autocracy (Regular)

Sat Jan 24, 2009 6:40 pm

Re: Amateur Radio License

Kenwood TH-D7 with a Motocomm MC-553 headset. I have used APRS with the Kenwood (of course!), but it was really lacking. My trip from Maine to DC only registered a few hits, and I had a hard time finding a good location for the radio to get decent repeater coverage. The best option I can think of is a tail bag, but I didn't have that available. That would also remove control of the radio. I settled on trying to use it velcroed to my arm, but that wasn't much a success either.

As for the headset, it is an explosion of cables. It is functional, and doesn't appear to pick up wind noise. The speakers do just fine. The push to talk button is somewhat awkward on the handlebars.

To be of much use with repeaters or APRS, I think one needs to use a detached (from the radio) antenna that's mounted onto the bike. That'll be a project for this summer. For bike-to-bike comms, pick some frequency and live it up. I'm sure it'll cover decently cover for a long distance. For those who aren't hams and are still reading, it's normal to do car-to-car communications at five miles.

Post a Response | Reply with quote | Return To Forum

• Re: Amateur Radio License — nhilsm, Sat Jan 24, 2009 5:49 pm

  • Re: Amateur Radio License — autocracy, Sat Jan 24, 2009 6:40 pm