How to SPOT Using the Yaesu FT2DR on APRS2SOTA 2019

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

What other uses do you use APRS for? What other videos on the FT2DR or other topics would you like to see?

[@KJ7RPL]

Brent James KJ7RPL in Happy Valley, Oregon (just outside Portland). Long time backpacker and just got my general ticket to use while backpacking. Picked up a Yaesu FT3DR and am excited to start with SOTA at the first of the year, so am using this time to get the radio ready and up to speed with APRS and SOTA. Your videos were fantastic in helping me understand both the radio and how SOTA works...Thank you so much! I'll be using this all around the Pacific NW mountains soon. 73s! Brent

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Perfect! I was just about to look this up! Jerry's got me covered.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Now that the first one is done, I can build on others for APRS and the FT2DR. Many of the processes are the same with slight variations between radios. I got you covered Josh! 😎 Thanks for watching!

[@kuzinkurt]

Great video, Jerry! Just got a refurbished Yaesu FT-2DR to start my System Fusion/APRS journey. 73, W9KEC - Kokomo, Indiana.

[@thecarys563]

Kim KC6ARY here - going to lighten up my black/red version of KG6HQD doublet tonight, then if time, get my used FT2DR set up to send. Already registered with APRS2SOTA. Spot is up from me and KM6TNT for CT-218 dawn raid tomorrow. Thanks for the video!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Awesome Kim and it was really cool meeting you 👍🏻

[@TheDelizar]

Thank you Jerry, I used your first APRS video along with the manual to get my FT2DR going on APRS2SOTA about 4-5 months back, it was a big help. For me I couldn't get APRS2SOTA to work using a space as my separator, so I used comma's instead and got it going. Could have been me with a double space hiding in there. Great video for a darned nice radio. Mark W6XYZ

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Glad you found that first version useful and it's probably easier to see the space if using a character like the comma instead of having to hit extra keys so good idea on that Mark. Hope to work you on a summit one day soon.

[@doncoker]

Great intro to SOTA (which I have no experience with) and using APRS with it. Already have a FT2DR and some good experience with APRS but the video also gives me allot more to think about. Keep up the good work!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Great to hear Don! I will be having a series on this radio and specifically the areas of APRS, YSF and WiresX all coming soon so I hope you are a subscriber to my channel and have the notifications set to be alerted to when these are pushed out to the channel.

[@doncoker]

@@KG6HQDJerrySOTA Subscribed and get the alerts 73 KM6TRZ

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

@@doncoker excellent! Thanks Don!

[@jsieb]

I love the FT2DR for APRS, it's super easy to use once you get the hang of it. Great video!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Jason and you’re right, once you understand how it works then it all kind of falls into place

[@scottlindquist8628]

Great video Jerry! Important tool for activating a SOTA summit.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Scott and soooooo true on being such a valuable tool. I really think many people discount the value of APRS until you think of ways to make it work for you. APRS2SOTA is one such example and for me allowing my wife to communicate with me while she's out flying all over the place from her cell phone.

[@ianparsons4710]

(K5ZM, Portland). Tnx for doing this one as the one you did whilst on an activation was quite hard to see at times due to the changing light condx.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey Ian, you’re right it was and I tried to keep that in mind when filming this one. I have a better idea for subsequent videos so if you have a topic you’d like to see covered let me know. Appreciate the feedback & hope to hear you on summit or radio one day soon.

[@axiomNES]

Jerry, Nice vid. I have the FT1D and it is virtually identical to the FT2D (as far as the menu is concerned). 2D just has a nicer screen, but menus are the same. FT1D falls in between the VX 8R and the FT2D. FT1D seems to be identical to the vx8r, but just with digital. KC1HDF Maine

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

The VX8 is very similar in the menus so I'm sure the FT1 is as well since all are of superior brand = Yaesu lol. In all reality though, I am VERY fond of the ruggedness of the brand and how durable they are for SOTA or other outdoor work.

