QST also exposed the so call Max-Com balun that claimed when hooked to a
dipole (length not specified) it would give less than 2:1 from 1.8 to 30
Mhz. And they were correct since that's what it did. Only problem was
that inside the device was a toaster elements that sort of replicated a
light bulb load or dummy load inside a potted box. QST refused to
advertise it after they showed an X-ray of the wires inside the potted
box. Before the word got around the company out of Florida was selling
them like hot cakes. The hook up was exceptionally quiet and did produce
QSO's with the attached dipole radiating some of the residual RF. But
the buyers didn't when they weren't getting out all that good.
Important lesson that many hams still don't seem to understand: There
is nothing you can connect to the end of your coax (except an expensive
automatic antenna tuner and enough ferite chokes to stop feed line
pickup and radiation) that will increase your radiated signal.
Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ
On 2/17/2017 8:07 AM, W4AAW@aol.com via TowerTalk wrote:
Some years ago I noticed an advert in QST by the purveyor of a soundcard
interface that claimed it could allow FSK RTTY through your soundcard! Of
course this was AFSK and clearly, the advert took advantage of newer, less
experienced hams.
I called Steve Ford, WB8IMY, the Managing Editor of QST who immediately grasped
the scam. The ads were never again seen in QST. The League is still on watch
for false advertising. I am not sure there is similar attention in any
Canadian publication but none of my VE friends like wool pulled over his eyes.
I hope this gets reported.
Mike W4AAW
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