• [Reddit] 2021 Amateur Radio Gift Guide

    From Reddit via rec.radio.amateur.modera@21:1/5 to All on Tue Dec 7 18:52:47 2021
    XPost: rec.radio.amateur.misc

    Amateur/Ham Radio

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    2021 Amateur Radio Gift Guide

    Posted: 07 Dec 2021 05:28 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/raz7qp/2021_amateur_radio_gift_guide/


    Since its the holiday season, many people are coming into sub wondering
    what they can get for an amateur radio operator they know. Please use this thread to give ideas. Provide a link to the product (avoid link shorteners
    and referral links as they will be removed). This sticky will be updated as items are added. Free
    Get licensed! - If someone close to you is an active amateur radio
    operator, obtaining an amateur radio license would make them very happy.
    Its a 35 question, multiple choice exam. The study material is free using http://www.hamstudy.org . The exam could also be free (under laurel VEC)
    and you have the option of taking the exams online (for a fee). Sooner the better as the FCC will start implementing their own application fees in the near future. (This is US based, for other countries, check out our wiki for more information about amateur radio.
    Lend a helping hand - There are times where hams need a hand when it comes
    to installing an antennas, towers or other various projects. There are also events called contests where some people need operators to be on the air.
    You dont really need a license in the US (however, some rules do have to be followed). (Credit /u/kb2s) $20USD And Under
    Cat In Shacks, 2022 ARRL Calendar - $12.95 - Its cats... In shacks. Its a calendar.
    GPS Time Sync Dongle - $12.99 - Some modes such as FT8 need to have
    accurate time on their computer. With this dongle (and 3rd party software),
    its possible to sync the computers time using GPS satellites. This is
    excellent for those doing digital modes while out in the field (POTA/SOTA)
    or have limited internet (time sync) connection. (Credit to
    /u/MonkeybutlerCJH)
    Custom Wooden Callsign Plank - $20USD (ETSY) - Hams love personalized gear. This would make a nice addition to any ham radio operators shack. 2nd
    source for $27.95 (Credit /u/grendelt) $50USD And Under
    Signal Stick Replacement Antenna - Approx $23USD - Excellent replacement antenna that can help boost a signal. Please note there are different connectors so youll have to lookup the radio the person is using. Also
    helps support hamstudy.org and exam.tools
    RTL-SDR Dongle - $23.95 - Its a wide band SDR receiver that can listen to
    all sorts of communication from around 27MHz to 1750MHz. SDR# is a popular software that will support these dongles. See /r/RTLSDR
    Custom Azimuthal Map - $12/29USD - If the amateur radio operator youre
    buying for has rotatable antennas, this is a perfect accessory for the
    shack. This helps the operator point their antenna to where they would like
    to communicate. (Editors Note: you can generate a free map and if you have access to a printer, you can print it out yourself
    https://ns6t.net/azimuth/). (Credit to /u/arkhnchul)
    Amateur Radio World Map (Poster) - 22.81eur - Nice poster to display in
    your shack that would help guide amateur radio operators. (Credit to /u/arkhnchul)
    CQ Maps - Various Maps (Posters) - $30USD - Various maps to choose from
    that would look great in the shack (Credit to /u/arkhnchul)
    PINECIL Portable Soldering Iron - $35USD - Nice little portable soldering
    iron using USB. Excellent for field work or even a quick solder job at the bench. See https://www.pine64.org/pinecil/ for detailed information. Might require proper USB power supply and USB-C cable (Credit to /u/Fr0gm4n)
    Custom Lighted Callsign Plaque/Light - $35USD (ETSY) - Nice gift for an operator to put in their shack. Best if you obtain their callsign (license) used when on the air for personalization. (Credit to /u/Cthulu2020NLM)
    $100USD and Under
    NanoVNA - Approx $65USD - Handheld vector network analyzer. Excellent tool
    for those who make antennas and RF circuits that need testing. (Edit:
    Shipping times unknown, possible arrival after the holiday season
    TinySA - Approx $60USD - Handheld spectrum analyzer. (Credit to
    /u/kc2syk) Websites to consider
    The Sign Man - $$ - Various personalized items for the radio amateur.
    Signs, hats, keychains, lanyards, custom panels and more. If they dont have
    it, you dont want it!!! (Credit /u/runway0530)
    Etsy - $$ - Various people/businesses crafting items for the amateur radio operator. The ham in your life will love most of these items. submitted
    by /u/ItsBail
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    Why are some radios sold for much more on certain websites (eBay, Amazon,
    etc) than others?

    Posted: 07 Dec 2021 12:02 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/rb82y8/why_are_some_radios_sold_for_much_more_on_certain/


    Ive noticed on ebay that an FT-70 easily goes for more than 200 dollars
    while you can get it for quite a bit cheaper on reputable ham sites such as HRO. A VX-6R is going for nearly 400 dollars. Any ideas why? submitted
    by /u/TornadoCondorV2
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    I'm Totally Ignorant About My APRS

    Posted: 07 Dec 2021 05:05 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/raysg1/im_totally_ignorant_about_my_aprs/


    Im using a Baofeng with an Ed Fong outside 2 meter vertical antenna with my APRS stationary setup from home. My hardware is the Mobilinkd TNC2, an old Android tablet using Mobilinkd TNC software along with APRSdroid. On the Android, my signal shows on the top row along with approximately 60
    stations listed under mine, so as far as 143 km away. (I live in a mountain area with very high repeaters and radio sites.) My question is: are those stations listed hearing me directly or what? What can I do with my APRS
    besides simply putting a signal out 4 times every hour showing my location?
    I must admit I dont understand the purpose of APRS or how it can be
    beneficial in any way. Its just something I wanted to do and have not
    pursued it. My signal shows on the aprs.fi site just fine, along with my weather station. Thanks in advance for your help and comments. submitted
    by /u/zfrost45
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    Can I put my VHF quarter wave antenna at the attic?