[@Pro4xexpeditions]

Cool stuff bro! I was just talking to bob over at HRO about that ft2 this afternoon. I am currently waiting for my 400 XDR that will be in soon, but was looking for a hand held for when we hike up in the sierras. Cool videos keep it up Jerry! Thanks broski I just got my call sign this afternoon KM6ZMI Brand spanking new ham here lol!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Dude that is so awesome and congrats on your call sign! Let me know if I can help you in any way. My 400X is on back order so hopefully soon. Check out my Twitter page and connect there and let’s get you on the #USJerryNet on YSF that links to DStar and DMR! We started our own thing and have a bunch to super cool people hanging out there and on Slack etc. it’s a one stop shop for fun times and lots of technical stuff too. Anyway, thanks for the comment and hope we connect on Twitter etc.

[@Pro4xexpeditions]

KG6HQD Jerry will do! If you purchased your 400 from HRO here locally in Anaheim it should be here the 14th!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Ah, well I ordered it from Gigaparts about a month ago but was told it will be arriving this month too so hopefully we will both have a new you to play with here soon.

[@KentWilliams]

Jerry thank you! This’s is great stuff now just need to wait for the FT2DR. KJ6EBJ Kent taking general next weekend

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Awesome Kent and you’ll love that radio I’m sure. I wish speaker were louder because I’m a bit deaf but when out on trail it’s plenty loud. Enjoy & good luck on your upgrade to General!

[@XPCTECH]

fantastic, straight to the point, and full of info.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Can go in so many directions with APRS 👍🏻

[@andrewfiertek5937]

Love your videos I’m learning a lot and currently working on my General. 73 from N1YLO in central CT

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

That's so awesome Andrew and thank you for the feedback. I look forward to hearing you out there on a summit one day soon man. Keep at it!

[@kj4gmu]

Great video. I have a FT2D on backorder. Can’t wait to receive it and try out APRS with it. 73 de KJ4GMU Tennessee

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Awesome Jay! I’m still waiting on my FTM-400x 😬 so I feel your pain on waiting for the back order issues

[@axiomNES]

Use your gopro as a second camera that is just for recording the screen of the radio then overlay in post.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

funny.... I started this video with the GoPro trying to use it in conjunction my HD webcam but it was just so much easier this way for a single clip, BUT I will be doing that for the subsequent videos on this radio to ensure the screen is visible without all the headaches I had. Just incorporating the new GoPro in the studio equation and didn't have it dialed in like I wanted. Next video though! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Now that I think of it, I tried the process backwards...lame... should have used the webcam for my head shot and the GoPro on my chest mount for the radio clips....THANKS! Like an epiphany lol

[@ligafebi]

Hello I wanted to ask a question, does Yaesu FT3D/2D broadcast on airband? I am interested to be used RPAS, thanks.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

No, it won't broadcast out of the ham band unless the radio is "modified" which is a whole other topic

[@tjs2909]

I just picked a ft2dr and haven’t really been out with it yet. When you’re doing an activation, what beacon interval do you usually set it at? Does it last all day? Just playing with it around the house, the battery doesn’t seem like it’d last. Do you carry extras?

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey TJ I beacon while hiking between 3-5 minutes depending on overhead cover in the forest canopy. 5 minutes seems to be the sweet spot if you ask me and then usually once on the summit I shut off the beacon while there if I remember. There are many other setting you can adjust to help with battery life too such as the screen brightness and whether or not you listen to any repeaters while hiking. The battery for my VX-8DR (smaller) lasted all day for many days running it this way and that battery is now my back up battery. Also, if you’re going to use the radio for a VHF only activation then all that TXing will tax the battery so if that’s the case I’d for sure carry a spare or get a battery pack that can hold AA batteries for cheaper on front end but more expensive in long term if you ask me. If you are out quite often or multiple days a second battery would be wise IMO.

[@froby_flingit]

When I press M-TX on FT3DR it just beeps and won't send.

[@Whiskey6Radio]

So I have a question about your radio. If your sending out your position on the bottom frequency via APRS. That leaves the top frequency open to communicate on. Does that radio have a duel watch feature? I like to monitor 2 frequencies while I’m backpacking. Usually a repeater and 52 on the side?

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Yup! It absolutely does.

