FT-2980R 2m Packet Station

In this video, we’ll attempt to send an email over 2m packet using Winlink. Then, we’ll take a closer look at building a packet station around the Yaesu FT-2980R. If you like what you see, consider adding 2m packet capabilities to your communications bag of tricks.
Checkout KM4ACK’s video on 2m packet: • Pat Winlink 2M Packet ... . This is the video that got me hooked.
If you’re an FT-2908R owner and already have a SignaLink, here are the parts I used:
* Tigertronics SignaLink Plug-and-Play Jumper Modules SL-MODR1Y - www.dxengineering.com/parts/T...
* Tigertronics SignaLink Radio Interface Cables SL-CABRJ1 - www.dxengineering.com/parts/T...
* Cable, Audio, 3.5mm Mono Plug to 3.5mm Mono Plug, 3.9 ft. Length - www.dxengineering.com/parts/B...
#TheTechPrepper #FT2980R #PacketRadio #Yaesu #PacketStation #Winlink #Signalink #HamRadio #Comms #Prepper
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1. www.thetechprepper.com
2. EmComm Tools project - www.buymeacoffee.com/thetechp...
3. Instagram: / thetechprepper @thetechprepper
4. Twitter: / thetechprepper1 @thetechprepper1
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[@JacobSalvia]

Great timing! I was just thinking about how packet radio worked earlier this week. Thanks!

[@TheTechPrepper]

No problem. Packet radio is practical and fun. There will be more packet videos in the coming months. Take care.

[@blankreganon5395]

Great video. I enjoy your field videos as well but this was very informative. The unexpected blackout worked well and it was great that you continued the video.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Well, it looks like you and the viewers enjoyed this type of video. I'll make a point to make more of these videos as there's always I project on my workbench . 73

[@KM4ACK]

Thanks for the shoutout 👍 just wait till you dive down the BBS rabbit hole 😳 Great video.

[@TheTechPrepper]

No problem. You did all the heavy work. Thanks for the inspiration. BTW, the GoPro mangled my audio, it was not the Rode Wireless Go. For some reason, when I film using the indoor mode and then import the video into iMovie, the audio sounds like I'm sucking on a helium balloon. Everything sounds great when the GoPro is in the outdoor mode.

[@neubert500]

This is possibly your best video yet considering the times we live in! I dearly love your in the field videos BUT, my son and I have been very active on winlink and in the area he lives in, 2m winlink is consistent and rapid, where I live, I have exactly 1, 2m station that I can access and that is spotty. 40m is my fall back and it is only 50% and SLOW! I never thought about digipeters! Yep gonna try this to improve my comms abilities! THANK YOU!

[@TheTechPrepper]

I really appreciate this comment. I almost did not release the video due to the poor production quality. For starters, the GoPro mangled the audio and it sounds like I'm inhaling helium, and second, the lighting was terrible. Either way, I am glad you enjoyed the content. Glad I could help out. I was baffled as two why I could never get 2m Winlink to work. The digipeater did the trick. Let me know if it works for you.

[@jeffallen6459]

Don’t ever worry about the production quality. Its the information that matters. Im slowly going thru your old videos as time allows.

[@markdupuis879]

I literally just bought that radio for this exact thing. It got delivered this morning. Thank you for this video, now I knowI need a couple more things to make it work properly! P.s. I actually like this kind of video adjacent to your normal videos. I know I would enjoy seeing more like it. Keep up the great work man 73.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Congratulations on your new 2980R! Feel free to shoot me an email on QRZ if you run into problems.

[@davidvoss1508]

I got into amateur radio to learn this stuff. Not there yet but thanks to this video I am another step closer. I'd encourage you to do more of these detailed situational set up pieces.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for the comment, David. This is good to know. Like I mentioned in some of the other comments, I had a hard to time filming this compared to my backcountry videos where I just talk to the GoPro. Yes, I will work on producing more videos like this and will work to improve the production quality. There are several packet experiments in the pipeline and plenty more ham radio topics, so there's no shortage of video ideas. 73, KT1RUN

[@DudeGuyWho]

I agree.

[@tantoBass]

Great video. I continue to learn different ways to use amateur radio for overall preparedness.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Awesome. Comms and preps. It's like peas and carrots.

