Budget Ham Radio Go Kit
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- Budget ham radio go kit based on a (TR)uSDX QRP HF radio. The kit is designed for emernency bugout communications on NVIS using data modes like Winlink, HF APRS, JS8Call, VARAC, ION2G, Robust Packet, ... This QRP radio covers 80, 60, 40 30, and 20 meters. it's designed
Hello Operators.
This (TR)uSDX QRP Go Kit is designed to remove the finaicial barrier from getting started in ham radio HF NVIS data modes communications. Desoite everything yo see in the video, total budget comes in less than $900 USD
A comprehensive blog post has been created, to give you all the supporting information require0,d to get your (TR)uSDX go kit up and running. This blog post is probably more informative than this video. So definately check it out.
73
Julian #oh8stn #hamradio
Share video URL: • Budget Ham Radio Go Kit
Blog has an awful loot of additional context. All radio settings tutorials and links are also there: oh8stn.org/blo...
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Mentioned in the video:
(TR)uSDX ebay (TR)uSDX ( ebay.us/wSRAI2 (#sponsored)
Tablet Computer eBay Microsoft Surface Go2 LTE ( ebay.us/v5GuMU (#sponsored)
80M Antenna 80M OCF dipole eBay N9SAB 80-6M OCF ( ebay.us/SPwYJH (#sponsored)
Audio interface Digirig Mobile for (TR)uSDX Radio GigaParts oh8stn.net/digi...
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oh8stn.net/2ZG... Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
agree on the importance of supporting innovative budget radio and accessory manufacturers. Lower entry point options would be more appealing to non ham people who could have overlapping interests
Thank you. Lowering the entry point could certainly make the pitch easier. Hoping we see more of these designs in the near future. Especially a true data radio.
Thinking about it, it seems much of the recent innovation has come from the lone wolves. Those designing pragmatic gear with purposeful function. It's refreshing.
Thanks for watching and commenting over the years. It's greatly appreciated.
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Julian oh8stn
AMEN! Winlink on Linux STINKS! Pat Winlink is.. a nice attempt, but if you've ever used Winlink Express you'll simply never find Pat Winlink acceptable in the least. Sorry, Jason, it's garbage. I've been spending some time getting Winlink running under Wine.. and it's close.. but.. still have some bugs to work out in order to get it to a point that I'd be comfortable living with it off-grid for a month or two.
Thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching and commenting.
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Julian oh8stn
Thanks!
Thank you and greatly appreciated.
7r
Julian oh8stn
A budget ham radio go kit based on a (TR)uSDX QRP radio. The kit is designed for NVIS or regional data communications using data modes like Winlink, Ion2G, JS8Call, FT8, VARAC, ... This QRP radio covers 80, 60, 40 30, & 20 meters.
Check the blog post for additional context and radio settings.
73
Julian oh8stn
Share video URL: ruclips.net/video/kdslE4r8VyY/видео.html
Blog: oh8stn.org/blog/2023/03/24/qrp-nvis-data-modes-go-kit-trusdx
Wow, this is a fantastic system. Julian you continue to impress us and give us fantastic ideas. Keep up the hard work and cheers to another great foundational video!
Thanks for commenting watching and helping to motivate. Lots of new things on the horizon 👍
Nice job brother. I'm using a cell phone power bank with 4 removable 18650 batteries. The power bank will directly accept charging from a 20w foldable USB solar panel. The other 18650 batteries are in a watertight box hooked up in series feeding a buck/boost converter feeding the trusdx transceiver. I run 12.5 -13.8 volts for voice. I get almost 6 watts on 40 meters measured in CW mode to a center fed 1/2 wave 22 guage silicone coated wire dipole. Its set up NVIS and is tuned for the middle of the band. Quick deploy thanks to wire management via light weight fly fishing reels. The last step is to add the digital capability. Thanks for this video. I'm sharing it.
Outstanding setup. Would be nice to see your kit as well.
Thanks for sharing, watching, and dropping the comment. Greatly appreciated.
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Julian oh8stn
Awesome video, Julian! I've been wondering about the feasibility of the TRuSDX, the pricing is certainly right. You have more than convinced me, I will be ordering mine quite soon.
