Recent content by snakyjake

If I could distract a pilot 6 miles away at 8 miles per minute, then sending a SOS signal shouldn't be a problem. If I can gather the attention of a few busy pilots with a mayday distress signal, I'll take the odds they'll report it....they wouldn't want to illegally ignore a distress signal...

I'm not sure what the OP's goal is. I can squeeze a bit if I hook my HT up to my mobile antenna; meaning that if the signal is border line, I can get a tiny bit better. Perhaps a beam/yagi would do a lot better. For HT mobile use, I opted for a well built durable antenna.

Make sure you read the manual before you buy. I don't like how the squelch is set. Selective calling is a nice feature to have, but I can't figure out from the manual how it is setup. I don't carry the manual around, so I need something intuitive. Another option for emergency communication...

Since you mentioned extreme and emergency, I wouldn't rely on FRS or a HAM HT. You need 2 way satellite communication: InReach. Jake

For the APRS features, what can the D72A do the 8DR cannot?

I should also add that if you are a weather buff, APRS is even cooler!

1) Most radios can monitor multiple freq at the same time. 2) It is an HT, they are both adverse conditions. Having the GPS included isn't really for navigation like a stand alone GPS. It is used to beacon location, speed, altitude. Or can be used to orient your radio with another beacon...

This might take things off course. I've had a few emergency experiences, so I'll share some thoughts. Typically people don't really think things through. If you are with other Hams, amateur radio works. But if you need to communicate with non-Hams, then Ham radio can become a challenge and...

There is no need for a computer and APRS. A computer just makes texting easier and a nice graphical interface with maps and easy access to features. Transmitting APRS can be done on any radio. I built a TinyTrack. And if/when you get your APRS enabled radio, and if you live in a populated...

Sounds like a great radio hunt opportunity.

The problem with D-Star (and similar) is that if you play with D-Star you limit yourself to Icom technology and radio; meaning your communication is Icom to Icom. If you want to talk to someone who doesn't have D-Star, you're out of luck. I don't like those kind of obstacles. If D-Star was...

You said you would be at home 99% of the time. If you don't live close to a repeater, I'd get a base unit for more power and range. If you think you might do HF, get a base. If you are thinking about connecting your radio to the Internet backbone, get a base unit. I much prefer to have a...

I have the Kenwood TH-D7(G) as my first radio. You can do a lot of things with the radio, and more than any HT from another manufacturer. My only wish is for more wattage, as where I live now I can't reach anyone. Jake

Where can I get a USB programming cable for the Kenwood TH-D7A(G)?

Is there a mod to extend the TX on the Kenwood TH-D7A(G)? Thanks. Jake.