Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

98% of my friends are still analog 2m. They do have access to EchoLink, is my only reason id like to do EL. But dont care for the interface of using a phone or PC

 

I'll dig into it more, because I enjoy projects. But I'm to believe it's an on/off device. The "computer" would be a $35 raspberry pi.

All that you would need to do is plug it in and send the tones to link up which ever repeater you'd like.

 

Finally made the 1st payment on my new Taco, and ordered Radio Operator plates for it today. Anyone else have their call sign plates? I see it every now and then. Just wanted them to help make the truck MINE sort of thing.

 

I have them on mine.

-Brent N9BC

 

Yep!

 

So, besides for Yaesu ftm-400xdr being on sale, Icom ID-5100a is also on sale for $400
https://www.gigaparts.com/icom-id-5100a-deluxe-d-star-mobile-radio.html

Decisions, decisions ...

 

But all seriously now. I was considering a Kenwood 71a, but with those low prices it makes sense to add $50 for fancier (maybe better) radio.
I have no commitment to any of them, just trying to figure out what wo be better choice. All a wanted was a mobile radio with detached head unit.
Since I never used a digital system and not sure which way should I go, I'm trying to figure out the best possible analog option. At this moment (the way I see it) point goes to Yeasu for actual APRS and fairly fancy screen. But I also do like Icom's white screen...
Well, that's all I got for now.

 

Depends on the digital system you have in your area. We have wires-x but it's not used much. Everyone around here is on DMR.

 

You can get a fancier screen , and arguably more useable one, with a Mobilelinkd device and tablet / phone for APRS. Not discrediting the yaesu, just showing your options.

 

Who wants to help recommend a radio to a NOOB?
Got my license a few months ago, and I'm having fun with my

$50 UV-5R Ham Radio Handheld Long Range (UV-5R 8Watt) UHF/VHF Radio with 2 Rechargeable Battery, Portable Radio for Adults with Earpiece, GV-771 Antenna, BAOFENG Programming Cable (3rd Gen)

UV-5R and external antenna but I'm ready to get a proper mobile rig, probably a dual band. I don't think I quite ready for digital yet, GPS for APRS would be nice eventually, but not required right now.

Must Haves: Removable Faceplate, Cross band Repeat, Dual Receive
Nice-to-Haves: Quad band, FMRS/GMRS, Blue Backlight, Multiple memory scan options (I believe these are called memory bank scan, or something similar)

At first I was looking at the YTY radios, but with iffy reviews, I don't wanna spend an entire day installing the thing only to have it crap out a few months later, uninstall it, send it back, rinse, repeat. I could still be talked into one though.

This brought me to more A-list brand radios: IC-2730A/Deluxe (Not sure the difference), FT-8900R, TM-V71A, FT-7900, ID-4100A, FTM-100DR. My thought is to mount the radio body under one of the front seats, and the faceplate where the Qi Charger is (I have an SR5, so non-issue covering that up, here). Currently the front-runner is the IC-2730A/Deluxe, can anyone explain the difference? EDIT: Looks like the Deluxe comes with the remote faceplate mount (from HRO), so I will be going that route, if I go 2730.

Can anyone recommend one of the radios above? A different one? Are there any features I should be looking for that I didn't think of? Price is in the $300ish dollar range, can go higher if it's really worth it.

 

Love my Kenwood TM-D710

 

That does look nice, but it's a little too far out of my price range

 

Look at the Yaesu 400XDR at Gigaparts it’s on sale now for $400. Great deal and it adds digital if you have wires-x in your area.

 

And I love Murph's Kenwood TM-D710

 

Alternative

TM-v71a
Mobilinkd tnc 2.whatever
Cell phone / tablet

 

<3

Likewise on the v71. Both awesome radios.

 

Don't get all Brony on me. Phil wont talk to us anymore. Haha.


4 day weekend. I really should run that coax and extension kit on mine. I think behind the big seat in the rear row has enough air volume to not have heat be an issue. Anyone here passionate that it's not? For what it's worth I run medium power almost always (10w) or less.

 

I once owned an FT-7800, which is pretty much the same as a FT-7900. I thought it was a solid mobile radio. No fluff, nice sized display, knobs and dials to operate mobile, etc. I replaced it with an FT-8800 for the dual band, dual VFO option and then a FTM-350 to get APRS. They I think suffer from the same issue as the V71 and TM-D710 and some other radios, smaller dials, lots of buttons with multiple functions and tons of info on the screen. That's by necessity because they do so much. But the relative complexity is something I think is worth mentioning.

I eventually replaced the FTM-350 with a single VFO dual band radio (a Connect Systems CS800D, which also a compromise to get DMR digital radio) and a second dedicated APRS radio. I like the smaller face with just 6 buttons and a simple display for operating the radio. I found that having all the features in one radio was actually limiting and deterred from the primary function of being a voice radio. Now I have a radio that is good at being a mobile radio and that's all it needs to do well. My APRS radio is a data radio, so it only does that and does that well.

That said, the TM-D710 I think does handle the compromise well. It's got a reasonable display that isn't overwhelming like a FTM-400. Doesn't have too many knobs and other than needing to dig through menus it's pretty easy to operate. Personally, for $300, I'd give serious thought to whether or not I really want APRS.

If don't want to stretch the budget I'd suggest the FT-7900. Going with the TM-V71 if you really think you'll need dual receive (which I don't deny is handy), since it's just a bit above your budget. Maybe you can tinker with them, perhaps you have a ham shop locally that you can compare side-by-side. Shopping on features is find but you might prefer actually using one or the other. BTW, don't overlook the IC-2730, which is cheaper than an FT-7900 but you get dual VFOs and the option to plug the mic into the either the body or the face, which gives you more flexibility for a clean installation.

 

X2

I monitor the Nat simplex channel on one side and use the other side for repeaters. And when I wheel I have one side on Simplex and the other to APRS.

 

The 2730 is the front runner radio for me right now. I'll look into the 7900/8900. Thanks for the response!