72, de Jan M7HNK
I ran across your channel, i subscribed and noted your org address. I found a win 7 starter comp and if that loads the programs, I will be on the air on my porch. From my porch to THE WORLD WHEEE
Wondering if someone could come up with a
3-d printed case that also houses the digirig & cable?
I am a Linux guy. My wife and kids also use Linux. I bought a used Thinkpad with Windows on it for amateur radio stuff. It isn't just Winlink. If you are dealing with repurposed commercial gear like radios and repeaters and repeater controllers, the programming software is Windows based. I have tried running a bunch of this stuff with Wine and things often crash or don't work properly. Don't listen to the haters. I would rather use Linux than Windows but if you need Windows to accomplish something, it is what it is.
Thanks for this comment 🙏👍
You can use WINE to run most windows software thats used for programming radios.
Julian, QRPLABs just came out with a new radio kit. The QMX was just released at Dayton Ham Fest. This radio combines the QCX with the QDX. Bottom line, this radio can do everything that the trusdx can do but is better. Right now it only supports FT8 and JS8Call for digital modes, but the creator Hans Summers assures us that the upcoming firmware upgrade will give it SSB and full digital support with capability to do the Vara data modes. It reduces the cable mess to a single usb C to your surface go 3. I managed to pick up an advanced kit at Dayton and will be assembling it shortly. Once I build it, "I will tell you all about it". I have both of QRPLABS QCX-Mini and QDX digital radios. I also have the TruSDX. The trusdx is a good radio but very noisy with lots of birdies. I suspect the QMX is going to be a game changer for this type of deployment. Better performance, same size, with reduced cable mess. Just thought I would give you a heads up.
Thanks for the heads up🙏
Love the idea, but I won't hold my breath. QRPLabs is notorious for promising rigs and/or functionality, but never delivering. When QMX supports ARDOP, VARA, PACTOR, ... I'll get excited. I've said for years, QRPLabs doesn't understand the data modes operators requirements. If they did, the radio would support the full range of data modes, from the beginning.
Thanks again 🙏
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Julian oh8stn
@@OH8STN Oh, I wasn't aware of that. Guess I will have to rely on my IC-705 as my primary radio and the TruSDX as the ultralight economical backup. I am not a CW guy and neither is anyone in my family. My primary concern is being able to keep in contact with them if things go sideways. Since they are products of the computer age, showing them how to use vara is a 10min learning curve. Now CW is a whole different animal. I will keep watching and learning from you. Thanks.
The N9SAB antenna are already sold out, so that's a bummer. I was looking for a budget antenna option for the IC-705, that isn't very expensive like the Chameleon antennas, which doesn't require additional equipment like a mast or a tuner.
Keep checking. I'm told they'll be back in stock soon. 👍
Nice explanation of your choice of Radio. What type of PA can use with Trusdx would like a small portable 20W HF amp maybe someday someone will make one. PAT WinLink is not very user friendly a Linux version of WinLink needs to be translated from Windows.
Seems like at the moment decent affordable QRP radios are hard to find or they just aren’t making them because of the global supply problems. A couple of years ago you could get a new Elecraft radio for realistic prices, now you would be scared to take it out of the box because it is so expensive.
Why do you need an interface? I just used some 3.5mm patch cords along with a cheap USB sound card. The CAT works fine over USB as well. The cable to the mic input of the SDX needs to have the tip wire disconnected, and thats it.
Another great video, taken my.kit to Puerto Rico trip tomorrow...will take videos and pictures
Still trying to deal with the audio adjustments but you give me the answer by listening with a sdr....adjustments were made mostly with the mic levels..I try to keep them at 80% and speakers 100
Great video. Could you do a detailed video on the radio settings for digital modes and the reason for the usb hub? I will primarily be using fldigi. Thanks
The blog post I put up in combination with this video has all the radio settings. 👍
For your other question, the reason for the usb hub is the microsoft surface having only one usb port. Since the radio has u s b for cat control, two u s b cables are required. One for audio and the other for radio control.
I'll do a field deployment video in the coming days.
The (TR)uSDX seems to be a game changer to make amateur radio more accessible. Youths and the preparedness community come to mind. I think a lot of folks are interested in getting licensed but are discouraged by the cost of entry. I really like your go kit concept utilizing this transceiver.
*** max. Way to expensive and a shitty enclosure. There are others cheaper as well as more expensive designs which scores *****....
