Recent posts
#61
Digital Voice / Yaesu FT70D speaker replacemen...
Last post by DU2XXR - Sep 05, 2023, 10:13 PMI disassembled one of my FT-70D to troubleshoot non-working internal speaker. Mic works. Audio works via external speaekermic. Turns out I do need to replace the speaker. Warren DU1EIB says the part is available for PhP 500. I promptly re-assembled the radio, and I will repair once I have acquired a replacement part from EIB radio.
Disassembly is fairly straightforward, with no special tools required.
Check out the disassembly instructions here.
Disassembly is fairly straightforward, with no special tools required.
Check out the disassembly instructions here.
#62
The Prepper Channel / Part Social Media And Part Pre...
Last post by DU2XXR - Sep 03, 2023, 04:42 PMhttps://thefederalist.com/2023/08/30/part-social-media-and-part-preppers-paradise-ham-radio-is-the-perfect-hobby/
QuoteMany come to ham radio through prepping. The hobby's usefulness in a grid-down situation was demonstrated in the Maui fires, when amateur radio operators stepped in after the cell phone system went down, passing along information to civilians and first responders alike. The nature of ham radio clears away the fringiest of preppers. It is governed by the Federal Communications Commission; it requires an exam, license, and registration with the federal government. That leaves the rest of us — every American who recalls the empty store shelves at the height of the pandemic and every Texan who remembers the deadly freeze of 2021 — to benefit from ham radio.
#63
APRS, Winlink & Packet Radio / APRSPH and #APRSThursday nets
Last post by DU2XXR - Aug 28, 2023, 11:23 AMInstructions on how to join the nets
APRSPH
https://aprsph.net
Send an APRS message to APRSPH to join the net in the following format:
Other commands to interact with the bot and to retrieve information:
Check out the instructions and net logs at https://aprsph.net .
#APRSThursday
https://aprsph.net/aprsthursday/
#APRSThursday is held every Thursday from 0000Z to 2359Z.
To join, send an APRS message to ANSRVR in the following format:
CQ [space] HOTG [space] Your message
Your message will then be sent to all callsigns currently joined to the ANSRVR group called HOTG (which stands for "hams on the gram"). You will also then receive any subsequent messages sent to the group within a 12-hour period.
If you are already checked in but wish to unsubscribe to subequent messages, you can send the following to ANSRVR:
U HOTG
Check out the instructions and net logs at https://aprsph.net/aprsphthursday . There is also a visual representation of checkins at https://aprs.n2rwe.com/views/aprs_thursday.php .
APRSPH
https://aprsph.net
Send an APRS message to APRSPH to join the net in the following format:
- CQ [space] your message to send a message to everyone checked in for the day.
- This also adds you to the net log, and you will subsequently receive any CQ messages received by APRSPH thereafter.
- Subsequent CQ messages will also be sent to everyone in the list.
- NET [space] your message will quietly join you into the daily net.
- This will not alert everyone in the net, but your callsign and message will be logged below.
- The message is optional. Sending NET without a message after will still log your callsign into the net and the recipient list. You will then receive subsequent CQ messages whenever someone checks in or sends a new CQ message.
Other commands to interact with the bot and to retrieve information:
- LIST to view the current day's list of checked-in stations.
- LAST to see the last 5 messages (use LAST10 for 10 messages or LAST15 for 15 messages).
- LAST THURS retrieves the last 5 messages from the #APRThursday log. LAST10 or LAST15 will also work.
- MINE to view the recent CQ/NET messages sent by your own station to the net in the current month. You may include a callsign-ssid to review the last messages sent by that station (e.g., MINE DU2XXR-7). Use MINE10 or MINE15 for 10 or 15 messages, respectively.
- MINE THURS will retrieve your last #APRSThursday messages. MINE10 and MINE15 will also work.
- SEARCH [space] word or phrase to find the last 5 messages from the month that contain the word or phrase. SEARCH10 or SEARCH15 to fetch 10 or 15 messages, respectively
- ?APRST or ?PING? to get a message with the path/s your packet took to the bot.
- ?APRSP to make the bot send a position packet.
- ?APRSS to make the bot send a status packet with the count of checkins for the day and total SMS processed.
- ?APRSM or MSG to retrieve the last 10 messages sent to your callsign+ssid, using the aprs.fi API. Alternative command is M. Example: ?APRSM
- Add a callsign-ssid after to retrieve messages directed to that callsign. Example: ?APRSM DU2XXR-7
- UNSUBSCRIBE or U to check out from the day's net. You will no longer receive CQ messages until you rejoin.
- You may add a checkout text message after the command, which will also be recorded on the log. Example: U checking out for the day. See u tomorrow.
- HELP for a list of other commands.
- The net restarts every 0000Z or midnight UTC time and you need to check in again to rejoin.
Check out the instructions and net logs at https://aprsph.net .
#APRSThursday
https://aprsph.net/aprsthursday/
#APRSThursday is held every Thursday from 0000Z to 2359Z.
