From clubjuggler at gmail.com  Tue Mar 10 22:00:16 2009
From: clubjuggler at gmail.com (Tanner Lovelace)
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:00:16 -0400
Subject: [Linux-ham] Local nets
Message-ID: <b1415490903101900n54c8517drfeea6b1c852b7da3@mail.gmail.com>

So, what does a ham have to do to encourage local TriLUG
hams to check into local nets.  Specifically, in this case,
the Central Carolina Skywarn Net (9:15pm every Tuesday
on 146.88 Mhz).

Props go to Greg, KJ4FFC, for checking in, and Matt, KI4URB,
for acknowledging the net and saying he'd be on it soon when
he gets his radio hooked up.

However, for the rest of you, what's your excuse?!?

Specifically (and yes, I'm going to call people out here...),

N8VNR, KI4BKE, N4JMT, and everyone else on this list!
(Except for KI4BRY, since AFAIK, there is not an IRLP
or Echolink connection from Australia to the net.)

Really, what can I do to encourage more people to check
in?  Do we need to have a net of our own?  We could
arrange that.  (Would people prefer 2m or 70cm?)

Let's hear what everyone has to say.

Cheers,
Tanner
KB4TYE

-- 
Tanner Lovelace
http://wtl.wayfarer.org/
(fieldless) In fess two roundels in pale, a billet fesswise and an
increscent, all sable.

From mattfrye at gmail.com  Tue Mar 10 22:11:11 2009
From: mattfrye at gmail.com (Matt Frye)
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:11:11 -0400
Subject: [Linux-ham] Local nets
In-Reply-To: <b1415490903101900n54c8517drfeea6b1c852b7da3@mail.gmail.com>
References: <b1415490903101900n54c8517drfeea6b1c852b7da3@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <A60BBC82-4A31-42F4-BE39-C41F92B6F840@gmail.com>

I prefer 2m but 440 works for me too.

73 de KI4URB

On Mar 10, 2009, at 10:00 PM, Tanner Lovelace <clubjuggler at gmail.com>  
wrote:

> So, what does a ham have to do to encourage local TriLUG
> hams to check into local nets.  Specifically, in this case,
> the Central Carolina Skywarn Net (9:15pm every Tuesday
> on 146.88 Mhz).
>
> Props go to Greg, KJ4FFC, for checking in, and Matt, KI4URB,
> for acknowledging the net and saying he'd be on it soon when
> he gets his radio hooked up.
>
> However, for the rest of you, what's your excuse?!?
>
> Specifically (and yes, I'm going to call people out here...),
>
> N8VNR, KI4BKE, N4JMT, and everyone else on this list!
> (Except for KI4BRY, since AFAIK, there is not an IRLP
> or Echolink connection from Australia to the net.)
>
> Really, what can I do to encourage more people to check
> in?  Do we need to have a net of our own?  We could
> arrange that.  (Would people prefer 2m or 70cm?)
>
> Let's hear what everyone has to say.
>
> Cheers,
> Tanner
> KB4TYE
>
> -- 
> Tanner Lovelace
> http://wtl.wayfarer.org/
> (fieldless) In fess two roundels in pale, a billet fesswise and an
> increscent, all sable.
> _______________________________________________
> Linux-ham mailing list
> Linux-ham at trilug.org
> http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham

From trilug at anselcomputers.com  Tue Mar 10 22:14:13 2009
From: trilug at anselcomputers.com (Michael Ansel)
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:14:13 -0400
Subject: [Linux-ham] Local nets
In-Reply-To: <b1415490903101900n54c8517drfeea6b1c852b7da3@mail.gmail.com>
References: <b1415490903101900n54c8517drfeea6b1c852b7da3@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <98eec0f70903101914gac1b79ag8b653157954da77a@mail.gmail.com>

I'll second what I'm sure is a vote from KI4BRY for IRLP/EchoLink. I'm
a Duke student a thousand miles away from my radio, though I can't say
I'd have a place to put an antenna even if I had it. Fortunately, I do
have a blazing fast Internet connection, and I'd love to be able to
check in and meet the local ham community!


Michael
KE5DBL

On Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 10:00 PM, Tanner Lovelace <clubjuggler at gmail.com> wrote:
> So, what does a ham have to do to encourage local TriLUG
> hams to check into local nets. ?Specifically, in this case,
> the Central Carolina Skywarn Net (9:15pm every Tuesday
> on 146.88 Mhz).
>
> Props go to Greg, KJ4FFC, for checking in, and Matt, KI4URB,
> for acknowledging the net and saying he'd be on it soon when
> he gets his radio hooked up.
>
> However, for the rest of you, what's your excuse?!?
>
> Specifically (and yes, I'm going to call people out here...),
>
> N8VNR, KI4BKE, N4JMT, and everyone else on this list!
> (Except for KI4BRY, since AFAIK, there is not an IRLP
> or Echolink connection from Australia to the net.)
>
> Really, what can I do to encourage more people to check
> in? ?Do we need to have a net of our own? ?We could
> arrange that. ?(Would people prefer 2m or 70cm?)
>
> Let's hear what everyone has to say.
>
> Cheers,
> Tanner
> KB4TYE
>
> --
> Tanner Lovelace
> http://wtl.wayfarer.org/
> (fieldless) In fess two roundels in pale, a billet fesswise and an
> increscent, all sable.
> _______________________________________________
> Linux-ham mailing list
> Linux-ham at trilug.org
> http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham
>

From gwbrown1 at gmail.com  Tue Mar 10 22:19:14 2009
From: gwbrown1 at gmail.com (Greg Brown)
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:19:14 -0400
Subject: [Linux-ham] Local nets
In-Reply-To: <98eec0f70903101914gac1b79ag8b653157954da77a@mail.gmail.com>
References: <b1415490903101900n54c8517drfeea6b1c852b7da3@mail.gmail.com>
	<98eec0f70903101914gac1b79ag8b653157954da77a@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <C1636EB3-9985-4E16-8617-2E529ED554C3@gmail.com>

With echolink I would be able to keep in touch from the outer banks.   
My HT seems to do better over 70cm but either would be fine.

