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Newbie asking advice on programming, batteries & headset
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I'm a new HAM and getting ready to purchase an FT-60R and I'm glad to have found this group.? I'm looking for advice in three areas: 1 - programming software, 2 - batteries and 3 - speaker/mic vs. headset
1 - Regarding programming software, am I better off going without any entirely, using the free CHIRPS or using RTS Systems and why?? Because this is all new to me, I'm not sure what all I will want to program other than the local repeaters and channels plus I'm planning to join the ARES group and will likely need to add in info for specific events that I work. 2 - Regarding batteries, I have read that turning the volume and transmit power down helps prolong battery life.? I'm hoping for recommendations on specifically which extra batteries to get and any associated charger needed for same.? I would like to have a way to use the radio in the event of a power-outage emergency/disaster.? I could use specifics here, like part #s of the recommendations as I'm not too confident I'll get the right ones otherwise. ? 3 - I'm wanting to be able to be hands-free when using the HT.? I've been thinking about getting the headset that comes with a mic (SSM-63A) but not having seen one in person, I'm not sure how ? it works when you want to transmit (i.e. is there a button to push?).? I would also consider a speaker-mic that I could have up on my collar (not sure what is needed to attach to collar) but I feel that the headset would be nicer to have if it's not too cumbersome to PTT, especially if I'm at a noisy event where something in/over my ear may help to block out other sounds. I know I am asking for a lot all at once and I appreciate the help from those of you with more knowledge and experience than I. |
开云体育Good evening? Welcome to a great hobby The Ft60 is a good radio I own one and use it primarily for public service events? I cannot make a recommendation as to batteries as 6 or 7 years in my factory battery still does all I need Use the Rts software ?No it's not free but it works You usually have to buy the cable so just go ahead and get the the software I bought a heil ht headset and love it. Lot cheaper than you'd expect for a heil product? IIRC when I bought mine it was actually cheaper than the yaesu solution? Hope this helps Frank KB3PQT Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S8, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone |
开云体育For software, try CHIRP or the FT-60 Commander software from . This is also free. Whatever cable you buy, if you have problems with it, check Device Manager (Windows) and see if the cable shows to be a Prolific. If it does, roll back the driver to 3.2.0.0. This can be found at .?For batteries, get at least one more rechargeable battery, and one adapter that takes 6 AA batteries. ?This is one of the only AA battery packs that allows the radio to put out full power.? You can either get a speaker/mic (get an earphone to plug into it) or a headset. Both will have easy to use PTT buttons, and can help keep the conversation from being heard from others near you. Be careful of using VOX (voice activated), as the radio will transmit with everything you say. Cursing at a bad driver on the freeway is definitely something to watch for.? Jardy Dawson WA7JRD Message sent through sub space hailing frequencies?using the Universal Translator.? On Jul 7, 2019, at 18:42, Frank Mellott <frankmellott@...> wrote:
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开云体育? I use FTB60 software from G6HFQ.? It
costs $15.00 and has versions for several of the popular rigs.?
I also have the AA battery tray in case the regular battery is not enough. ? You are correct that running lower power and turning down the volume control(an earphone helps here) will let the batteries last longer between charges. Dave - WB6DHW On 7/7/2019 6:02 PM, highdrive67 via Groups.Io wrote: I'm a new HAM and getting ready to purchase an FT-60R and I'm glad to have found this group.? I'm looking for advice in three areas: 1 - programming software, 2 - batteries and 3 - speaker/mic vs. headset |
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Congrats on joining the hobby and welcome!? The FT 60 will serve you well for a long time.? I like the RTS software, no fussing w/ cheap, unreliable cables and great support.? Get the battery tray and rechargeable AA's instead of a second Yaesu battery.? Charge and use the original as per the manual for best results. Many of us use an aftermarket antenna, a Comet or other 18" flexible whip, often with? BNC adapter to ensure frequent antenna swaps doesn't damage the radio's SMA connector.? The more efficient antenna allows lower transmit power and longer battery life. I like the Yaesu speaker mic,? clipped to my collar for events, provides plenty of volume over other ambient noise.? Learn the basic programing and other manual keyboard usage to adjust power, lock and unlock the keypad, etc.? 73 N4MEW / Mark 904.616.2004 On Sun, Jul 7, 2019, 21:25 highdrive67 via Groups.Io <highdrive67=[email protected]> wrote: I'm a new HAM and getting ready to purchase an FT-60R and I'm glad to have found this group.? I'm looking for advice in three areas: 1 - programming software, 2 - batteries and 3 - speaker/mic vs. headset |
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I would recommend a headset that fits in the ear so that you can wear a set of ear muffs over the ear. I work a events each year that involves auto racing and an air show where there are high noise levels.? K3CLT Chuck Tobias
On Sunday, July 7, 2019, 09:25:59 PM EDT, highdrive67 via Groups.Io <highdrive67@...> wrote:
I'm a new HAM and getting ready to purchase an FT-60R and I'm glad to have found this group.? I'm looking for advice in three areas: 1 - programming software, 2 - batteries and 3 - speaker/mic vs. headset 1 - Regarding programming software, am I better off going without any entirely, using the free CHIRPS or using RTS Systems and why?? Because this is all new to me, I'm not sure what all I will want to program other than the local repeaters and channels plus I'm planning to join the ARES group and will likely need to add in info for specific events that I work. 2 - Regarding batteries, I have read that turning the volume and transmit power down helps prolong battery life.? I'm hoping for recommendations on specifically which extra batteries to get and any associated charger needed for same.? I would like to have a way to use the radio in the event of a power-outage emergency/disaster.? I could use specifics here, like part #s of the recommendations as I'm not too confident I'll get the right ones otherwise. ? 3 - I'm wanting to be able to be hands-free when using the HT.? I've been thinking about getting the headset that comes with a mic (SSM-63A) but not having seen one in person, I'm not sure how ? it works when you want to transmit (i.e. is there a button to push?).? I would also consider a speaker-mic that I could have up on my collar (not sure what is needed to attach to collar) but I feel that the headset would be nicer to have if it's not too cumbersome to PTT, especially if I'm at a noisy event where something in/over my ear may help to block out other sounds. I know I am asking for a lot all at once and I appreciate the help from those of you with more knowledge and experience than I. |
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Wow!? I'm blown away by the number of replies I have received in such a short time.? Thanks guys!!!
