[ct-user] CW, CT and the FT1000MP

[Tom Carrubba KA2D]

Scott

I had similar problem... my cure was to add a snap on ferrite bead ( available
from radio shack) with one turn on the key line from computer to MP. Mine is on
the MP side..

I still have some more RFI proofing, but this got me running on CW up to a
KW..there is still some intermittent shuddering on high power, but all is OK as
I usually contest on low power.

FYI, my antennas are close to my house on a very small lot 50x100. I use a
tubular tower with muliband yagi at 42ft and 80/40/30 Inverted V dipole at
35ft..

CU -Tom KA2D

----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott Nichols" <snichols@mvosprey.com>
To: <ct-user@contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 1:47 PM
Subject: [ct-user] CW, CT and the FT1000MP


> I have an equipment problem that is driving me nuts...This reflector
> seemed appropriate as another CT User might have experienced the same
> thing...
>
> My station, in part, consists of a FT1000MP, interfaced with my computer
>
> via the serial port (COM1) for rig control, and via LPT1 for the CW
> interface...Have old Heathkit external keyer and Bencher paddles going
> to the second paddle input on the 1000MP...I use CT as my contesting
> software...
>
> My problem...When using CT to send CW, I am limited to VERY low power or
>
> my 1000mp TX keys and locks on...The only way to unkey the rig is to
> turn the RF OUT knob way down...(I'm talking about 10 or 15 watts on 15
> metres, ugggggg!!)...The only band that seems unaffected is 10 metres,
> where I can crank the amp to full power with no problems...
>
> Simple problem of RF getting into the cabling between the rig and
> computer, right ? That's what I thought too...After replacing all
> cabling with shielded cabling etc etc, the problem is still
> there...Here's the quirk...I can use other programs (LOG-EQF for
> example) to send CW via the keyboard and same computer-to-rig
> interfacing with no problems...Full power on all bands works OK...
>
> In addition, the lock-on problem only happens after I first use CT to
> send CW...Here's a typical scenario that I tested a dozen times last
> night to be sure it wasn't intermittent...
>
> -Turn rig ON with computer OFF...All OK...Can send CW with paddles at
> full power...
> -Turn computer ON without CT running, all OK...Can use full power with
> paddles, and LOG-EQF will send via the keyborad OK at full power...
> -Start CT, use paddles to send CW, all OK...Hit F4 on keyboard to send
> my call, and the TX keys and locks until I turn RF OUT down to minimal
> level...Now, even using the external paddles will lock the TX on...
> -Close CT, paddles still lock TX on...
> -Open LOG-EQF, can now use either the paddles or keyboard to send CW...
>
> BOTTON LINE...Can't use CT to send CW via the keyboard at any more than
> 15 watts!! (made for fun last weekend I'll tell you!!...Wife's dream
> almost came true, she thought I was going to turf everything out the
> basement window Saturday afternoon)...
>
> What am I missing here ? I realize that it is an RF problem, but why
> only when running CT ? If it happened when I was using other programs to
>
> send CW, I could understand...Is there something in CT that I have set
> wrong ? (I do NOT use CT for rig control, therefore no COM port settings
>
> are used in CT SETUP)...OR...Is there a menu setting in the FT1000MP
> that could be fouling things up ?...The ONLY time this problem arises is
>
> when I start CT...( No slight against the program, it likely isn't even
> the program's fault)
>
> Again, I have used shielded cabling and tried torroids everywhere etc
> etc etc...
>
> Any help would be GREATLY appreciated...It's baffling me...Maybe
> something to do with using the LPT port for CW keying with CT ? Can I
> use the COM port to key the FT1000MP from CT?
>
> 73, Scott VE1OP
>
>
>
>
>
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