I have only been in ham radio for amfew years, but it seems obvious to me that things are much different than the way they used to be. Your comment about the lack of inexpensive radios/kits with decent capability seems to be an understatement! I personally have purchased 2 trusdxs for considerably less (combined) than a super basic mainstream model. The “big guys” don’t seem to offer anything in what I would consider a reasonable price range. The price, along with the tremendous amount of positive feedback, of the trusdx sold me. I am proud to support small scale and open source projects that seem to have their ducks mostly in a row.
Well said!
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Julian oh8stn
Bingo!! You nailed it. This was why I built the TRuSDX kit with the hopes of NVIS and Winlink. The lower wattage is the key on so many levels. Thankyou for this magnificent layout.
How did you manage the duty cycle? Did you run in 9v to keep the finals happy? It is a great radio.
4 watts, good swr, and not overdriving the radio. 👍
Thanx for making the video. This seems like the way for me to get into a mobile " HAM" setup with out hurting my pocket book finances
Thanks for leaving this comment. We've neglected the budget-minded operator so long, this video was past due.
Thanks for watching and commenting it's greatly appreciated.
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Julian oh8stn
I watched this a while back, but filed it away for later investigation. Lately (end of May 2023) I'm seeing renewed interest in QRP pocket HF via the QMX and the QDX on various videos so I rewatched this pioneering venture into the topic and have finally gone forward in ordering a (tr)uSDX and (another) dedicated digirig. I like that, as opposed to the QDX and QMX, both fine little rigs, the (tr)uSDX supports up to 16V input power which I find fantastic-- so this blends well with existing ham batteries and you don't need to get these janky 11V Li-on/LiPo or PD power sources. All these pocket transmitters should be made to handle LiFePO4 voltages, otherwise it's yet another barrier to entry.
Does the Surface Go 3 LTE built in GPS really work to sync the clock? A friend has it but said there was no comm port for GPS and he never got it to work for clock syncing
I have experienced the same, with my LTE Surface Go 2. Would love to hear other operators experiences 👍
Excellent information as always. I couldn't agree more on the Windows vs. Linux argument. I'm in your camp on that one. When I have a choice, I'll use Linux. But, you have to use the right tool for the job. If Windows works better for the job, then Windows it is. I haven't purchased a TruSDX yet. I've heard the sound on it is terrible (which makes sense, considering it's size). But, I'm warming to the idea of getting one for a lot of the reasons that you mention here. DE K7RLN
Hi Boss have yor tried it without the digirig with the new version on trusdx? I'm a tad bit concern on the output quality 73 de NP3JD
I haven't yet, but i've downloaded the drivers and it's on my list of things to do. To be honest I am also concerned. Wondering if there's enough processing power to do this. Hopefully it'll be clean.
Thanks so much! I fell out of love with ham radio last year due to the costs. This was exactly what I was looking for! I'm going to duplicate this kit and go out and test. I ordered the radio now.
I think that there is an update to the (TR)u SDX to allow the use of the USB cable to transmitt audos and Cat commands now. Might ber worthe checking out!
Thanks i'm already on it. Should be an excellent update.
Exactly the subject I’ve been thinking about.
Thanks for another great video.
I wholeheartedly agree I'm tried of older hammers berating newer amateur radio operators who use inexpensive transceivers
Any chance on seeing a battery kit video update since you added the new charge controller?
Sure, which battery and charge controller?
This kit looks like a much more viable offgrid option than some you have used in the past where size and energy consumption are major considerations. Now that you have shrunk the size of the radio gear it's time to match it with a more appropriate computer/controller for digital modes. I have watched you go from laptops, to Pi's, and to the Surface Pro but it's time to pair down to the next step which is running everything from your smartphone...you may lose varac but you can still run winlink, ft8, and js8 call.
Last I checked there was only a JS8Call receiver for Android. Has that changed ?
@hikerboyz No JS8Call yet but I'm hopeful. The smartphone functionality is critical.
I'll reconsider the (TR)uSDX the day it introduce a better and larger display as well as 10W plus PEP. The Russian LAB599 was THE QRP game changer but wayout toooooo expensive. And even QRP (5W CW /10WATT SSB) will easily going for a higher TX/PO QRP ultra compact TCVR
Any recommendations for a 100 watt amplifier for this kit.
Great question. At this price level, I think any of the ebay Chinesium amps would work.
