Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

Just passed my test...I took it in the VE's backyard...social distancing, masks, and all.

Starting off with a dual band DMR HT and an OpenSpot3. Then going from there with a mobile.

 

How did you extend you mic cable?

 

With the PG-5F Extension Cable set

 

I'm going to ask a question here that some more experienced radio guys can hopefully answer. Not HAM related but public safety band VHF hi equipment.

We just switched from VHF analog to VHF digital radios (portable Motorola APX6000), operating around 154 mhz. They have a damn near 12" antenna, which is ridiculous. On my old analog XTS2500 (I think was the model) I replaced that long antenna with a stubby, approx 4". Worked great and carried so much easier on the belt.

Motorola doesn't offer a stubby for the VHF digital APX6000 so I'm wondering if I can use the old stubby on the new radio. Antenna base is the same (SMO I think?) so it fits on the radio, but I'm concerned about the analog v digital thing. I don't really understand the difference as it applies to antennas. I don't want to destroy a $4000 radio that isn't even mine with crazy SWR from the wrong antenna even though logically the frequency hasn't changed so the analog antenna should work.

The APX6000 we ordered does not have GPS.

Anyone have a solid enough knowledge about this to comment?

 

Go for it, shouldn't matter.

 

I've also read that unshielded Cat 6 works. It apparently doesn't have the same issues that is experienced with Cat 5 cables.

 

I believe you still have to swap wires at the plug though.

 

I'll see if I can find the write up again. I don't remember if it said one way or the other. I had already ordered the extension kit for the power cables and the mic extension was in the kit so I didn't pay much attention.

 

I did the cat 5 extension. There’s a pair that needs to be wired a certain way to not cause issue. I’ve been running trouble free for several years now.

 

I believe it. If you wire the standard way, the 600ohm mic conductor is twisted with the ground. I think if have pins 2,3 and 5,6 as the same color pairs, you would be well off. That will match Mic with Mic ground and +8v with GND. That whole mutual inductance with a data line is still a little voodoo to me.

Orange/White, Green/White, Green, Orange, Blue/White, Blue, Brown/White, Brown. I should test it with my TM-281 sitting here.

 

Built my battery box. Has a charge controller with buck converter. The screen needs epoxy to get glued on and I misplaced mine.

Right switch/plug is solar panel in. Center switch and two plugs is battery at 30A fused. Left switch is the charger controller with the 2 usb ports and low amp plug.

Mostly liking it. The charge controller is putting out a little noise I need to address but perfect size in a ammo can.

 

Nice. Baking pizza on the battery?

 

Don't let the heat from the high current go to waste!

 

yeah, I think it's at 126 Deg

 

New toy for my Anytone

 

I was listening to a fellow talk about that unit. I'm thinking about checking one out.

 

I am a new ham...with only an Anytone 878 HT. I was mostly interested in digital modes, but I am finding out that I like the hobby. Made some initial contacts on analog, but I think the OpenSpot3 will open up some new group nets to join. I live in an area where there are not alot of digital repeaters, so this will make things better for digital contacts.

 

Absolutely. I live in an area where there are plenty of digital repeaters. I operate mostly on DStar so I can reach my Uncle who is a fellow Ham (and introduced me to it many many years ago). I was on a road trip last weekend and as soon as I left the Vancouver area, no repeaters were digital unfortunately. Could come in handy in situations like that I think.

 

I suppose you could use the OpenSpot3 linked to your cell phone (it is really pretty small) when there are no digital repeaters if traveling...I am still low on the learning curve.

 

Yup. Very easy to do