EnterZone
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Posts posted by EnterZone
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If anyone is looking for radios to use while you're caching, I've got a BUNCH of Motorola Saber I UHF 438-470Mhz Securenet Capable HT's up for auction on eBay.
Dutch Auction: Twenty (20) Motorola Saber I UHF (438-470Mhz) Securenet HT's
Six (6) Motorola Saber I UHF (438-470Mhz) Securenet HT's & a Motorola 6-bay Rapid Charger
If you've never owned a Motorola HT, this is your chance to own the best of the best for pennies on the dollar.
These radios will cover the 440Mhz Amateur band as well as FRS, GMRS and UHF Public Safety. Programming is available.
73 de John - K4WTF
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I think that this is a wonderful idea. I think that some folks aren't thinking far enough outside the box though. You can design the RF beacon so that you must be within 100ft or so of the cache to even RX that beacon. I recommend doing this somewhere in the 147Mhz simplex portion of 2m. Why? Because most amateur operators own a device capable of RX 2m but, the same can't be said for 13Mhz. Also, non amateurs can buy a very inexpensive scanner to RX 2m - the same can't be said for 13Mhz.
Something else that you might consider doing is have the beacon send hints via CW or a digital playback device for phone mode.
Solar power could operate the device for a daytime only cache or one could implement a charging controller and batteries with it to have a 24hr beacon/cache.
The panel may be a bit more difficult to hide while ALSO giving it a good shot to the sky to do its job.
Something else is that this represents a much more significant investment that you are deploying to the field. It would be a serious bummer to have someone find your beacon/cache and decide to claim the entire beacon/cache as their prize.
- EnterZone
K4WTF
WPXT826
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quote:
Originally posted by FunYet:I’m looking for advice on a portable/handheld radio unit and where to buy (preferably online).
<snip>
I realize some suggestions may require that I obtain a license. All the better, I’m always looking for something new to learn and try.
Thanks!
FunYet,
I can highly recommend the Kenwood TH-D7A(G). It is a 2m/440 dual band HT with APRS capabilities built in. Of course, it does require a license but, getting your technicians license is a very trivial task and I'm sure you'll not have any problems.
Once you get the tech license, the jump to General is just a little bit away and will give you HF privs. I was a technician class for 10+ years before I upgraded. I would have done so much earlier had I realized how much fun HF operating was.
If you don't want to study for a license, I can also highly recommend the Garmin rino120. It is a 12-parallel channel GPSr with WAAS, and also has FRS and GMRS 2-way built in. I have been very happy with mine although I've only had it for a few days. It is very easy to hook it up to the Kenwood D7A(G) and if you do this, you can beacon both via APRS on amateur radio frequencies and with the Garmin "peer-to-peer" format on FRS. People you hear beacons from via either will show up as waypoints on your map as well.
If you get a rino, I recommend that you get a GMRS license. It takes all of 5 minutes and costs $75.00 for 5-years. This will allow you to use the GMRS capabilities of the rino (legally) which include higher power output as well as more frequencies.
I'm sure you'll enjoy either option or both as much as I do.
- EnterZone
Amateur callsign: K4WTF
GMRS callsign: WPXT826
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I have both the Keywood D700A and the D7A(g) 2m/440 APRS capable rigs. They are VERY good rigs in my opinion. I have built trackers with other HTs, and mobiles, including the Alinco DR-135TP but, none come anywhere close to the Kenwoods for ease of use and features.
- EnterZone
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quote:
Originally posted by Flatlander22:Enterzone -
I'm interested in hearing more about your APRS setup - specifically how you use your D7 to beacon back to your truck....
I set the D700 in the truck to be a digi but, not with "RELAY" but rather with an alias I have chosen. Then, I set the D7 with the path of "[my alias] relay wide".
So, I can run the D7 in extra low power mode and still beacon, send/rx messages, etc via the D700.
The D700 is set up to send waypoints to the GPSmap 162 in the truck so, when I beacon from the D7, I display on the map of the GPS in the truck.
It works pretty well.
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My caching equipment is as follows:
In the truck:
(1) Kenwood TM-D700A
APRS + 2m/440 QSOs.
(2) Garmin GPSmap 162.
This is an AMAZING WAAS capable GPS. The display is very large and easy to read. It replaced my StreetPilot which now lives in the wifes car.
On my person:
(1) Garmin rino120
Nifty little WAAS capable GPS with FRS/GMRS radio to boot. I just got it today but, the thing is absolutely amazing. And now, I won't look as silly as I did when I was carting my StreetPilot through the woods!
(2) Kenwood TH-D7A(G)
APRS beacons, just in case. I digi via the TM-D700 in my truck and my position is also displayed on the GPS in the truck, just for good measure. I also use this rig for 2m/440 on the local repeaters, simplex freqs and every once in a while, a satellite QSO.
(3) Nextel phone
You just never know what you're going to happen across while out caching. It is nice to be able to reach someone via phone in the event of an emergency. Granted, I've got amateur radio, FRS and GMRS but, in an emergency, those are all BACKUPS for the phone.
(4) Glock 19
Again, you just never know what you're going to happen across. Peace by superior firepower is my motto. ;-)
(5) A couple of trash bags. You know - "Cache IN, Trash OUT."
John - K4WTF
Motorola Saber I Uhf (438-470mhz) Securenet Ht's
in GPS technology and devices
Posted
If anyone is looking for radios to use while you're caching, I've got a BUNCH of Motorola Saber I UHF 438-470Mhz Securenet Capable HT's up for auction on eBay.
Dutch Auction: Twenty (20) Motorola Saber I UHF (438-470Mhz) Securenet HT's
Six (6) Motorola Saber I UHF (438-470Mhz) Securenet HT's & a Motorola 6-bay Rapid Charger
If you've never owned a Motorola HT, this is your chance to own the best of the best for pennies on the dollar.
These radios will cover the 440Mhz Amateur band as well as FRS, GMRS and UHF Public Safety. Programming is available.
73 de John - K4WTF