[@user-hh4ly2xy6s]

I love this stuff. Very cool. Thanks for doing.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@averageguysradio]

Gaston, I really enjoyed this video. Like you said about the different tools, IMHO the same is true for videos. Don't sell yourself short, this was a very good video. You presented some great information that may save me $$$ on my CERT kit and give me more power if needed by using my ic-2200h . Keep up the great work/content. 73

[@TheTechPrepper]

I appreciate the support. Thanks for the morale booster, Jose. I almost did not release this video, but it seems like the wonderful viewers (present company included) don't mind some of the production flaws I noticed. Like you said, this is not a bad approach for a sub-$400 packet station.

[@thuff3207]

This was one of your better videos for using packet radio. I particularly like using the digipeater in the middle to make the trip. Packet has that capabilities that are useful. That was interesting to show. Ps I like your jeep in the background.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's probably time to revisit packet radio again. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@kn6eze]

Really enjoyed this video. I do very little Winlink and digital modes (mostly CW here) but I try to work them occasionally in the shack and portable to ensure everything works properly, and that I still have the knowledge and skills to make things work. Normally I use a laptop to do anything digital for the convenience and simplicity, but I like the idea of having a dedicated Pi to run all of my main digital communications: Winlink over HF and JS8Call. It looks like I might even be able to run CW too. You've inspired me to begin experimenting!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Well, if you're inspired, then the video was worth the time and effort. I'll need to take inspiration from you as well and start working on CW. That'll be a goal for 2022. I started with HF digital (FT8. Winlink, JS8Call), but lately I've been enjoying packet. 73 de KT1RUN

[@kn6eze]

@@TheTechPrepper Right on man! Whenever I meet someone just getting into HF or especially /P I tell them to start learning CW, even if they think they'll never use it. Reason: you're literally installing software on a machine (your brain) where the progress bar moves at like 1% a day, and then continues to slowly optimize after that, so the sooner you can get that process kicked off, the better. At the end of the day, you'll shed pounds of radio gear for minimal HF operation, while gaining around 13dB over SSB. If you ever need help, let me know.

[@KK7BGA]

Good job on the videos! I watched most of them over the last 2 weeks. I am down here in Tucson and have the same interest you do. I just received my tech license 3 weeks ago and found your videos. Keep it up! KK7BGA

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's always great to meet another local Arizonian. Congrats on your technician license! Also, I appreciate the channel support. I am really behind on my next video. Usually there's one released every weekend, but the one I'm working on is proving to be challenging to produce. It's another offgrid comms packet video.

[@delvecchia]

I actually have that very same radio and I'm still new to this --with a brand new technician license and I just want to know because I'm very excited about all this if what you are sending out can be received by either UV5 or a typical cell phone or both. I have a vision of having everybody in my ministry out in the field in the mountains etc. I'm a prepper priest. Ha

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Gaston, this is awesome. I've often thought I would need to get a signalink to make this happen with my 2980r. It would definitely be cheaper than getting a different radio. With the size and weight, of this setup, I'm curious how you will approach man-portable! Thank you for trouble-shooting everything and sharing it. I'll be coming back to this video for reference when the time comes to configure my shack. Also, doing videos from the shack just shows how much work goes into doing field prep. I think that's totally great. 73 - Eric

[@TheTechPrepper]

I didn't realize you had a 2980R. Cool stuff! For man portable, I am looking into using my Mobilinkd TNC2 with this radio. There's a custom cable available on eBay for the 2980 that should work with the Mobilinkd. I also discovered a Winlink client for Android called WoAD. This is all research at this point, but this looks like the direction for the slimmest man portable configuration. Heck, if I need more digital capabilities beyond what's supported on Android, I can even configure this radio with the Mobilinkd and one of my Pi 3's.

[@robertj4488]

Great video! I have that same radio, and now I have a mission to get it set up. I have not done much with 2m packet because my HT's can't hit any stations from where I live. Have been playing with APRS when out and about, but even that is hit and miss in my area with an HT.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Robert. Best of luck with your FT-2980R packet station. You're fortunate that you're in an active 2m packet area. Either way, it's always fun to tinker with different radios and configurations. Spoiler alert, there will likely be a video this year in which I convert this to a dedicated digipeater for either APRS or Winlink. Take care!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Fantastic video TTP 👍🍻

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Ape!

[@JDK45ACP]

This was a great video. appreciate your virtual "elmering".

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you enjoyed it. I need to re-watch this video. Have a good one!