[@tjs2909]

What bnc antenna do you have on your VX 8? It’s a silly question, but I’d like an all black fitting just for a sleek look

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

I have either the Diamond RH77 which is the BNC version off the top of my head or the Comet SMA24 for the FT2DR. Links in description below to SMA version and from there you can select the BNC one

[@W7LDT]

Great explanation. Thanks. W7LDT in AZ. Ill try to chase you some time.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Larry and I look forward to that chase soon!

[@austincarroll8294]

Austin KQ4DKY from Georgia. Great video.

[@jonathanno5264]

Hey Jerry, great video! Your stuff is great motivation to combine the great outdoors and functional radio practices. I also have a VX8DR and am considering the FT2D due to the FUSION capability. Any thoughts on one versus the other? I saw in another comment you mention the VX8DR might have better battery life (lower power usage). Also if I remember correctly the 8 is waterproof IPX7 versus IPX5 on the 2DR. However, the fusion + touch screen + GPS of the 2DR seem really nice.... decisions....

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey Jonathan I have both now, the VX8 and FT2DR and since I’ve been using the FT2D pretty much exclusively on my recent hikes I have found the battery life is fine. Like everything, the settings matter imo. The FT2 is also waterproof rates enough for my use so all is good and having the digital side is just another perk. If I had to choose between the two I’d take the FT2 every time due to its screen and ease of messaging via APRS, which is a big deal to me. Hope that helps 😎

[@jonathanno5264]

@@KG6HQDJerrySOTA Thanks for the reply. Yea that all makes sense, and since the FT2D is on spring sale right now it makes it even more tempting... I also ended up checking their user manuals and even though the FT2D has that touch screen, it's send/receive power consumption is lower than the VX8DR! 73!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

It’s a great radio & so far pretty efficient on my end.

[@avionicsmxxe1mce604]

Great video, 73 from XE1MCE.

[@sanebedlam]

N4ex I know that guy 😂 hes chased me a few times. Thanks a lot for the video I'm about to order one of these radios for this exact purpose. K9WBZ here I'll keep my eyes open and see about some s2s with you assuming you are running hf ssb.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Very cool Zach! I think you'll love it and find it super useful.

[@gilbertflores6715]

Just found your channel and already learning so much! Thanks! KE0WLA - Gilbert in Denver

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

That’s awesome Gilbert. You are surrounded by a giant SOTA playground there in Denver too.

[@jborges82]

Great video, great quality, great info. I'm down in Florida. getting ready for tech and hopefully general in a month or so just started last week. I watched a video stating that you are going to retire here. How do you plan to sota here. Also can you try using beginner gear to show you can sota on a budget/beginner HT. I also watch hoshnasi he mentioned aprs on a baofeng but haven't finished all the video yet. Thanks for the video keep them coming.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey Juan I’ve got a few years left here in CA before I retire in FL and when I do I’ll have to travel to play SOTA 😎 but that’s ok with me. And I have a video titled VHF only which shows just an HT and some antenna options that are very entry level to give you an idea on what you can do with VHF only or “Tech” SOTA activations. Check it out

[@jborges82]

@@KG6HQDJerrySOTA thanks. I saw the video working my way through all the videos. Great job keep them coming.

[@THEBossSound]

Nice Video. Kent K9EZ, NC

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thank you sir

[@campingconcepts5880]

Another awesome video! Being able to text my wife when I’m out would be kool! Looking forward to that one. Thanks Jerry! K4VDB

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks man & that’s my next video I have planned. She a ham by any chance?

[@campingconcepts5880]

KG6HQD Jerry Negative. I am still working on that, but she has taken to it yet. Always has her phone though 📱! Haha

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Ya, mine too hence the app 🤣

[@michaelbradley8508]

Very informative - thank you. Michael VA6XMB

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Mike! Any suggestions on subsequent videos on this topic or others?

[@DARTHDANSAN]

KI5YTY Texas

[@KentWilliams]

Jerry thank you! This’s is great stuff now just need to wait for the FT2DR. KJ6EBJ Kent taking general next weekend.

[@ligafebi]

Hello I wanted to ask a question, does Yaesu FT3D/2D broadcast on airband? I am interested to be used RPAS, thanks.