KE4NFU's HamShack
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Here is a look at my
equipment arsonal:
Yaesu's new VX-7R
Quad Band Handheld Transceiver is the newest member of the hamshack. The VX-7R
covers: 6 meters (5w on FM, 1w on AM), 2 meters, 220 MHz (at 300mW), and the 440
Ham Radio Bands with upto 5 watts of operation power. While ham radio bands are
silent it offers audio of broadcast: Shortwave, AM, FM and TV stations. Its wide range continuous
receiver offers audio from 500 kHz to 999 MHz (cellular blocked). This allows
listening to Aircraft, Public Safety, and Trunking systems (AM, Shortwave, and HF
Ham Band listening is limited to only the strongest signals without a long wire antenna.) The VX-7R is a
dual receive so you can monitor two frequencies at the same time. This radio can be
taken into the woods with no fear because of its 3 feet water submersible design and
magnesium body with rubber bumper pads which helps protect the radio from dropping.
This radio replaces my VX-5R (listed below), which I truely put through the ringer, but adds many new features. The feature I like the best is its ability to hold 450 memories (I filled up the VX-5R) and then sort them into ten memory banks. If I decide to scan the ham bands I set the radio to memory bank 1, or if I want to listen the local area public safety trunking system I turn on memory bank 3. Another neat feature if its multicolor Strobe/LED display which can be set to 256 colors and any brightness. This was added to show the complete status of the radio, through the changing its color. In an emergency, the strobe could be used for an emergency light, or alerting others of danger, but beyond that, it is just an extra gadget. The VX-7R also adds an alarm clock, which helps keep track of the time. After you add the optional pressure module, you have a ham radio, clock, and weather/altitude unit all in one package. Just add transmit compatability with FRS radios and a GPS unit and that's all thats needed to invade the forest on a hike!
Kenwood's TS-2000
is my first HF Transceiver. The TS-2000 covers all HF bands from the 160 meter to
the 10 meter band for receive and transmit. For technician class amateurs it also
transmits in the 6-meter, 2-meter, and 440 bands. The TS-2000 transmits in all Modes:
AM, FM, LSB, USB, CW, and FSK. So whatever I decide to do once I get my General ticket
the radio is compatable with the mode. Once I learn morse code at 5 WPM, and pass the
exam, I am ready to go full throttle on the HF Ham Bands. With a built in antenna tuner, the Digital Signal
Processing, Automatic Gain control and the multiple DSP filtes, this radio will deliver
lots of HF Possibilities. Currently the radio is hooked up to the
Cushcraft R8 Multiband Antenna
(pictured right) which allows Transmitting on the 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, & 6 Meter Amateur Bands.
So far between the TS-2000 and the R8 antenna both allow for great and clear
AM Broadcast, Shortwave and HF listening.
Technicians are licensed to transmit on all frequencies above 50 MHz. So I use the
Kenwood TS-2000 as a 6-meter, 2-meter & 440 Basestation. Using the
Diamond Multiband Antenna
(pictured left) which tunes up for 6-meters, 2-meters and 440 MHz bands, I can make
FM contacts with upto 100 watts output power depending on the band and transmit mode
used. Using 100 watts, on the 2-meter band, longrange contacts can be achieved,
especially on simplex. I have also made several contacts on 6 meters using the
TS-2000. Most contacts for me however have been local contacts, because the
antenna I use is mounted vertically and is thus vertically polarized, but most 6-meter
action is horizontally polarized.
The TS-2000, has a built in TNC and allows connection to a computer for computer control. While
I have not messed with packet radio, this radio is ready for that area of the hobby. Because of
its dual receive operation I can monitor or scan area repeaters while listening to
shortwave or HF activity.
Kenwood's TM-V7A
has been an outstanding radio! The TM-V7A was my first ham radio which transmitted
more than 5 watts, and my first entry into the 440 MHz band. I will have to admit
the cool blue display was the selling point for me. The dual band capabilites,
Cross Band Repeat, and the ability to assign alphanumeric tags to frequencies sold me into
purchasing this ham rig at that. I used a kit to mount the detatchable display on the dash of my truck and then placed
the actual radio underneath the seat. The radio offered 50 watts on 2-meters, 35 watts
on the 440 band, Auto Repeater Shift, CCTSS Tone Encoder/Decoder, 180 memory channels
and an optional Voice Encoder which would "read" the frequency to you. This is a good solid mobile
and basestation rig and is still availiable today for purchase.
Alinco's DJ-X2T
Well that's the collection of radios which I have used or currently used. Only my
personal highlights were given, see the links to each manufacturer's page for complete
specs on each unit.
Have Fun!!
Paul J. Lossner
KE4NFU
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Yaesu's VX-5R
Sangean's ATS909
Sangean's DT300VW