[@koonce66]

GREAT Video! Thanks for the info...

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. If you like this one, stay tuned for the upcoming build for the FTM-6000. 73

[@YllaStar95970]

A great radio, it can receive triple digit packet data where anything else currently available is someway below a 100 in any given 15min cycle.

[@bradleyjohnson452]

Very nice video. I enjoy your 'let's figure this out together' approach. I am encouraged to setup my station. I think I have most of the pieces. I live on the other side of the desert from you in St George and there is not much happening here as far as Packet, APRS, Winlink or Digipeaters. I guess I'll need to start and get other interested.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Bradley. Glad you like the approach. If you stick around the channel, you'll notice that I rarely state that I am an expert in anything. Instead, I enjoying sharing the new experiences, failures and successes with all of you. It's a good way to learn IMHO. St. George, Utah? That would be great if we can get some renewed interest in packet. Sadly, the Internet and cell phones have had some hand in making packet radio less appealing these days. Good luck with your station!

[@bradleyjohnson452]

@@TheTechPrepper yes, SG, Utah. I would like to setup a digipeater since I have not found any in my area, I have a signal link that I will probably dedicate to HF but I have a RigBlaster PnP that I will likely use for VHF/UHF. When I get it running I’ll have to send you a test message

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@bradleyjohnson452 My inbox is open. I love receiving Winlink emails outside of the boring Winlink Wednesday emails. Good luck with your station.

[@nwokobia]

SOLID! presentation

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. DigiRig just sent me a prototype cable for the 2980, so it will be interesting to see how it stacks up against the SignaLink. It will be simpler and less expensive. Cheers!

[@vestale4]

Great video and explanations! You talked about the speeds in Winlink HF vs Packet in FM. Try to do some tests using VARA HF and also VARA FM. Is true that an Windows Pc/tablet is required, but some people managed to do it also on a PI 4.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you enjoyed it. I've had VARA on my todo list for awhile. I'm not a Windows user, but was planning to try it under Linux with WINE emulation. I didn't realize people were doing it on a Pi as the architecture was not supported the last time I checked. Thanks for another video idea.

[@DonzLockz]

Thanks Gaston. Good info as I wish to do the same or similar. I just bought a Signalink and the cable for my HT is on its way (just for portable) but wish to probably get the same Yaesu for home. I have a few Pi's already so hope to be playing digital for the first time. Woohoo Keep up the good work my friend. :)

[@TheTechPrepper]

Congrats on your SignaLink. I love mine as that is what I started with. These days I am using the DigiRig mobile with great success in a smaller package.

[@DonzLockz]

@@TheTechPrepper yes, I will probably change in time but it's probably easier for me to start with and I got it for a good deal. Can never have enough gear to try out for different purposes. ;)

[@DudeGuyWho]

Your video was helpful. Nothing to apologize for. ;)

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeffwillams2773]

Great video Gaston. I have the same tranciever, signalink, and despite many hrs trying to set it up cannot get it to work. I am trying to use direwolf and xastir. Any suggestions?

[@DrewJack-gx2wv]

Excuse me sir but what battery do you use to power this awesome radio

[@pale_2111]

I got a Yaesu FTM 3200D sitting here at the house not being used. Been thinking about setting up a digi repeater in my area. I've talked to other hams in the area, but most of the land is either State property or owned by some logging companies. Having a digi repeater in the area would be great and would probably get other hams in the area to try out APRS. Might have to bring it up again sometime while to see if anyone has a good spot or site on private property to set it up, possibly get others involved.

[@TheTechPrepper]

That's an excellent idea. I'm going down this route myself. I'm working on making this setup a permanent digipeater. Good luck with your setup. It would be a great way to bring back packet radio and help the community. 73

[@darrinpearce9780]

Great video, thanks for posting. Pity packet, other than APRS, is next to non existent here in VK land. 73's

[@TheTechPrepper]

No problem. Have you considered getting some some local hams interested in resurrecting packet in your area? That's the path I'm talking. As a first step, I'm considering deploying either a digipeater or providing a BBS with some off grid utilities.

[@darrinpearce9780]

@@TheTechPrepper Excellent suggestion, let's build it and see who comes. Have a spare analogue radio, TNC, I'll give it a shot. 73's

[@Tacteyecool]

So if I wanted to buy ft2980r what's the most inexpensive components I would need to talk two way with someone and maybe hit a repeater? Power supply do you recommend a certain one that's reasonable. Also speaker and any other interfacing equipment I'm unaware of? Thank you for your help for a noob

[@YayaOrchid]

Very informative videos. Do you know if MARS MOD for this radio open up GMRS Freq? or just 70cm.

