My HAM Plan
- Thread starter SAR_Squid79
- Start date
KG6BWS
Explorer
Just thought id throw in my $.02 here.
Im a Yaesu fan and have had nothing but good experiences with my radios. Ive got the Ft-8800R, dual band with cross-band repeat capability in my truck, and carry a VX-6R tri-band handheld when out of the truck. The VX-6R is dust proof, water resistant (rain proof) and shock resistant. I used to carry it with me when I was on my motorcycle and its had more than its fair share of dust, rain and shocks. As an example, I ate crap doing about 50 or so mph, and landed in the dirt directly on top of the radio. I landed hard enough that I thought I might have broken my shoulder. Turned out I didnt but the radio came thru completely unscathed. Got caught another time in one of those infamous high sierra rainstorms that comes and goes within about 5 minutes, and came thru unscathed.
The way I typically used it was to trailer my bike, a dual sport, to somewhere like Bishop. Would park my truck so that I could still hit the Bishop repeater, and then use the crossband repeat mode so that if I needed help, I could call in using my handheld.
Now, I havent tried it, BUT, the FT8800 has ARTS capability that includes an automatic CW identifier. Every 10 minutes, when ARTS is activated, it will automatically transmit your callsign. Im wondering if it would be possible to activate the ARTS feature, while using crossband repeat, so that the radio would identify itself automatically while your out and about.
IMHO, you cant go wrong with Yaesu radios. I plan on upgrading to the FT-897D at some point so I can get HF capability. I also plan on upgrading to General here sometime soon. I agree with those above who have said to do both tests at the same time. The biggest reason I didnt was because I couldnt get a grasp on the morse code. Now that they dont require it anymore, I would do both tests at the same time while everything is fresh in your memory. Im going to have to do a WHOLE lot of studying to get back up to speed. Ive just forgotten to much of it.
Im a Yaesu fan and have had nothing but good experiences with my radios. Ive got the Ft-8800R, dual band with cross-band repeat capability in my truck, and carry a VX-6R tri-band handheld when out of the truck. The VX-6R is dust proof, water resistant (rain proof) and shock resistant. I used to carry it with me when I was on my motorcycle and its had more than its fair share of dust, rain and shocks. As an example, I ate crap doing about 50 or so mph, and landed in the dirt directly on top of the radio. I landed hard enough that I thought I might have broken my shoulder. Turned out I didnt but the radio came thru completely unscathed. Got caught another time in one of those infamous high sierra rainstorms that comes and goes within about 5 minutes, and came thru unscathed.
The way I typically used it was to trailer my bike, a dual sport, to somewhere like Bishop. Would park my truck so that I could still hit the Bishop repeater, and then use the crossband repeat mode so that if I needed help, I could call in using my handheld.
Now, I havent tried it, BUT, the FT8800 has ARTS capability that includes an automatic CW identifier. Every 10 minutes, when ARTS is activated, it will automatically transmit your callsign. Im wondering if it would be possible to activate the ARTS feature, while using crossband repeat, so that the radio would identify itself automatically while your out and about.
IMHO, you cant go wrong with Yaesu radios. I plan on upgrading to the FT-897D at some point so I can get HF capability. I also plan on upgrading to General here sometime soon. I agree with those above who have said to do both tests at the same time. The biggest reason I didnt was because I couldnt get a grasp on the morse code. Now that they dont require it anymore, I would do both tests at the same time while everything is fresh in your memory. Im going to have to do a WHOLE lot of studying to get back up to speed. Ive just forgotten to much of it.
7wt
Expedition Leader
I have read this rain proof thing many times and don't get it. Mine says it's submersible. I have never dunked it to test it but it has been severely drenched in a nasty rain just to say I did. I totally love mine, it has changed what I want out of communications. I am currently reworking my idea of the ideal mobile. I have been thinking about not installing a rig into my truck and just do the antenna hook up. Where I am at, 5W is more than enough to hit repeaters. Heck, last night I chatted with a guy on a 220 repeater that was located a good 20 miles from me. My HT only pumps out 1.5W on 220. It is sometimes fun to do more with less.
SunTzuNephew
Explorer
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
If you've ever tried to program a Kenwood 261 you wouldn't say that. Especially after the third time that it locked up and had to have a full reset. :sombrero:
Compared to the 261 my V8k is a dream to program, even w/o the cable & software. Same is true of a friend's 2200 (?).
Herbie
Rendezvous Conspirator
Hehe, note that I say "branch-HASHING", but yes you did mention it, but I was in the midst of writing my response when you posted. (It takes me a while, since I'm technically "working" at the same time...)
[QUOTE-rigwelderstaco]
Now, I havent tried it, BUT, the FT8800 has ARTS capability that includes an automatic CW identifier. Every 10 minutes, when ARTS is activated, it will automatically transmit your callsign. Im wondering if it would be possible to activate the ARTS feature, while using crossband repeat, so that the radio would identify itself automatically while your out and about.[/QUOTE]
From reading the manual, that may work. You'd have to live with the ARTS system showing "OUT.RNG" or "IN.RNG" if you setup the ARTS feature, but if you're doing CBR, you're probably not IN the rig anyhow.
bc_fjc
Observer
I've had my VX-6R submerged several times easy 2 - 3 feet. Just give it a shake to get the water out of the speaker and mic... and your good to go
taugust
Adventurer
I have owned all three brands and they all have quirks.
I have the 208H and would agree that the microphone (same as the other mobile rigs) is a weak point. Mine had very low audio, even at high mic gain. I always got complaints for low audio. I do speak somewhat softly, but I don't get the same issues with other radios. The key switch finally gave out and I had to replace the mic. I found that they are not available for sale as a replacement, although they still supply them with new radios. I ended up buying a commercial grade mic, but lost some of the radio specific controls on the mic. The new one also has a very stiff key spring. I did like the feel of the original mic.
I haven't used cross band repeat, but it seems it would be very easy to hike out of range of your truck on 5 watts (around a hill or up a winding canyon).
Good luck and good choice, I think.
I have the 208H and would agree that the microphone (same as the other mobile rigs) is a weak point. Mine had very low audio, even at high mic gain. I always got complaints for low audio. I do speak somewhat softly, but I don't get the same issues with other radios. The key switch finally gave out and I had to replace the mic. I found that they are not available for sale as a replacement, although they still supply them with new radios. I ended up buying a commercial grade mic, but lost some of the radio specific controls on the mic. The new one also has a very stiff key spring. I did like the feel of the original mic.
I haven't used cross band repeat, but it seems it would be very easy to hike out of range of your truck on 5 watts (around a hill or up a winding canyon).
Good luck and good choice, I think.