Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

There's a few things irritating about the FTM-400. Its not full duplex while the TM-D710G and TM-V71A are both full duplex. This means you can continue to RX 70cm repeater while the APRS is in transmit. Also useful if doing satellite work. The TNC in the TM-D710G has an exposed serial port. So it can be used for other functions such as Winlink, packet, or an external computer for APRS. Last thing that irritates me about both the FTM-400 and FTM-100 (and every other YSF radio) you can't program mode into a memory channel. So if you're yakking on a YSF repeater and change channels to an analog repeater, you must remember to change modes to FM. And Vice Versa.

There are a couple other little things, but those are the big ones for me.

 

Just to make the point clear, the TM-V71 and TM-D710 can do full duplex only cross band, which as you point out is useful for satellites and if you're using 70cm on the non-data band. They will mute reception on the non-data side if you're using 2m (say simplex 146.460 as is common in 4x4) when the APRS is transmitting. The FTM-400 doesn't discriminate and just mutes all the time.

The TM-D710 has a full TNC and for some reason Yaesu persists on not doing that. The FTM-350 I had used to be the same way. It can output waypoints packets and accept a GPS input but that's it. If you want a full TNC you have to use an external one through the data port basically rendering the internal APRS functions redundant.

 

My take, for what it's worth, is I'd only get it if I had a YSF repeater around, or you roll with a crew that exclusively uses yaesu and you can use the other locating features.

If not, the Kenwood are a clear winner to me.

Just a matter of who runs what in your area essentially.

 

The touchscreen on a FTM-400 seems nice so I don't know that it's as simple as all that. The Kenwood is a better radio in several ways but the Yaesu works fine and for someone who doesn't worry about the lack of flexibility it could work.

 

Was pretty much my point. To get the yaesu you'd have to want the specific features yaesu offers as extras. Which it is a fantastic radio in that regard.

But for a utilitarian APRS and general communication Swiss army knife, the Kenwood are the tool.

 

So question. The local repeaters here all have been updated to the latest yaseu formats. So that in a sense would work. But if I go with the Kenwood would it work with those yaseu repeaters as well ? I’m still a huge newb to this and haven’t even got my license yet (taking the test Saturday) but this is one of those buy once cry once scenarios.

 

The repeaters are likely fusion radios. Yes, analog would work. With that being said if you have Yaesu repeaters then I'd probably look into the ftm400. Would be great to utilize the digital modes.

 

Here's what the fusion is from the yaesu site


~This function instantly recognizes whether the received signal is C4FM digital or conventional FM. The communication mode automatically switches to match the received mode. Even if a digital signal is being used, you can switch to FM communication if radio signals are received from a FM station. This function enables stress-free operation by removing the need to manually switch the communication method each time.

 

Yaesu System Fusion repeaters (as well as their radios) will drop back to regular FM analog mode if anyone is using non-Yaesu System Fusion radios. Just to confuse things more there are several other digital modes (DMR, D-STAR, P25) besides Yaesu so in a sense buying a System Fusion radio is limiting, too. The common denominator here is analog FM which every radio can do. Repeaters are a different beast. System Fusion repeaters can do universal FM analog but other ones (such as DMR) cannot.

 

The WB4GBI seems to be a rather large linked network with fusion in your area. I'd personally go with the ftm400 in your shoes.

 

Basically you sacrifice a good satellite rig, some digital modes from a computer (non voice), and the ability to run a real time map like this (beyond a GPS Garmin or what not).

 

Is 14” apart on the roof enough for two antennas? One dual band and one VHF

 

Rule of thumb is 1/4 wavelength for the lowest band of interest. So for 2m you'd want to be 19" or more apart.

Technically what you need to avoid is anything conductive within the near field of the antenna, which is a distance of λ/2π (e.g. 0.159*λ), which would be other antennas, roof racks, etc. For 2m that's about 12.5". Beyond this it become less critical from an antenna standpoint but if we're being technical you are not in the far field region until 2λ or more. So if you want to be really safe 4+ meters is better, which is of course impossible on a car.

The main problem is when you put two antennas within close proximity it creates a very strong signal on the receiving radio when you transmit. This can range from irritating (just momentarily desensitizing) to damaging. Field strength changes as the cube root of the distance, so the closest foot or two is the worst and it drops quickly.

So what that means is beyond 12.5" (for 2m) the more the better. Being on the same band it will be potentially more of an issue since the other antenna is resonant on the same band and the radio is susceptible. It's a tough one. I have my dual band and dedicated VHF (APRS) antennas about 6 feet apart and doesn't seem to actually damage anything.

 

I'm not familiar with the WB4GBI system but looking at his website it appears there is one System Fusion WIRES-X VHF repeater that might potentially be Internet linked since it's got a talk room assigned. He's got a UHF DMR repeater, too, also appears to be Internet linked to Brandmeister. K4HXD has a D-STAR repeater and W4KEV has a linked system of analog repeaters, all VHF (these are not digital or network linked, appear to be RF linked). So I don't think there's a right or wrong way to go!

 

The yaesu repeaters can be configured for mixed mode. Which will allow them the receive either YSF or analog and repeat whichever they heard. They can also be configured for one mode or the other.

If you have lots of YSF users in your area, and you want to chat with them, then I'd go with the FTM-400. I like YSF. it's just missing a few features that are holding it back.

I would not buy a radio until after you passed the test. Reach out to hams in your area. You'll probably find some really great hams, and some flaming assholes. Figure out who you want to communicate with, and get the equipment to accomplish this task.

Unfortunately I there are some fractured digital modes out there right now. Many believe one mode will eventually win (VHS vs betamax). I disagree. I think we'll eventually get multi-mode radios.

 

Well the trade off is there's no dmr mobile rig with aprs and the other features. If it's brandmiester I'd just a handheld and a hot spot and use that. Haha.

 

@Newlife a list of yaesu repeaters in your state. Not sure what's around.

https://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/feature_search.php?state_id=47&type=YSF

@DaveInDenver is absolutely right as well. Dmr is another big player.

 

LOL, what a mess. The only non-Yaesu digital/APRS is a TH-D74 and at $550 that's a lot of money for 5W. You can run a DMR mobile and a dedicated APRS radio for a lot less with more flexibility.

 

Thanks and you’re right. I don’t plan on purchasing the radio until I pass the test. But once I pass it I’ll order it just getting an idea of what I’ll be spending to get everything up and running. And make sure I get the radio that’s going to meet my needs and then some.

 

Leave yourself some money for coax, antenna, and bracket as well.