    Posted: 07 Dec 2021 07:09 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/rb19ge/can_i_put_my_vhf_quarter_wave_antenna_at_the_attic/


    Fellow HAM Im new to this hobby, I just want to ask if I can put my quarter wave VHF antenna in my attic, because Im afraid that my antenna will be destroyed by lightning or strong winds. My concern is that does putting it there changes my swr significantly? (I have no swr meter I just bought this antenna with 1:1 swr). 73 submitted by /u/xXJAMESXx321Cancer
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    Legal questions RE Yaesu Fusion Group Monitor

    Posted: 07 Dec 2021 03:49 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/rbd13d/legal_questions_re_yaesu_fusion_group_monitor/


    I just discovered this feature the other day and Im pretty excited about
    it. Seems like it could be really useful for a lot of things, especially
    when camping and hiking. I have a couple questions that have come up as Im playing with it, however.
    First, when using GM do you need to vocalize your call sign? I assume yes,
    but if Im not mistaken the radio is at least transmitting your call sign automatically every time it pings out, and possibly whenever you begin transmitting?
    Second, would it be legal to set an HT to GM then hand it to a non-licensed user to follow their GPS location for emergencies, etc? They wouldnt be transmitting on it, any communications would be one-way from a licensed
    user, but otherwise I think this should be legal, right? In the same vein,
    I assume attaching this to a dog to keep track of them would be okay :p
    Cheers! submitted by /u/LorenWard
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    Recommendations Please!

    Posted: 07 Dec 2021 03:38 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/rbcsu0/recommendations_please/


    My Grandpa has an Icom Ic-2300H with a Tram 1/4 wave antenna on a roof
    mount of an old 94 Silverado. He can hear people talking but they can’t
    hear him when he is farther away. I just installed the Tram 1126-B antenna
    and cleaned the NNO contact. Ran power wires directly to the battery with
    new fuse, new Icom mic not a knockoff. I want to get him the best antenna I
    can afford. He only hunts on frequencies 159-161. Thanks in advance!
    submitted by /u/Low_Beam
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    What are you thoughts on Icom 7100 ?

    Posted: 07 Dec 2021 02:49 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/rawhgd/what_are_you_thoughts_on_icom_7100/


    The icom 7100 seems a nice radio I wanted to have a feedback from you guys
    if you used / are using it. submitted by /u/Yves-bazin
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    Help with 10 Meter Test in Missouri

    Posted: 07 Dec 2021 12:55 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/rb9994/help_with_10_meter_test_in_missouri/


    Hi there,
    I have yet to have any callbacks when calling CQ on 28.400 and am starting
    to wonder if I am getting expected propagation. Are there any places I can
    go online to coordinate a test with someone local who may be able to hear
    me? I am currently reaching out to a local HF club as well, but havent had
    any success yet. Suggestions? Thank you for the help! submitted by /u/LetsGetCoffee
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    I'm so conflicted. Do I buy a new ham radio or more cryptocurrency?

    Posted: 07 Dec 2021 03:26 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/rbck69/im_so_conflicted_do_i_buy_a_new_ham_radio_or_more/


    Im a relatively new ham radio operator and my cheapo introductory radio,
    the Baofeng UV-5R, needs to be set aside for something better. Ive been
    looking at the AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus for USD$300. That same $300 could
    go to the cryptocurrency CRO and give me my crypto.com signup bonus. (OR
    the kids could have Christmas presents but they get those every year...) We
    all know that investing in crypto means Ill be able to put a ham radio in
    my lambo.
    What do I do?!
    (crossposting to /r/CryptoCurrency because I want to compare the answers)
    The AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus offers: BridgeCom University Access ($97 Value—FREE with your purchase) Beginner-to-expert training that walks you through your new device, answering core questions like, “What is DMR and
    how do I operate on it?” and “How do I program and use my new radio?” Dual
    band with Analog and DMR capability so you can have one radio for
    everything APRS RX AND TX capability so you can beacon your location and
    see other operators on your radio too 500K contact list capacity so you can have every DMR user in your radio no matter how many there are Bluetooth capability for hands-free communication in your vehicle, so you can connect
    to your favorite Bluetooth audio device or hearing aid for added safety and convenience Dedicated support team available for questions about your
    878UVII Plus so that youll always know how to use your radio. submitted
    by /u/djuggler
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    Yaesu ft-450d - Signlink usb help.

    Posted: 07 Dec 2021 04:07 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/raxqhv/yaesu_ft450d_signlink_usb_help/


    TLDR Im impatiently and cheap, what can I say Im a ham. I want to make my
    own interface cable for my ft-450 to signallink usb but cant find the
    pinout info to do so.
    Ok I want to try to get setup to do digital on my ft-450. I have a
    signallink USB I got along with the purchase of my 817 some time ago.
    According to tigertronics web page the jumper settings and cable are the
    same for both so we are good there.
    The problem is I recently moved and have misplaced the cable. I have read
    on r/amateurradio and elsewhere of people making their own from ps2 mouse/keyboard cables by crimping on rj-45 plugs. I have the tools and materials to do this and would like to try. I cant seem to find the pinout needed to connect to the rj-45.
    Does anyone have the pinoutbinfo for the signallink usb side of the cable
    or a quick and dirty how to. submitted by /u/FlyFreak
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