Sent from my iPod

On Mar 10, 2009, at 10:14 PM, Michael Ansel  
<trilug at anselcomputers.com> wrote:

> I'll second what I'm sure is a vote from KI4BRY for IRLP/EchoLink. I'm
> a Duke student a thousand miles away from my radio, though I can't say
> I'd have a place to put an antenna even if I had it. Fortunately, I do
> have a blazing fast Internet connection, and I'd love to be able to
> check in and meet the local ham community!
>
>
> Michael
> KE5DBL
>
> On Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 10:00 PM, Tanner Lovelace <clubjuggler at gmail.com 
> > wrote:
>> So, what does a ham have to do to encourage local TriLUG
>> hams to check into local nets.  Specifically, in this case,
>> the Central Carolina Skywarn Net (9:15pm every Tuesday
>> on 146.88 Mhz).
>>
>> Props go to Greg, KJ4FFC, for checking in, and Matt, KI4URB,
>> for acknowledging the net and saying he'd be on it soon when
>> he gets his radio hooked up.
>>
>> However, for the rest of you, what's your excuse?!?
>>
>> Specifically (and yes, I'm going to call people out here...),
>>
>> N8VNR, KI4BKE, N4JMT, and everyone else on this list!
>> (Except for KI4BRY, since AFAIK, there is not an IRLP
>> or Echolink connection from Australia to the net.)
>>
>> Really, what can I do to encourage more people to check
>> in?  Do we need to have a net of our own?  We could
>> arrange that.  (Would people prefer 2m or 70cm?)
>>
>> Let's hear what everyone has to say.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Tanner
>> KB4TYE
>>
>> --
>> Tanner Lovelace
>> http://wtl.wayfarer.org/
>> (fieldless) In fess two roundels in pale, a billet fesswise and an
>> increscent, all sable.
>> _______________________________________________
>> Linux-ham mailing list
>> Linux-ham at trilug.org
>> http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham
>>
> _______________________________________________
> Linux-ham mailing list
> Linux-ham at trilug.org
> http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham

From gwbrown1 at gmail.com  Sun Mar 15 19:00:57 2009
From: gwbrown1 at gmail.com (Greg Brown)
Date: Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:00:57 -0400
Subject: [Linux-ham] need equipment suggestions
Message-ID: <4898d2dc0903151600y52a3d9d1r87fc3da477fa3b1@mail.gmail.com>

Life with only a 2 meter/70 cm/5 meter radio is getting a little tiresome.
I'm looking to upgrade my equipment and get a proper station on the air.  I
have about $1500.00-$2000 max, and the less I spend the better.

Here's what I'd like:

If I'm going to go with a vehicle setup I'd like to have, at the very least,
a dual band 2m/70cm radio capable of cross-band repeating.  NOAA weather
would be nice as well.

OR

If I'm going with a home station I'd like a 2m/70cm cross-band repeating
setup.  I am able to install an antenna on the house but nothing
"spectacular"- the neighbors might get bitchy if I try to put up a massive
tower in the back yard.

OR

Two radios at home, one for 2m one for 70cm (but this sounds repetitive).
And with this setup I can't cross-band repeat so... well, it's just not
idea.  I like to be mobile while I'm on the radio.  But at the right price I
could go that route.

BEST

Some kind of software radio interface with a hardware back-end.  It has to
work with OS X and from my searches on the Internet such a beast does not
appear to exist.  For shame.  If it did I could potentially connect via
software over the Internet to my home station.  That would be pretty cool
when traveling.

Anyway, like I said, just looking for ideas.

Greg
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From bluelip at gmail.com  Sun Mar 15 19:13:42 2009
From: bluelip at gmail.com (Mike Coles)
Date: Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:13:42 -0400
Subject: [Linux-ham] need equipment suggestions
In-Reply-To: <4898d2dc0903151600y52a3d9d1r87fc3da477fa3b1@mail.gmail.com>
References: <4898d2dc0903151600y52a3d9d1r87fc3da477fa3b1@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <dcc126aa0903151613k7b389a49h45a653826c18354f@mail.gmail.com>

HPSDR?

