my UHF repeater antenna. Will also use on my CB antenna in future when the installation is done.

  • @angelscomputers
    @angelscomputersАй бұрын

    Have you use it with all the connections in the back? It looks like there is no space for the power plug without passing the rear "protection", even less there is no space for the 8din pin plug, not sure about the USB plug either. At least for the pl259 you can use a right angle adapter but I'm very concerned about the rest before pull the trigger and get one. Also in their website they dont even have one picture with all the plugs connected, i really think they didn't left enough covering space for the back and thats why they dont show it with the plugs connected. At least Armaloq have pictures with stuff connected in their system.

  • @Severris
    @SeverrisАй бұрын

    I should have bought the FX-4CR when he was still selling them. He has been on hiatus for a few months now.

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocommsАй бұрын

    I think that’s normal for his production schedule… he does them in batches with usually about a 6 month wait between batch releases.

  • @Severris
    @SeverrisАй бұрын

    One thing I noticed about mounting those brackets on the outer edge like that is they tend to bend the frame of the panels outwards. If you mount them at holes a few inches in, nothing bends and it's more secure. Your wood frame might negate a lot of that though.

  • @abx4t
    @abx4tАй бұрын

    What part of the world do you live in and what time of year was this? These two things greatly impact the output which few people consider.

  • @playstation2bigs
    @playstation2bigsАй бұрын

    Does the pulse repair mode have automatic shutting "OFF" display when pulse repair completed? Or they run forever ?

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocommsАй бұрын

    I tried it a few times it helped restore to some degree 2 AGM batteries I had tried on the charger. I left it on over 12 hours it was still running so I don't think it has auto shutoff unless its much longer than 12 -15 hours that I tried.

  • @playstation2bigs
    @playstation2bigsАй бұрын

    @@hamradiocomms i tried it also at 37 hours and it still in repair pulses mode, i think it run forever (60ah 600cca battery regular flooded)

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocommsАй бұрын

    @@playstation2bigs thanks for the info…. I wondered how long it would go… I agree, if it didn’t shut off in that time it probably never does.

  • @harleypattersonkc9gld167
    @harleypattersonkc9gld1672 ай бұрын

    I definitely turned on the "Peak Hold" so there is a dit after a signal goes away, I set mine for 2 seconds...

  • @francisharvey1811
    @francisharvey18112 ай бұрын

    ok i tryed the dim + f got 1-8 but still cant see the hiden icons unless you turn them on mine backen is all black with everything icons white i see you got a little bet of blue did they make two versions of the 450D or do i got to get in the hiding manu to fix a setting radio works great otherwise

  • @ThatGuy-dj3qr
    @ThatGuy-dj3qr2 ай бұрын

    Great review. This tells me everything I need to know about the unit before purchasing one.

  • @KC2BKM
    @KC2BKM2 ай бұрын

    That Mcelroy is sweet! thay are all nice.

  • @Annemer-wave-electrical
    @Annemer-wave-electrical2 ай бұрын

    how to setting voltage 24v to 12v??

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms2 ай бұрын

    Good question … the charger automatically senses 12v 0:04 or 24v battery and adjusts the charging voltage automatically

  • @ekkiseisenwerk260
    @ekkiseisenwerk2602 ай бұрын

    Hand-held micro gives lousy modulation, better add stand-up one in your shack, I use T-Bone BD200 from Thomann

  • @zeeshanqureshi8967
    @zeeshanqureshi89672 ай бұрын

    Bro u should have changed the angle of the panel in this video, to make it more elaborative 😊

  • @DEVADASKM
    @DEVADASKM2 ай бұрын

    But U did not explain how to check SWR !😳😳😳

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms2 ай бұрын

    I sure did … at the 4 min mark I show how to calibrate the meter for the SWR reading and I switched to SWR and pushed PTT on the HT.. there is no deflection on the meter because the dummy load is 1:1

  • @gixerags750
    @gixerags7502 ай бұрын

    Hi , doest the meter show PEP power without the DC power connected? Ie if the meter still works while in PEP mode without the DC power it means that the PEP circuit is not true powered PEP , instead it relys on a capacitor and the DC is only for illumination. 😊 Cheers

  • @aceventuraaceventura2003
    @aceventuraaceventura20032 ай бұрын

    Ordered mine in black powder coat. I should have ordered this a long time ago. FT817ND is likens to a puppy, the more you play with it, the more you appreciate owning it.

  • @onthemoveautomotive6930
    @onthemoveautomotive69303 ай бұрын

    I have a question about the Rover and different battery types. I have removed my genset on my RV and replaced it with lifepo4 and an inverter. I've realized my charger converter is consuming more energy then desired so I'm looking for a way to charge my fla house batteries until I replace them with lifepo4 without buying a charger. What would happen if it connected my 12v side of the RV to the load terminals with the fla battery connected? Would it lower the capacity of my lifepo4 system, damage the controller, or overcharge the fla?

