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Recommended Radios for EMCOM deployment

 

Can I get your thoughts on recommended radios?? I'm contemplating purchasing 5 UHF radios, connecting some Linux or Windows laptops, and placing them at aid stations.

I'm thinking UHF so that I can deploy UHF Yagi antennas to point to the best central station, or a station to repeat messages (smaller array to VHF).

Problem is cost.? I'm open to using 5-watt handhelds if I can hard wire their power supply without noise.? ?My thought is with Yagi antennas I think I can get the network to work fairly good on 5-watts.? Also open to using mobile 50w data radios, etc. but I don't have enough experience in this area with alternatives.? Interested to hear your thoughts.? ?Less cables would be preferred :)
?
Sparks KK4IB
 

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Dual band, Nick; at least.

there are single band UHF radios, but why?

You sent this question to the D-RATS group, and there are many choices for that. ID-52 or ID-5100.

sparks




On Jul 23, 2022, at 1:20 PM, K7CFO <nick.k7cfo@...> wrote:

Can I get your thoughts on recommended radios?? I'm contemplating purchasing 5 UHF radios, connecting some Linux or Windows laptops, and placing them at aid stations.

I'm thinking UHF so that I can deploy UHF Yagi antennas to point to the best central station, or a station to repeat messages (smaller array to VHF).

Problem is cost.? I'm open to using 5-watt handhelds if I can hard wire their power supply without noise.? ?My thought is with Yagi antennas I think I can get the network to work fairly good on 5-watts.? Also open to using mobile 50w data radios, etc. but I don't have enough experience in this area with alternatives.? Interested to hear your thoughts.? ?Less cables would be preferred :)
?
 

I'll be running drats to the radios.? ?Im just curious which Icom radios are recommended and/or if there is a model I can snag in the $200 range.? The newer dual bands I've looked at are $500 and it starts to get pricey when trying to build a network.
Sparks KK4IB
 

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Used market …

I’d check QRZ and QTH for deals. Neither ICOM is in the $200 range.

I use an IC-91AD for DRATS … works great, easy to set up, just one cable from the computer.

sparks




On Jul 23, 2022, at 3:12 PM, K7CFO <nick.k7cfo@...> wrote:

I'll be running drats to the radios.? ?Im just curious which Icom radios are recommended and/or if there is a model I can snag in the $200 range.? The newer dual bands I've looked at are $500 and it starts to get pricey when trying to build a network.
 

I have ebay set to alert me.? ?Seems many want to sell their used ones for $325+ which seems crazy.? I'll find some sub $200.? Also found battery eliminators for $20-$29 so that will be nice when buying used.

My plan is to take a plastic cutting board and mount a radio, battery, maybe even extend the interface cable so the port on the radio doesn't break, easy 2" telescopic pole from harbor freight, UHF Yagi, and some coax.? ?Deploy in minutes and have a full D-Rats network setup in 1-2 hours in just about any terrain.

There is also a d-star B module repeater in my area.? ?I haven't done that part yet and I think D-Rats occupies the entire repeater right?? I know the owner so they will probably let me use it.? If you have advice on that please let me know thanks.
 

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I would keep in mind that a hand held it probably not going to be putting out the power you expect. More like about 3 watts. If there is a fair amount of transmit time, the radio will probably over heat.

Why would it? ". . . occupies the entire repeater right?". I think before you get any more carried away with all of this ". . . owner so they will probably let me use it." you need to be sure. If someone was just planning to use my repeater for something like this without asking FIRST, the answer will probably be "NO" and stay that way. Most of us with repeaters have put a lot of time and expense into the repeater, not counting getting the site. Put your cart behind the horse.

Mick - W7CAT

----- Original Message -----
From: "K7CFO"
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2022 10:32:39 AM
Subject: Re: [d-rats] Recommended Radios for EMCOM deployment

> I have ebay set to alert me.? ?Seems many want to sell their used ones for $325+ which seems crazy.? I'll find some sub $200.? Also found battery eliminators for $20-$29 so that will be nice when buying used.
>
> My plan is to take a plastic cutting board and mount a radio, battery, maybe even extend the interface cable so the port on the radio doesn't break, easy 2" telescopic pole from harbor freight, UHF Yagi, and some coax.? ?Deploy in minutes and have a full D-Rats network setup in 1-2 hours in just about any terrain.
>
> There is also a d-star B module repeater in my area.? ?I haven't done that part yet and I think D-Rats occupies the entire repeater right?? I know the owner so they will probably let me use it.? If you have advice on that please let me know thanks.
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Edited

Replace probably with will ask.

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