Sleep Is For The Weak

It’s been a long time coming.  In fact the radio has been sitting since Field Day 2008 waiting to be repaired and I’m finally ready to just pay Icom to do it.  You see the ALC Meter, Forward Power Meter, and SWR Meter are not working.  This likely means a single diode is bad.  Unfortunately in a radio the size of a shoebox for a pair of work boots there are a LOT of circuit boards, with almost exclusively surface mount components.  I lack the ability to actually track down the failing part, and the skill to actually replace it.

In any case I’ve heard Icom America has a great service department.  I’m about to find out.  Can’t wait to get my station put back together this fall for some operating over the cold months on PSK-31 again.

I’d just like to toss a link in the direction of a pretty good resource for hams looking to get involved in the world of Linux.  These guys [Linux In the HAM Shack] run a pretty regular podcast you can download via the iTunes Music Store.  It’s not bad actually.  I’m primarily a BSD user personally, but everything they are talking about applies to most modern Unix like operating systems.

Past topics have included: Rig Control, Digital Modes, Logging Software, and all other forms of computer related ham radio topics.  K5TUX, KB5JBV thank you for the resource.  I look forward to future pod casts.

I was asked by a member of http://ingunowners.com to teach a class on Radio Communications.  He is the organizer of a mutual support group that has the primary role of helping each other out during an disaster, natural or otherwise.  When he asked me to put together the class he explained that he sees communications as something that is almost always overlooked by these kinds of groups.  He recognizes we as a society rely far too heavily on our cell phones to communicate.  During and after 9/11 cell phone service was very unreliable in part because of the damaged infrastructure, and secondarily because of the flood of people all trying to use the system pushing towers well beyond capacity.  After Hurricane Katrina I saw a photo that will stick with me for the rest of my life.  It was a concrete slab foundation, with a large pole coming out of the ground an a large bundle of wires.  There was no debris anywhere in close proximity to that foundation.  Before that storm the building that was standing there was a multi story Telephone Company Central Office!  Even reliable POTS phone service doesn’t work so well when the entire CO has been demolished.

In preparation for the class I spent some time thinking about what other forms of radio communications could be used by a family or like minded group of geographically linked individuals.  I came up with Citizens Band Radios (CB), Family Radio Service (FRS), General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), Business Radios, and Amateur Radio (HAM).

Below is the Keynote presentation I used during the class.

By clicking this link  you can view the presentation in it’s entirety. If you have any questions please use the comment feature.  I will do my best to answer them.

Thanks to: tidewatermuse for the image

The Yaesu VX-7R is the handheld to end all handhelds.  Where else can you get the 6m band, 2m band, 1.25m band, and 70cm band all in one hand sized package.  Add to that the fact the radio is water resistant up to three feet for an operating time of thirty minutes and you’ve got a serious radio for hiking, backpacking, kayaking, or emergency communications.

The VX-7R has two receivers that operate independantly of one another.  This allowed you to monitor two frequencies at the same time, and toggle between them for transmitting at the touch of either the Main or Sub button.  The Receiver in the VX-7R does not desense as easily as the VX-5R did which is a huge improvement.  It is a wide band receiver, working from 1MHz -> 999MHz but is cellular blocked.

There is a quick toggle to the National Weather Service band, with the standard NOAA weather radio frequencies pre-programmed.  This allows you to hit a key combination, and turn the knob at the top of the radio to tune the closest NOAA weather radio station and then toggle back to your previous two frequencies quickly.  Ther is also a high intensity multi-color LED on the front of the radio.  This displays whether you are transmitting on Main, or Sub, receiving on Main, Sub, or Both.  Which is good if the radio is across the room you can tell which receiver is active at a glance.  Also when the radio is put into “Emergency” mode the LED flashes intense white light.  This acts as a beacon.  Highly useful if you are on the side of the road to alert cars coming at you, or if you find yourself wounded somewhere and have called for help to assist rescue workers in locating you.

All in all I’d say the VX-7R is one of the Ham Radio purchases I have made that has far exceded my expectations.  It not only does a LOT of things, but it does most of them well.