I guess I will go for the RTS software that comes with the cable (ADMS-1J-USB). ? I'll get some Eneloop rechargeable AA batteries for backup.? Anyone know which charger and case goes with the Eneloop AA batteries? Looking for the Heil HT Headset it looks like it's # HTH-Y and doesn't have the VOX that you're warning me to stay away from, plus half the cost of the SMA-63A.? Win! Mark, regarding antennas, I had planned on getting the Diamond SRH77CA and for the car the?Comet 2x4SR along with CA-SPR, CM-5M and HS-10 .? Once I get out there and start using this and checking out other radios in person and seeing what HAM interests are sparked, I'll get a different mobile and eventually base radio.? I hadn't thought about a BNC adapter to save the radios SMA connector.? I believe I would need to choose different antennas from the ones I researched if I were to do that so I will give it good long think.? I've also heard that making a tiger tail counterpoise improves both TX and RX on an HT and it looks pretty easy to make one in several YouTube videos that are out there, so I will probably try that out while waiting for my order to ship. Thanks again for the warm welcome and all of your helpful tips.? ~? Lyn |
开云体育Only one problem using rechargeable batteries: ?they only put out 1.2volts, where alkaline AA’s put out 1.5volts. You might not get full power out of rechargeable batteries or they won’t last as long. 6x1.5=9volts, 6x1.2=7.2volts. Regular battery full charge is around 8.4volts, radio will no longer transmit around 6.4volts. ? Have some alkaline batteries available.?Jardy Dawson WA7JRD Message sent through sub space hailing frequencies?using the Universal Translator.? On Jul 7, 2019, at 21:21, highdrive67 via Groups.Io <highdrive67@...> wrote:
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Another way to extend the battery life is the "TX BATTERY SAVER" as described on page 59 of the manual I have.? This feature "will automatically lower the power output level when the last signal received was very strong."? When you are in a conversation with a station that you are receiving very well, your transmit power will be reduced saving the battery.? The power will revert to high power when everything has been quiet for a while - presuming that you have it set to a higher power ;-) Another power saving method is use the adjustable squelch.? When there is no signal received above the threshold, the audio amplifier and some other circuitry is turned off.? Note this is a binary power saving - if the noise/signal is below the threshold, the power is saved.? There is no more savings if the signal is well below the threshold or way, way below the threshold. Andy On Mon, Jul 8, 2019 at 8:22 AM JARDY DAWSON via Groups.Io <JARDY72=[email protected]> wrote:
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Thank you Jardy and Andy for that additional information.? I appreciate you taking the time to reply.? I have just placed my order and look forward to getting started soon. |
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Hi Lyn! I'm a bit late here - welcome to the hobby. The FT60 is a great choice, as is the FT70. I have both and use them a lot. RTS is the way to go in my opinion, especially as you get more radios and want to share frequency lists between them. RTS makes it very easy, and their cables are rock-solid. Very pleased. Have fun and 73! -Brian n8wrl On Mon, Jul 8, 2019 at 8:05 AM highdrive67 via Groups.Io <highdrive67=[email protected]> wrote: Wow!? I'm blown away by the number of replies I have received in such a short time.? Thanks guys!!! |
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Morning Lyn While I commend the vendors on attempting to advance the art of antennae much of what is sold is pure snake oil. A 3rd party antenna from non Yaesu suppliers may provide some improvement but it will likely be 1 or 2 dB at the most, hardly enough to make the heavy investment in a replacement for the stock HT antenna worth it. Keep in mind these things when using your HT. 1 When using a screw on rubber duckie style antenna you have little to ground plane. The vertical is already a disadvantage when compared to the dipole and when operated with no ground plane other than the minimalist metal in the case it will likely display negative gain despite the manufacturer's claims. Ask your- self this, "When they conduct their tests on their test range, do they mount it to the every model of HT known? Do they operate it at the same disadvantage as will be encountered when attached to your HT? Or do they mount it on the standard lab circular metallic disc found in vertical antenna test ranges? To date I have not been able to find a supplier(distributor) that can answer that question yes or no. Get lots of handwaving on how much better built their product is than a competitors but not an answer to what I ask. 2 Assuming you are on a flat surface when operating if you want to double your operating range, then you have to quadruple your radiated power (which works out to be a 6 dB increase). So when a vendor claims they have 1 or 2 dB more gain what does it actually bring to the table? As an example 2 dB improvement is 1/3rd of an S Unit. Can you differentiate the difference over the air between a signal that is 2 dB greater in amplitude? 