K4SPBlog

 I have a Peltor Comtac 3 headset because reasons. I got it to use with my Motorola handhelds, primarily the XTS2500. For a long time I have wanted to adapt the two PTTs that came with it to work on other radios I own. Today I'm attempting to adapt it for a Yaesu FT-991A These come with the 6 pin NATO connector, U-229, described on Cryptomuseum, here . I need to remove this cable and add my own. I'll be adding two since few ham radios have audio in and out all on one connector. First I have to identify the function/color of each wire. Pins on the connector are labeled A-F with corresponding functions below: GND A SPK B PTT C MIC D EXP E EXT F I keep all pinouts I identify in a  Google Sheet  of pins, wire colors, and functions with pictures where able. I got the functions from that Cryptomuseum link above.  Disassembly of the U-229 is simple with a wrench and some pliers. Then I add color of each wire to the spreadsheet near the appropriate letter. Inside the PTT we ...

 This has been discussed before elsewhere but HF nets are so bizarre. Archaic websites. Obscure membership structures. Shooting fish in a barrel. but simultaneously inefficient where it takes one hour to get one turn.  My main gripe though is the signal reports. If you have to ask a relay for the call sign and repeat the RST multiple times, you were not a 5-5.  I'm actually enjoying this though as it helps me work out some quirks in my home set up while I get ready for more base operations. I found a net that meets late at night so I currently have something to do other than watch youtube. I'll get WAS through them I guess then got for it through LOTW.  My set up so far is the EFHW I installed in the last post which runs through the window, I placed scrap extension cord in the window track to allow the wire to slip through without crimping it while getting an almost complete seal. That goes to my Yaesu FT991A which is hooked up to the computer via USB and my Heil hea...