[GreenKeys] newbee AGAIN RE: HAL ST800a

[Don Cunningham]

Neither the ST-8000 nor the ST-8000A have a built in loop supply.  The 
optional outboard supply would be WAY TOO expensive for amateur usage. 
Don't buy either without the factory manual as Hal is forced by the govt 
contract to sell them to us at as high a price as that contract was.  Same 
on connectors for the ST-8000A, which are special, and would have to sell 
for MUCH more than you will give for the 8000A.  The better choice for your 
machines would be the ST-6 (cumbersome with all those boards to deal with) 
or the ST-6000, as they both have built in loop supplies that should handle 
multiple machines.  With any ST-6000 you buy, make SURE you get the 15 pin 
Molex plug with circuit board on the back called "Auxiliary Control", so you 
can "program" the operation of the unit (explained in good detail in the 
manual).  Manuals for any of the Hal gear can be purchased from Hal at very 
reasonable prices (except the current gov't contracted items), usually $20 
per.  Google ST-8000 and you will find a link to Hal's site and can download 
a small PDF brochure, and same for ST-8000A.  Most visible difference is the 
8000 has a CRT tuning scope, while the 8000A uses "tuning LED's".  I'm sure 
that there are major differences in the internal electronics.  The ST-6000 
has the built in CRT scope, loop supply, and is MUCH easier to use for 
hamming than either of the other two you asked about.  You should find a 
used one in the $50-75 price class if you look a while.  Often at hamfests, 
they are much cheaper.  Hal still sells a very good software program that 
will work with the 6000, 8000 and 8000A called DSRTTY.  It comes either DOS 
or Windows versions and is very easy and intuitive to use for "glass RTTY". 
I think it is a real bargain at $99 for it's versatility.  Software NOT 
needed for your machines.  I hope that answers some of your questions.  I am 
by NO MEANS an expert, just a satisfied Hal customer since the early to mid 
70's.  I finally managed to get my first new Hal TU in 2004 as a retirement 
gift for myself, hi!!  I bought a new low-tone, commercial ST-6000 and have 
had a LOT of fun using it on the air.  I will eventually hook a 28 ASR to 
it, but have been using DSRTTY and an old DOS computer with it till now. 
Enough rambling...........Happy New Year to all on Greenkeys.
73,
Don, WB5HAK