Author |
Message |
Ca346
Advanced Member Username: Ca346
Post Number: 665 Registered: 8-2003
| Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 6:25 pm: |
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Lon: I was really impressed about the way you posted the picture(s) until I tried to open it... My computer doesn't know what a XXX.ptn is? What program created it? |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 1970 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 6:36 pm: |
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Jim, I am having fit's here trying to get picture's uploaded. I will wait till Forummaster get's home and have him walk me thru it again. Or I will keep messing up and posting and deleteing them Sorry Lon Tech808 |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 1971 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 6:59 pm: |
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OK, This may take awhile Folk's. Below is my MFJ-1700B 6 In & 6 Out Antenna Switch. Please Notice that I have the PolyPhaser's Mounted directly to the Bus Bar and the Copper Ground Wire from the Bus Bar goes directly to the Grounding Rod outside of window. I then have a short Copper Ground Wire jumper running from the PolyPhaser Bus Bar to the Equipment Grounding Bus Bar. This is to prevent / cancel any possible ground loops. Also, I have used Penetrox on ALL Connection's & Wires to prevent oxide build-up. It will be clearer in following Picture's. 1700B |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 1972 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 7:08 pm: |
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This is Grounding Bar that I have ALL Radio's, Amp & Equipment connected to. You will also notice the Short Copper ground wire jumper that I have running from the PolyPhaser's bus bar to the Equipment bus bar to avoid / cancel any possible ground loops. The Large Flat Braid and Solid Copper Ground Wire goes directly to a 10' Copper Clad Ground Rod outside of window. Maybe less than 6 feet from the Equipment. Notice the Tags I have on each wire so I know which Radio or peice of equipment it is connected to. I have also used Penetrox on ALL Connection's to avoid oxide build-up. REMEMBER GROUND EVERYTHING! Radios, Amps, SWR/Watt Meter's, Switchs, Coax, Filters, Ext Speakers,Rotor Control Boxs, EVERYTHING! Lon Tech808 CEF808 N9OSN |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 1973 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 7:16 pm: |
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NOTICE! I have my TVI FILTER's CONNECTED DIRECTLY to the Radio's with a Double Male Connector and then a 45% Elbow and then Coax running to MFJ-1700B Antenna Switch.
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Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 1976 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 8:37 pm: |
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RADIO EQUIPMENT & GROUNDING. ALL EQUIPMENT, Radio's, Meter's, Amp are ALL GROUNDED. ANTENNA SWITCH is also Grounded as well as the PolyPhasers. Radio's & Meter's have 18 Gauge Wire running less than 4 feet to Grounding Bar. The Amp & PolyPhaser's have 10 Gauge Wire to Ground Bar. Ground Strap Connect's Grounding Bar to 10' Ground Rod Less than 6 Feet From Equipment. I hope these picture's Help Explain how EVERYTHING SHOULD BE GROUNDED to prevent any Possible Problem's. The phone is Less than 2 feet from Radio's (and I use the Antenna for a Mic Holder) and Our Computer is less than 6 Inches from Radio's and Monitor maybe 14 inches and we have NO PROBLEM's with any of the Radio Equipment or Computer or Monitor. Hope this Help's. Lon Tech808 |
Keithinatlanta
Intermediate Member Username: Keithinatlanta
Post Number: 198 Registered: 3-2003
| Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 9:36 pm: |
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Yall know what I think? That if I ever get these antennas mounted outside, I am going to call Lon and Shirley and have them come to my house to fix up all that fancy stuff!! I will even fix them dinner and supper!! Unless they eat a lot! Lon, that really looks great. If'n when I get mine set up, I will probably call you for advice. But in the meantime, THANK YOU for sharing this with us. I see that fancy TR 6900F base setting there. Are yall still happy with them? Keith in Atlanta |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 1980 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 10:04 pm: |
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Keith, Yes, we Love the Texas Ranger 696F SSB Base. Excellent Performance and Quality on AM and SSB and Very Stable and the Silver Salute with it is CRYSTAL CLEAR and LOUD on AM or SSB. I did all of the modification's myself and added the MINI Switches on the Back thru the Slot Opening's for the Channel Modification's and it does not effect the appearance of the radio. I have the Dead Key set at 2 watts and swing's 8 on AM. The radio's are: Texas Ranger696F SSB Base, Galaxy Saturn Turbo, Ranger 2995DX, MAGNUM S-3200B Base, RCI2990 Base, YAESU FT-2800 2/Meter, and KLV-1000. Any time you need help / advice feel free to post and ask or give a me call. Lon Tech808 |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 1981 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 10:17 pm: |
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PS, It did not come out very CLEAR but if Everone has REAL GOOD EYESIGHT Look at Picture of our MFJ-1700B Antenna Switch and let me know what you think you see for Position #5 on the right? Most People have Dummy Load's but we go FIRST CLASS all the Way. The 1st Sargant named our's the KARATE LOAD! Actually what I use is the MFJ-250 VERSALOAD like the Old Cantanna's. It is a 1 Gallon Oil Filled Dummy Load handle's 1 KW which I filled with Type F Ford Transmission Oil. Lon Tech808 |
Pig040
Intermediate Member Username: Pig040
