|
.
Jose Pointero fucked around with this message at 03:41 on Aug 28, 2019 |
|
#
?
Feb 22, 2010 04:40
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 12, 2024 16:40 |
|
|
All the old guys wouldn't ever shut up about it when I was taking my extra exam a few years ago. Not building it from the kit I take it?
|
|
#
?
Feb 22, 2010 06:24
|
|
|
.
Jose Pointero fucked around with this message at 03:42 on Aug 28, 2019 |
|
|
#
?
Feb 22, 2010 06:59
|
|
|
Just for a laugh and to alleviate some boredom, and found a few interesting items. The FCC denied a license to a kiddy diddler because the "applicant lacks the traits of reliability and/or truthfulness necessary to be a licensee." There's another one out there whose application for renewal was put on hold for the same reason. His call sign is still showing active, so I guess that he had his day in court and won. The other oddball ones that I got a kick out of were this guy and this guy, both of whom tried to get licensed through identity theft. They looked on the callsign roster for people with the same names as them and filed with the FCC for address changes. Of course, after they were busted for it they tried to get licensed the correct way and were busted down under the same honesty clause as the pedo. The vast majority of the letters sent were to hams that were being threatened with license revocation because they kept ignoring requests from repeater owners to stop using them since they couldn't follow the club rules. Maybe the ARRL should start a  policy for these guys. It keeps Lowtax in mangosteen juice, after all.
|
|
#
?
Feb 22, 2010 11:10
|
|
|
Jose Pointero posted:Well, I'm afraid I went a bit crazy. Gotta say, not a bad way to spend three grand. Enjoy the hell out of that thing.
|
|
#
?
Feb 22, 2010 13:17
|
|
|
Jose Pointero posted:Well, I'm afraid I went a bit crazy. A lot of guys who get at the top of the DXCC honor roll have gotten bored and built those K2 QRP rigs to try to get another DXCC with 10 watts. Anyway, I'm in the market for a new rig too but I'm going to be in a townhouse for the foreseeable future so I'm wanting more of a HF+VHF+UHF job. Don't want to plop down $2,500+ on a rig that I won't get as much out of, since I probably won't be on a band lower than 20 meters due to antenna restrictions. I really like the Yaesu FT-950 but it lacks 2m. I like 2m sideband a lot and there are a lot of active VHF people in my area. I was also looking at the IC-746 Pro but it is now discontinued and everyone seems to have problems with it. So I'm thinking Yaesu FT-897. Does anyone have an experience with this rig?
|
|
#
?
Feb 22, 2010 14:09
|
|
|
.
Jose Pointero fucked around with this message at 03:42 on Aug 28, 2019 |
|
|
#
?
Feb 23, 2010 00:20
|
|
|
Anyone down to try a contact right now? I've got ready access to a great rig. Let me know.
|
|
#
?
Feb 23, 2010 01:52
|
|
|
Phuzion posted:PS, who's going to Dayton this year? I went last year and will probably go again this year. Last year I went a bit over my budget and bought a new VX-7R rather than the used FT-60 I was looking for, so hopefully the shiny effect doesn't strike again this year. I'm hoping to land a decent base/mobile trunk scanner this time, as well as maybe find the 2600 guys who I missed last year. If I don't have my General by then I'll probably take a whack at it too.
|
|
#
?
Feb 23, 2010 22:49
|
|
|
Passed my technician test last Saturday and got my call sign today, KDØKLS Kansas City. Just picked up a VX-8R from Associated Radio and I have a lot of work ahead of me learning how to use this thing. I also picked up a Diamond 2m/70cm radialless mobile antenna. I've already heard some chatter on repeaters around KC but haven't made a contact yet, still charging the radio. The guys at the store said overall it's unfavorable to talk while it's plugged in so I'll wait for a full charge to start talking. Prince of Dicks fucked around with this message at 03:31 on Feb 24, 2010 |
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 00:02
|
|
|
Congrats on the license! Sometime, you'll have to say how you like the vx-8r as a new ham. (if i recall correctly, they won't broadcast at 5w except on battery power)
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 01:46
|
|
|
.