Just got my TruSDX recently. I need to get it all setup. Thanks for the video!
Congratulations. Seems like we are both late to the party 🤣
73
Julian oh8stn
Excellent and informative video. I may assemble this kit, albeit piece by piece as my budget allows.
*73 de AF6AS*
Great video as usual Julian! I have the truSDX on my wishlist. Using my IC-705 in the meantime to practice emergency drills. 73
Oh you'll have to pry the 705 out of my dead hands 🤣 Still nice to have something small and fun to get people interested.
Thanks for watching and commenting, greatly appreciated.
73
Julian oh8stn
Julian,
I must ask, as far as Android based Ft8 etc, are you using an OTG cable from Digirig to android device?
Thanks,
Robert-KG4ZSB
I'm not sure what I'm missing (other than the cost of the X6100 vs. TruSDX), but I would think that something like the X6100 could accomplish this without having to pack the digirig and cables, while still having a low amp draw. Maybe I'm wrong. Thanks for all of your videos. I learn a lot from you.
I plan on getting one of these so I can learn how to transmit with Winlink. I haven't been a technician very long, I been studying for my general. So I can get on the air and play with HF, QRP, SOTA, POTA, CW and be portable. I don't have a Transceiver yet but I'll be investing in cheap transceiver from bafoeng, one of these radios and a proper hf mobile Transceiver so I can play with HF.
So much here. Wow.
True great video
I'm new to all this and saw your video is there any way you can run a dummy class on how to build out and use this properly
We had one of the worst storms we've had in a while out here took the power company 5 days to get the power back on and the cell service 2-3 days to get back to normal
Seen the links in the description everything looks adorable can we run it off an old cellphone or an android tablet
Or if you have setup similar to this for my baofang radio we have like 6 of them for when we go camping and fishing
Don't know if we could get the same range as with this set up but would like to know if it is possible.
Thanx will be looking out for you new stuff and looking at the old see what I can find
I had a look through your blog. I have the exact same setup which works for FT8 etc. I cannot get Winlink to connect at all. The audio seems to be clipping. how did you set up the audio for winlink
Indeed this is a problem. You have to reduce your output audio from your computer to the trusdx. Also, reduce the microphone audio gain on the trusdx itself (menu?). This processes Is very fiddly and very frustrating.
Hope it helps.
I nearly forgot. You must also reduce the a g c auto gain control in windows or linux, To prevent clipping. Each audio interface has Its own setting in the audio interface properties.
Hello Julian,
thanks for the beautiful and clear video with the (TR)USDX and all of the rest of the gear.
I also have a (TR)USDX and little by little i make it to be , the ideal package for on the road. Light and good to have with you.
Thanks for showing your gear, now i know what I still need for my perfect kit😉
Ron, Pd3ron
Great...was waiting for this. I suggest putting a lower profile knob on the encoder.
Have you tried the Xeigu x6100?
Indeed ruclips.net/video/Eo_eW4Rxp8E/видео.html
Love your videos! Good work as CERT Instructor. I have the same radio. Very good radio!
Thanks for doing this video....all good stuff and very impressive Julian !
I checked and the laptop is no longer available. The antenna sounds like the one mentioned in the novel series 'Going Home.'
An excellent video as always. I like the no frills minimalist mindset that goes into your setup. Especially since I know how much "fun" it is to hump a PRC-77 radio. I've looked at some videos for the TruSdx and its now on my shopping list provided my wallet survives my son's trip to Italy.
Watching your video was an extraordinary experience. Ase’
Love the content. Thank you for this educational video.
Thank you for this video. I had been on the lookout for something a bit cheaper to play with and you really introduced me to something new. Ordered mine and I'm excited to play with it.
I've also enjoyed watching your previous content and you've been an inspiration to me for getting into QRP work.
Glad to see a video on a more ham friendly budget. The Tr usdx is an awesome little radio for the price.
Just ordered a kit. I have been doing SDR listening and 2m/70cm band stuff with handhelds on and off for years and have been interested in especially portable communications. Not interested enough to justify parking half months salary (before taxes too) on radio alone tho. Thank you for excellent and detailed blog post too.
Outstanding, and you are very welcome. I'm hoping these type of budget options will open the community to a lot more people. Thanks for watching and commenting. Very much appreciated.
