[Yaesu] FRG-100 muting and monitoring?

[Kenneth D. Grimm, K4XL]

Phil opined:

> I have a Yaesu FRG-100 receiver that I'm setting up to use with a
Ranger
> transmitter, primarily in the CW mode.  The Ranger will probably be
running
> 40-50 Watts into a Dow coax relay to switch the antenna, the other
side of
> which will go to the receiver.  (all this is already hooked up).

This should make a great combination.

> The problem as I see it is this.  IF I use a pair of the relay
contacts to
> "mute" the receiver I won't have any sidetone of my transmitted signal
for
> monitoring.  I'm used to hearing my transmitted signal or "sidetone"
when
> transmitting.
>
> Is there any way to set up the Yaesu FRG-100 to have a "monitoring"
function
> rather than a complete mute?  A JVC NRD-525 I had could be set this
way as
> could some other receivers I had.  Rather than muting completely the
key
> line would put the receiver in "monitor" mode, reducing the RF gain
etc.

I don't have a clue about the "monitor" mode for the receiver, but  this
puts you right back into the boatanchor era!  The same problem/question
was raised very frequently in those days.  Solutions ranged from not
muting the receiver in order to monitor your keying and quite a few
folks using 100 watts or less to a positive relay or knife switch
arrangement did exactly this.  I doubt that the FRG-100 would appreciate
this brutal approach!

A second approach involved using an rf monitoring device that would
drive a small speaker.  That was what I used with my Ranger and SX-96
for a while.  I really can't remember the details, but it was a simple
device that I built up from an article in one of the magazines.  It
sounded awful, but it worked!

Finally, I built a W9TO keyer with a built in monitor circuit.  That
worked great.  Which brings me finally to my recommendation... Use an
old boatanchor keyer such as a Hallicrafters TO.  It uses a mercury
wetted relay to key your Ranger and you can plug a straight key in the
front if you don't want to use a paddle.  It has excellent sidetone
monitoring.  EICO also produced a version.  These oldies but goodies can
usually be found for around $40-60 depending on the condition.

> 73 from the "Beaconeers Lair".
> Phil, KO6BB

Good luck with your setup.

73,
Ken K4XL
k4xl@arrl.net
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