Jose Pointero fucked around with this message at 03:43 on Aug 28, 2019 |
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 02:01
|
|
|
Prince of Dicks posted:Just picked up a VX-8R from Associate Radio and I have a lot of work ahead of me learning how to use this thing.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 02:08
|
|
|
nmfree posted:I'd highly recommend getting the programming cable (if one didn't come with the radio) and doing the bulk of the programming on your computer. I would have thrown my VX-5R through the wall if I had tried to set all the memories by punching them in the tiny keyboard. This. I purchased some random dude-made program for my FT-60r and it was so worth the effort getting the fucker to run on Windows Vista and 7.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 03:14
|
|
|
Dijkstra posted:Anyway, I'm in the market for a new rig too but I'm going to be in a townhouse for the foreseeable future so I'm wanting more of a HF+VHF+UHF job. Have you considered the Icom IC-7000? I really like mine. With the sunspot cycle on the upswing I should set it up again and see what's what.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 03:28
|
|
|
The radio shop gave me a list of local repeaters, and I've been trying to use them without any luck. I think I don't have the CTCSS tones set up properly. I'd love to be able to program this on my computer though, I can already tell using the tiny buttons is going to be a real pain in the rear end.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 03:34
|
|
|
Yeah the PL tones on those are confusing. ICR exactly how to do it, but I do remember that you not only have to set the tone but activate it as well. Also, be careful not to turn on receive PL (may be called tone squelch on those, I don't know) until you're sure that the repeater is encoding a tone on its output. I learned that one the hard way when I just assumed that all repeaters that require PL to access also encode PL on the output. It's true in the Part 90 world, but not so much in the hammy world (which is annoying).
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 03:52
|
|
|
Eccles posted:Have you considered the Icom IC-7000? I really like mine. With the sunspot cycle on the upswing I should set it up again and see what's what. Yeah, it's a bit pricey but I've looked at it. Is the receiver all it's cracked up to be? I'm an Icom guy usually but I have been looking at the Yaesu's because they are less expensive and seem to not give up much performance. I've also heard the IC-7000 runs very warm. Not too big of a deal since I won't be using it mobile but still kind of annoying.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 04:03
|
|
|
Prince of Dicks posted:Passed my technician test last Saturday and got my call sign today, KDØKLS Kansas City. I'd be interested in hearing about this radio from a new ham. I got my license a few months ago, but I haven't picked up a radio. I was thinking of getting an 8R but I thought I would wait until I had heard a bit more feedback about it.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 04:08
|
|
|
nmfree posted:I'd highly recommend getting the programming cable (if one didn't come with the radio) and doing the bulk of the programming on your computer. I would have thrown my VX-5R through the wall if I had tried to set all the memories by punching them in the tiny keyboard. I programmed my VX-5R by hand so yes buy the programming cable! 
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 05:13
|
|
|
Dijkstra posted:Yeah, it's a bit pricey but I've looked at it. Is the receiver all it's cracked up to be? I'm an Icom guy usually but I have been looking at the Yaesu's because they are less expensive and seem to not give up much performance. The IC-7000 is the only radio I've used, so I can't speak to the quality of the receiver. I can say that the DSP IF filters are amazing. As far as running warm, yeah, the heat sinks on the back can get very hot to the touch. As I hardly ever turn the output power past 5 watts (I primarily run PSK) it doesn't bother me.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 06:48
|
|
|
Good news, I made my first contact. I had tried using repeaters all over the metro area but despite an external antenna I just couldn't reach out with 5 watts. However, I was scanning around and heard two guys talking on a repeater so I waited for a break and gave my call. The repeater is only about a mile and a half away, so I was able to talk fine for hours with both of them. It was really a lot of fun! It happened to be owned by a ham club for my area I didn't even know about, so I'll try to get to their next meeting which is just right down the road for me. A little patience paid off!Scottw330 posted:I'd be interested in hearing about this radio from a new ham. I got my license a few months ago, but I haven't picked up a radio. I was thinking of getting an 8R but I thought I would wait until I had heard a bit more feedback about it. I know I'm really green but so far I love it and I can tell I'm going to get my money out of it. Feels really solid and has tons of options. I think I'll get more use out of it with a programming cable as well.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 08:46
|
|
|
Radio Nowhere posted:I programmed my VX-5R by hand so yes buy the programming cable!   programmed a VX-5R entirely by hand buddiesFor me, at least, the best part is to have different memory lists saved as profiles in the computer software; when I travel, I can just choose the profile I've already put together for the geographic area I'm going to be in, upload to the radio, and be on my way out the door. Also, if you're looking to get a programming cable for any radio, not just handhelds, the first place to look is KAWAMALL on eBay-- high quality at very low prices (US$10 shipped for VX-5R cable, US$24 shipped for VX-8R)
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 09:33
|
|
|
nmfree posted:
I'll look for it, where do you get the programming software though?
