Recent content by k6uk

The answer is that they should be spaced as far apart as feasable... and you need to retune each antenna for lowest SWR after they are both in place. No mobile setup is perfectly ideal, and having a couple antennas is going to alter your radiation/pickup patterns to some extent. Make sure...

Icom, Kenwood and Yaesu all have new radios in the pipeline. Here's what I have so far: Yaesu: First on the list is the new Yaesu FTM-10R - which has bluetooth (yes you can use a headset) and a mic on the front panel. - Wideband receiver - Broadcasting support (including MF!) - Bluetooth...

But the TNC can work as a stand alone mailbox, or APRS beacon or digi without your computer around. The sound card interface needs a computer all the time. -Mike

Packet radio requires a TNC (Terminal Node Controller) like this Kantronics KPC3+: This goes between your computer and the radio, much like a modem. What are you looking to do with packet? Depending on your goals, other technology may be more appropriate. For example, as hams we can run...

I've been running radios for many many years, and have never had a problem with a radio being damaged in this way. I do have all of my electronics switched via a solenoid currently, but for other reasons. That being said, I have heard of Alinco radios losing their memory settings during...

Well personally... between the two radios I would pick the new 1802m... it's smaller and would be easier to live with. Aparently it does run hot if you talk for long periods of time... but I just like the footprint better. -Mike

The FT-1500 was a great little radio - talk about being built like a brick. Actually it's real replacement is the FT-1802M which is also very small, and has controls that mirror the much larger FT-2800. But I do miss the cool blue glow of the 1500. -Mike

Gigaparts is another good source for the 119 price. I should mention that this model had a reputation for muffled audio - at least when it first came out. I'm not sure if that issue was ever fixed. The FT-1802M is another consideration... a lot smaller, but a similar look. -Mike

Check out the Fujitsu Lifebook 1510D See this thread: http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2716 It's a nice unit! -Mike

These make a good backup GPS (they are a bit slow I am told) - but they come with City Select software, so if you use the software on another unit along with this one it might be a great deal. Also - since Garmin has now discontinued City Select, I wonder if they will upgrade you to City...

This might be old news, but I saw it on Google News today. Autonet is building an in car hotspot with 3g Backhaul, and it's going to be used by Avis in its cars. Also they will be selling it direct to consumers. Only $45 a month service fee - not a bad solution when you're near a cell network...

The VX-6R is a 2m/220(aka 1.25M)/440(aka 70cm) rig, the VX-7R is 6M/2M/220/440 and the VX-177 is a 440 HT. Just to keep things clear. I can attest to the durability of the VX-150/170/177 radios, they are larger - but have a lot of audio! The VX150 (not dunkable) is a real bargain around $110...

Amps are so expensive you might as well get another radio. I would say get a mobile... you can always get an HT later, and you will - but make your first radio one with a little power. So I would get a Yaesu FT-7800 - you get a lot for the price. Lots of memories, and you can recieve 800 mhz...

Will they ship them? I can't drive to NJ. Shipping must be expensive on an item that large..

From what I read it's not too bad with two people... but it is time consuming - like 4 or 5 hours. I think I'd be ready for the hot chocolate and the ski lodge before I finished building one.