Re: [digitalradio] How do I get started with digital radio?
A good HF radio +6m is the 100W Kenwood TS-480SAT - you can pick this up second-hand. It is a very good performer and an excellent HF radio for digital in general. Also the IC-703+ which is 10W and no mean machine. As for VHF / UHF I'll let others make suggestions. Simon Brown, HB9DRV www.ham-radio-deluxe.com - Original Message - From: evanp63 evan...@yahoo.com But how to start?
Re: [digitalradio] How do I get started with digital radio?
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: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 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.
Re: [digitalradio] How do I get started with digital radio?
For about $500 you can get a secondhand IC-706MKIIG and be able to work SSB, CW, FM, or digital modes from 160m through UHF. 73, Skip KH6TY
Re: [digitalradio] How do I get started with digital radio?
AVOID FT-100 or 100D --- On Thu, 5/28/09, kh6ty kh...@comcast.net wrote: From: kh6ty kh...@comcast.net Subject: Re: [digitalradio] How do I get started with digital radio? To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, May 28, 2009, 7:36 AM For about $500 you can get a secondhand IC-706MKIIG and be able to work SSB, CW, FM, or digital modes from 160m through UHF. 73, Skip KH6TY
Re: [digitalradio] How do I get started with digital radio?
Avoid the Icom IC-718 if you want to do push to talk by CAT command. Icom chose not to put PTT by CAT in the command word set. There are other methods of doin PTT but CAT is by far the most elegant. Rick - KH2DF Sent from my iPhone On May 28, 2009, at 9:06 AM, bruce mallon wa4...@yahoo.com wrote: AVOID FT-100 or 100D --- On Thu, 5/28/09, kh6ty kh...@comcast.net wrote: From: kh6ty kh...@comcast.net Subject: Re: [digitalradio] How do I get started with digital radio? To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, May 28, 2009, 7:36 AM For about $500 you can get a secondhand IC-706MKIIG and be able to work SSB, CW, FM, or digital modes from 160m through UHF. 73, Skip KH6TY