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 18:26
|
|
|
Prince of Dicks posted:I'll look for it, where do you get the programming software though? Everyone raves about VX Commander. I'm getting my FT-60R today (hopefully) and plan to compare the stock Yaesu programming software with it to see which one I like better.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 18:45
|
|
|
Phuzion posted:PS, who's going to Dayton this year? I have my hotel room reserved, although I may still decide not to go as we get closer.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 20:41
|
|
|
BigHustle posted:Everyone raves about VX Commander. I'm getting my FT-60R today (hopefully) and plan to compare the stock Yaesu programming software with it to see which one I like better. EVE is the other big third-party software program; I don't use it much, but it does have the ability to set certain firmware flags that IIRC VX Commander can't do.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2010 22:26
|
|
|
Does VX Commander work on the 8R?
|
|
#
?
Feb 25, 2010 01:30
|
|
|
Prince of Dicks posted:Does VX Commander work on the 8R? As an aside, reading through the Commander website, I learned that the guy who designed the Valentine 1 radar detector is a ham. Interesting. edit: vvv 
nmfree fucked around with this message at 04:49 on Feb 25, 2010 |
|
#
?
Feb 25, 2010 01:45
|
|
|
.
Jose Pointero fucked around with this message at 03:43 on Aug 28, 2019 |
|
|
#
?
Feb 25, 2010 04:43
|
|
|
I've been camped out at the ULS website for a few days now waiting for my call sign, and read the recent order allowing ReconRobotics' new Recon Scout robot to operate in the 440 MHz band. The folks at the QRZ forums are up in arms over it, but I have a hard time taking some of them seriously. From what I've read, I'm assuming that the request was made by ReconRobotics because they were trying to save a buck by using the same stuff they already engineered since they make these things for the military using those frequencies already. Judging from the wording in the order, I'm guessing that the FCC allowed the waiver since they don't expect RR to sell a ton of units across the US. The 'they put in the book that they have to accept all interference' line isn't going to do anything if an operator gets identified and arrested for disrupting a life and death situation, whether it was intentional or not. However, I don't think this is going to be as big a deal as a lot of the QRZ folks are making it sound. What do you guys and gals think?
|
|
#
?
Feb 25, 2010 19:10
|
|
|
.
Jose Pointero fucked around with this message at 03:43 on Aug 28, 2019 |
|
|
#
?
Feb 26, 2010 17:21
|
|
|
Eccles posted:The IC-7000 is the only radio I've used, so I can't speak to the quality of the receiver. I can say that the DSP IF filters are amazing. As far as running warm, yeah, the heat sinks on the back can get very hot to the touch. As I hardly ever turn the output power past 5 watts (I primarily run PSK) it doesn't bother me. Yeah I hear quite a bit about the DSP in the IC-7000. Supposed to be pretty tight. I'm a big PSK user too so I will take that into account. Thanks for the info. Jose Pointero posted:Well to be fair, hams are secondary users in that part of the spectrum. But still it's bullshit. Would it have really killed them to move their frequency a tad up or down? I'd really like to see their reasoning as to why they just loving had to park themselves right in the middle of our 440 band and it can't be moved. "Hey buddy spent $3000 on your EME setup? Might as well trade all that stuff in because it's worthless now." I know people make fun of it but honestly, I'm glad that most hams start barking like junkyard dogs and threatening to march on Washington when there is any kind of threat to our spectrum. Otherwise stuff like this would be more commonplace. Jose Pointero posted:Also I saw this and had a laugh. Shows that the thread title does in fact have some truth to it: Do you use LOTW? You should join some of the email reflectors for it. It's full of old diabetics complaining about having to upgrade to windows XP and the ARRL in general. It's pretty funny. For a group of people who pride themselves on having untold amounts of technical knowledge, they sure are mystified by computers. To be fair though it's impossible to get any real support for the TQSL software from the ARRL short of "Read this helpful FAQ."
|
|
#
?