Post Number: 361 Registered: 7-2003
| Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 10:14 am: |
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Hey Lon, I was thinking of buyin one of those Yaesu 2800's for my truck, do you like that radio? Any problems? Thanks Rich |
Ca346
Advanced Member Username: Ca346
Post Number: 667 Registered: 8-2003
| Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 11:02 am: |
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VERY impressive. It was worth the wait for the pictures. The pictures, while not perfectly clear, tell me alot more than the written word. But with the explanation in addition to the picture, it is an awesome station. I'm even looking at your CHAIR with envy! |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 1986 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 5:56 pm: |
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NOTE! This a re-post from the Open area I brought here for this topic for KB. *************************** Lon I saw the picture of your grounding of you base equipment, beautiful, how you like free rent food for 31 days, but bring all your knowledge. Well don Lon |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 1987 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 6:01 pm: |
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Thank you KB. Does that include OREO's for Desert? hehehe The 1st Sargant was a BIG HELP in getting Everything set up as I was Under Shelves and Under Floor feeding Coax and Wire's to her and she was Marking Everything So I would not forget which went to what. And Outside is Even worse, I have all of the Coax Running down the Tower from the Antenna's and then into 2 1/2" PVC pipe with Elbow running into house. So with 5 peices of COAX coming up thru floor, I also MARK THEM VERY WELL and PAINT THE PL259's DIFFERENT COLOR's so that I do not make a Mistake. As I get Older my Memory get's shorter. |
Kc0gxz
Advanced Member Username: Kc0gxz
Post Number: 695 Registered: 3-2003
| Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 12:04 am: |
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Hey Lon. I agree with your last line. Come to think of it, I think that's about the only thing we agree on. At least I think it is. I don't remember any more. PS: Great shots of your base equipment. I bet the 1st Sargant did all the nice camera work for ya. Jeff. |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 1994 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 12:51 am: |
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Thank's Jeff, We only have a few minor thing's we disagree on. I guess I am very lucky as the First Sargant Love's radio's and talking on them as much as I do and we both enjoy them. Generally she turn's them on around 4:30 am and we turn them off around 1 or 2 am. Take care and have a good one! Lon |
Pp1616
Member Username: Pp1616
Post Number: 68 Registered: 2-2004
| Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 12:22 pm: |
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hey lon what kind of tvi filters are those.. just woundering =) cef #301 |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 1997 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 4:59 pm: |
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Pp1616, The MTI ~ TVI Filter's I have Used for over 30 years now and still use are made by MTI a DIVISION OF MARINE TECHNOLOGY. MARINE TECHNOLOGY is One of the Oldest maker's of TVI Filter's. Below is a Picture's of my MTI filter's, One that I got 30 years ago and one of the Newer one's I also use. The one on the LEFT is a: Model ~ EMI-TVX ~ 4KW-PEP and the New one on the RIGHT is a: Model ~ LM-TVX2 ~ 1KW-PEP. Both cover from 1.8 to 30 MHz Lon Tech808
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Pp1616
Member Username: Pp1616
Post Number: 74 Registered: 2-2004
| Posted on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 12:38 pm: |
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thanks.. wish i knew where to get thim. i wouldnt mind tryen one out |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2004 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 2:55 pm: |
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Pp1616, If you can wait a little while the Forummaster is having Customer Service check into getting these / handling the MTI TVI Filter's for the Copper Customer's. I will keep everyone informed on the progress. Lon Tech808
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Lowpowerhal
Intermediate Member Username: Lowpowerhal
Post Number: 176 Registered: 7-2003
| Posted on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 9:20 am: |
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Lon and Shirley All i can say is Wow, Very nice setup! That would make a great qsl card with both of you in it. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words. I have a question what kind of multi outlet surg protector do you use ? |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2033 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 9:27 am: |
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Hal, THANK YOU! We use the *POWER SENTRY (8 Outlet)* from Lowe's it cover's all Electrical Equipment up to $20.000 dollar's. VERY WELL MADE AND HANDLE's EVERYTHING and has never Popped the Breaker even when everything is on. Lon |
Wrk3
New member Username: Wrk3
Post Number: 6 Registered: 4-2004
| Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 2:39 pm: |
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lon, i think those are mti filters your using. do you think their as good or better than benchers ya-1? lpf |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2149 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 4:31 pm: |
