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I guess my problem is that I don't believe in relative truth, especially for technical equipment. Being a newbie and not an expert, "interpreting how I want" is not of much value. I have to base my unfolding understanding on the clearly stated opinions of those who have been at this hobby for...

Should I interpret your comment as meaning that all $100 SWR meters are pretty much equal, that you have no preference for the significant design differences between the two meters I referenced, and that the more money that is spent, the less "relative" (i.e. "more accurate") the results of the...

Which is the preferred type of SWR/power meter for 2 meter 70cm and wider, or is it just a matter of personal preference? This one: MFJ Enterprises Inc. Or this one: Ham Radio Outlet | DIAMOND SX-400 | 140 TO 525MHZ SWR WATTMETER 200W

Thanks guys for the info and encouragement. Here are the repeaters nearest my house that our local ham club identified: Repeaters Most are within 10 miles or so of my house. I'm told that with my soon to be purchased 5 watt HT and an attic mounted J-pole I should be able to reach most...

No cost savings there. I wonder what's involved in the physical sensor - why it has to be so pricey? Lack of economies of scale? Complex circuitry? My guess is the former. I would think there could be some significant cost saving in a sensor/software combination by eliminating the...

Is there any such thing as software that displays SWR without the need for a physical meter? Is it physically possible for software to do this? Leave it to a newbie to ask this kind of question.:blink:

Software Aside from the programming software provided by Kenwood, what software is available for this radio that enhances the transparency of its operation by providing a graphic interface of what is going on with signal power, signal locations, repeater locations, and other nice to know...

Thanks. My best analogy to the "dozens of trips to the attic" problem is when I'm listening to a weak commercial FM station in the car and I pull up to a traffic light. As I'm slowing down, the station goes in an out, and I need to creep forward to find a spot where the staion can still be...

I've seen commercial antenna writeups that say that the antenna should not be located near "conductive material." Several questions about this: What is considered "conductive material?" My attic contains some aluminum AC ductwork, the round accordian type. How far does "not located...

That's just as well then. At my age if I wait for the D-Star technology to mature to all the major brands and the majority of hams I'll be too old to see or hear anything anyway.:blink:

Thanks. I will. A good antenna tuner couldn't hurt, either. Any recommnedations? Actually is there any such thing as a 2meter/70cm antenna tuner? I didn't notice any on MfJ's web site. If there is, I guess it would be pretty pricey.

D-star This radio appears to do about everything except D-Star. Is it possible to run this radio via D-Star? And if so, what changes/components would be required? D-Star is not a priority, but just wondering - down the road - what the possibilities are short of getting an I-Com.

I'm considering building a J-Pole antenna. Rather than threading the ends of blank rods, I am thinking about using the pre-threaded rods (threaded for the entire length) you can buy at Lowes/Home Depot/Ace Hardware. That way, all I need is a nut on each side of the L-bracket to fasten the...

Yes, I am about two miles from a repeater. And I believe the visualizations available with computer software will aid in the learning curve of the radio functions and mechanics.

"My only wish is for more wattage, as where I live now I can't reach anyone." Can you hook up a power amp between the output and the antenna lead for use as a base station?

What are your thoughts on this radio for a newbie who wants something "to grow into." I am interested in APRS, desire computer connectivity, am computer literate, want 2m and 70cm dual band, etc. How intuitive are the basic operations? I know there is a rather steep learning curve for the...

"First I will say congrats on passing the test..... Second good luck on finding a radio so many choices, I am still looking for a good dual band myself at a price I can afford" Yes, thanks. That is good to be over with for now. Until I get the bug to get my "General." My reason for not...

I passed my Tech test last week and am waiting for my FCC go-ahead. In the meantime I'm researching my first radio. I am not certain of the best radio for me at this early point in this hobby. Here are my decision options along with my uneducated leanings and reasons for them. Your...

Please elaborate on this - maybe making a suggestion or two. I guess that is why I've started looking at the Yaeus and Kenwoods, especially the Kenwood TH-D72A. As a "first radio" the Kenwood will sure provide a lot of growing room, the instructions are more intelligible, and options for...

As a newby researching for future purchase of my first radio, I downloaded and studied the manuals, included features, and add-ons of the 8GR, 8DR, and The D72 for the better part of a day. It was a great learning experience. The D72 appears to be the more complete and tightly integrated radio...