Your Questions Answered February 2020 - Ham Radio Q&A

[@chrismayer7762]

What about an instructional video on the nanoVNA and computer software?

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Nice Q&A session. Thanks!

[@claudenormandeau9211]

All Ready looking forward to your next video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@VA7BC]

Very enjoyable video series. Thank you

[@turtlecreek4633]

Thanks Michael!

[@aldewitt9]

Okay, I have a question. I see several ha, shacks on KZbin but no videos on laying one out, where radios go, how to run the cables, spacing, etc. so. 1 how are your radios laid out and why? 2. What factors did you consider for computer support for your shack? Mac or PC? Must have software? Any priority in how your radios are laid out? Do you use scanners or multiple VHF/UHF radios to monitor channels continuously? If you were laying it out all again, new, in a new house, where you had a UHF/VHF antenna in the attic, and two runs of LMR 400 to the trees outside behind the house for wire antennas (with 50 foot tall pine trees for Antenna supports) what antennas (wire only) would you have, and why? For reference I have an IC 7300 and 7100 for HF, two P.C. laptops and a huge Mac for computer support, a DMR and Dstar dual band radio (5100), and several HTs. Any thoughts? Thought you might find this a good subject for a video. AD0DQ.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm working on a shack tour video but I'm also planning a couple of upgrades early this spring. Once I complete the upgrade I'll give a tour of the space

[@fatbikejamie]

Question on radials: can you effectively have radials for different bands connected at the same time, like a fan dipole? IE: an antenna like the WRC silver bullet with radials for more than one band connected at the same time?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I would think you could do that. That's a standard practice with permanently installed vertical antennas that have a buried ground radial network.

[@fatbikejamie]

@@KB9VBRAntennas thanks! Figured it made sense... if it works up top then it *should* work down below. But... you never know with the dark arts of RF. LOL

[@Screamingtut]

I looked on the Wolf River site. they do not tell you what you get in the TIA1000 or do they give you an Idea of a price? Help!!!!!! N6KV

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The Wolf River website isn't the best‚ you need to go to the order page to see what the TIA1000 comes with: www.wolfrivercoils.com/order.html But you receive the: Silver Bullet 1000 80 to 10 meters Mini Tripod Collapsible 102" Whip Three 33' radials

[@MrThemeddleman]

Do you have a video that gives a tour of your shack?

[@tonysdroid]

I've got one for you (and I apologize if you've already discussed) but what do you think about running 100' of 75Ω coax to a 2m j-pole? So far, so good, but I can't exactly hear how I'm getting into the repeater (around 25km away. All I've got so far is that I'm full quieting - mind you, I've also heard that same feedback for people with a lot of noise behind them. :)

[@jamieb9556]

Crossband can over heat the radio if on a repeater with bucket mouths lol

[@1958johndeere620]

Yup, don't make the mistake of running high power either.

[@joeshmoe7899]

Can't Rx weak signals in the city. Tx ok. What to do?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

RF and multi-path interference can raise the noise floor‚ making is difficult to hear weak signals in urban areas. Band-pass filters can help to a certain degree. If you are unable to isolate and remove the interference- then the only option would be to move away from the interference when operating.

[@joeshmoe7899]

@@KB9VBRAntennas ....thanks for response. Luckily, I checked. I am still not being notified of your responses. Other channels work fine.

[@cornpop9691]

How long could a person expect to talk cross band repeat on a car battery and still be able to start the car?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That's a difficult question to answer as it depends on the health or age of your battery‚ operative temperature‚ and if you are cold starting or warm starting the car. I think a good tip rule to follow would be to monitor your battery's voltage and if it drops below 12v you should stop so you can start your car. When I plan to use the mobile radio for an extended time with the engine off‚ I'll use an external battery so I don't deplete my starting battery.

[@tangjinbh4fdj970]

I am curious about why hams do not use p8668i as a device. I want to make a decision between motorola p8668i and yaesu ft3d. Can u give me some advice plz？ Thx a lot.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

There are a few reasons: Motorola gear tends to be more expensive since the company is targeting the commercial and public safety markets. Plus new equipment has to be purchased through a dealer network and it can be more difficult to program as you need the proprietary software and Motorola can be very tight on who they distribute it to. But used Motorola gear tends to find its way into the hands of amateur radio operators as state and municipal agencies will often sell off their old gear to anyone. More specific to your point‚ I believe the p866i sold in the Asian market- I haven't seen that model in the US. It's Mototrbo which is DMR compatible. The Yaesu FT3DR is System Fusion C4FM. Both are digital technologies but incompatible with each other. Your choice would depend on what's more popular in your area: DMR or Fusion.

[@tangjinbh4fdj970]

KB9VBR Antennas Thx a lot for ur answer, really helpful！！I’ve already purchased the p8668i. Cuz in Shanghai, There are 4 DMR repeaters, only 1 C4FM repeater. Also I will become an international student to study in the USA this summer. In both PA and NY, there’re more DMR repeaters than C4FM ones. I want to join into local ham club to develop my radio skills. So that, Is that legal for me to bring the p8668i (which is not certified by FCC) to United States and use it as an amateur radio device? Of course I will get a license before I use it. I’ve already checked the US. Customs and Boarder Protection’s rules, radio is not on the restricted items list. I am just curious about if I’m gonna get into trouble to bring such device to America and use it there.

[@tangjinbh4fdj970]

@@KB9VBRAntennas BTW the same model of P8668i in North America might be XPR7550E

[@tangjinbh4fdj970]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Thx a lot for ur answer, really helpful！！I’ve already purchased the p8668i. Cuz in Shanghai, There are 4 DMR repeaters, only 1 C4FM repeater. Also I will become an international student to study in the USA this summer. In both PA and NY, there’re more DMR repeaters than C4FM ones. I want to join into local ham club to develop my radio skills. So that, Is that legal for me to bring the p8668i (which is not certified by FCC) to United States and use it as an amateur radio device? Of course I will get a license before I use it. I’ve already checked the US. Customs and Boarder Protection’s rules, radio is not on the restricted items list. I am just curious about if I’m gonna get into trouble to bring such device to America and use it there.

[@radiotvgod]

No, it’s FebRuary

[@1fanger888]

Not at the libary.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

My Upper Midwest accent strikes again!