2009/3/15 Greg Brown <gwbrown1 at gmail.com>

> Life with only a 2 meter/70 cm/5 meter radio is getting a little tiresome.
> I'm looking to upgrade my equipment and get a proper station on the air.  I
> have about $1500.00-$2000 max, and the less I spend the better.
>
> Here's what I'd like:
>
> If I'm going to go with a vehicle setup I'd like to have, at the very
> least, a dual band 2m/70cm radio capable of cross-band repeating.  NOAA
> weather would be nice as well.
>
> OR
>
> If I'm going with a home station I'd like a 2m/70cm cross-band repeating
> setup.  I am able to install an antenna on the house but nothing
> "spectacular"- the neighbors might get bitchy if I try to put up a massive
> tower in the back yard.
>
> OR
>
> Two radios at home, one for 2m one for 70cm (but this sounds repetitive).
> And with this setup I can't cross-band repeat so... well, it's just not
> idea.  I like to be mobile while I'm on the radio.  But at the right price I
> could go that route.
>
> BEST
>
> Some kind of software radio interface with a hardware back-end.  It has to
> work with OS X and from my searches on the Internet such a beast does not
> appear to exist.  For shame.  If it did I could potentially connect via
> software over the Internet to my home station.  That would be pretty cool
> when traveling.
>
> Anyway, like I said, just looking for ideas.
>
> Greg
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Linux-ham mailing list
> Linux-ham at trilug.org
> http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham
>
>


-- 
Mike Coles - http://www.mikecoles.info/himself
'bluelip'
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From ki6nqw at hardakers.net  Mon Mar 16 10:11:41 2009
From: ki6nqw at hardakers.net (Wes Hardaker)
Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:11:41 -0700
Subject: [Linux-ham] need equipment suggestions
In-Reply-To: <4898d2dc0903151600y52a3d9d1r87fc3da477fa3b1@mail.gmail.com>
	(Greg Brown's message of "Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:00:57 -0400")
References: <4898d2dc0903151600y52a3d9d1r87fc3da477fa3b1@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <sdvdq9imle.fsf@wes.hardakers.net>

>>>>> On Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:00:57 -0400, Greg Brown <gwbrown1 at gmail.com> said:

GB> If I'm going to go with a vehicle setup I'd like to have, at the very least,
GB> a dual band 2m/70cm radio capable of cross-band repeating.  NOAA weather
GB> would be nice as well.

There are very few cross-band repeaters these days.  A few more if you
look for older ones (like the Kenwood one).  Everyone I've seen these
days has the FT-8800 or FT-8900 from Yaesu.

I think you can accomplish all of your "OR" situations fairly easily
with the cash you want to spend.  If you use a cross-band repeater
you'll get two radios in one.  And if you get a dual-VFO hand-held to go
with it that can do at least 2m/440, then you'll have 4 total ;-) And
can cross band to the hand held when it's normal transmission isn't
great.  Then you just need antennas(s), coax and mounts for the car.
All that can be done for under $1000.

GB> Some kind of software radio interface with a hardware back-end.  It has to
GB> work with OS X and from my searches on the Internet such a beast does not
GB> appear to exist.  For shame.  If it did I could potentially connect via
GB> software over the Internet to my home station.  That would be pretty cool
GB> when traveling.

I actually wrote some scanning software a while back that can drive any
device with a CAT interface on any OS that the hamlib library can run
on.  This *should* include OSX but I haven't tested it there (I'd love
to know if it works).

  http://www.hamtools.org/cq/

Note that the cross banding radios don't have CAT interfaces I don't
think, so my software can't drive them.

(I need to release another version that contains a few changes as well)

-- 
"In the bathtub of history the truth is harder to hold than the soap,
 and much more difficult to find."  -- Terry Pratchett

From clubjuggler at gmail.com  Mon Mar 16 12:16:52 2009
From: clubjuggler at gmail.com (Tanner Lovelace)
Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:16:52 -0400
Subject: [Linux-ham] need equipment suggestions
In-Reply-To: <4898d2dc0903151600y52a3d9d1r87fc3da477fa3b1@mail.gmail.com>
References: <4898d2dc0903151600y52a3d9d1r87fc3da477fa3b1@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <b1415490903160916g70b5df73m680e36082672bf0b@mail.gmail.com>

2009/3/15 Greg Brown <gwbrown1 at gmail.com>:
> I am able to install an antenna on the house but nothing
> "spectacular"- the neighbors might get bitchy if I try to put up a massive
> tower in the back yard.

Put a dual band Ventenna - http://www.ventenna.com/Ham-Pricing.html on
your roof.  Make sure you feed it with some low-loss LMR type cable, though.
That's what I have on my roof connected to an Icom IC-207 (dual band, but
not dual receive - http://www.rigpix.com/icom/ic207h.htm ) and it works very
well.  If you want cross-band repeat, I really like my Kenwood TM-733a. It
does dual band/dual receive and will cross-band repeat.

For your vehicle, you might want to consider something like a Kenwood TM-D700
(ebay link - http://tinyurl.com/dfpupu ).  That will get you dual
band, dual receive
and APRS.  Couple that with a good dual band antenna and you're set for
the car.

Cheers,
Tanner
-- 
Tanner Lovelace
http://wtl.wayfarer.org/
(fieldless) In fess two roundels in pale, a billet fesswise and an
increscent, all sable.

From gwbrown1 at gmail.com  Tue Mar 17 22:26:41 2009
From: gwbrown1 at gmail.com (Greg Brown)
Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:26:41 -0400
Subject: [Linux-ham] That was a great central carolina skywarn tonight!
Message-ID: <4898d2dc0903171926w1e3f762chfdcf3c4c3f6efd26@mail.gmail.com>

Too bad my HT was so badly drained after 45 minutes that I could not push
more than static to the repeater.  :|  Time to upgrade.

I'm going with the cross-band repeater in the car, I think.

Time to flex the debit card.  Tomorrow I'll run some various kinds of
equipment by the list to see if anyone has any feelings on the matter.  I'm
going for the highest power dual band (2m/70cm) with cross-band repeat.
NOAA weather would be a nice plus but not required.

