Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

If you don't mind sharing, that would be great! Thanks for all the help so far.

 

Did you need the extra DIN6 adapter to get it to work? The regular cable uses the discriminator output instead of the de-emphasized audio out? I just got a Mobilinkd TNC3 to use my TM-V71 but have only run the iOS beta test app on an iPhone to key a test tone. I'm still looking at getting an Android tablet to use with it but might just end up using the aprs.fi app (they are testing TNC3 compatibility as I understand) on my iPhone when it's ready and released.

 

Please keep the post up to date with this as I have a V71 and would like to be able to run iOS

 

Yes, you need 2 cables. Here is a link. The second moves one of the pins to another, I forget off the top of my head which to where, but it's needed to get it working properly with the Kenwood TM-D710

 

Yes, I saw that the adapter is used to move the audio for the Mobilinkd from the discriminator output to the deemphasized output. Must be a uniqueness with the Mobilinkd, haven't had to do that with any other TNC I have (TNC-X, Tinytrak2, Argent Tracker3) or either radio (I also have a FT-8800 that uses the same data point pin out). Thanks for the reply, guess I'll get or make the adapter since I don't want to modify my cables and have one be non-standard.

Can you also please let us know what your audio in settings are? How much gain and twist? I've got mine set to 0dB gain and 3dB of twist at the moment.

 

I didn't change any audio settings on the Kenwood. I actually turn the volume knob all the way down, so I don't hear the activity. It doesn't seem to effect the operation. I assume that's because it's using the data jack, and not a mic connection like it would be with a HT.

 

I'm talking about on the settings on the TNC audio input. The volume knob won't matter since both 1200 and 9600 outputs are taken before the audio amp.

Were you missing packets using the raw discriminator output? The level difference isn't that much, 300mV vs 500mV Is your packet decoding rate improved now? I wonder if you had too much or too little gain in the TNC and needed the deemphasis to compensate for that.

This has got me wondering now which I am actually using on my other TNC cables. I may be backwards and am actually using the 1200 with other TNCs, so the Mobilinkd cable without the adapter would actually be the one that's odd, for VHF APRS anyway.

 

Here's my settings on the TNC app. Leaving the Attenuate Input unchecked.


With the radio set to B band for data and Packet12, I simply hook up the 2 cables, set the TNC like above, Set APRSDroid to KISS, and it works perfectly. Haven't seen any issues to indicate packet loss. Send and receive messages to/from my Kenwood D74 and Icom ID51(with another TNC)

 

Thanks for those. The TNC3 and iOS config stuff is slightly different. Will see what happens as I continue to test.

 

Finally took the Ham technician test. Now I just have to wait for my callsign whenever the government decides to open back up

 

Any one have winter field day plans?

A buddy and I are headed up to his camp. We are planning on two 80/40/20 fan dipoles out on the frozen lake. We're also trying to get a 160m inverted L into a giant pine. I might also try to re cut the a dipole into another band to get some more multipliers.

Last year was cold, I'm sure this year will be just as cold. The cabin isn't insulated but it's only got a glorified space heater.

 

I wish, but im here in Kuwait working till who knows.

 

Same.. Let the waiting begin.

 

Do any of you guys have a good alternative to using a car battery for portable operations? I've got a TS590 that's been boxed up too long, and I'd like to start bringing it out on my overnight trips to run 20M while at the campsite.

I've thought about using a power supply & power inverter in the bed, but the truck has to be on ACC for that to work and I don't want to kill my battery.

I've got a spare car battery, but it's a pain to lug around, and to keep charged between uses.

I was thinking about something along the lines of this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076PR4TBZ/ref=emc_b_5_t

I like that solution because I could also run plug-in lights off of it at night, but it doesn't have a suitable DC-out.

Only problem is I'm not vexed enough to know how long something like that would last with the ~20A draw of an HF radio. I'm not opposed to operating closer to 50W if needed.

Do you guys have any suggestions?

 

It's a bit pricey, but something like Juice Box would work. I've been eyeballing it for a while.

 

You could go with lifepo4 battieres. They are way lighter hold charge for far longer and the big upside is that you get to spend substantially more money.

 

Yeah that's significantly more than I'm looking to spend.

 

@Justintheegreat is looking for a mobile rig. He will be going for his tech license shortly. Anyone want to put their 2c in for a radio, and Justin, any details on what you'll be looking for ?

 

either something for my rig or a handheld. not sure yet. was still doing my homework on what the better decision would be.

 

Are you looking to buy something just to start you off, or are you going to jump right into the deep end? The price can vary. What would you like to stay around, cost wise. To give you an idea, an inexpensive handheld with a mag antena attachment can get you rolling for $60. A loaded mobile can be $600