Unusual J-pole Antenna (Ask Dave 302)

Posted on September 22, 2020 by dcasler

Here’s the drawing that goes with Ask Dave 302. Click here to get the pdf.

Posted in Ham Radio blog entries | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Amateur Extra Videos Once Again Available on Thumb Drive

Posted on September 17, 2020 by dcasler

The Amateur Extra training videos have been updated to the 12th Edition of the ARRL Extra Class License Manual for Ham Radio, and are once again available for purchase. Please note these are the same videos that are on YouTube, which you can watch for free. The videos-on-a-thumb-drive are offered as a convenience for those whose network connections aren’t good, or want to study away from where they can get Internet access. These video sticks are also handy for those who might want to use them for club presentations or a club-sponsored class.

You can order the thumb drive with the Amateur Extra videos by going to this order page or by clicking on the PayPal button below.

 US$49.99 Postpaid US only. Colorado residents add sales tax.
Non-US please contact me regarding shipping charges. Please see the order page for conditions.

PLEASE NOTE: Although my videos are free for viewing, they are all released under the standard YouTube license, which forbids copying. If you need an extra video stick, please order one.

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Website for info about DSTAR

Posted on July 12, 2020 by dcasler

Brad Rich provides this link for those wishing to learn more about DSTAR. Note it not only has lots of good info, but lists other links as well. Here is the link; you can just click on it to go there: www.dstarinfo.com.

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Oggie Harry Rundall, AC3EK, Discusses Elbow Connectors

Posted on June 23, 2020 by dcasler

Male end of elbow connector, photo by AC3EK, used by permission

Harry reports: “I had asked about erratic power behavior on the ICOM 7300 on the mode FT8 last Saturdays Q&A. Well it turns out it was the elbow connector I had in line on the back of the rig to my jumper going to my MFJ-697 dummy load/SWR meter. Being a Field Engineer, back the day, with Hewlett Packard Medical (1969-1979), I applied the good ole troubleshooting methods. Lightly tapping on the back right hand corner of the cover to the rig, when it was in the tune function of FT8, I could eliminate the problem, i.e. recover proper power output. Next I grabbed the body of the elbow connector and ever so slightly rocked it and sure enough the problem appeared/disappeared. Next, removed the connector and placed the jumper RG8X directly into the rig. Problem went away. I tapped the top- while in tune mode, and no repeat of the problem. Talking to a fellow ham buddy about this He heard that these elbow connectors can be a problem. Notice in the attached photo (Taken with a Nikon 7000, Sigma lens set for micro photo 1/1000 at F13) of the pin of the male part of the connector in the blown up photo notice the scarring to the pin. Thought I would share this for your library of troubleshooting connectors issue. All is good now!! 73s Harry AC3EK”

Posted in Ham Radio blog entries | 2 Comments

MFJ-17754 Instruction Addendum from Ask Dave 265 and 266

Posted on April 17, 2020 by dcasler

In Ask Dave 265 and Ask Dave 266, I mentioned an Addendum to the MFJ instructions. This addendum describes that the antenna comes pretuned too long and will need to be shortened, and gives instructions for doing so. See the addendum by clicking here.

Posted in Ask Dave | 1 Comment

Reference Station Page Now Active

Posted on April 6, 2020 by dcasler

I’ve put up a page that takes you to the Reference Station list of equipment. It’s at www.dcasler.com/reference. Check it out. Comments should go to the video that introduces the reference station component.

Posted in Ask Dave | 7 Comments

Ideal Stripmaster Wire Stripping Tool

Posted on March 28, 2020 by dcasler

In today’s livestream, I promised to put up a link to my wire stripper. They’re a bit expensive, but I don’t know how I ever lived without it! Note: if you purchase through this link, you’re helping to support my channel.


Posted in Ask Dave, Ham Radio blog entries | 5 Comments

Samlex SEC-1235 Power Supply Manufacturer’s Markings and Certifications

Posted on February 20, 2020 by dcasler

A YouTube viewer asked what the manufacturer’s assertions are regarding certifications. Here’s a photo of the label on the bottom of my unit.

Posted in Ask Dave, Ham Radio blog entries | 1 Comment

General Class Videos Now Available on Thumb Drive for US$39.99

Posted on February 3, 2020 by dcasler

At last! My General Class training videos are now available on a USB 32 GB thumb drive for US$39.99, postpaid anywhere in the USA. See here for the details, or use this button to order via PayPal with your credit card.




These videos are for the ARRL General Class License Manual, 9th edition, 2019-2023.

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Phoenix Area Source for Used High Wattage Resistors

Posted on January 11, 2020 by dcasler

Oggie Dirk van Dijk notes that he’s found a variety of high-wattage resistors good for dummy loads at Apache Reclamation and Electronics in Phoenix. Their phone number is (602) 254-0613.

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