After that is the same setup, I think: dual deep-cycle batteries, battery
isolator, 2nd battery tray and dual-band antenna (or whatever is called..
one antenna).
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From donroden at hiwaay.net  Tue Mar 17 22:58:30 2009
From: donroden at hiwaay.net (donroden at hiwaay.net)
Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:58:30 -0500
Subject: [Linux-ham] Which  Xband Radio ?
In-Reply-To: <4898d2dc0903171926w1e3f762chfdcf3c4c3f6efd26@mail.gmail.com>
References: <4898d2dc0903171926w1e3f762chfdcf3c4c3f6efd26@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <20090317215830.20675wzzdpo5c0nq@webmail.hiwaay.net>

http://www.rigpix.com/yaesu/ft8500.htm

High power / cross band repeat / very sensitive receivers
assorted memory scans / band scope for finding activity

Great mobile walkie extender.


Don WA4NPL



Quoting "Greg Brown" <gwbrown1 at gmail.com>:

> Too bad my HT was so badly drained after 45 minutes that I could not push
> more than static to the repeater.  :|  Time to upgrade.
>
> I'm going with the cross-band repeater in the car, I think.
>
> Time to flex the debit card.  Tomorrow I'll run some various kinds of
> equipment by the list to see if anyone has any feelings on the matter.  I'm
> going for the highest power dual band (2m/70cm) with cross-band repeat.
> NOAA weather would be a nice plus but not required.
>
> After that is the same setup, I think: dual deep-cycle batteries, battery
> isolator, 2nd battery tray and dual-band antenna (or whatever is called..
> one antenna).
>



From dave at jamsoft.com  Wed Mar 18 10:39:32 2009
From: dave at jamsoft.com (David Black)
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:39:32 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Linux-ham] Which  Xband Radio ?
In-Reply-To: <676150406.13911237386533334.JavaMail.root@amos.jamsoft.com>
Message-ID: <723619371.13931237387171966.JavaMail.root@amos.jamsoft.com>

Yes! A bit old if you can find one.  BTW, the Mr. Potato Head mic takes some dexterity to work - it's covered all 'round with buttons/knobs/joystick.  Not for large hands.

Solid rig though, plenty of power if you need it, and fairly tight front end (I have one).  And probably like any mobile with 10W+ output, best directly connected to the car battery.

Dave AD6Q

----- donroden at hiwaay.net wrote:

> http://www.rigpix.com/yaesu/ft8500.htm
> 
> High power / cross band repeat / very sensitive receivers
> assorted memory scans / band scope for finding activity
> 
> Great mobile walkie extender.
> 
> 
> Don WA4NPL
> 
> 
> 
> Quoting "Greg Brown" <gwbrown1 at gmail.com>:
> 
> > Too bad my HT was so badly drained after 45 minutes that I could not
> push
> > more than static to the repeater.  :|  Time to upgrade.
> >
> > I'm going with the cross-band repeater in the car, I think.
> >
> > Time to flex the debit card.  Tomorrow I'll run some various kinds
> of
> > equipment by the list to see if anyone has any feelings on the
> matter.  I'm
> > going for the highest power dual band (2m/70cm) with cross-band
> repeat.
> > NOAA weather would be a nice plus but not required.
> >
> > After that is the same setup, I think: dual deep-cycle batteries,
> battery
> > isolator, 2nd battery tray and dual-band antenna (or whatever is
> called..
> > one antenna).
> >
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Linux-ham mailing list
> Linux-ham at trilug.org
> http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham

From gwbrown1 at gmail.com  Wed Mar 18 10:50:41 2009
From: gwbrown1 at gmail.com (Greg Brown)
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:50:41 -0400
Subject: [Linux-ham] Which Xband Radio ?
In-Reply-To: <723619371.13931237387171966.JavaMail.root@amos.jamsoft.com>
References: <676150406.13911237386533334.JavaMail.root@amos.jamsoft.com>
	<723619371.13931237387171966.JavaMail.root@amos.jamsoft.com>
Message-ID: <4898d2dc0903180750y5aa9074o9c819438f2d1672e@mail.gmail.com>

That is the most complicated handset I've ever seen!

Pretty cool though, I'll put it in the running with two positive reviews.

Thanks!!

On Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 10:39 AM, David Black <dave at jamsoft.com> wrote:

> Yes! A bit old if you can find one.  BTW, the Mr. Potato Head mic takes
> some dexterity to work - it's covered all 'round with
> buttons/knobs/joystick.  Not for large hands.
>
> Solid rig though, plenty of power if you need it, and fairly tight front
> end (I have one).  And probably like any mobile with 10W+ output, best
> directly connected to the car battery.
>
> Dave AD6Q
>
> ----- donroden at hiwaay.net wrote:
>
> > http://www.rigpix.com/yaesu/ft8500.htm
> >
> > High power / cross band repeat / very sensitive receivers
> > assorted memory scans / band scope for finding activity
> >
> > Great mobile walkie extender.
> >
> >
> > Don WA4NPL
> >
> >
> >
> > Quoting "Greg Brown" <gwbrown1 at gmail.com>:
> >
> > > Too bad my HT was so badly drained after 45 minutes that I could not
> > push
> > > more than static to the repeater.  :|  Time to upgrade.
> > >
> > > I'm going with the cross-band repeater in the car, I think.
> > >
> > > Time to flex the debit card.  Tomorrow I'll run some various kinds
> > of
> > > equipment by the list to see if anyone has any feelings on the
> > matter.  I'm
> > > going for the highest power dual band (2m/70cm) with cross-band
> > repeat.
> > > NOAA weather would be a nice plus but not required.
> > >
> > > After that is the same setup, I think: dual deep-cycle batteries,
> > battery
> > > isolator, 2nd battery tray and dual-band antenna (or whatever is
> > called..
> > > one antenna).
> > >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Linux-ham mailing list
> > Linux-ham at trilug.org
> > http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham
> _______________________________________________
> Linux-ham mailing list
> Linux-ham at trilug.org
> http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham
>
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From donroden at hiwaay.net  Wed Mar 18 11:45:55 2009
From: donroden at hiwaay.net (donroden at hiwaay.net)
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:45:55 -0500
Subject: [Linux-ham] Which  Xband Radio ?
In-Reply-To: <723619371.13931237387171966.JavaMail.root@amos.jamsoft.com>
References: <723619371.13931237387171966.JavaMail.root@amos.jamsoft.com>
Message-ID: <20090318104555.626760jo5imliucz@webmail.hiwaay.net>