[@joel6221]

Any tips on using the 2980 on a laptop using Direwolf?

[@cthoadmin7458]

You should be able to use the The Yaesu’s microphone PTT line. If you got the Signalink cable from Tigertronics, they should have wired this in. That way you don’t have to rely on VOX. Have a look inside the Signalink, the jumper wires should show if the PTT line is attached. I’m doing exactly the same thing as you right now with the same radio. Trying to make the cable up myself. Thanks for the info.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Good luck with your cable! Thanks for the tip. 73

[@AlGordon]

@@TheTechPrepper what PTT setting do you have in your direwolf.conf file? I'm using the RJ-45 to RJ-11 cable from Tigertronics, and believe that I have my jumpers set properly inside my Signalink USB, but am not able to get the Signalink to engage the PTT.

[@AlGordon]

Please disregard. I figured it out. I needed to adjust soundcard audio levels using alsamixer and disable (comment out) PTT in the direwolf.conf file when using the Signalink USB device to key my FT-2980R. The answer was in the Direwolf manual. I mean, seriously, who reads manuals. ;)

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@AlGordon Glad to hear you figured it out. Well done. Alsamixer is your friend when it comes to adjusting your audio levels. Another great troubleshooting tip is to connect headphones to the back of the SignaLink as it allows you to monitor your audio output.

[@n1rbd]

Do you have the pinout information for the RJ11 jumper? Is it a straight through, rollover, or custom?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I don't. It should be on the SignaLink site.

[@roadie6153]

Great video, thx for showing the setup. Do you think this is more cost effective than going with a Yaesu FTM-300 or 400? Been debating which method I'm going to go with for mobile APRS in the future.

[@TheTechPrepper]

This is a tough one as this would be comparing apples and oranges. If you want to a dedicated 2m packet station, this approach offers a lot of flexibility. This would be less expensive compared to the FTM-300/400. The current station as shown in the video is just under $400 (radio/signalink/pi). If you want to do FM voice, 2m/440 and APRS, then the FTM-300/400 might be a better option. It all depends on what you want to do. Every radio is a trade off.

[@Dennis-tf2cs]

ZERO packet radio in my area for the last Decade or so, was sad to see it go. I do WinlinkHF, that's the best option in my area.

[@africantwin173]

Is there any good terminal software for windows. I still got the old tnc-x .

[@TheTechPrepper]

Not sure what people are using these days in terms of terminal emulation programs. Sadly, I haven't used Windows in over a decade. Anyone willing to help?

[@JohnTarbox]

What power do you generally use on the FT-2980R? Do you find that you need 80 watts?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I typically run 5 watts when I go through the digipeater. When I tried to hit the RMS stations directly that were just south of me I had no luck at 5, 30, 50, or 80 watts. There's are a couple of mountains between me and those stations, so more power did not help. I tested voice on simplex and did receive better signal reports when going from 5 to 30 watts (a little more than 1 s-unit), then again to 50 and 80 watts.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Where did you buy the rails for the radio please?

[@TheTechPrepper]

ARMOLOQ. I have more details in my manpack videos.

[@mattborja]

Thanks for the rundown. I'm looking to purchase a used FT-2980 as I'm getting back into amateur radio after being away for years and was astounded to learn about Winlink when I came across it reviewing the material from scratch. Is there any way to achieve the functionality of the SignaLink USB somehow (i.e. with software or with another sound interface device like a Zoom H6) or do you have to just outright buy this interface? Didn't realize until further in that this was going to be another startup cost (which I'm not currently prepared for). Thanks.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Welcome back to the hobby. I am not familiar with the Zoom H6. The SignaLink is a bit dated, but it is the gold standard for interfacing a radio for digital data modes. Lately, I have standardized on a newer sound card interfaces called the DigiRig Mobile for my other HT's (FT-60 and VX-6R) and mobile stations (FT-857D, FT-818DN, FTM-100DR, FTM-6000M and FT-8900). However, I have not heard of anyone interfacing it yet with the FT-2980R. The FT-2980 is the most complicated radio that I own to interface as you need a special cable that interface with the hand mic port and audio interface on the back. You all need to make sure that whatever interface you use is able to trigger the PTT as the 2980 does not support VOX. If you want me opinion, track down the parts I used for my build (SignaLink + module and cables) on the used market. Good luck!