First off….  I’d like to say that operating the FT-817, FT-857, and FT-897 is almost identical across all three platforms.  All three Radios are 160M –> 10M, 6M, 2M, and 70CM all Mode transceivers.

The FT-817 is QRP (5w max output) and contains internal batteries offering portable use in a package about the size of a soft cover book.  Pretty cool stuff.

The FT-857 is a 100w Mobile rig.  It competes directly with the Icom IC-706 Mk.II G.   Because of it’s price new (around $650) this makes a fantastic first radio.  It’s much more advanced technologically than the Icom IC-718 and a little bit less expensive.  I stand by the thought that this radio is something every new ham should own.  As you determine what you like/dislike in terms of operating you can move into a more specialized piece of equipment with some first hand knowledge about the hobby.  Also you didn’t waste that $650 as you can now put your FT-857 in your car and go HF Mobile.

The FT-897 is the model I’m most familiar with as I own one.  This radio operates IDENTICALLY to the FT-857 with the exception of a single rocker switch on the top.  This switch is used to choose which of two optional internal battery packs is being used.  If no internal batteries are installed the switch obviously does nothing.  Like the FT-857 the FT-897 is a 100w all band/mode Hf transceiver.   The exception to this would be while running on battery power.  While powered on the internal batteries the FT-897 has a max power output of 20w making it 4 times more powerful than the much smaller FT-817, but still not as powerful as it would be on external power (a car battery, powersupply, etc.)  The format of the FT-897 is much larger than either of the other two.  It isn’t as large as a full desktop set radio like the FT-950 or Icom IC-746pro  But it’s not nowhere near as small as the mobile radios like the FT-857, IC-706, or IC-7000.  The place the FT-897 excels is camping, and possibly backpacking.  Field day with my FT-897 in 2007 was a blast!  It’s nice to be able to easily carry the radio to a location,  toss your antenna into a tree or hook up a buddipole and you’re ready to call CQ.

I’d have a hard time suggesting the FT-817 to anyone who’s new to the hobby.  5w is awfully crippling, and the cost of the radio isn’t much better than the FT-857.

I’m sure I’ll add more to this in follow up posts.  PLEASE feel free to post questions about any of the above models.  I have access to an FT-817 and an FT-857 at a moments notice.

Another Dual Band, Cross band repeater.

Like the FT-8800r I reviewed earlier this radio can do all of that and more.  There is an integrated TNC, with GPS decoder module.  This means you can do APRS with nothing more than the Radio, and a GPS.  Really kinda cool stuff.

As for using the TM-D700A.  Being primarily a Yaesu guy, it took some getting used to the menu system.
the display hands down destroys the 8800R.  The controls are actually easier to use, and are all backlit making night time operating MUCH easier.

I only have 2 complaints regarding the D700.
1) It supports V/V. V/U, and U/U  operating (left and right side bands)  The Yaesu, and Icom IC-2720h both support…  V/V, V/U, U/V, and U/U  it likely wouldn’t make any difference, until you’ve gotten used to putting your 440 repeater on the left side, and your 2m repeater on the right.  Nitpicking?  sure.  but still a complaint.
2) The Mic.  It’s a giant slab,  It sounds nice sure,  but common man!  This is the 21st century.

If I could go back and do it all again?  I’d seriously consider owning TWO TM-D700a Radios rather than 1 Kenwood and 1 FT-8800R

This Radio for the money is a fantastic investment.  Especially if you also own a dual band HT.
Being able to crossband from a 440mhz input to a 2M output is something I use with some frequency.  I can set my VX-7R on the .5W setting while sitting at my desk at work and transmit simplex to my car, which then retransmits my signal out to the 2M repeater in town I listen to most frequently.

Controls on this radio are easy to understand.  It is fully featured.  And in my opinion very easy to use.

The only two complaints I have about the Yaesu FT-8800R are the following:
1) The buttons on the control head are not back lit.
2) the vol and sql knobs are nested one on the other. which makes adjustments more difficult while wearing gloves.

I’d certainly buy another.

