Subj : Handheld Tranceivers

Subj : Handheld Tranceivers
To : Daryl Stout
From : Andy Ball
Date : Wed Nov 29 2000 05:37 pm

Hello Daryl!

DS> Hello, Andy...congratulations on passing the exam.

Thanks! =o)

DS> The antenna looked limp as a dish rag, which brought some
> suggestive comments on how to fix it. <G>

<grin>

DS> I've used Icom HT's ever since I was licensed nearly 10 years
> ago...and really have used ONLY HT's in the shack. I started
> with an Icom 2-GAT, then went to the T7A (it died recently and
> was replaced with an Icom T7H). I also have their T8A
> tribander, that I use mainly for VHF Packet and 2 meter nets
> that I run in the Little Rock area.

I'm guessing the first three bands are 2m and 70cm. Is the third 1.25m or 6m?

DS> Radio Shack's HTX202 is just a generic 2 meter rig...no out of
> band receive...if the very basic is what you want, that'd
> probably be your best deal.

I think my Radio Shack catalogue must be way out of date, it features Alinco
radios but not the HTX202. I'll have to see what I can find out about that
one.

DS> I prefer the ones with out of band receive...mainly for
> listening to NOAA Weather Radio...

I bought my cheap VHF/UHF FM only scanning receiver in Britain years ago. I
have a suspicion that it was also sold in Canada. It features the NOAA WX
channels but until I moved here I never had an opportunity to try them. I find
them quite handy, especially when there are tornados about.

DS> I take my HT (with speaker mic and power supply), logbook, and
> repeater directory with me...to work stations when I go by
> Amtrak...

It sounds great, I'd like to see a bit more of the US by rail, but I imagine
Amtrak gets a bit expensive.

DS> I may take along my old Radio Shack 102 laptop, power supply,
> and TNC, and work packet from the train.

If the 102 is like the 100, that would be a really nice form factor for a
packet terminal. Similar machines were made by Cambridge Computers, Amstrad
and I think Tandy (although I'm not sure if theirs featured a terminal
emulator).

DS> Speaking of packet, Kenwood has a nice dual band HT that also
> has a TNC and APRS built into it. I forget the model number, but
> it runs around $450...

That's not a bad price if it saves you the cost and bulk of a conventional
intelligent external TNC.

DS> In short, I prefer the portability of an HT...although without a
> decent power supply, the batteries can die fast...

I've been experimenting recently with NiMh AA batteries (Sears 'Die- Hard'
brand). They seem great, but my scanner is a bit finikity about battery
voltages and rings the low battery alarm way to early. My guess is that it
would do the same if I put NiCd batteries in it. A 13.8V 3A PSU is on my
Christmas list for when I'm at home. One of the attractions of those weeny HTs
like the Alinco is that they need fewer batteries.

DS> ...unless you're using an HT amplifer (MFJ makes some nice
> ones), you don't have much power. However, with RF safety
> regulations, the threshold for VHF is 50 watts.

I wonder if the 340mW of the Alinco would enable me to reach the local
repeaters. Other handies seem to go up to about 5W which sounds adequate for
VHF or UHF use. What are your thoughts on this?

DS> Hope this helps.

It has, thanks.

Regards,
- Andy. 73

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