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Wrk3, They are the BEST / FINEST TVI Filter's I have Ever Used. I have NEVER had any Problem's since I started useing them and have Never had a reason to try any other's. I cannot say about other's as I have Not used them. Tech8541 also Posted that the MTI Filter's are what he uses Exclusively also. OLD COMPANY, QUALITY PRODUCT's & STILL GOING STRONG. Lon Tech808 |
Mountain_man
New member Username: Mountain_man
Post Number: 2 Registered: 4-2004
| Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 4:38 pm: |
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i sure hope you don't get hit by lightning tech808. |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2152 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 4:49 pm: |
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Mountain man, That is what the PolyPhaser's are there for in the Picture's above. There is NO BETTER PROTECTION on the market for Lighting Strike's. Tech833 and I also wrote a Review here on the Copper Forum on the PolyPhaser's. Check them out in the Link's below. http://www.copperelectronics.com/cgi-bin/checkitout/checkitout.cgi?catalogSTORE:CKIE:prodH00-00002+ http://www.copperelectronics.com/cgi-bin/checkitout/checkitout.cgi?catalogSTORE:CKIE:prodH00-00004+ Lon Tech808 |
Wrk3
New member Username: Wrk3
Post Number: 7 Registered: 4-2004
| Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 10:41 pm: |
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hey Lon, what kind of power do u run on those MTI's? |
Wrk3
New member Username: Wrk3
Post Number: 8 Registered: 4-2004
| Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 10:40 am: |
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Lon, where did u get that ground bar 4 all your grounds? |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2157 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 11:05 am: |
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Wrk3, I got mine from Menard's but Lowes, Home Depot, Farm & Fleet,or most anywhere carries them in the Electrical Dept. I think they were about $1.29 each. Lon Tech808 |
Calmspirit
New member Username: Calmspirit
Post Number: 6 Registered: 7-2002
| Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 11:20 am: |
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Lon, Thank you for posting such great information and photos. Very helpful! I am experimenting with my Buddipole portable dipole antenna for the Sunday nets. No tuner needed. I will post photos and info at some point. Thanks again. Keep listening, Steven C. Hollifield KG4VIA CEF 298 |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2158 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 11:32 am: |
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Steven, Thank You, for the nice comment's. I look forward to seeing your pictures. Have a great week! Lon Tech808 |
Stepchild
Junior Member Username: Stepchild
Post Number: 123 Registered: 11-2002
| Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 9:46 pm: |
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Hey Lon,I'm driving a 98 Mack log truck and I'm planning on mounting my antenna in the center of the headache rack on the top.Do I need to run a ground wire from the mount to the frame or the headache rack to the frame?Also do I need one from the radio and amp to the frame?Thanks in advance Stepchild |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2385 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 8:17 am: |
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Stepchild, If your headache rack is mounted to the frame you should have No problem's with mounting your antenna to it. Or you might want to weld/bolt a steel plate maybe 10" x 10" to your rack to mount your antenna on. To be extra safe you could run a braided strap or battery cable from the rack to the frame. Also if you rack is painted and extra ground wire from the Antenna to the rack will help. On our Pete's and KW's we ran the power wire's from radio's & amp's Direct to the batteries thru the floor and then the Ground wires for radio's and amps directly to the frame. We also used 10 & 8 gauge Quick Disconnect's on Radio's and Amps for ease when we removed them. Link's for these are below. Wiring stayed in truck but when we parked it radio's and amp's came out. http://www.copperelectronics.com/cgi-bin/checkitout/checkitout.cgi?catalogSTORE:CKIE:prodW90-30014+ http://www.copperelectronics.com/cgi-bin/checkitout/checkitout.cgi?catalogSTORE:CKIE:prodW90-30012+ Never had any problem's. Hope this help's. Lon Tech808 |
Hollowpoint445
New member Username: Hollowpoint445
Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2004
| Posted on Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 1:54 am: |
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Some questions for you Tech808. Is the ground rod outside connected to the electrical system ground of your home creating a single point ground? Why did you mount the polyphaser lightning arrestors to your switch instead of outside near the ground rod? I realize the Polyphaser lightning arrestors ground the coax, but as they are mounted to the switch - did you ground each coax before it enters your home? You mentioned copper braid going to the ground rod - why braid and not solid strap which has a lower inductance even in such a short run? |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2656 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 2:21 pm: |
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#1 ~ Yes, the ground rods outside and inside are both connected to the electrical system ground of our home creating a single point ground? I also connected all equipment ground conductors with stainless hardware and nolox creating a single point ground system. AC power line protectors and control/data line protectors are connected to this single point ground. #2 ~ PolyPhasers are now less than 3' from ground rods and single point ground system. #3 ~ Pictures show Braid and 2 ~ solid copper ground wires to ground rods. #4 ~ I also had Tech833 view the pictures I posted here on the forum and followed the advice of Tech833 on my installation and applied the changes that he recommended. Lon |