If you can afford it.  Even if you’ve only got your Technician license. (VHF/UHF only in the US) you should try to buy something like the Yaesu FT-857, and a power supply.

(All prices taken from R&L Electronics in Ohio)

Yaesu FT-857 $739.95
Astron SS30 30a Power Supply $116.95

Now, I know this seems like a LOT of money to spend.  But let me help explain why I make this suggestion.

1.) The FT-857 operates on all HF Bands 160m – 10M  It also operates on 6M, 2M and the 70CM band.  It supports all modes SSB, FM, AM, CW, digital modes on all of the bands.  Which means starting out as a tech, you get all modes 6m, 2m, 70cm.  and as you upgrade to your General you have nothing more to buy.

2.) Even if you’re going to use your radio mobile.  A good power supply is an investment that will last you years.  Will power many radios for you.  And will give you the option of using your shiny new Mobile rig, in the house should you ever want/need to.

Are there reasons to have a dedicated Mobile dual band?  Sure.  But if you can only buy 1 rig don’t you think there’s something to be said for buying a rig that can “do anything”

At local ham fests, you’ll almost certainly find FT-857s used for $500 give or take.

If you’re operating in the house, you will need some coax.  but antennas can be something you build.  My first 2m/70cm antenna was a home made Dual Band J-Pole I built out of Steel All Thread I purchased at a hardware store.  The total cost was maybe $7

Building a 20m Dipole is as simple as hacking apart an old extension cord.  if you tune it properly you will not need an antenna tuner.  This is a great band to get your feet wet in HF once your license allows operation on the HF bands.

If you’re going to operate mobile, I’d recommend purchasing a small dual band antenna for 2m/70cm  and then perhaps a hand full of Ham Stick antennas for the various lower bands.  (even if that means 6m only)  ham sticks average $14-25 each, are monoband, but really, you don’t change HF bands very frequently while on the road.

If anyone has questions regarding my recommendations please feel free to contact me.

73!

First off, there are three classes of license for Amateur Radio (aka Ham Radio)

First: Technician License –> Element 2 Study Materials
Element 2 test: is 35 questions multiple choice.

Second: General License –> Element 3 Study Materials
Element 3 test: is 35 questions multiple choice.

Third: Extra License –> Element 4 Study Materials
Element 4 test: is 50 questions multiple choice.

You can take Practice tests for all three license classes here: QRZ Ham Radio
Each requires a score of greater than 70% to pass. Tests cost $14 to take. If you pass Element 2, you can take Element 3 (and Element 4 if you pass again) in the same sitting for free.

Once you pass a test your license is good for 10 years, at which point you renew your license for free. You do not need to take any further tests.

Each Class license increases your privileges on the air. Primarily the Technician Class license is for VHF/UHF communications, which work well for regional contacts. There are exceptions to this, but generally speaking this is the case. The General class license opens up 90% of the HF bands for you. These work for around the world communications. Even with low power and modest antennas. The Extra class license gives you the last small piece of the Pie.

There are books from Gordon West to help you prepare for the tests.
Technician Class General Class Extra Class
I have a couple of these books I might be willing to loan out for someone interested in learning.

Prior to 2007 ham radio operators who wanted to upgrade from their Technician Class License, to a General, or Extra Class License need to take a five word per minute test in Morse Code (also known as CW).  That requirement has been lifted and now all license classes are available, requiring only a multiple choice test for each.

Just because learning Morse Code is no longer a requirment does not mean it’s a waste of time.  CW is a very narrow mode allowing many hams to occupy the space a single voice communication would have taken.  So now the question is “How do I learn Morse Code?”

Enter Fabian Kurz (DJ1YFK) and his new website http://lcwo.net.  I’ve recently signed up, and while the site is still in BETA form, I have no doubt it will be a very useful tool for learning Morse Code.  The method used to teach CW is called the Koch Method.  Popular computer software for learning CW such as G4FON also use the Koch Method.

I’m looking forward to using Fabian’s website to learn CW.  Perhaps sometime soon you’ll hear on the airwaves.   -.-. –.-  -.-. –.-  -.-. –.-  .– —-. –.. . -…