[@mattborja]

@@TheTechPrepper Thanks. Is there any information on this protocol out there which these interfaces implement for achieving this sort of modulation between the computer and the radio that you’ve come across? I’d be interested in attempting a driver with Arduino, for example (thus, RPi -> Arduino sound interface -> FT-2980). I’ve done a handful of projects to date converting digital bytes read in from a computer (over its existing USB interface) out to various forms of analog over some protocol (i.e. I2C, PWM, or self-implemented Morse code with inter-character delays, etc.) I presume the basic Arduino UNO should be able to cover the pins needed for either RJ-11 and/or audio. But I’d need info on the actual protocol itself to implement in Arduino C. Thanks!

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@mattborja It's just using AX.25 and 1200bps packet. Just do a google search. good luck!

[@davidsapadin]

i have a Winlink conneced ro an Icom 746 Pro on one end and an old laptop on the other. I use sounsmodem.exe and evidently the laptop provides in and out TX/RX via USB at the expense of using the laptop's on-board sound which is fine with me. I just got a YAESU FTM-6000 and it has a data port as does my Icom 746 Pro. And this is about where I lose the flick! Can I get a cable that will go into the Yaesu FTM6000 or do I have to make one? And once I solve that problem the SignaLink still connects to my laptop via USB. So what is your Raspberry Pie doing? With the setup I have now I'm sending email via packet or and one of several other digital formats I don't know anything about yet. But if I connect to my FTM-6000 instead of my ICOM 746 Pro, is the Signalink still going to work? Haven't found anything on this yet. I know the Signalink is basically an external sound card, so the computer is basically supplying something to run the WinLink Express software and the soundmodem.exe Not sure what else is going on, or what I need to get going on the FTM-6000 and get the digital separated from the Icon 746 Pro. I know that as time passes I'll be trying all sorts of digital miodes...so might as well get started! Thanls for the video although some of it is over my head,, my plan is to actually understand all this someday. 73 Dave N9DMS@ARRLNet

[@raywilsonsr1239]

Where did you get the side rails for your FT-2980R?

[@TheTechPrepper]

ARMOLOQ

[@chunkylover54]

i need a digirig cable for it haha. how is everytime I look for a radio for a project you already made a video for it... great minds

[@TheTechPrepper]

I guess we're both on a mission to solve the same problems. I finished testing the FT-2980R cable prototype cable for DigiRig. It's coming out soon. It works great. Here's my Instagram post: instagram.com/p/CiX2C_prcTg/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

Great video! I use the 2980r for winlink, with the signalink and a windows laptop. I also use an external speaker so I can hear what's going on. The 2980 was the first radio I bought after getting licensed. Do you have a link for those rails for it?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Rob. I like your idea of using an external speaker. I've used the "moni" jack on the SignaLink with a pair of headphones to troubleshoot my audio in the past. Here's the ARMOLOQ link: www.armoloq.com Seth, the owner, is a friend. Tell him I sent you. 73

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

@@TheTechPrepper awesome! Thank you for the link. I'm glad to see the 2980r is finally getting some love from the ham community.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@Blue-Collar-Radio I can promise at least one or two more videos on the FT-2980R as I delve deeper into my packet station. My EmComm Tools project will also be supporting this radio as part of the beta.

[@gskuhlman]

Does that radio support VARA FM wide speeds?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I believe so, but have not tested.

[@Aimsport-video]

Can you use this for Vara FM?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yes, VARA FM works with setup.

[@hackerhomestead]

Nice Cable management, nice video for some reason I thought the singallink did't work correctly in linux 🤔perhaps its gained support?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I'm pretty sure it has always worked as it just presents itself to Linux as a sound card. I've only been using it for the last 5 years, so it's possible that the sound card may not have been supported.

[@DominicMazoch]

This wiring setup should work with the 65w 2m Y rig.

[@Sparkfly88]

We seem to have similar goals, so if I may ask a question. I already own a 2980 and wish to get into all these various digital modes. Should I retrofit my 2980 for the job or should I go with the newer FTM 6000r and start from scratch? I see you own both and use both. Thanks for your time man!

