n4gix

I was once offered space on a very large tower array (2 towers with a bridge at the top) in Crete, Illinois. They had a UHF antenna and 1 1/2" hard line at 350'... I was all excited until I was informed that they charge $1/ft' per month. No way I could afford $350/month

Do you have any users of your repeater? Got to have users before you can get any takers!

That brings to mind the "Coffee Breaks" my local CB club would organize on holidays. We'd set up at an Interstate rest stop, or perhaps a local mall parking lot on a major US Highway, and serve coffee, water and donuts to weary travelers.

I need to take the time to list my 7550 on eBay. Although it is the original (non-e) model it works very well. I have two batteries, two chargers, a custom leather case and a speaker/mic for it. I also have the programming cable and CPS for the radio on CD. Actually, I have quite a collection of other dual-band DMR/Analog HTs I need to sell!

If there is anyone close to NW Indiana who wants of needs 1/2" Andrews FSJ4-50B heliax, let me know. I have 678' of it which I got for free, so I'll be happy to share. I only need about 300' of it myself. The connectors are inexpensive. I paid $19.95/each for two of them. F4PNMV2-C Type N Male for 1/2 in FSJ4-50B cable, Knurled Nut, Captivated Pin, MFR: AndrewOne source for male N connectors: https://www.rfparts.com/connectors-heliax/connectors-12heliax/12helicon-fsj/f4pnmv2-c.html https://puu.sh/G8TuS.png

Well, he did have an oscilloscope showing his audio while he screamed "AAAAAAAUDIOOOOOOOOOO" into the microphone!

You can NOT use a CB SWR meter... Period. Quit tearing your hair out.

The costs for beginning amateur radio are no more than that for GMRS, honestly! Most new hams start out with a dual-band 2m/70cm handheld radio, many these days going 'modern' and buying a DMR/Analog handheld. HF can be done for under $500 these days, such as a Xeigu G90.

I am a self-confessed radio geek. I have way too many radios for any single sane person. Of course being a retired life-long bachelor what else can I spend money on? I also have a CS800D that I bought about six months ago when Jerry had 'em on sale at $100 off. One of these days I will make the time to program it and replace the CS800 (UHF) that is currently in my car, along with an FT-87D (HF) and a TH-7800 (V/U analog). I also have the BFD display mounted on a flexible stalk to remote control the CS800 and FT-857. I have yet another CS800 (UHF) in my ham shack.

If you ever get to the point of wanting to venture in HF, I can highly recommend the Xeigu G90. I have one sitting on top of my still nearly new Icom IC-7300. Much to my utter surprise it actually receives better than my 7300. A contact in Atlanta could not tell when I changed from the 7300 at 100watts to the G90 at only 20 watts! It is 1/4th the size of the 7300. It is capped out at 20 watts. It does have an excellent antenna tuning unit built in that will handle up to 10:1 SWR. It is a solidly built unit. The entire body is pretty much a heat sink, so it stays very cool even during FT8 operations. The CW decoder works very well also. For just under $500 it is a true bargain!

Congratulations on punching both tickets at one sitting. My local club will be holding a VE session August 22nd indoors at our usual meeting place at the EOC. We may have to hold two sessions due to having to limit entry because of social distancing. Masks must be worn by all present of course. You made a good choice for the HT. The AT-D878 is hands down my very favorite DMR HT. I rarely ever use my XPR7550 any longer due to it being strictly UHF, as well as being way too heavy! 73 and again, congratulations!

Wow! That is a lovely yacht! I can see why the crew needs radios.

At least they had the good sense to install an excellent COTS repeater: Bridgecom BCR-40U.

RT57 Output Power 0.5 W Channel Stability ±5 ppm

Is it? The owner lives in Canada: Roger Coude 286 MASSENET SAINT-JEAN-SUR-RICHELIEU, QC J3B 8X1 Canada I've used Radio Mobile quite often!

Just for general information in case someone is unaware: For further details, please visit the ARRL's FAQ page: http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-contest-program-issues-field-day-2020-faq

"If in doubt, identify!" It is far better to ID more frequently than it is to do so too little.

There are several VEC groups who are currently offering remote on-line exams for Tech and General licensing. Many hams have taken advantage of this. Our club uses the ARRL VEC and are not currently offering VE testing remotely, but are planning an outdoor VE session on the third Saturday of July, but NW Indiana might just be a tiny bit too far... Ham Radio Online Testing Updates:

Your callsign isn't all that difficult. Try mine on for size: WQWU626 I've lost count of the number of folks who question my THREE LETTER license, since the final "U" gets swallowed up by the second "W". What they "hear" is "WQW 626. Or they think I'm stuttering!

I've been using a pair of CS800 (UHF) for four years and a CS800D for the past six months for both ham and GMRS services.

No, DPL (Digital Private Line) is incompatible with CTSS tones. It serves the same purpose, but does so by a specific digitally coded signal rather than a simple 'tone'. See: https://radio-accessories.com/what-are-pl-and-dpl-tones.aspx for more information.

For Analog/DMR I really like the Connect Systems CS800D (dual band V/U) which also offers a detachable faceplate. It is also Part 90 and 95 certified. I have mine programmed for both amateur 2m/70cm use as well as GMRS.

This is the proper tool for drilling NMO mounting holes. Note that it has a maximum depth of 1/8th inch, so there's no danger of damaging a headliner. There are other similar tools available some even lower priced, but this Larsen tool was the only one allowed in my GESS (General Electric Service Station) I once owned. $49.95 at The Antenna Farm: https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/laird-technologies-hs34-1647

Definitely 1 & 2 are for drilling. All of my antennas are currently mounted on the trunk of my Toyota Camry. While not ideal, I have had excellent results. Keeping in mind that my major lobe for transmitting is directed to the front of my car, I'm not surprised if the reception is not as good when I'm driving away from the other station/repeater.

Regarding the nanoVNA, turn OFF the traces you don't actually need to 'de-clutter' the display.