Hi Steve!
Thanks for this. Yep, I will keep pondering.
73,
Richard KK6MRH
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Steve Forst
Sent: Friday, December 11, 2015 7:09 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: WaveNode WN-2
Hi Richard,
It's a PC controlled (USB) swr/watt meter. Coax sensors connect to
the main unit which connects to the pc. First off, if I were
starting from scratch today, I would look at some combonation of the
Elecraft meter or Power Master in conjunction with the Hampod. I've never
used either one, but they are options - maybe better, maybe not.
Good things about the WN-2:
Audio readout of power and SWR, either by it's internal voice with a key
press, or with your screen reader.
Can be set up to disconnect an amp keying line in the event of high
swr. Kind of a moot point for me, since the MFJ-998 has a similar
feature.
Many options of sensors available for different frequency coverage and
power levels, from QRP to mega QRO.
Bad points:
Software is graphical and not blind friendly. However once set up, either
by trial and error or with sighted help, things aren't so bad.
There are many graphs and charts and visual meters that are lost on us.
.
The tones for tuning an amp or tuner are sort of an afterthought and
are worthless. This is why I keep my TW-1 inline, for the audio tones.
The tones in the WN-2 react too slowly for practical use. A sighted
ham could watch a pie chart on the screen change color as power or
swr changes, but the tones don't react fast enough for tuning an amp or
tuner.
You can download the software at wavenode.com and see how graphical it is.
There is a review from a blind perspective at hamradioandvision.com
I've been using this for a number of years and am happy with what I have. I
had the original WN-1 LPT port version years before the TW-1 came out.
however science marches on and there may be something better
suited today. None of this stuff is cheap, so do moocho research
before spending any money.
73, Steve KW3A
On 12/11/2015 9:23 AM, Richard B. McDonald wrote:
> Hi Steve KW3A and All!
>
> I am interested in the WaveNode WN-2 discussed below. Frankly, I have
> never heard of it. In particular, the WN-2's accessibility features
> (speech, tones, etc) seem nice. I wonder if you could say a bit about
> 1) what sorts of audible speech and tone information you are able to
> get out of it, 2) how accessible the software for it is and 3) how it
> differs from the vaunted yet extinct TW-1? As to the software, I use
> JAWS without Braille; so that is really what I mean as far as its
accessibility.
>
> 73,
> Richard KK6MRH
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Steve Forst
> Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 2015 12:13 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Ameritron AL-80B operation
>
> Mike,
>
> I do use the TW-1 for tune up, but find it to read low for power
> readings. I have a Wavenode WN-2 computer controlled swr/watt
> meter. It compares favorably with the analog meters in the shack
> (amps, and tuners), while the TW-1 always reads low.
>
> The amp is rated at 1KW SSB, 800 CW, and 500 RTTY, but I never push it
> to the limit. I had to replace the original tube about a year and
> ahalf ago, with one from RF Parts. Seems like a bit more output
> than the original. Can see more than a KW on most bands, but I don't
> like the smell of smoke.
>
>
> I usually tune at 75 watts drive and then advance the load, then reduce
> drive to get output I want. I was running 65 watts drive over the
> weekend to get just under 700 out on 160 CW.
>
> Any difference in drive between CW and SSB is going to be influenced by
> stuff like microphone, mic gain, compression, etc. The manual
> suggests setting up for a max key down output of 800 watts, and
> voice peaks will be hitting the 1 K level. Assuming you want to run
> everything to the max.
>
> I'm not sure I would drive it with 100 watts under any circumstances.
> For my setup, even 85 seems a bit much. If you are going to keep
> drive set at 100 watts, use of ALC might be a good idea.
>
> Mine has the grid protection board installed. I've only had it trip a
> couple of times. Usually at the start of a tune, if the controls
> weren't set to the proper initial settings.
>
> 73, Steve KW3A
>
>
> .
>
>
>
>
> On 12/8/2015 2:10 PM, Michael Ryan wrote:
>> Hi Steve (KW3A)
>>
>> You run an AL-80B right? Do you use a TW-1 for readings?
>> What's the headroom like on that amp? How much drive does it take to
>> get
> rated outputs in both CW and SSB?
>> According to the Manual, the typical drive for rated output is 85W
>> but the
> max drive permissible is 100 plus watts.
>> Do you get these numbers?
>>
>> TNX and 73:
>> Mike DE VO1AX
>>
>> Sent from BlueMail
>>
>
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