3 In reference to batteries you will be hard pressed to beat the OEM product. When you start substituting battery packs it opens a whole new Pandora's box. I bought the Yaesu cord for powering the radio from a cigarette lighter. Beware as the side port on the FT-60R in later models no longer provides for charging. It is simply to power the radio. I have two FT-60's about two years apart and both are like this. You have to perch the HT in the provide charging stand to charge the battery. I lost my charging standing and decided to charge it with the wall wart one day. After a few hours I put the radio on the shelf and three months later discovered the battery would not operate the radio. So I drove over to the local supplier and bought a new battery. After a day or two of use and ineffective charging the new battery was exhausted. It took me about four hours to find the pitiful annotation in the manual about having to charge the device in the stand as opposed to using the side port. Oops! If you have the charging stand you will note the wall wart connector that fits in the back of the charging stand does not fit the side power port of the HT. That should have been my first clue. What I discovered was that the vendor I purchased the new battery pack from was not aware of that bit of info. So they sold me a new battery and new wall wart as I thought my wall wart was defective since it would not power the radio or charge the battery. Enjoy the radio. They are a good package. As an aside I am still partial to my old Kenwood TR-7800 (Think circa 1970). With the stock ducky it would reliably bring up repeaters 20 miles further away than the new model HT's running the same power. <sigh> Wish PL was not so prevalent as I would still be using it. 73 Chuck WD4HXG On July 8, 2019 at 8:05 AM, "highdrive67 via Groups.Io" <highdrive67@...> wrote:
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What is your call sign Lyn? 73 -Brian n8wrl On Mon, Jul 8, 2019 at 2:23 PM highdrive67 via Groups.Io <highdrive67=[email protected]> wrote:
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When I first got licensed, I don’t believe vanity call signs were available, yet. Once they were, my problem was that I could never come up with a good one that I liked. Some just use their initials, which I always thought was a bit pretentious. Others took the callsign that their father or other family member had used. Me? I’ve just kept the one that the FCC gave me when I passed my first exam. It’s not a particularly great callsign, and I could never come up with any cute phonetics for it, but I’ve gotten used to it over the years. It’s mine. It’s the callsign I was given and that’s that.
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Regarding Eneloops, Costco has them in kits. I have bought three of those kits which got me three four-cell (AA's and/or AAA's) chargers. Two of those are in my FT-60R "go bag" so I can charge six cells at once. The FT-60 battery tray holds six AA cells and I carry six as spares. (The other charger and eight cells are in my camera bag to power the outboard flash! That takes four cells and the other four are the backup.)
I haven't actually measured power output, but the Eneloops have a long guaranteed duration (years) to remain fully charged while not in use and they last longer in use than the original equipment FT-60 batteries (of which I have two that basically now never get used). The Costco kits also include some AAA cells and adapters to use AA's as C's or D's. although I haven't looked at the kits recently so they might have different contents nowl Welcome aboard and enjoy it! 73, JERRY, N3AA |
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Lyn your callsign represents a tremendous achievement and membership in a very exclusive club - those who took the time and expended the effort to earn an amateur radio license. I think you should be very proud and display your call everywhere. You are KJ7HNR - welcome and congratulations! My daughter is KJ4OTY and asked me to pass on her best as well. 73! Brian n8wrl On Tue, Jul 9, 2019, 2:16 AM highdrive67 via Groups.Io <highdrive67=[email protected]> wrote: Brian, I put in about 10 choices for a vanity call sign so that it will be easier for me and others to remember. ? Until that request is processed by the FCC,? it is KJ7HNR. ? |
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My only comment is on the programming software.
Over the years, I've tried CHIRP for a couple of other rigs and was not happy. Bought the RTSystems programming software with accompanying cables and am very happy.? Never had a problem with RTSystems.? I use the RTSystems software and cables for:? FT-60; FT-817; FT-857; FT-1900; FT-7900. |
Stephen Walls
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