In testing UHF DMR in simplex mode, I found on typical terrain or on road convoys, the DMR radios gave us approx 2-3x the distance and had many fewer coverage holes in a given set of terrain. Another anecdote, from the basement of my house in Fort Collins, I can hit the Boulder area DMR-MARC repeater, using a HT, in DMR mode. This is pretty amazing considering the distance and stuff in the way. On analog UHF, I am lucky to hit the local Fort Collins (Horsetooth) repeater from the exact same position.Click the link for the full details (including pics) of the solution.
Only problem, the DMR repeaters Kent deals with are fixed position enterprise-level units, and the "manpack" repeaters he builds are typically built around ultra low power VHF/UHF. So I did a bunch of research online and found the Hytera RD965 repeater. It's small, a little larger than an old Hayes Courier HST modem. The downside compared to the other manpack repeaters was going to be its power requirements. I said that I didn't mind if we needed to have more batteries or solar panels, so we just went ahead with the project.
The idea is that we ID the best mountain-top position for the repeater to give maximal coverage of the event area, drive/hike it up there, and then leave it there for about to two weeks, until we're done with the site. The repeater is to run autonomously during that time.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Hytera RD965 - Tactical DMR Repeater Project
Hytera RD965 - Tactical DMR Repeater Project:
USB Rechargeable Screwdriver with Live Circuit Detector
Kind of cool - a USB rechargeable screw driver with live circuit detector for $22.
- Patented Circuit Sensor Non-Contact Live-Wire Detector for outlets, switches, cords and fixtures
- Safely detects current from up to 1 inch away; communicates with sound and red light
- 2 LED worklights for illumination in low-light situations
- Integrated, rechargeable Lithium battery and USB charging port for convenient charging
- 9-piece screwdriver bit kit and magnetic bit holder
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Elecraft KX2: Order Online
DV4Mobile: VA3XPR Hands On
"To recap, the radio will operate on the 2m (144 – 148 MHz), 1.25m (222 – 225 MHz) and 70cm (430 – 450 MHz) bands and will initially supporting DMR, D-STAR and C4FM (System Fusion) digital voice modes when it is released in Q4 2016. With subsequent software updates 2017, the radio will also support P25, dPMR, NXDN and NEXEDGE. Since the radio is essentially a Software Defined Radio (SDR), it can easily be programmed to support any new digital voice modes that hams might want to use."And:
"So now for the big question – what will such an awesome radio cost? At the time of this article, the Wireless Holding team was reluctant to provide pricing information, as they had not finalized pricing details. So users will have to stay tuned for these details in late 2016. It is important to note that Wireless Holdings expects that an optional feature to be made available at the time of launch that would enable the radio to also operate on the HF bands, thereby making the radio compact SDR choice for anyone looking to use HF in their vehicle."
Ham Radio 360: Dayton Hamvention Day 1 and 2
I'm behind, but you can catch on Cale and friends big adventure at Dayton with their Day 1 and Day 2 podcasts.
As a reminder, a list of all the Ham Radio 360 podcasts can be found here.
As a reminder, a list of all the Ham Radio 360 podcasts can be found here.
RobertaX Dayton Recap
She's always got interesting things to say, so check out her Hamvention notes. A sampling:
"Among other items, I purchased a Kent straight-key kit, a Chinese (YouKit) antenna analyzer I have had my eye on for a couple of years, and passed up a couple of short Bud (or Par-Metal) racks with partial projects in them, which I may regret later.
I also rejoined the RSGB."
Ten-Tec
Keeping the Ten in Ten-Tec? Good news if true:
"Just on W5KUB.com at Dayton Hamvention Ten Tec will remain in Sevierville, TN. The Ten Tec plant to add on and start making radios again in Tennessee. He said tech support to remain in Tennessee all so. He said to hope have Tennessee up and running soon."
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