[@TheTechPrepper]

So, here's my complaint about the FT-2980R. You can't easily switch between voice and digital without disconnecting the mic jack and speaker cable. For this reason, the FT-2980R is my permanent digital station at the shack. If you go this route, I recommend the SignaLink USB. Honestly, it's nice having a dedicated station for digital. This is the only permanent radio in my non-existent shack. The FTM-6000 can do both voice and digital without disconnecting cables. As of today, I have finally landed on the DigiRig Mobile with the Yaesu 8xx as my preferred integration for the 6000. I have two 6000's that I run this way (Also, as of today, I have FT-8900 configured the same way). I am one or two videos away from answering your question in my digital video series (part IV or V). I will talk about every digital component I have tried and talk about their pros/cons and use cases based on my experience. I'm pretty sure I've spend ~1500.00 USD on figuring all this out. I hope this helps. 73, de KT1RUN

[@Sparkfly88]

@@TheTechPrepper oh! That's a thing I never took into consideration, the cables! Great looking out! I knew to get the 2980 to start because it's basically considered bomb proof, but it's time to play with digital, there's just so many different routes to go I haven't been sure where to begin. Signalink usb as a desk fixture makes sense, and then I've seen your videos on the mobilinkd and digilink which from what I see the main difference is one is Bluetooth with built in battery and one is cabled running off the supplied voltage from a pc, aside from that they perform the same task pretty much. Am I correct in that thinking? Maybe your video will cover that as well possibly? I've been searching for concrete comparisons between mobilinkd and the digi and can't really find one. 🤣 ( maybe another video idea for you to compare and test ) unless it's buried in one of your videos already and I haven't stumbled upon it. Thanks for the rapid reply! Was amazed to see that!

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@Sparkfly88 I have been using the DigiLink since November of 2021 and have concluded it's not for me. Here's today's post if you have an Instagram account: instagram.com/p/Cdq_i3sPdWV/ I will cover in my upcoming video why I no longer use the DigiLink and why I have decided to standardized on the DigiRig Mobile for most of my radios. Well, there is still one use case for the DigiLink, but I'll discuss that later. I will still continue to use the Mobilinkd TNC for certain applications (mostly HT use as part of my EDC) and why I believe there is still a place for the SignaLink for some applications like the shack. In general, The Tech Prepper approves of the DigiRig Mobile based on lots of field testing across many radios.

[@Sparkfly88]

@@TheTechPrepper Well, although I used the incorrect name ( digilink / digirig I've been looking at far too many things at once. ) you answered my main concern, is that I should go with the RIG. +1 follower on the evil Insta

[@robertkeller9828]

@@TheTechPrepper For those of us who do not have $1500 to spend you just made the case for me to stay away from what essentially, is the same 1200 baud packet we had in the early 1990's using a HTM-212 as a packet bbs. Didn't take long for me and a friend to realize BACK THEN, this was a hard way to get subpar dial-up speed. Not knocking you personally, BUT AGAIN, such a complex Rube Goldberg way to make "toast". I work with satellite hardware daily. I don't mind setting it up, BUT I don't want to know how a 747 flies, I just want to fly it

[@CharlesMartellus]

Awesome video. Do you have a link for those rails?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Sure do. Here you go: www.armoloq.com. Here is my playlist on all my reviews on the TPA pack frames: kzbin.info/aero/PLZpc6PnzmzmEO_27iGSC6J0VGU5VM6_kn

[@CharlesMartellus]

@@TheTechPrepper thank you!

[@Windmill97]

@@TheTechPrepper I was going to ask the same thing. Man, the rails are almost as much as the radio.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@Windmill97 They're made by hand in America. The pack frames are not necessary in the shack, but I get tremendous value using the FT-818 and FT-857 in the backcountry. I have an ARMOLOQ TPA Pack Frame playlist where I show these in the field.

[@WadeAbout]

Actually you will that GPS in a grid down situation. For time. If you pi loses power between the mains down and it being aux powered it will be all out sync time wise.

[@TheTechPrepper]

That's a good point. It would also be handy to keep the time accurate if I ever wanted to do FT8 or JS8Call on 2m. I do a lot of field operations and all the Pi's have this standard GPS setup.

[@user-ih2sd4rs4d]

Скажите пожалуйста где можно приобрести вот такой кранштейн В комплекте как на вашей радиостанции заранее благодарен.