Hi Julian! TNX for this video! 73
Julian, terrific video and information, as always! It's great to see a master at work! Do you use 2 different Surface Go 2 's for your work ...one for the (TR)u SDX and one for the other radios you use...i.e. IC705 ; PA 500 etc? Couldn't one tablet service all of those radios...? thanks again and all the best to you and your most excellent subscribers...AG7UW....BTW ordered one of the radios and will try to set up an emergency "go radio" using it and my existing equipment using this video as my inspiration. Thanks..R
Thanks for watching and for the kindness. yeah, one tablet could do it, but I like to keep my personal personal communications gear ready to go and have a another tablet and radios for tutorials and things like that on the channel.
Thanks again.
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Julian oh8stn
I am wondering if it is possible to use a USB dongle instead of the LTE surface?
More content please
Thanks for another great video!
I have built a (tr)sdx, and it is AWESOME :) It works on every digital mode I have tried
Outstanding! I'm sldo very happy with it.
Now I'll try to attach itcto my bike 😉👍
What were the Digirig input/output levels that were eventually reached for “fire and forget”? I assume since the Digirig is an external sound card, the ideal levels should be the same across any Windows machine. That is, Digirig output set to 12.2dB on one Windows machine(sounds control) should result in the same level as another Windows machine using the Digirig, with the setting the same.
It's always going to be different on different computers.You'll just have to start testing full stuff. I started at 50% for both transmit and receive. The critical level was the transmit level. Too high and you overdrive the radio.
This is great. Thanks so much. I have a lot to learn. Where can I learn more about the antenna's you mentioned? 73
learning something new is a gift 👍
Try this video ruclips.net/video/OEpFwZhSdMo/видео.html
and this blog oh8stn.org/blog/2023/02/10/man-portable-antenna-strategy-part-2/
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Julian oh8stn
Thank you, Julian.
Thank you, have one of the (tr)uSDX coming soon. So this was right in time.
Don't forget to check out the blog post. Much more information there than in this video. Thanks for watching
Great video, very appreciated. Two questions, when low weight is concerned:
1) would truSDX digirig and mobile phone with otg USB cable be viable option? At least for some digital modes?
2) Xiegu x6100 has mods with custom Linux people run in if js8call and it can do rtty with stock firmware, has battery and atu. Wouldn't that be better option if weight is concerned?
Toujours besoins d un ordinateur portable ..?
What does the Digirig do for you that the (tr)uSDX built-in USB interface doesn’t?
73 de N9ZCD
Another awesome video
Julian, I love your videos. Your depth of knowledge is outstanding. Thank you for sharing this solid info. Very real world in your assessments, I love your point of view.
Huge, huge thanks to you sir. I'm learning so much from your videos. Wish you the best!
To your point of reaching a wider audience. I have no ham radio experience and would like to explore (after licensing) the inexpensive and lightweight options you've put together. Thank you for taking the time to help out us "little guys."
Great video as always Julian. Rock and Roll and Top Work Bud 🙂
Thank you 🙏
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Julian oh8stn
Outstanding video and rig.
Thank you 🙏
This setup is prime for a light saver max
Indeed. The only reason I didn't use it was it went over my thousand dollar button. 👍
Also have an uSDX transceiver. Thank you for video.
Love it Julian. I think I'm gonna have to try out this setup as I can't find a few $k in the near future.🍻👍🤠
Once again a great video Julian ! 73 de ON4MGY Nic
Thanks for watching and commenting Nic.
Greatly appreciated.
73
Julian oh8stn
You can fit a ton (even a dish) on an umbrella shaft, even a portable inflatable spiral cone umbrella wind turbine :)
Another question, on your blog you called out Chinese manufacturers for copying the trusdx. But your RUclips links as well as the blog links, send us to a Chinese imported trusdx to buy. Is that on purpose?
Context is important. The TRuSDX seller is an approved supplier. The others stole the designs, changed it, then sold it as if it were the same.
@@OH8STN ah okay! Maybe add a little note to your links? 👌
Agree with you for hf radio and hf antenna but all the other gear seems a bit too much for the mountains. Still waiting for cell phone to radio hook up to cut down on weight,size and batteries. Living at 9000 feet above sea level means light weight wins most of the time.
