Recent posts

#31
Radio Reviews, Questions and Comments. / Hytera
Last post by radiouser1 - July 27, 2023, 09:11:26 PM
I am interested in possibly buying a Hytera HP682 radio, but I don't know much about it and I've never actually seen anyone use it. Not even in a youtube video. I understand that some gmrs radios can send gps info to an app on a phone to see the location on a map in the phone. Does the Hytera HP682 radio display the gps location on a map in the radio itself? Or does the Hytera HP682 radio also connect to an app on a phone that displays the location on a map in the phone? I'd like to see or at least know more about a few things like the user interface, menu, apps, and everything else the radio actually shows on its own display. Having to use a phone with some relatively cheaper gmrs radios for texting and sending location info is not as convenient as using the radio alone. That would be great if anyone knows. Thanks.
#32
New To Radio / Re: Newbie Transmit/Receive Ra...
Last post by KE5ES - July 10, 2023, 07:37:27 PM
I found that a dipole pointed in a general direction also helps.  An example is this video:  https://youtu.be/4qle_lWTrpc
With one leg high and the second leg under it the path is directional.  With one vertical and the second horizonal in the direction of your intended contact it may work.  For best results experiment.  See what works best for you and your environment.  I have used the Buddipole antenna with one straight up and the second pointed, with a compass, at the azimuth my target is at.  Good luck!!!
de KE5ES
#33
New To Radio / Re: Resource for people lookin...
Last post by KE5ES - July 10, 2023, 07:27:48 PM
I downloaded the files for handouts to interested people.  It is all well and good to talk about them with people, but for them to have something to take home or back to their campsite and read and think about is a great thing.  In my military training communications with the masses was a difficult lesson for many people.  Print is good in an environment where people can read and it can be reread.  Radio/hearing is a good medium for illiterate populace or where print capabilities are limited.  Video is good for populations that have access.  A handout at a parks on the air station can recruit people that may not have thought about the hobby. (Steps down from Soap Box and yeilds it to the next person)
#34
General Discussion / Re: Lab599 Discovery TX-500
Last post by gil - May 26, 2023, 06:11:45 AM
Hello.
I used to own a KX3, and was dumb enough to sell it, big mistake.
Gil.
#35
General Discussion / Re: Lab599 Discovery TX-500
Last post by KE5ES - May 24, 2023, 03:58:24 AM
If I hadn't bought the KX3 I would have considered the 599 but I like the features I have installed with the KX3.
#36
General Discussion / Re: How Norwegian hams helped ...
Last post by gil - May 04, 2023, 06:10:24 PM
Thanks Sparks. They don't mention much about comms. I wish I remembered where I got that information...

Gil.
#37
General Discussion / Re: How Norwegian hams helped ...
Last post by Sparks - April 30, 2023, 02:50:25 PM
Quote from: gil on April 23, 2023, 11:26:59 PMYep, there was also the case of the ship Bounty, reproduction of the original, that sailed in a hurricane off the coast of Florida years ago. Their satellite comms failed in the storm but they were able to send an email to the coast guard via Winlink! If I remember well the captain did not make it but around 14 crew were saved (can't remember this second).

Thank you Gil, most interesting! I never heard about this. Here are more details:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bounty_(1960_ship)
#38
General Discussion / Re: Off-Grid Ham Radio OH8STN ...
Last post by gil - April 28, 2023, 06:14:28 PM
Thanks Sparks. Julian and I are in contact and might have some common stuff down the pipe...

Gil.
#39
General Discussion / Re: How Norwegian hams helped ...
Last post by gil - April 28, 2023, 06:13:08 PM
Great point Ray, I didn't think about the broadcasting thing.. HF will be heard somewhere most of the time, and any radio operator would jump on a distress like it was his life's mission!
Gil.
#40
General Discussion / Re: How Norwegian hams helped ...
Last post by RadioRay - April 25, 2023, 10:16:12 PM
I remember reading about that TALL ship and the use of ham WINLINK being the only communication method to get the rescue started. Another advantage of HF radio is that - unlike a satphone- HF radio is a BROADCASTING method and if using a common mode CW, SSB voice &etc. MANY station have the potential to hear the distress call, not only the one phone number dialed from the satphone.  Satphones tend to lose signal when under huge columns of clouds, like the cells and super cells involved in violent weather.  I've been there and experienced that.  Satphones have their places, but if it'saboard the ship for summoning emergency assistance,, better to go with an EPIRB, for all the many reasons.

All in all, I'd rather have an old Sparky on the other end of the radio link, with headphones screwed-on tightly. 

de RadioRay  ..._ ._