Dave,

I've got a Mr Potato Head here too.  Yes, lots of knobs, but  
everything is accessable ... two squelches / two volume controls / it  
sure beats going through all the hidden menues of my newly purchased  
TH-D7 walkie.... I need to carry a manual the size of a small  
telephone book just to operate the darn thing. ( I got it to  
communicate with my TS-2000 on SkyCommand )

Don WA4NPL


Quoting "David Black" <dave at jamsoft.com>:

> Yes! A bit old if you can find one.  BTW, the Mr. Potato Head mic  
> takes some dexterity to work - it's covered all 'round with  
> buttons/knobs/joystick.  Not for large hands.
>
> Solid rig though, plenty of power if you need it, and fairly tight  
> front end (I have one).  And probably like any mobile with 10W+  
> output, best directly connected to the car battery.
>
> Dave AD6Q
>
> ----- donroden at hiwaay.net wrote:
>
>> http://www.rigpix.com/yaesu/ft8500.htm
>>
>> High power / cross band repeat / very sensitive receivers
>> assorted memory scans / band scope for finding activity
>>
>> Great mobile walkie extender.
>>
>>
>> Don WA4NPL
>>
>>
>>
>> Quoting "Greg Brown" <gwbrown1 at gmail.com>:
>>
>> > Too bad my HT was so badly drained after 45 minutes that I could not
>> push
>> > more than static to the repeater.  :|  Time to upgrade.
>> >
>> > I'm going with the cross-band repeater in the car, I think.
>> >
>> > Time to flex the debit card.  Tomorrow I'll run some various kinds
>> of
>> > equipment by the list to see if anyone has any feelings on the
>> matter.  I'm
>> > going for the highest power dual band (2m/70cm) with cross-band
>> repeat.
>> > NOAA weather would be a nice plus but not required.
>> >
>> > After that is the same setup, I think: dual deep-cycle batteries,
>> battery
>> > isolator, 2nd battery tray and dual-band antenna (or whatever is
>> called..
>> > one antenna).
>> >
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Linux-ham mailing list
>> Linux-ham at trilug.org
>> http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham
> _______________________________________________
> Linux-ham mailing list
> Linux-ham at trilug.org
> http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham
>


From dave at jamsoft.com  Wed Mar 18 12:14:16 2009
From: dave at jamsoft.com (David Black)
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:14:16 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Linux-ham] Which  Xband Radio ?
In-Reply-To: <890491762.14121237392796478.JavaMail.root@amos.jamsoft.com>
Message-ID: <759590435.14141237392856856.JavaMail.root@amos.jamsoft.com>

Don,

Agreed - Yaesu did a good job of putting the things we do change on the mic, and the rest in the rig menus.  Once set it's rare I have to go back into the menus.   Regular use of the mic is important.  After a while of non-use it can prompt a game of "which button does that?".  :-)

Alongside the lot of current dual-band mobiles - even within Yaesu's own product line, the 8500 has lots of bells and whistles.  Subjectively, I see it as the last in a time where all the mfrs. were cramming in as many features as they could.

Dave AD6Q

----- donroden at hiwaay.net wrote:

> Dave,
> 
> I've got a Mr Potato Head here too.  Yes, lots of knobs, but  
> everything is accessable ... two squelches / two volume controls / it 
> 
> sure beats going through all the hidden menues of my newly purchased 
> 
> TH-D7 walkie.... I need to carry a manual the size of a small  
> telephone book just to operate the darn thing. ( I got it to  
> communicate with my TS-2000 on SkyCommand )
> 
> Don WA4NPL
> 
> 
> Quoting "David Black" <dave at jamsoft.com>:
> 
> > Yes! A bit old if you can find one.  BTW, the Mr. Potato Head mic  
> > takes some dexterity to work - it's covered all 'round with  
> > buttons/knobs/joystick.  Not for large hands.
> >
> > Solid rig though, plenty of power if you need it, and fairly tight 
> 
> > front end (I have one).  And probably like any mobile with 10W+  
> > output, best directly connected to the car battery.
> >
> > Dave AD6Q
> >
> > ----- donroden at hiwaay.net wrote:
> >
> >> http://www.rigpix.com/yaesu/ft8500.htm
> >>
> >> High power / cross band repeat / very sensitive receivers
> >> assorted memory scans / band scope for finding activity
> >>
> >> Great mobile walkie extender.
> >>
> >>
> >> Don WA4NPL
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Quoting "Greg Brown" <gwbrown1 at gmail.com>:
> >>
> >> > Too bad my HT was so badly drained after 45 minutes that I could
> not
> >> push
> >> > more than static to the repeater.  :|  Time to upgrade.
> >> >
> >> > I'm going with the cross-band repeater in the car, I think.
> >> >
> >> > Time to flex the debit card.  Tomorrow I'll run some various
> kinds
> >> of
> >> > equipment by the list to see if anyone has any feelings on the
> >> matter.  I'm
> >> > going for the highest power dual band (2m/70cm) with cross-band
> >> repeat.
> >> > NOAA weather would be a nice plus but not required.
> >> >
> >> > After that is the same setup, I think: dual deep-cycle
> batteries,
> >> battery
> >> > isolator, 2nd battery tray and dual-band antenna (or whatever is
> >> called..
> >> > one antenna).
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> Linux-ham mailing list
> >> Linux-ham at trilug.org
> >> http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham
> > _______________________________________________
> > Linux-ham mailing list
> > Linux-ham at trilug.org
> > http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham
> >
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Linux-ham mailing list
> Linux-ham at trilug.org
> http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham

From ki6nqw at hardakers.net  Wed Mar 18 12:17:18 2009
From: ki6nqw at hardakers.net (Wes Hardaker)
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:17:18 -0700
Subject: [Linux-ham] Which Xband Radio ?
In-Reply-To: <4898d2dc0903180750y5aa9074o9c819438f2d1672e@mail.gmail.com>
	(Greg Brown's message of "Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:50:41 -0400")
References: <676150406.13911237386533334.JavaMail.root@amos.jamsoft.com>
	<723619371.13931237387171966.JavaMail.root@amos.jamsoft.com>
	<4898d2dc0903180750y5aa9074o9c819438f2d1672e@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <sdwsampzzl.fsf@wes.hardakers.net>

>>>>> On Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:50:41 -0400, Greg Brown <gwbrown1 at gmail.com> said:

GB> That is the most complicated handset I've ever seen!
GB> Pretty cool though, I'll put it in the running with two positive reviews.

FYI, I have a FT-8800 which is one of the two newer x-bands from Yaesu.
I love the rig, although the construction quality seems a bit less than
the other Yaesus that I'm used to seeing (the knobs just "feel" a touch
more flimsy).

An important difference between the 8800 and the 8900 is that the 8900
has one memory bank for both sides of the radio, and the 8800 has
separate banks (which gives you a lot more flexibility).  So the 6m/10m
FM support in the 8900 isn't the only difference with the radio, just to
be warned.

If you do end up considering the 8800 or 8900, make *sure* you plan on
buying a cable and programming software because it would absolutely suck
to program by hand.  It wouldn't be bad if you just wanted to set
frequencies, but programming the tags is much worse than other radios
I've used in part because they don't start you on the letter "a" but
rather in some odd part of the international characters or something.
-- 
"In the bathtub of history the truth is harder to hold than the soap,
 and much more difficult to find."  -- Terry Pratchett

From HouseholdWords at gmail.com  Thu Mar 19 17:46:56 2009
From: HouseholdWords at gmail.com (HouseholdWords at gmail.com)
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:46:56 +0000
Subject: [Linux-ham] Atlanta, GA -- Asterisk Conference and "InstallFest"
Message-ID: <00163630f1df376daf04657fbdb0@google.com>

A quick notice:

The Atlanta Asterisk Users Group (to which several local HAM radio  
enthusiasts belong) cordially invites you to the

Asterisk Conference and InstallFest at the Georgia Institute of Technology  
-- April 18, 2009

For the most up to date news please check our website:  
http://atlaug.com/blog/?page_id=30

Hope you can join us,
HP Ladds
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From gwbrown1 at gmail.com  Wed Mar 25 13:58:38 2009
From: gwbrown1 at gmail.com (Greg Brown)
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:58:38 -0400
Subject: [Linux-ham] Is LMR-400 cable all the same?
Message-ID: <4898d2dc0903251058n10f9534id51361c0eadda4e5@mail.gmail.com>

Does LMR-400 cable that carries 2.4 Ghz between the radio and antenna the
same as LMR-400 that goes between a 2 meter radio and the antenna?

I realize I'm showing my extreme lack of knowledge but I'm trying to get a
home station set up and I'm sourcing the parts I'll need.
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From gwbrown1 at gmail.com  Wed Mar 25 14:24:30 2009
From: gwbrown1 at gmail.com (Greg Brown)
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:24:30 -0400
Subject: [Linux-ham] looking for a used 2 meter radio
Message-ID: <4898d2dc0903251124g5e1dd3d8vf793c6f747d33153@mail.gmail.com>

Title says it all.. mobile or base station.  If you have one you're not
using any longer could you send along the make, model and output power (if
known)?  Oh, and price.  I need that too.  :)

73s,

Greg
KJ4FFC
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From dave at jamsoft.com  Wed Mar 25 14:52:10 2009
From: dave at jamsoft.com (David Black)
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:52:10 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Linux-ham] Is LMR-400 cable all the same?
In-Reply-To: <24427099.101238006080812.JavaMail.dave@delight>
Message-ID: <20673959.121238007130145.JavaMail.dave@delight>

Yes, same cable but sometimes the connectors used are different. There is an extra-flexible version of LMR-400 too - at a bit higher loss compared to plain LMR-400, but I imagine you're not concerned with that. 

UHF applications, including 2.4 GHz, commonly use N, TNC, SMA or other "microwave" connector. For two meters - PL-259 ("UHF" - really a misnomer), and BNC connectors are common. 

There's no downside I know of in using N connectors for any band you want, except they tend to be more expensive. At lower frequencies like 2 meters and below, the performance difference between constant impedance/very low loss connectors like N and others such as the PL-259 is relatively small. 

