Steve,

Since the device itself provides audio feedback, what do we gain by using 
the software?

Steve

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Forst" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: December 11, 2015 10:09
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
>>>
>>