I don't disagree.The problem is developers aren't porting the tools we need for android. Anyway i've got something interesting on this topic incoming. 👍
@@OH8STN If anyone can get it done it’s going to be you!
Welcome back Julian, good see you active!
Great video thanks for all the ideas de 2e0ree bro
You are very welcome Andy.
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Julian oh8stn
Thank you
Good work
Impressive as always.
Excellent video Julian! Thanks!
May I ask what kind of eye protection that
You are wearing ? THANK YOU. I appreciate your great work.
This ballistic eye protection is from Bollè Tactical. It's called the Tactical Raider with RX insert.
@@OH8STN thank You so much. I am exploring extending my riding on my rambo rooster cargo ebike deeper into the cold season here in Canada and found issues keeping my eyes from freezing. Again...much appreciated.
The context is helpful👍
Indeed, these do help keep eyes from freezing in winter. They also help prevent the mossies from getting in my eyes. I have another version from a company called "wiley x". They do a similar ballistic goggle with rx insert. The wiley x are certainly easier to get in north america.
Hope this helps.
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Julian oh8stn
What kind of stress testing have you done to it? How long can it run digi modes before overheating etc
24/7 JS8Call for several weeks. Periodic winlink vara sessions daily over several weeks. Periodic Robust Packet on HF for APRS.
@@OH8STN that's what I like to hear!!
Thanks for this, much needed info!
Hope your feeling better Julian, since your fall and the antenna won the fight. Praying for you and great video, 73 KQ4HCU
Thanks 🙏 started walking again today 👍
Informative as always!!
👍
like always, amazing! :D
Great idea!
Thanks 🙏👍
The antenna is sold out. Best alternative?
Check that webshop. There are fifty and one hundred watt versions of the same antennas. Hopefully the higher power alternative is still there.
73
Julian oh8stn
Looks like the whole store is OOS. I’ll try another day
Wow, sorry. This happens every time I make a videos focusing on a specific thing.
@@OH8STN Just goes to show how much most hams respect your opinions and advice, huh?
Thanks!
Nice vid, Julian. I've sourced cells for the batt pack, along with a bms. TRuSDX and soundcard are next!
Boy oh boy, when i add a solar panel and computer that adds up pretty quick!
More side hustle is in my future!
The hustle is half the fun 👍
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Julian oh8stn
The problem I have with HAM is that in an emergency you will want to contact family who are not licensed HAMS.
This is the problem we all have. There are ways of sending emails from hams to non hams, but during z frodcdown, There's no guarantee the non-ham will even have internet. For this reason, we tried to get at least one person licensed from every household. Sucks, but that's the way it is. There are no other radio services with as much functionality.
Thanks for the comment.
@@OH8STN Maybe the rules need changing. If it was at least one of the 2 in privite simplex communication had to be licensed this would go to solve the problem.
The problem is equipment can be dangerous. Getting licensed ensures we understand the equipment, how to operate safely, and that we can avoid hurting others. Safer alternatives exist like FRS/PMR, GMRS, MURS, CB, MESH, ...
@@OH8STN FRS radio's can also have the same dangers. In some areas they are even running repeaters leagally. Somthing I cant do as licenced ham radio operator. What I'm talking about is nothing more dangerous then what is already hapening. In fact even safer as one of the operators being licenced and use restricted.
I don't agree. With ham radio you can use a kilowatt of power on frequencies from 0.5Mhz to 36Ghz. PMR 0.5 watts on several channels. Ham: multi-element directional antenna, PMR: no removable antenna.
I have seen radio experimenters with severe radiation burns. There is a difference in the level of danger.
Btw. I don't make the rules.
You've got a lot of adapters on the antenna out. IIRC, each one is eating up about 0.2 dB. Consider making a custom cable with SMA.
Long, long ago there was Ham Radio magazine. About that time, PC's became popular. A far sighted author wrote an article where the radio would be connected to the PC and automate your operation. It would make your contacts for you, log them and auto QSL. All you would have to do was to check the computer from time to time to see... The ?? was... is that still ham radio?? Hmmmm... Julian has showed us just how easy this is today. I'll pass... I want to Talk to someone. BE in control of my station. Home or field. As a former HFPacker, I like field ops. My ol' 817ND is king! I have actually talked all around the world with it, too. Hope this cycle goes above the last one... seems to be, so far. Jerry wa2omu