Hollowpoint445
New member Username: Hollowpoint445
Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2004
| Posted on Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 3:26 pm: |
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Good deal on moving the Polyphaser lightning arrestors to less than 3' from the ground rod! Sounds like you did everything right. Thanks for the pictures you've already posted! |
Wrk3
Junior Member Username: Wrk3
Post Number: 21 Registered: 4-2004
| Posted on Saturday, June 26, 2004 - 2:31 am: |
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say lon, is this grounding system for lightning, rfi, tvi or what? a lot of the things people should do for a good clean station is confusing to this mudduck. but you know what cb stands for. |
Wrk3
Junior Member Username: Wrk3
Post Number: 27 Registered: 4-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 12:35 am: |
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say LON,, could you show pics of your groundrods & how things are connected to them?????? |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 3115 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 1:03 am: |
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The pictures and explanation are of how things are connected are at the TOP of this page. Except for the Ground Rods outside which I have Three 10' Rods about 8' to 10' from each leg of my tower. I don't think a picture of maybe 2" of ground rod sticking up with Battery Cabels going to the legs of the tower would help much. I used 3 of the the ANDREW Heliax Grounding Kits #223158 and attached one to each leg of the Tower. Cable, Clamps, Sealant and everything you need comes in a nice handy small kit. And where I have them connected to each leg of the tower is very well weather proofed. And the 1st Sargant I don't think wants to go out there and hold the bushes out of the way for me to take pictures, Lon Tech808 |
Sanddiegoduner
Junior Member Username: Sanddiegoduner
Post Number: 10 Registered: 6-2003
| Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 9:46 pm: |
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Lon only one thing surprised me about your setup. The KLV-1000 sure made me open my eyes, not because you have one but the Shear size of the thing. Every picture I have ever seen of that unit lead me to believe it was a shoe box sized piece. That thing is massive! |
Airplane1
Intermediate Member Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 205 Registered: 5-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 9:12 am: |
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Hi Lon, When you ground the meters and radios and amps do you drill a hole and screw a ground to that or do you use screws that are already there? Thanks |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 4222 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Sunday, December 05, 2004 - 9:15 am: |
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Airplane1, I use the case screws on the equipment to attach the ground wires. If they do not have screws I will drill through the case into the frame and add a Self tapping screw to attach the ground wire to it. Lon Tech808 CEF808 N9OSN |
Stogie
Junior Member Username: Stogie
Post Number: 36 Registered: 5-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 3:21 pm: |
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Lon, Of all your base stations, in what order would you rate them? How do you like that Magnum Base & where did you get it? I can't seem to find much info/specs/price on them. Very impressive setup you have there. Ready for a vacation to Florida? Stogie, CEF 345 Th |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 4436 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Saturday, January 01, 2005 - 9:21 am: |
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Stogie, #1 ~ TEABERRY STALKER 202 #2 ~ TEXAS RANGER 696F / SSB #3 ~ MAGNUM S-3200B #4 ~ GALAXY SATURN TURBO #5 ~ RANGER 2995DX #6 ~ RANGER 2990 N/W (waiting to find CPU for it.) All have different features / options and All work Great. Sorry, but No I would not take a vacation to Florida. THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY CHANNEL CATFISH there. Lon Tech808 CEF808 N9OSN |
Bruce
Senior Member Username: Bruce
Post Number: 1991 Registered: 9-2003
| Posted on Wednesday, January 05, 2005 - 8:54 am: |
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GEEESE Lon did i use my deoderant one day too long ...... COME TO FLORIDA ...... bring money my tax collector will love you. |
Rf_burns
New member Username: Rf_burns
Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2005
| Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 3:56 am: |
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Hey Lon, HELP!!! Great Articles, but I can't get your station ground pic(s)to come up and display. Is their a way you could possibly e-mail some copies of them - or if it's a "piolt error" problem, please direct me if you would. Thanking you in advance. Best regards to Both You and the 1st Sargent |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 7596 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Thursday, October 13, 2005 - 10:22 am: |
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Since the Maco M103-HV Beams went up, after a mistake on my part of cutting both lengths of the Coax about 8' feet Short of what I actually needed EVERYTHING ie: (MFJ Antenna Switch, ALL Ground Wires to Radios & Equipment, All Radios, Poly Phasers, Jumpers, Equipment, had to be Re-Located. EVERYTHING is now located CLOSER to the Ground Rods and EVERYTHING is connected to the SAME Grounding Bar (Single Point for Everything) that the PolyPhasers are connected Directly too. Lon Tech808 CEF808 N9OSN |