Steve, I believe you have given some very good advice.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Forst" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 12:52 PM
Subject: Re: Upgraded to general, and a question.


> Rick,
>
> Congrats on the upgrade.  I'm sure you will get several replies on this 
> one,
> so I'll just throw out a few things.  Be sure your antennas, coax, 
> switches,
> wattmeter, and tuner are rated to handle the extra power from the amp.
>
> Besides the coax jumpers, you will at the least need a keying line from 
> the
> din jack on the rear of the 430 to the key jack on the  amp.  I'm not
> familiar with this amp, so be  sure the keying voltage  of the amp is
> suitable for the rig.  If they don't match up, you would need a buffer
> between the rig and amp in the keying line to prevent damaging the rig.
> Someone who knows this amp can tell you  if you will need it or not.
>
> You should consider an alc connection between the amp  and rig.  I'm not
> trying to stir up the age old alc or no alc debate,  some guys will never
> use alc, and others will never go without it.
>
> For what it's worth, if this is  your first foray into HF, why not get 
> your
> feet wet barefoot  for a while?   I still have the 430 I bought new in 
> 1987.
> It's a nice rig and  I had a blast for many  years at 100 watts.  It's a
> great rig, but not terribly accessible.  If you have some usable vision 
> it's
> a dream to operate.   If you are total, it's not so much fun, but not
> undoable.
>
> Nice you kept your old call, can you refresh our memory on what it is?
>
> 73, Steve KW3A
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Rick" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 12:17 PM
> Subject: Upgraded to general, and a question.
>
>
>> Hi list,
>> I upgraded my license to general yesterday, and aced the test.
>> I kept my original call sign.
>> I might get a new one when I go for extra.
>> I have a Kenwood TS-430S, and A Heathkit SB-220.
>> I never used an Amp before, so what do I need to hook the amp to the =
>> radio, besides coax jumpers?
>> Also I would appreciate any ideas on how to tune the amp.
>> I was told I could use the LDG TO-1 talking watt meter to tune the amp, =
>> but I cant afford any new equipment right now, so any mods or little =
>> tricks to tune the.amp would be helpful.
>> By the way, the SB-220 hasn't had any mods done to it that I know about.
>> Thanks in advance, and 73.
>>
>