I always put N connectors on LMR-400 cable runs. Since LMR-400 is useful all the way to 2.4 GHz and beyond, that makes it easy to repurpose a run for use with microwave no matter how it's initially used. N connectors on a lengthy run of say, RG-58U makes less sense. 

Last, picking up a good assortment of adapters, e.g. PL-259M - N Female and other combinations with BNC and SMA may prove useful. I find them indispensible when doing temporary hookups, e.g. through an SWR meter. 

Enjoy. 

Dave AD6Q 

----- "Greg Brown" <gwbrown1 at gmail.com> wrote: 
> Does LMR-400 cable that carries 2.4 Ghz between the radio and antenna the same as LMR-400 that goes between a 2 meter radio and the antenna? 
> 
> I realize I'm showing my extreme lack of knowledge but I'm trying to get a home station set up and I'm sourcing the parts I'll need. 
> 
> _______________________________________________ Linux-ham mailing list Linux-ham at trilug.org http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham 
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From kb4tye at arrl.net  Wed Mar 25 15:53:27 2009
From: kb4tye at arrl.net (Tanner Lovelace)
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:53:27 -0400
Subject: [Linux-ham] Is LMR-400 cable all the same?
In-Reply-To: <20673959.121238007130145.JavaMail.dave@delight>
References: <24427099.101238006080812.JavaMail.dave@delight> 
	<20673959.121238007130145.JavaMail.dave@delight>
Message-ID: <b1415490903251253m3ed2263y5f111b2238b386e3@mail.gmail.com>

2009/3/25 David Black <dave at jamsoft.com>:

> There's no downside I know of in using N connectors for any band you want,
> except they tend to be more expensive. ? At lower frequencies like 2 meters
> and below, the performance difference between constant impedance/very low
> loss connectors like N and others such as the PL-259 is relatively small.

At what point does it become a good idea to switch to something like an
N connector?  At home, I have a dual band 2m/70cm radio hooked to a
Ventenna antenna on the roof and to run to the radio I have to go from
the attic to the crawlspace and then up to the radio.  I first tried a normal
RG-8 cable and while that worked on 2m, on 70cm the length of the cable
run made it so that no one could hear anything I transmitted.  I swapped
that out for an LMR-type cable (don't remember the exact designation
right now, but it was similar to LMR and on sale at RARSFest one year
since I think it was basically what was left from a spool) and with the
LMR-type cable doing the run 70cm works very well.  However, I am
using PL-259 connectors on it, but the LMR cable does go directly
to the radio (there's a short section of RG-8M in the attic to get to
the LMR cable.

So, basically, my question is would I have been better served by
using an N connector? (My guess is the answer is no, but I'd
love to hear the more detailed explanation of why that is.)

Thanks,
Tanner
-- 
Tanner Lovelace
http://wtl.wayfarer.org/
(fieldless) In fess two roundels in pale, a billet fesswise and an
increscent, all sable.

From donroden at hiwaay.net  Wed Mar 25 16:20:29 2009
From: donroden at hiwaay.net (donroden at hiwaay.net)
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:20:29 -0500
Subject: [Linux-ham] Is LMR-400 cable all the same?
In-Reply-To: <b1415490903251253m3ed2263y5f111b2238b386e3@mail.gmail.com>
References: <24427099.101238006080812.JavaMail.dave@delight>
	<20673959.121238007130145.JavaMail.dave@delight>
	<b1415490903251253m3ed2263y5f111b2238b386e3@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <20090325152029.68615bqyg40p04y5@webmail.hiwaay.net>

I use type N connectors because I find them easier to install than UHF.
( just my preference, and the way I do things )

I fan the braid out over the gasket cutter ring and use a 300 watt gun  
and solder the braid all the way around ( the hotter the gun, the  
quicker the solder flow and less total heat on the dielectric ) cool  
it with a can of compressed air.  Then I trim the braid with a side  
cutter.  This way, there is no chance of the connector shorting out  
due to loose braid wires.  When you tighten the back nut, this makes a  
connection that you can swing from.

My advice is to never rely on an "N" connection unless you solder the braid.

Don WA4NPL




Quoting "Tanner Lovelace" <kb4tye at arrl.net>:

> 2009/3/25 David Black <dave at jamsoft.com>:
>
>> There's no downside I know of in using N connectors for any band you want,
>> except they tend to be more expensive. ? At lower frequencies like 2 meters
>> and below, the performance difference between constant impedance/very low
>> loss connectors like N and others such as the PL-259 is relatively small.
>
> At what point does it become a good idea to switch to something like an
> N connector?  At home, I have a dual band 2m/70cm radio hooked to a
> Ventenna antenna on the roof and to run to the radio I have to go from
> the attic to the crawlspace and then up to the radio.  I first tried a normal
> RG-8 cable and while that worked on 2m, on 70cm the length of the cable
> run made it so that no one could hear anything I transmitted.  I swapped
> that out for an LMR-type cable (don't remember the exact designation
> right now, but it was similar to LMR and on sale at RARSFest one year
> since I think it was basically what was left from a spool) and with the
> LMR-type cable doing the run 70cm works very well.  However, I am
> using PL-259 connectors on it, but the LMR cable does go directly
> to the radio (there's a short section of RG-8M in the attic to get to
> the LMR cable.
>
> So, basically, my question is would I have been better served by
> using an N connector? (My guess is the answer is no, but I'd
> love to hear the more detailed explanation of why that is.)
>
> Thanks,
> Tanner
> --
> Tanner Lovelace
> http://wtl.wayfarer.org/
> (fieldless) In fess two roundels in pale, a billet fesswise and an
> increscent, all sable.
> _______________________________________________
> Linux-ham mailing list
> Linux-ham at trilug.org
> http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-ham
>
>


