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Because the Yaesu FTM-200 is a single receiver transceiver, when operating in it's pseudo dual receive mode, it cuts away from the main frequency to check for activity on the second frequency.
It's the only way you can operate APRS and monitor a repeater. However, it's also annoying.
The easy work around is to disable dual receive with a function key on the mic when someone calls you on the main voice frequency.
This stops the annoying interruptions and APRS reporting. When the conversation is over pressing the key returns to the dual receive mode and APRS function resumes.

Using the FTM-200's menu item #27 you want to select the "DW" option for key 2, 3 or 4. Save it.
That's it!? ?Now when you press the function key you selected, it will toggle dual receive mode.

73
Mike

Thanks again, Ben.
Despite my best efforts to thin the radio herd here, it was quid pro pro.??
Somehow, an FT-60 followed me home...
73
Mike N0QBH

I'll take this radio off your hands if it's still available.?

A possible solution - 3 element tape measure Yagi for 440 MHz.
I might add that the only thing critical is the dimensions.
There's no matching network, so TX is probably out unless you add one. (hair pin like the VHF version comes to mind. Needs re engineering)

73
Mike N0QBH

I've been hearing the ISS transmitting SSTV on my dual band omni, but too weak to reliably decode.

I bet a small 440 beam would do the trick by manually tracking them as they pass over - especially after dark when you can see them.

If some copies the picture(s) post them here please.
73
Mike N0QBH

Wow!? I knew there was line loss, but had no idea it was that much.? Thanks Mike.

Mike, that is very interesting and useful information. ?Thanks for taking the time to calculate and post it!

The Willmar Emergency Amateur Radio Club will not host their weekly net on Christmas Eve, 12/24/2023.? The net will resume on Sunday, December 31, 2024.? Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all of you!? I'm looking forward to hearing your check-ins for the last time this year on 12/31/23.? 73

de WD0HXV

No fox will be safe now!!? Nice job Mike

Good looking build Mike!

I got my directional antenna made from plans here??assembled and tuned up.
SWR was almost flat as constructed, so I heat shrunk the elements in place and cut slits in each short tube end to aid in folding the elements for travel.
The radio is a Baofeng UV-5R and the attenuator is a Byonics 4 step 0-65db in line model.



Now to join my mates in the field searching for the fox.
73,
?Mike N0QBH

"WINTERHEAT, now in its fifth year, stands as a month-long UHF/VHF simplex event crafted to empower amateur radio operators by offering a dedicated platform to test and enhance their UHF/VHF capabilities. From its inception, WINTERHEAT aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of stations, encouraging operators to adapt and refine their equipment setups throughout the month-long event.

Distinguishing itself from shorter on-air events, WINTERHEAT, along with its summer counterpart (SUMMERTHUNDER), extends over several weeks to capture a more realistic and nuanced assessment of stations. This prolonged duration enables operators to make adjustments in real-time, ensuring a dynamic and continuous enhancement of their capabilities.

Streamlining communication, WINTERHEAT mandates all contacts to occur on pre-designated frequencies. This approach simplifies the process for operators, eliminating the need to search for stations calling CQ. Operating within Technician class privileges, all FCC-licensed amateur radio operators can actively participate in the event.

Adding to its uniqueness, WINTERHEAT utilizes a custom-built, over-the-web logging system that facilitates real-time statistics and logging of contacts. This one-of-a-kind method enhances the overall experience, providing operators with valuable data in an unprecedented manner.

Beyond its role as a skill-building platform, WINTERHEAT serves as an invaluable opportunity for Emergency Communications (EmComm) operators. Leveraging the event, EmComm groups can coordinate emergency communication activities, assessing mission functionality and readiness for potential crises. WINTERHEAT, now in its fifth consecutive year, continues to evolve and grow, combining its rich history with the potential for real-world emergency preparedness."

---

WINTERHEAT will commence on January 1, 2024 at 00:00:01 UTC and conclude on January 31, 2024 at 23:59:59 UTC.

During the event, radio operators are encouraged to make as many contacts as possible during the event window. All contacts are made via FM-Voice and include both analog and digital modes (Fusion, DMR, D-STAR). Packet modes are not part of this event.

ANALOG
2M	70cm	OTHER
147.570	446.700	52.540 *see note below
147.525	446.400	223.400
?	?	927.100
DIGITAL
147.555 C4FM-V	446.600 C4FM-U	?
145.790 DMR-V TG:99 TS:1 CC:1	446.0750 DMR-U TG:99 TS:1 CC:1	?
145.670 D-STAR-V	446.225 D-STAR-U	?
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*6 Meter note: Some equipment cannot work properly on the upper limits of 6 Meters. An alternate option (50.350) is available in the LOGGER. Only one 6M contact per person, per day is allowed.

SCORING:

• When making a QSO, only one station will enter the information into the system. Usually the station calling CQ would enter the initial QSO information. Does not matter who submits the initial QSO info as long as the QSO does not get logged twice.
  
  • The other station will be responsible for confirming the QSO.
    
    
• Unconfirmed QSO will be credited with 1 contact point where a confirmed QSO will be awarded a value of 10 contact points.
  
  
• A QSO can be made with a station that has not signed up as a participant. However that QSO will only be awarded a single contact point. Should the non-participant sign up for event after the QSO is made. The QSO made prior to their sign up will still be credited as a single contact point until the new participant confirms the QSO.
  
  

*** All times times are UTC/ZULU. Depending on your USA timezone, the start of each day could be anywhere between 19:00 (Eastern) or 16:00 (Pacific) ***

Link for website: https://hamactive.com/

Promoting and Protecting Amateur Radio

?

? When you join ARRL, you support our efforts for a strong and vibrant Amateur Radio Service. Our Washington, D.C. regulatory affairs team filed a technical report against an effort from stock traders that would obliterate our HF bands. The ARRL Legislative Advocacy Committee is making great strides in efforts to eliminate private land use restrictions on hams. Your membership support helps continue our efforts to lawmakers on Capitol Hill, state legislatures, and even on the international stage.

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Here's a couple of pictures Tony took of the direction finding antenna we used.
Simple, but effective.
1 director element, 1 driven and 1 reflector for 2m.

Here's a link to build instructions for a 2 element 2m yagi.
http://theleggios.net/wb2hol/projects/rdf/snif_bm.htm

Transmit drive level for packet using the FT-8800 and KPC-3+.

I did some testing and found the proper drive level TNC setting if you are using the Yaesu FT-8800 transceiver with the KPC-3+ TNC.
Since you will be using 1200 baud mode, be sure the radio menu is set for 1200 packet speed.
The KPC-3+ sets it's drive level from the user menu with a command named XMIT for short.
We want that set at 100.
Type xmit 100 then press enter. That should do it.
You can check by typing just xmit and pressing enter. It should return the new 100 value.
Now the radio will transmit with 3 kHz of deviation when sending packets.

73
Mike N0QBH

I'm not sure if any others came along after us, but WD0HXV (Tony) and myself N0QBH located the FOX after about 30-40 minutes, atop W0AYE's vehicle.
The wind was atrocious, but warming up between stops to get another fix on the fox made it bearable.
The simple (and too flexible) tape measure Yagi antenna in combination with an offset type attenuator feeding a cheapie Baofeng HH was the hardware.
I'd give this adventure a big thumbs up!
73 Mike? N0QBH

This is a example of a similar set up for fox hunting 2m transmitters.

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