To join, send an APRS message to ANSRVR in the following format:
CQ [space] HOTG [space] Your message
Your message will then be sent to all callsigns currently joined to the ANSRVR group called HOTG (which stands for "hams on the gram"). You will also then receive any subsequent messages sent to the group within a 12-hour period.
If you are already checked in but wish to unsubscribe to subequent messages, you can send the following to ANSRVR:
U HOTG
Check out the instructions and net logs at https://aprsph.net/aprsphthursday . There is also a visual representation of checkins at https://aprs.n2rwe.com/views/aprs_thursday.php .
#64
General Radio Discussions / Archie's Ham Radio Adventures
Last post by DU2XXR - Aug 25, 2023, 11:42 AM
#65
Digital Voice / FT3D replacement rubber covers...
Last post by DU2XXR - Jul 14, 2023, 06:59 PMI replaced the rubber covers of the #Yaesu FT3D ports with new parts. Quite pricey for 250 Philippine Pesos (around $4.60) each piece to be honest. But I figured it was better and cheaper than having to replace an entire radio in case of damage from liquid or humidity ingress.
The upper covers expanded over time and could no longer fit the ports. As a workaround, I had to cut off the piece at the middle so the data port cover does not get pushed off from pressure from the rest of the cover. Worked for a while, but unfortunately that cover probably got snagged, popped out, and got lost while I was in the field.
Since it's now rainy season, and since I take the radio mostly anywhere, I decided to replace the part to ensure some level of dust and water ingress. That's definitely better than breaking an 18,000 peso (around $330) radio.
Parts acquired from Warren Uy of EiB Radio.
The upper covers expanded over time and could no longer fit the ports. As a workaround, I had to cut off the piece at the middle so the data port cover does not get pushed off from pressure from the rest of the cover. Worked for a while, but unfortunately that cover probably got snagged, popped out, and got lost while I was in the field.
Since it's now rainy season, and since I take the radio mostly anywhere, I decided to replace the part to ensure some level of dust and water ingress. That's definitely better than breaking an 18,000 peso (around $330) radio.
Parts acquired from Warren Uy of EiB Radio.
#66
The Prepper Channel / Geo portal PH
Last post by DU2XXR - Jun 24, 2023, 08:18 PMLots of geo-spatial data and information here, which includes hazards, zoning, soil types, flood history, etc.
"Geoportal is used to find and access geospatial data and services. The Geoportal Philippines also advocates the use of standard multiscale basemaps that serve as tools for strategic planning, decision making, situational analysis and other common requirements."
Enjoy!
https://www.geoportal.gov.ph/
"Geoportal is used to find and access geospatial data and services. The Geoportal Philippines also advocates the use of standard multiscale basemaps that serve as tools for strategic planning, decision making, situational analysis and other common requirements."
Enjoy!
https://www.geoportal.gov.ph/
#67
The Prepper Channel / Off-grid power options with AA...
Last post by DU2XXR - Jun 14, 2023, 11:56 AMThe Yaesu FT-60 (sometimes marked as Vertex or Standard, depending on market and production origin) is one of my go-to radios when it comes to prepping.
I've owned I think 2 dozen of these in total in my life as a radio amateur--many of which have been sold to fellow radio enthusiasts and friends. Right now, I have two units, and one each stored in the glovebox of my and my household's two vehicles, mostly as backup to the mobile radios installed therein and for emergencies.
Why? The FT-60 (along with similar platform radios) supports a 6-cell AA battery case for backup/emergency power. When you run out of charging options and even solar power is slow to charge, you can simlpy use 6 alkalkine batteries, which gets you full output power of 5 watts.
These are readily available at convenience stores, hardwares, etc. Many have a shelf life of several years which means you can stock up. There are even cheap but good options on e-commerce sites.
I can even use AA NiMH rechargeable batteries like Panasonic Eneloop or Fujitsu, or any reliable brand batteries. I can either use a separate charger for these. A simple "hack" (see last picture) even lets me charge these NiMH batteries with the radio's own plug-in DC adapter. The FT60 battery pack itself is still readily available in the market but having AA options takes care of potential obsolecense. The radio model itself is 19 years old now (launched 2004) but still available in the market brand new!
There are other radios that I have that also have AA battery cases, but for those, the power and life are significantly shorter. The smaller VX6 (submersible) radio only takes 2 AA batteries, which can only output less than half watt of RF power. The digital radios FT1, FT2, FT3, and FT5 have a 3-cell battery case, but that only maxes out at 1 watt of power. They are good for monitoring and listening (since these radios can listen to AM, FM broadcast transmissions, and even audio from TV channels).
Being able to transmit at higher power can make a difference when using a handheld radio with a rubber-duck antenna.
What's good is that Yaesu radios can operate on a wide variance of voltages, from 4 to 16 volts! The full 5 watt output is achievable with at least 7 volts.
There are other radios and brands that also have their own backup AA battery cases, as well, including Icom and even Baofeng radios (3rd-party cases). With any gear, YMMV! And it's best to be able to practice using them outside of an emergency so you know it actually works as planned and intended.
What are your communication options for when the grid goes down or gets congested? Any alternatives or other tips?
