Hi there, I'm working at the moment but just thought I'd say that you can get on FM 2M Packet with just about the cheapest rig you can get and a sub standard PC or old laptop. I'm out of range of my packet node up here in the outer Hebrides. But at the previous QTH I used an old hand held with a tiny 2 TNC and a really really old 486 DX2 laptop running 4Mb ram and free Dos. Can't remember the software now. I still have it all and just need more space and a higher antenna. Also when I 1st started (before I bought the tiny 2 etc) I used an old Trio TH-205E Handi for everything, Local repeater and packet, including rx of ISS I made a really cruddy connection and ran it with winpac and my desk PC. The wee bugger got quite hot sometimes as it was on full power and a 13.8v power supply as the battery was duff, but it worked really quite well. I have only used uhf a few times with a couple of friends, but you guys in civilisation do have uhf repeaters. I also think there are a good few 2 / 70 radios with built in TNC's and the like. But you can get buy with just about anything. As for HF, well I love dx'ing but if it's not for you then maybe building a little 40m or 80m kit for local ragchews would be the thing. Or an old pre warc radio.
Anyway I better do some more work now. Good luck and welcome back to ham radio Toby -------Original Message------- From: evanp63 Date: 28/05/2009 11:12:09 To: [email protected] Subject: [digitalradio] How do I get started with digital radio? I let my license expire twenty years or so ago but recently took the test for a new license and passed. I'll be getting it (an Extra) in a few weeks. I got rid of my equipment years ago so have no radio gear. I got interested in Ham radio again after joining the local Search and Rescue unit. Of course Ham radio holds an important part of its operation so I thought I help out with the Comms and get my license again. I'm retired and don't have a lot of money to spend on equipment. I know I want to use the 2 meter band for S and R and in the vehicle when traveling. Also, there are two repeaters in the area using that band. I know that I'd like to use the APRS which they started using in the SAR unit. Packet radio sounds really interesting. I spent thirty years working in Communications and spent several years programming computers used in Comms. However, I haven't thought about radios since I retired twelve years ago. I like the building/technical aspect of amateur radio and not BSing with strangers in foreign countries. I know how things work and like when I started canoeing, I started with one canoe and after a few years, I had three. But how to start? I have two different thoughts on equipment: 1.) get something like an IC-7000 which will allow me to use all the modes and bands to get me started. It's a pricey option but I think it would give me a good start and can use it in the field with SAR. 2.) Get something like an FT-8900R or just a two band VHF/UHF rig. I can get a HF rig later if I feel the need for one. It is a cheaper option. Since I'm not interested in DXing, I'm not sure if spending the extra money for the HF band is worth it when getting started? Do I need an all mode VHF/UHF rig to go digital How much is UHF used? Maybe I don't need that band yet? I'm thinking it might be useful when traveling to have two bands? Perhaps I could just get a 2 meter rig to get started. I could then afford also to get a hand held 2 meter rig to bring on searches.
