Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

Haha yeah. I'll stick with my race rigs. Sounds cool though!

 

Ill stick with it being a hobby....

 

Looking to get my APRS set up going in my truck. For those using APRS what TNC/Tracker do you use?

 

mobilinkd. though for HTs, I just connect the headset jack on my phones to my HTs.

APRSdroid for all.

 

Not in yet. But X2 mobilinkd for my Kenwood TM-v71a.

Androidaprs

 

You can’t post a pic like that without a write up... that thing is sexy!

 

The TM-D710GA is widely considered the best APRS rig out there. It's the easiest to get up and running and works great. I've also used the mobilinkd with a variety of mobiles. Worked great with a Motorola CDM, and works really well with the TM-V71A. It will take a little tinkering to get audio levels correct, but it's well documented. I recommend dedicating a cheap phone to the mobilinkd. You can get a nice cheap phone off eBay for < $40. I've also heard people have success with brand new pre-paids from Walmart. APRSdroid offers a free version that you side load, that uses Open Street Maps stored locally on the device. So you don't need any data plan for the dedicated APRS phone.

The byonics products seem nice, but I have no experience with them. The ftm-100 will not monitor a voice channel and APRS simultaneously. It's one or the other. The FTM-400 seems nice, but I know a few people that sold it and bought a TM-D710GA and were more pleased.

 

I'm not sure what to say, it's pretty straightforward. IC-7300 and a TM-V71A. The signalink is attached to the kenwood, no need for it on the Icom. The Samlex PSU has a connection for a battery backup, so I sometimes will haul a group 29 in a battery box around with this. Although that's only for ARES, I don't worry about it when contesting. Theres sufficient space to add a large LiPO in this case. I own the LiPO to do that, but haven't figured out an auto failover / charging circuit yet. The circuit built into the Samlex will damage the LiPO.

Two 19 rack shelves and mobile brackets to screw it all down. I drilled a 3/4 hole saw in the PSU top and added my own DC power wires with Anderson PP. The signalink was probably the most difficult to mount. I'm not a 2 face tape kind of guy. I slid out the board. Drilled / mounted the case, and then slid the board back in.

I primarily use this for portable contesting (field day, winter field day, Ohio State Parks On The Air, Ohio QSO party, etc). I'm also in ARES, and have used it at drills.

It's all pretty straightforward to me. If I left out details, let me know. Happy to answer questions.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I have a TM-V71A. Moblinkd seems to be popular, not sure i like the Bluetooth part, but it looks like it works will well with portables. Might be leaning towards Byonics or Argent Data systems.

 

Does anybody have any experience or thoughts with the Yaesu FT-70DR HT? Not looking at it expressly for the C4FM System Fusion, but to replace a lost FT-60.

 

I mainly have Kenwood products, however..............

I have two FT-70DR handhelds and really like them. They are inexpensive and well built. I checked both of them out on my service monitor and they checked out fine. TX and RX were on frequency and RX sensitivity on both VHF and UHF was around .2 microvolts. My FT-70DR's are working well both in analog and digital mode.

I'm using the stock antenna. Some people prefer an aftermarket dual band antenna for better performance. I use the RT Systems software for programming the radios.

Here's some online reviews of the radio:

https://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/13447

 

thanks,

Everyone's biggest complaints is with how fast the battery drains, and that the charge drains even when the HT is turned off. Are you having the same problems?

 

The battery drain can be an issue. Mine usually lasts around 7 to 8 hours with minimal transmissions. I disconnect the battery when not in use. And I did purchase a spare battery and the rapid charger!

 

Looking for some input. Hoping to get my General before the end of the year. I work the off shift and live a bit of a hermit life because of it, not by choice. Would it be worth it to sign up for one of the study prep classes for the test just to absorb more about breaking into the HF world?

Right now I've just got my Gordon West study guide book and my test ap on my phone.

 

Have you tried www.hamstudy.org ?? its worked the best for me..

What amateur license is that???

 

I can get the material and pass the test. It's just a matter of it will be better breakong out into the HF world by doing one of those classes. Not sure if they also tall about real world application, air etiquette, tips and suggestions, ect.

 

all the classes ive ever seen just talke about the material like WB6NOA does.... But getting your General class will be a total different world compared to Tech

If your looking for what to do when you get your General class license, look at the Operating Manual from ARRL. But me, i found book rather boring...

 

Why not just get Extra class amateur license?

 

might be good for maritime frequencies but not good for Amateur radio or GMRS or anything else.

2182khz is also no longer an accepted maritime distress frequency and not monitored US Coast Guard

 

The only way to become a good HF operator is by operating on HF. There are a lot of youtube videos on how to call CQ, operate certain modes etc. The books won't make you into an experienced operator. The books taught me very little at all besides what I need to know to pass the tests. I learned by asking experienced operators questions, reading forum posts, watching Youtube videos or just doing stuff. To learn the General class license material here is a good site http://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com
It's a progressive learning style. You pay $26 but it's worth it, way better than any of the free sites.