Lscott

The commercial digital radios have better frequency stability spec’s. It’s necessary due to the quad frequency modulation, 4 discrete frequency shifts, used. If the frequency drifts too far off the radio can’t detect the particular dibit, two bits encoded per frequency shift, being sent resulting in a higher bit error rate. That’s by the way why people have to tweak their hotspot frequency. The other reason if the frequency drifts too much the RX radio will loose sync with the data stream if the transmission lasts too long, mismatch between TX and RX data rates. Then the communication fails. The same frequency reference use for TX and RX is also used for the data stream bit timing. The various digital modes standards have spec’s for the above. I wouldn’t be surprised that the cheap Chinese digital radios have a tendency to experience drop outs due to the above. Some of those radios have crummy frequency stability specs to save money on a better reference oscillator. For amateur use the dropouts aren’t critical. However for first responders it could be life threatening.

There is a difference between “occupied” bandwidth and channel spacing. People tend to get the two confused. 25KHz channel spacing - typical 16KHz bandwidth (5KHz deviation) 20KHz channel spacing - typical 14KHz bandwidth (4KHz deviation) 12.5KHz channel spacing - typical 11KHz bandwidth (2.5KHz deviation)

People get distracted yacking on their mobile radio too. Sometimes that doesn't end well either.

I ran an Icom IC706GMKII mobile for a number of years in a van. That worked rather well. When the van got destroyed in a rear end accident I got another new one. It's never been used and still in the box. It has the MARS/CAP mod I believe. The FT-817 hasn't been used in a few years. I need to program up the AT- D578UV III Plus with the Bluetooth remote speaker microphone and stick it in the new ride. Just been too lazy to do it.

I know about some people who talk to the train personal when its in range. They don't do it regularly. And if the train personal are using NXDN they won't be using a Baofeng to do it.

I don't think it is either. If somebody was looking for a small HT with a bunch of features to use for GMRS that radio is one I would recommend. It's also Part 95 certified. https://forums.mygmrs.com/gallery/image/263-tk-3170jpg/?context=new There is a similar model, TK-3173, that uses the same programing software, cables etc. http://www.swscomm.com/kenwood/TK-3173.pdf Both can be programmed out of their band split to get them on the Ham 70cm band. I have a number of Ham 70cm repeaters programmed in mine.

Some people put a few of the marine band frequencies in their VHF radios when out on the water. Also hunters have been frequently known to use portable VHF marine radios when out in the woods. That's a dead give-a-way as what they're up to with local conservation officers.

I don't believe Yeasu is making them any more but the FT-817, and the updated version FT-818, are multi band and multi mode QRP portable radios. You can still find them at various swaps. They aren't cheap even used. I have the FT-817. I used it portable while travel while staying in hotel rooms with a portable antenna system. I usually asked for a room on the top floor for the height advantage and put the antenna near the window. https://www.yaesu.com/downloadFile.cfm?FileID=618&FileCatID=154&FileName=FT-817.pdf&FileContentType=application%2Fpdf

I would tend to agree. I’m sure they envision the market are those Hams that waited too long to buy the D74A. Judging by the absolutely insane prices people are asking, and likely some getting it, for the D74A on the used market they might be right.

IMHO having 6M TX in an HT is a bit useless. You really can't put a decent antenna for that band on such a small radio. There just isn't enough of a ground plane. A loaded 1/4 wave antenna, to keep the length reasonable, is very inefficient. Also from my experience the band is mostly dead unless there is a band opening. Then most of the activity is SSB anyway. I think Kenwood got it right with including 2M, 1.25M and 70cm in one radio. However I would have preferred DMR over D_Star in the new TH-D75A. Being most new radios are DSP designs, including the CODECS, offering two different firmware options for the radio would make it appealing to a wider customer base. They have the technology to do it, on the commercial side at least. For example the NX-1000 series offer either FM with NXDN, or FM with DMR depending on which firmware is loaded into the radio.

Oh, you don't need to experience a direct strike to suffer damage. A near strike can do damage as well from the EMP generated.

Here is some more info. Grounding Tips for the Shack.pdf Lighting Protection Guide - 3rd Ed.pdf

YES!!! The commercial radios have a lot of options/features that chirp can’t adjust. Your only choice is the official Kenwood programming software. Most of the software can be found on the internet along with the installation keys.

Then there are those who get “educated” but tell you to go pound sand and refuse to get a license. You report them to the FCC?

You’re going to need a bigger boat.

This is what I have on file for one of those cheap Chinese Duplexers. SGQ-450D-N.pdf Chinese Mobile Duplexer Measurements.pdf

I wouldn’t assume a 100% duty cycle. Those cheap Chinese Duplexers were primarily designed for mobile applications, I believe, which are low duty cycle.

If a young person wants brain dead communication the. by all means use their cell phone. If they want a technical challenge then Ham Radio is where it’s at. Even a Tech class license you can get worldwide communications using various digital modes. Set up an internet connected repeater for digital and maintain it. Then there is satellite communications to test skill level, moon bounce etc.

That’s good! I like to see more young people getting interested in it. Most of the swaps I go to look like a retirement community get together.

Just a wild thought. What is the power and duty cycle rating of the duplexer?

Just another idea.

That’s been my understanding as well.

The FCC do have commercial radio telephone licenses, but that’s not part of the Amateur Service.