Feb 26, 2010 17:47
|
|
|
Jose Pointero posted:Well to be fair, hams are secondary users in that part of the spectrum. But still it's bullshit. Would it have really killed them to move their frequency a tad up or down? I'd really like to see their reasoning as to why they just loving had to park themselves right in the middle of our 440 band and it can't be moved. It's simple... They already had them made for the military and didn't feel like revamping them for the domestic consumer. Less changes = less money in development = higher ROI. Also, 9/11! THIS CAN SAVE LIVES! THAT MAKES IT ABOVE THE LAW! quote:Also I saw this and had a laugh. Shows that the thread title does in fact have some truth to it: This guy has my favorite avatar/sig combo ever. I've never seen someone so obviously butt hurt over advancing technology before.  Click here for the full 1225x327 image.
|
|
#
?
Feb 26, 2010 19:24
|
|
|
Man there is nothing going on in KC on 2 meters, I have yeat to try the 440 band or others the ZX-8R can cover but I'm shocked at how dull it is
|
|
#
?
Feb 26, 2010 22:08
|
|
|
Prince of Dicks posted:Man there is nothing going on in KC on 2 meters, I have yeat to try the 440 band or others the ZX-8R can cover but I'm shocked at how dull it is Join the club, same deal here in the Cleveland area. I've had my ticket for over a year and made less than 10 contacts in that time. My radio's constantly tuned to the local 2m repeater on main and 146.52 on secondary and is usually on if I'm not on the phone or busy, but there just isn't anyone out there. As far as I can tell I can't get out far enough to reach the one local repeater in the 440 band, so aside from a few attempts at the repeater I've never really used anything but the 2m band on my 7R. I intend on putting up a base station with a nice antenna once I get out of my apartment lease and move to a house, but based on my experience so far I don't expect it to be good for much more than getting on Echolink from my HT through my PC. The local 2m group that runs the repeater I'm tuned to is pretty much four greybeards who don't seem to be too interested in a young geek with ties to the VoIP world joining their discussions.
|
|
#
?
Feb 27, 2010 01:45
|
|
|
I live exactly halfway between kc and cleveland. I don't envy my chances, you may have just convinced me to not go with an HT.
|
|
#
?
Feb 27, 2010 03:15
|
|
|
Well, it looks like the feds finally hooked a brother up. KC2WTL checking into the net, no traffic.
|
|
#
?
Feb 27, 2010 04:09
|
|
|
.
Jose Pointero fucked around with this message at 03:44 on Aug 28, 2019 |
|
|
#
?
Feb 27, 2010 11:11
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 12, 2024 16:40 |
|
|
wolrah posted:Join the club, same deal here in the Cleveland area. I've had my ticket for over a year and made less than 10 contacts in that time. My radio's constantly tuned to the local 2m repeater on main and 146.52 on secondary and is usually on if I'm not on the phone or busy, but there just isn't anyone out there. wolrah posted:As far as I can tell I can't get out far enough to reach the one local repeater in the 440 band, so aside from a few attempts at the repeater I've never really used anything but the 2m band on my 7R. wolrah posted:The local 2m group that runs the repeater I'm tuned to is pretty much four greybeards who don't seem to be too interested in a young geek with ties to the VoIP world joining their discussions. Jose Pointero posted:My station is down at the moment, but those of you with HF capability should look and listen for the response to this earthquake. Even though amateur radio is kinda a joke in this day and age, you might just hear how relevant it can be. And, you're right about monitoring HF, of course. Best times are probably around both twilights (North-South propogation is often best in the grayline). nmfree fucked around with this message at 11:32 on Feb 27, 2010 |
|
#
?
Feb 27, 2010 11:26
|
|