Joe Hogan
RVF Supporter
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2019
- Messages
- 2,787
- Location
- Florida
- RV Year
- 2024
- RV Make
- Newmar
- RV Model
- Dutch Star 4311
- RV Length
- 43
- Chassis
- Spartan
- Engine
- Cummins
- TOW/TOAD
- 2018 Ford Flex
- Fulltimer
- No
I have been satisfied with a minimum of Ham equipment to date, basically a very capable 2m/70cm handheld, (D74a)........however....2m/70cm has its limitations without a nearby repeater. Also, I've been exploring Winlink for Ham to email/text. If this recent unrest turns into the Zombie Apocalypse 
it will be nice to have email/text if our communication grid goes down.
So I think I'll graduate to HF, Icom 7100 with Icom's remote software. The SDR software not only allows remote operation of the 7100 from a PC, laptop and over the Internet if available but also provides full control, a very modern color display on a computer screen as well as a waterfall display. The software allows visual frequency sweeps to see activity, saving time.
Why Icom? My preference, I like DStar and Icom build quality. Rugged and reliable. Also, Icom's work well with WinLink. My friend is a developer for Winlink and maintains a Winlink station. (My Elmer)
That said a whole new layer of equipment (typical) is "needed". Since the Icom 7100 is so capable I'll be constructing antennas for many different frequencies in the field . Probably 6m, 10m and 20m for the day, 40m for night, when conditions are right. This allows the flexibility needed for communication anytime it is needed. No shortage of clean 12v power in the RV.
palomar-engineers.com
www.dxengineering.com
www.dxengineering.com
I've been putting off getting an antenna analyzer (a$20 SWR meter works fine at 3-5w) but now I am considering a RigExpert either a AA600 or AA230 Zoom. Thoughts?
The difference between the two in my eyes is working with 70cm. I can build a simple 2m/70cm mobile antenna with a backer and a couple of stainless wires, pack it in the RV, and get away with a $20 SWR meter to verify the antenna when I need that frequency. Then the AA600 is not necessary or what am I missing?
Use the Rig Expert 230 zoom for the HF work, 2m and save $200. Is this false economy??
Many people like the FMJ 289. It is analog, lacks computer interface, basic display is a power hog, and generally old tech in my eyes. Some prefer the old school look and feel. Not my preference.
Other stuff: For my purposes I'll get a cheap tripod, possibly a ground pole mount, various stakes, spool of wire and paracord, and telescoping fiberglass rod to get some distance off the ground. All ready for mobile operations.?
Thoughts?
Made in the Ukraine.
rigexpert.com
And an automatic tuner for those times that perfect is not available
Your thoughts are appreciated
it will be nice to have email/text if our communication grid goes down.So I think I'll graduate to HF, Icom 7100 with Icom's remote software. The SDR software not only allows remote operation of the 7100 from a PC, laptop and over the Internet if available but also provides full control, a very modern color display on a computer screen as well as a waterfall display. The software allows visual frequency sweeps to see activity, saving time.
Why Icom? My preference, I like DStar and Icom build quality. Rugged and reliable. Also, Icom's work well with WinLink. My friend is a developer for Winlink and maintains a Winlink station. (My Elmer)
That said a whole new layer of equipment (typical) is "needed". Since the Icom 7100 is so capable I'll be constructing antennas for many different frequencies in the field . Probably 6m, 10m and 20m for the day, 40m for night, when conditions are right. This allows the flexibility needed for communication anytime it is needed. No shortage of clean 12v power in the RV.
Dipole/OCF/ZS6 Antenna Wire Kits (160-6 meters) - SUPER CHOKER™ - Palomar Engineers®
Dipole Antenna Wire Kit for dipoles from 160 meters to 6 meter. Includes 2 end insulators, #14 Insulated stranded copper wire and spade lugs and heat shrink for lugs for attachment to an optional balun (use 1:1 balun for most dipole arrangements). The OCF Antenna Wire kits are for 80 meters (90...
palomar-engineers.com
Sotabeams SPRINGERMIDI SOTAbeams Bandspringer Midi HF Portable Antennas | DX Engineering
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I've been putting off getting an antenna analyzer (a$20 SWR meter works fine at 3-5w) but now I am considering a RigExpert either a AA600 or AA230 Zoom. Thoughts?
The difference between the two in my eyes is working with 70cm. I can build a simple 2m/70cm mobile antenna with a backer and a couple of stainless wires, pack it in the RV, and get away with a $20 SWR meter to verify the antenna when I need that frequency. Then the AA600 is not necessary or what am I missing?
Use the Rig Expert 230 zoom for the HF work, 2m and save $200. Is this false economy??
Many people like the FMJ 289. It is analog, lacks computer interface, basic display is a power hog, and generally old tech in my eyes. Some prefer the old school look and feel. Not my preference.
Other stuff: For my purposes I'll get a cheap tripod, possibly a ground pole mount, various stakes, spool of wire and paracord, and telescoping fiberglass rod to get some distance off the ground. All ready for mobile operations.?
Thoughts?
Made in the Ukraine.
AA-600
RigExpert AA-600 RigExpert AA-600, AA-1000 and AA-1400 are powerful antenna analyzers designed for testing, checking, tuning or repairing antennas and antenna feedlines. Graphical SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) and impedance, as well as Smith/polar chart displays are key features of these analyzers w
rigexpert.com
And an automatic tuner for those times that perfect is not available
Your thoughts are appreciated
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