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms3 ай бұрын

    The load output on the rover wouldn’t be a good charger, not meant for that, and the FLA batteries would draw the full amount of amps the Rover can produce but the load output isn’t meant for high draw devices. Yes it would also drain the lifepo4 batteries. Connecting the batteries directly to the fla batteries wouldn’t be a good idea massive current would flow through the cables. You can disconnect the lifepo4 batteries and connect the fla to the rover battery connection to charge them.

  • @onthemoveautomotive6930
    @onthemoveautomotive69303 ай бұрын

    @@hamradiocomms thank you for the reply. I have a second rover that was for backup. (2 is 1) But I can use it to charge separately until the fla bank is depleted. This is what I have decided to do. ill throw a couple of panels at it. Right now my lifepo4 bank only replaced the genset through an inverter so it's not directly connected to the 12v system and I found that leaving the inverter on and connected to the converter charger uses too much energy even when idle. I'll tie it all together once everything is lifepo4 and disconnect the converter charger. I'm learning as I go.

  • @ashemoski
    @ashemoski3 ай бұрын

    I recently bought a DR-235T and your review helped with my decision, so thank you. I trimmed down a home-made 2M 1/4-wave GP antenna I made when I first got my ticket, and mounted it atop a spare 10' section of PVC (13' total to the base) and installed it against a wooden fence post. I already had coax and connectors, too, so for minimal cost I'm on 1.25M with a radio that sounds every bit as good as my HF and dual-band Kenwood bases and performs well, too. 👍

  • @dalehuhtala9285
    @dalehuhtala92853 ай бұрын

    After learning a whole lot about panels, controllers, inverters, cables, etc...now I'm seeing you absolutely have to have an inline fuse between the controller and the battery. Is this necessary? Do you recommend that as well?

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms3 ай бұрын

    Hello.. yes it’s always a good idea to have a fuse on the positive or inline on the positive cable near the positive. It prevents the wire catching on fire if the wire shorts or short at the controller.

  • @melissarainchild
    @melissarainchild3 ай бұрын

    thanks! Full refresh of a forgotten art: antenna maintenance :)

  • @codymaly652
    @codymaly6523 ай бұрын

    Got this radio to replace my Yeasu FTM-400D that let out the magic smoke after years of service in an 18 Wheel Mobile. Programming my Yeasu was so easy that i didn't need the manual. THIS radio however has an extremely high learning curve. Thanks to your video I now know how to do things I was confused on: 1) Changing the step, and 2) Getting into the extended menu. Thanks so much! Though I loved having APRS with the FTM-400D now that I'm retired and using the Alinco as a base I'm happy with this new radio. 73's de KT5CCM

  • @WM-ye3xg
    @WM-ye3xg3 ай бұрын

    15:28

  • @CharlieNylandII
    @CharlieNylandII4 ай бұрын

    thats so cool! thank you!

  • @newsles2
    @newsles24 ай бұрын

    Great walk-through, thanks! That-said, I ordered it before finishing the vid. 😁

  • @newsles2
    @newsles24 ай бұрын

    Useful, thanks. That-said, I ordered it before watching the whole thing.

  • @JD0333
    @JD03334 ай бұрын

    I just purchased the 40A version of this controller, I have deep cycle batteries which I believe is the FLA symbol so that is what I have mine set on. I went through all the settings and I programed everything according to the voltage I wanted. The problem is I set the boost setting for 14.4V and it ignores my settings and charges it at 14.7v also I set the float mode for 13.4v and it is charging it at 13.7 volts in float mode. I know every thing is programed correctly because I went back and checked to make sure everything was set like I had programed it and it was. I was wondering if your controller ever surpassed the set voltage or if something might be wrong with mine. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms4 ай бұрын

    I haven't tested custom settings, i just set battery type toLi which is for LiFePO4 batteries and the boost and float are correct so I never tested the custom settings. IDK if there is another setting that custom trumps battery type? Are you sure you have flooded? Deep cycle come in flooded or AGM types.. the Marine deep cycle ones are typically flooded. The 2v newer solar battery types are often AGM. That might get you closer to the numbers you looking for, but not sure.

  • @JD0333
    @JD03334 ай бұрын

    @@hamradiocomms Thank you for this video and thanks for your quick reply to my problem, I just realized the mistake I was making. After I set all my parameters it was going back to my battery type, FLA and was overriding the settings I had programed and it was charging according to the factory settings for that battery type. Now I know that I need to make sure it stays on the USE icon after every thing is set and it will charge according to my custom settings. I should of figured that out from the beginning.

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms3 ай бұрын

    @@JD0333 That's great that you figured it out! Thanks for letting me know the details.