#radio #amateurradio #communications
I've owned I think 2 dozen of these in total in my life as a radio amateur--many of which have been sold to fellow radio enthusiasts and friends. Right now, I have two units, and one each stored in the glovebox of my and my household's two vehicles, mostly as backup to the mobile radios installed therein and for emergencies.
Why? The FT-60 (along with similar platform radios) supports a 6-cell AA battery case for backup/emergency power. When you run out of charging options and even solar power is slow to charge, you can simlpy use 6 alkalkine batteries, which gets you full output power of 5 watts.
These are readily available at convenience stores, hardwares, etc. Many have a shelf life of several years which means you can stock up. There are even cheap but good options on e-commerce sites.
I can even use AA NiMH rechargeable batteries like Panasonic Eneloop or Fujitsu, or any reliable brand batteries. I can either use a separate charger for these. A simple "hack" (see last picture) even lets me charge these NiMH batteries with the radio's own plug-in DC adapter. The FT60 battery pack itself is still readily available in the market but having AA options takes care of potential obsolecense. The radio model itself is 19 years old now (launched 2004) but still available in the market brand new!
There are other radios that I have that also have AA battery cases, but for those, the power and life are significantly shorter. The smaller VX6 (submersible) radio only takes 2 AA batteries, which can only output less than half watt of RF power. The digital radios FT1, FT2, FT3, and FT5 have a 3-cell battery case, but that only maxes out at 1 watt of power. They are good for monitoring and listening (since these radios can listen to AM, FM broadcast transmissions, and even audio from TV channels).
Being able to transmit at higher power can make a difference when using a handheld radio with a rubber-duck antenna.
What's good is that Yaesu radios can operate on a wide variance of voltages, from 4 to 16 volts! The full 5 watt output is achievable with at least 7 volts.
There are other radios and brands that also have their own backup AA battery cases, as well, including Icom and even Baofeng radios (3rd-party cases). With any gear, YMMV! And it's best to be able to practice using them outside of an emergency so you know it actually works as planned and intended.
What are your communication options for when the grid goes down or gets congested? Any alternatives or other tips?
#radio #amateurradio #communications
#68
Digital Voice / Yaesu FT70D, FT1D, FT1XD, FT2D...
Last post by DU2XXR - Jun 01, 2023, 04:19 AMI've had the chance to try all of Yaesu's portable digital radios so far, after Nash Casten 4E1FLD/N4SHX lent me his Yaesu FT5D. I do own the FT70D, FT1D, FT1XD (my EDC), FT2D (now used for WIRES-X node), and FT3D.
Some observations: https://n2rac.com/yaesu-ft70d-ft1d-ft1xd-ft2d-ft3d-ft5d-comparison-53487c8a7c2e
Some observations: https://n2rac.com/yaesu-ft70d-ft1d-ft1xd-ft2d-ft3d-ft5d-comparison-53487c8a7c2e
#69
The Prepper Channel / No cellphone? No problem! The ...
Last post by DU2XXR - May 29, 2023, 11:18 PM"Generations after its invention, one of ham radio's biggest draws for hobbyists is its usefulness in an emergency – think wildfires, earthquakes or another pandemic. If disaster strikes and internet or cellular networks fail, radio operators could spring into action and help with emergency response communications, and be able to keep in contact with their own networks."
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/27/ham-radio-emergency-natural-disaster-climate-crisis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/27/ham-radio-emergency-natural-disaster-climate-crisis
#70
General Radio Discussions / I replaced the RTC battery on ...
Last post by DU2XXR - Apr 20, 2023, 08:11 PMI'm happy to report that I was able to achieve what I first wanted to do when I first got this FT1XDR around 2 years ago -- change the button battery that kept the radio's internal clock running even when the battery was dead or disconnected.
It's located on the RF board, right beside the digitizer dial.
Opening the radio is easy enough, which requires just the removal of the antenna, digitizer knob, and two screws at the back.
Accessing the button battery requires removal of the control board, however. It is spot welded. Perhaps Yaesu intended for the battery to last the lifetime of the radio. I have 3 FT1 (1 FT1 and 2 FT2XD) in all, and it's only this particular radio that has a dead clock battery for some reason.
After the housing swap, this FT1XD is like brand new.
The Japan-market FT1D I got the grey housing from is now inside my old FT1XD housing, which is missing the side bumpers. I am keeping it as a backup radio, mostly for analog repeater operations, since the older firmware does not support DG-ID access from the GM button--something I need for selective calling.
It's located on the RF board, right beside the digitizer dial.
Opening the radio is easy enough, which requires just the removal of the antenna, digitizer knob, and two screws at the back.
Accessing the button battery requires removal of the control board, however. It is spot welded. Perhaps Yaesu intended for the battery to last the lifetime of the radio. I have 3 FT1 (1 FT1 and 2 FT2XD) in all, and it's only this particular radio that has a dead clock battery for some reason.
After the housing swap, this FT1XD is like brand new.
The Japan-market FT1D I got the grey housing from is now inside my old FT1XD housing, which is missing the side bumpers. I am keeping it as a backup radio, mostly for analog repeater operations, since the older firmware does not support DG-ID access from the GM button--something I need for selective calling.