[@kentuckyproud4575]

Does the 2980r do SSB/CW?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Sadly, no. That would be amazing. We have a very active SSB community on 2m here.

[@kentuckyproud4575]

@@TheTechPrepper So you would have to go with the 818nd as far as a current production model then? What about a FT-8900? Couple on ebay right now..

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@kentuckyproud4575 This is a great question and I am completely biased. For packet work, I would absolutely go with the FT-8900. I have one and it works exceptionally well with the DigiRig mobile for digital modes. I have done multiple field videos with this rig. You can actually run voice and digital at the same time, but you can only transmit on one band a time. If you want an "do everything" radio, then go with the FT-818. Here's another one of my personal biases. If I could only have one radio (HT's included), it would be the FT-818ND. If I could only have two radios, it would be the 818 and 8900. Between the two you pretty much have communication abilities for your community, city, county, state, region country and the world. The FT-8900 also does crossband repeat and it is dead simple to use. The dual VFO is excellent and the Hyper Memory is beautiful for quick access to your favorite dual VFO settings. Get the FT-8900 now!

[@kentuckyproud4575]

@@TheTechPrepper Very well put! Now... how about comparing these to the IC-705. Aside from its shape, i like the extra power output, the batteries available, the usb connection and functions, and ofcourse it weight.. but its not very manpackable and i dont care for the icom pack. What about you? Seen any manpack configs with the 705?

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@kentuckyproud4575 I actually answered this question here. I personally believe that the IC-705 is not a rugged field video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn6xgGppbdp_fpo

[@KN4VA]

I know this is a couple of years old, but where did you get the Stand/Rails for the radio?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Search for ARMOLOQ. Good luck!

[@Sparkletron]

You can probably eliminate the Signalink and USB cable by just using an audio HAT like the FE-PI Audio Z V2.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Does that HAT a VOX circuit? I usually use a USB sound card for my other radios, but this particular radio requires a VOX circuit for the PTT.

[@Sparkletron]

@@TheTechPrepper You don't need a VOX circuit. You simply need a way to control the PTT on the Yaesu. Dire Wolf gives you the option of using a GPIO pin for PTT. That pin can then be used to connect/disconnect the two wires that will activate/deactivate transmission.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@Sparkletron Thank you so much for the clarification. That makes complete sense. 73, KT1RUN

[@lgcacher9205]

Them same cables will work for ft2800m , ft2900r, ft2980r

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for sharing these details. It's good to know that these same components work with these other models.

[@bthemedia]

4:20 Finding a local digipeter at 15:30 using dire wolf to listen for digipeter beacon messages.

[@TheTechPrepper]

You can also do the same with the "axlisten" command. I'm finding all kinds of stations out here.

[@daveruff47]

I want to use Winlink without touching the internet. Just straight radio.

[@TheTechPrepper]

P2P mode works great. No need for a third-party RMS station or the Internet. I need to do an update video showing that technique.

[@ellerybice3787]

A weird video eh, do you think that I tuned in for normal?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Good point. I appreciate the view. Take care.

[@robertkeller9828]

None of these videos truly address the true beginner. All this jargon, all the rig-a-marole amount to a Rube Goldberg way of doing dial-up speeds. It's just easier to CQ and simply talk.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I agree. The problem is not the user, it's the equipment. Voice will always prevail given its simplicity. If we want to make digital frictionless to use, the communications platforms need to be re-invented and designed with end-user simplicity in mind. I am working on this problem. 73

[@robertkeller9828]

@@TheTechPrepper Thanks. Any follow up on simplifying all this?

[@terryanthony5081]

To much talk

[@TheTechPrepper]

That's how I roll. Thanks for trying to give the video a chance anyhow.

[@WI9LL]

Quit introducing yourself as "The Tech Prepper"... You are Gaston... You don't have to refer to yourself as your channel name. Make it more personable. Great video!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Good point. It's something I've said since the beginning. We'll see if I can break the habit. :-)

[@DudeGuyWho]

Seems like a good branding strategy in action. It's important to have a memorable 'handle' on KZbin too.

[@malanalan1]

Dude, stop talking, just put it on paper. Talk is cheap.

[@TheTechPrepper]

What are you referring to? It's been awhile since this video was released and I don't recall the details.

[@malanalan1]

@@TheTechPrepper Thanks. Never mind.

[@kylew4678]

I want to give internet access via packet. Pop email Etc. nobody does that.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Good luck!