[SMCARA] PSK31 Question

[Daniel Metcalf]

It is the radio...known issue with ft-890(s). Search frequency shift ft-890
and there are a few websites offering advice as to effect a quick fix.
However after trying them I did not see a difference. The actual problem is
a variable cap in the main oscillator circuit that has gone bad. I am trying
to find repair shop that will fix it for less than I paid for it.

Dan- KB3UUN
On Aug 1, 2011 2:26 PM, "A.J. Farmer" <farmer.aj at gmail.com> wrote:
> Yeah, I was actually wondering if a ground loop or lack of adequate
> ground may be the culprit.
>
> On Mon, Aug 1, 2011 at 2:23 PM, Clarke, Tom AIR4.0P NATOPS
> <frederic.clarke at navy.mil> wrote:
>> That doesn't sound too good!
>>
>> If all the signals shift, then your radio is at fault.  Check your power
>> supply first to make sure it is regulating at 13.6 or whatever it's
>> rating. Try a different PS or a stiff battery source.  Chances are the
>> antenna is not on the list of suspects, unless you have some serious RF
>> feedback which could cause the PS to lose regulation or the radio's PLL
>> to unlock .  If you are using computer control of your radio (for
>> tuning), disable that and go strictly manual for tuning in case the
>> computer is randomly shifting the rx frequency.
>>
>> If it turns out to be a RF feedback issue, the mantra is "ground,
>> ground, ground".  Also add torroids to power lines, signal lines, and
>> coax runs.  Don't overlook the mic input as there may be a "sneak path"
>> there also.
>>
>> Has anyone else had similar problems around town?
>>
>> 73 Tom/W4OKW
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: smcara-bounces at mailman.qth.net
>> [mailto:smcara-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Daniel Metcalf
>> Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2011 10:27 AM
>> To: smcara at mailman.qth.net
>> Subject: [SMCARA] PSK31 Question
>>
>> While playing with PSK31 this weekend I have noticed that every so often
>> I see huge frequency shifts in the "waterfall" and when I turn the
>> volume up on my radio I can hear the tones shifting. So to the Question:
>> Are the frequency shifts normal or should I start looking into issues
>> with power, antenna, or heaven forbid radio?
>>
>> My current configuration:
>>
>> Radio / Antenna:
>> Huslter 6BTV (just recently moved to a new spot in the yard this past
>> Wednesday) is connected to a feed through by a 100Ft piece of Low Loss
>> 400 from JefaTech.
>> >From the feed through to the radio is another 50ft piece of Low Loss
>>>400
>> from JefaTech.
>>
>> For power I have two supplies 1st is an MFJ 15A cont. 17A surge that I
>> had bought for the FT-8800R but works great for the FT-890 in QRP'ish
>> power settings.
>> I also acquired a power supply rated at 20 watts cont. and 25 surge from
>> the Club meeting in June. Both seem to be working while I have had the
>> meters connected.
>>
>> The Radio itself is the FT-890 with the Auto Tuner installed.
>>
>>
>> Computer:
>> Dell Latitude D830 connected to the FT-890 via
>> 1) CAT cable (USB to 6 pin mini-din)
>> 2) Home brew audio cable that takes the audio from the data port on the
>> radio to the sound card in the laptop.
>>
>> Running Windows 7 Pro with HRD 5.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Dan -- KB3UUN
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