  • @The_Ballo
    @The_Ballo4 ай бұрын

    Is it holding up? I'm considering buying what looks like a newer 40A version w/bluetooth

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms4 ай бұрын

    It’s in daily use 2 years now and still working perfectly

  • @avlisk
    @avlisk4 ай бұрын

    I just wired up that same charge controller and am getting an error of ACr. The owners manual doesn't tell me what that code means. Do you happen to know? Or how I can get my system to work? It's only 2X30w Renogy panels in series feeding 4X100ah LiFePo4 batteries and a 3000w charger/Inverter plugged into house current to charge the batteries until I get this solar panel input working. Thanks. Ken S in Maine.

  • @paultemple5566
    @paultemple55664 ай бұрын

    Excellent and inspirational

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms4 ай бұрын

    Thank you!!

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms4 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @ricbrady
    @ricbrady4 ай бұрын

    Having problems implementing alpha tags for the frequencies. Following instructions in the manual, but it is not allowing alpha=numeric tagging. Any suggestions??

  • @suvari225
    @suvari2254 ай бұрын

    How did you run solar cables to the charge controllers? Did I miss it somewhere?

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms4 ай бұрын

    I"m not able to show the solar wire going through the house since it's all hidden. I have a manufactured home so the wires are just going between the skirt and bottom of house, then it's run under the house to under the charge controller. I put a gray pvc pipe about 3ft long through the floor. In this video or another of my solar setup you an see the pipes coming through the floor. The pipe isn't necessary though since solar wire has about 3 layers of insulation to protect the conductor and piping isn't necessary like 110V.

  • @USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity
    @USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity4 ай бұрын

    That bottom part that looks like a cover around the terminals will break if you try to remove it on the 40 amp version there’s nothing under there. You might have something to adjust on your 30 amp, but there is nothing on the 40 amp version.

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms4 ай бұрын

    Yeah, I checked it out better and it's just a design element I guess. I thought it was at first because I remember reading in the manual or somewhere that a circuit board can be purchased to add some function to the controller and thought it was behind the "door" but must be somewhere else in the unit. I can't remember what the card does, unless it's not true about it being able to upgrade..

  • @JDS11ify
    @JDS11ify4 ай бұрын

    Great video. I am a HAM and have a go kit with a 30 AH LI battery which can only be charged at 10A. Can I fuse this controller to only output 10 amps to my battery and not the max 20 amps? My solar panel is a 200W single. I love all the extras with this controller. And, it was recommended by another HAM but I did not factor in difference in the controller output.

  • @IgotQuestions.
    @IgotQuestions.4 ай бұрын

    I didnt see on the vídeo the time of bouncing back Signal from the Moon But anyway , how much can cost in Europe allá the equipment for doing this experiment ? Thnx

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms4 ай бұрын

    The contact i made was already changed by a new signal from Russia, I went to get my camera.. i didn't see him calling until i saw the video on my computer so I missed that contact. Now I stick around to see if anyone is calling after a contact. Not sure in Euros with VAT etc.. but in US about $1000 for a radio, $350 for antenna, $600 for amplifier, $150 cable, tripod or mounting for antenna $100, external sound card $125.. plus a laptop or computer.

  • @Ploggy.
    @Ploggy.4 ай бұрын

    Great review very helpful thank you 🙂👍

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms4 ай бұрын

    Thank you! 🙂

  • @user-ms7um1ge5j
    @user-ms7um1ge5j5 ай бұрын

    Great help. The factory manual is frequently not clear.

  • @Patrickjdee66
    @Patrickjdee665 ай бұрын

    I’m 5 years late to the party but thank you , great settings

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms4 ай бұрын

    Thank you! The radio is still being made so I guess the video will still help people figure it out.. I'm glad radio operators are finding it!

  • @Yelnats101
    @Yelnats1015 ай бұрын

    Just bought one today form my ham buddy. Digging it. Works great with my end feed

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms5 ай бұрын

    Congrats on getting an FT-450! I like that it has lots of buttons yet is compact enough to grab and bring it outside. Such a fun radio.

  • @Yelnats101
    @Yelnats1015 ай бұрын

    @@hamradiocomms just now got ft8 going. First contact. California. I’m in Kentucky

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms5 ай бұрын

    Nice! I haven’t tried FT8 yet… it’s on my todo list to set it up soon.

  • @tekdragon
    @tekdragon5 ай бұрын

    That is so cool! Does this trick work with ANY APRS gateway or digipeater etc? Or is it only compatible with systems specifically setup that protocol? Great video!

  • @hamradiocomms
    @hamradiocomms5 ай бұрын

    Thank you.... Yes it works on any APRS system as long as SMSGTE is in the To: field it get to the APRS to SMS text gateway server. I've even used the International Space Station as it passes by to get on the APRS network so it goes through the ISS.. that's really neat. Unfortunately last year the FCC forced the shutdown of that server because of some regulation. I'm hoping some day they'll approve it since it's a great way to reach family or team members when a ham radio operator isn't in range of a cell tower.

  • @matthewmolnar2230
    @matthewmolnar22305 ай бұрын

    Did you ever make the video explaining all the different settings?