From dave at jamsoft.com  Wed Mar 25 17:38:26 2009
From: dave at jamsoft.com (David Black)
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:38:26 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Linux-ham] Is LMR-400 cable all the same?
In-Reply-To: <33142836.161238015829218.JavaMail.dave@delight>
Message-ID: <818630.181238017101355.JavaMail.dave@delight>

----- "Tanner Lovelace" <kb4tye at arrl.net> wrote:

> At what point does it become a good idea to switch to something like
> an
> N connector?  At home, I have a dual band 2m/70cm radio hooked to a

I guess it's personal preference.  For me it can go either way around 70cm.  E.g. N connectors on a fixed repeater antenna fed by LMR-400, suggested by N connectors on the Vertex repeater to which it was attached.  The interconnects between the old duplexer cans were very short lengths of silver/teflon RG-58 with PL-259 connectors (better duplexers use N!).  My dual-band mobile rig has a PL-259 in back.  All these work fine.

> Ventenna antenna on the roof and to run to the radio I have to go
> from
> the attic to the crawlspace and then up to the radio.  I first tried a
> normal
> RG-8 cable and while that worked on 2m, on 70cm the length of the
> cable
> run made it so that no one could hear anything I transmitted.  I
> swapped
> that out for an LMR-type cable (don't remember the exact designation
> right now, but it was similar to LMR and on sale at RARSFest one year
> since I think it was basically what was left from a spool) and with
> the
> LMR-type cable doing the run 70cm works very well.  However, I am
> using PL-259 connectors on it, but the LMR cable does go directly
> to the radio (there's a short section of RG-8M in the attic to get to
> the LMR cable.

LMR-400 (~0.400 outer diameter) is very slightly larger than RG-8U.

Here's a nifty calculator:  http://vk1od.net/calc/tl/tllc.php

Just for fun, I ran two calculations - one RG-8U, the other LMR-400. 100 ft. of cable at 445 MHz, no mismatch (cable loss only):

RG-8U: -4.48 dB
LMR-400: -2.67 dB 

That's around 1.8 dB difference.  At 146 MHz it was only 0.7 dB difference.   If your RG-8U cable run was much longer you may have been looking at 3dB less signal getting out on 70cm, any connector or cable defects notwithstanding.

> So, basically, my question is would I have been better served by
> using an N connector? (My guess is the answer is no, but I'd
> love to hear the more detailed explanation of why that is.)

I don't have the numbers memorized, but two design benefits of N over PL-259/UHF connectors are:

. PL-259 doesn't try to maintain 50 ohms impedance through the connection: there's an impedance "bump" resulting in at least a little reflected power and resulting loss.  N does not have this problem and almost perfectly maintains 50 ohms.

. N connectors, if done right, are usually watertight.  PL-259 is not so you have to seal it.  People seal both anyway.

73,
Dave  AD6Q

From nllittle at embarqmail.com  Wed Mar 25 18:12:33 2009
From: nllittle at embarqmail.com (Neil L. Little)
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:12:33 -0400
Subject: [Linux-ham] Is LMR-400 cable all the same?
In-Reply-To: <b1415490903251253m3ed2263y5f111b2238b386e3@mail.gmail.com>
References: <24427099.101238006080812.JavaMail.dave@delight>
	<20673959.121238007130145.JavaMail.dave@delight>
	<b1415490903251253m3ed2263y5f111b2238b386e3@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <49CAAC51.1020909@embarqmail.com>

N type connectors have a lower loss per connector that a PL-259.
It is much easier to weatherize an N connector than a PL-259.
They are much easier to assemble (in my opinion).

I use N type connectors when ever I can. Then again I'm a bit of a Nerd.
I will use a dipole or loop antenna rather than a Windom or G5RV. Yes, I 
even use N connectors for HF.
I also never buy HF antennas when I can make them.

73,
Neil, WA4AZL

Tanner Lovelace wrote:
> 2009/3/25 David Black <dave at jamsoft.com>:
>
>   
>> There's no downside I know of in using N connectors for any band you want,
>> except they tend to be more expensive.   At lower frequencies like 2 meters
>> and below, the performance difference between constant impedance/very low
>> loss connectors like N and others such as the PL-259 is relatively small.
>>     
>
> At what point does it become a good idea to switch to something like an
> N connector?  At home, I have a dual band 2m/70cm radio hooked to a
> Ventenna antenna on the roof and to run to the radio I have to go from
> the attic to the crawlspace and then up to the radio.  I first tried a normal
> RG-8 cable and while that worked on 2m, on 70cm the length of the cable
> run made it so that no one could hear anything I transmitted.  I swapped
> that out for an LMR-type cable (don't remember the exact designation
> right now, but it was similar to LMR and on sale at RARSFest one year
> since I think it was basically what was left from a spool) and with the
> LMR-type cable doing the run 70cm works very well.  However, I am
> using PL-259 connectors on it, but the LMR cable does go directly
> to the radio (there's a short section of RG-8M in the attic to get to
> the LMR cable.
>
> So, basically, my question is would I have been better served by
> using an N connector? (My guess is the answer is no, but I'd
> love to hear the more detailed explanation of why that is.)
>
> Thanks,
> Tanner
>   


