Thanks for the clarification, Steve. Now I understand why the software is
needed.
Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Forst" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: December 11, 2015 11:58
Subject: Re: WaveNode WN-2
> Steve,
>
>
> If I gave the impression that the key press is on the unit, that isn't
> what I ment. The speech is in the software and you press a key on
> the computer's keyboard to get the voice readout through the PC's
> speakers. or, you can mannipulate JAWS to read some things.
>
> There is no "speech" button on the actual unit. The speech is wav
> files called by the software.
>
> 73, Steve KW3A
>
> On 12/11/2015 11:46 AM, Steve Dresser wrote:
>> 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
>>>>>
>>>>
>>
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