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So I built this little machine, scabbing together some pieces and parts and used equipment with two new pieces that I just couldn't fabricate, it's a frequency agile AllStar/Echolink node with a frequency agile Uhf/Vhf Repeater. What I was wondering is, would anyone here be interested in how I did this project? And are they looking to possibly build something like this for themselves? This is a primarily a GMRS forum, but I've seen a lot of guys who are somewhat interested in ham radio stuff too. This project is going to be going into a 6U Gator Box to be transported and field deployable (field days, JOTA/JOTI, who knows what else). I've had this thing on the air now for about 4 days, and have had NO heat problems, even with the Hawaii AllStar / Mainland net which lasted for over an hour and the radio transmitted for almost 100% of that time. BTW the radio is a Yaesu FT-8800R. 73! James W8JVF WQUL457

I'd just like to thank the site organizers and the regular posters for their contributions to this site. I am learning so much from reading the threads here (including how little I know about amateur radio in general). If there is one book/site/place you would send someone who is a rank novice who wants to learn more about amateur radio, what would it be? Thanks! Ken

This is probably the BEST resource for GMRS.. period. I love the fact that only licensees have access here... It assures only those with the best interests of the service are here. For amateurs, I echo the thoughts above.... but there, sometimes, you have to pick and choose thru a lot of stuff

Don't let it get you down. There's a lot of things to learn when you're starting out in radio. If you're looking to monitor a frequency, you need to know a few things about it. 1. the frequency-this may be a single frequency (conventional), multiple conventional channels used for different needs or multiple channels used in a trunking system. 2. Is it analog or digital? If digital, what type? P25, DMR, NXDN, iDAS, etc. 3. Is it "in the clear" or encrypted? If encrypted, give up now. Once you have those answers, the next question is; how am I going to listen? If you're looking for a base to monitor one channel or system, the dongle suggestion above is probably your best bet as it can decode many of the digital modes as well as analog. If you need a portable solution, you'll need to look at scanners with the frequency range and capabilities you require. Uniden is scheduled to make an announcement tomorrow that many are speculating that they will have a firmware update that allows DMR decoding, but as of right now, the only digital mode scanners will receive is P25. for any of the other modes, you would need to buy a portable radio capable of the mode. If it's a trunked system that's not P25, even a portable capable of working on the system won't work as it has to be authenticated onto the system by the administrator. I know it's a lot, but the more you learn, the easier it gets.

If not using trunking, could also get an analog scanner and add a discriminator tap with DSD or DSD plus. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You're very welcome. Ham Nation is a part of the ever-expanding Leo Laporte NetCast Network. By the way, if you like the ARRL Web site, the RSGB site may also be of interest. Like the ARRL, they offer some very useful publications. Frank.

Ken, for amateur radio related information, don't forget the ARRL site, but do note that their publications can sometimes be purchased at lower prices through Amazon. And if you haven't seen it yet, be sure to check out the Ham Nation shows on TWiT TV. Regards, Frank.

I would echo Ken's post, lot's of decent folks, great info. Ken I have spent a lot of time at Radio Reference's forums, as well as for ham qrz.com hamsexy.com and eham.net. For technical/geeky stuff like posted radio reference, batlabs (what a place), repeater builder and communications.support, though more geared towards /\/\otorola gear (my new addiction).

I'm a recent ham licensee so this is something that piques my interest. Sorry it took so long long for me to see it. Greg KC1ELP

Sounds interesting.