Nifty E-Z Guide to D-STAR Operation Review

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(More customer reviews)Several weeks ago I got into D-Star with the purchase of an Icom IC-80AD handheld. As soon as I ordered the radio, I decided to purchase a copy of the Nifty E-Z Guide to D-STAR Operation. The radio and the book arrived on the same day. While I was able to use the Icom software to program the radio right away, the Nifty Guide helped me to easily understand how to properly program the radio. But it's more than that, it discusses in very easy to understand terms how D-STAR operates. Not only that, the guide gives an overview on how to link and unlink reflectors, and how to use the DV Dongle for communication via a PC to the D-STAR network. You will also find an overview and how to use third-party software programs for D-STAR like D-Chat and D-RATS. I highly recommend this book to all new users of D-STAR and those amateurs considering moving to D-STAR.

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Using simple and clear-cut explanations, the author, Bernie, N6FN explains how D-STAR repeater systems are configured and intercommunicate over the Internet.This book will teach you how to program your radio to take advantage of call routing and linking within your local repeater system and through Internet gateways to anywhere in the world.DV short text messaging via the radio and low-speed text data transmissions using a PC and the d*Chat and D-RATS digital data communications programs is explained.Using the DV Dongle for accessing the worldwide D-STAR gateway system without having to use a radio is made clear.Web based resources for calculating call sign routing parameters and finding active D-STAR repeaters and recently heard stations are covered in detail.By far, this is the book to have for active D-STAR operators and those interested in trying the technology.Experience the thrill of worldwide digital communications!

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Galaxy DX2517 10 Meter Base Ham Radio Review

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(More customer reviews)This radio is illegal for use in the United States--either as a Citizens Band unit, or as a single band amateur transceiver. It is not type certificated for either use by the FCC, and is considered an "Export" model for sales and use outside the US.
The intended purpose of this radio is for illegal power output on the Citizens Band Channels (as clearly evidenced by the channel 40 and frequency clearly visible), and illegal "freebanding" in the frequencies between 11 meter CB and 10 meter amateur band.
N4PRT

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Galaxy DX2517 10 Meter Base Ham Radio

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Cobra MR HH125 Compact Waterproof Marine Handheld VHF Radio with 1 or 3 Watts, All Weather Channels, and Weather Alert (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a short-term review, as it has only been in use for less than a month. I also have a Uniden MHS350 radio, which is a much heavier duty VHF radio that this Cobra model.Comparison between the two:The Cobra is about 1/2 the cost
Cobra is about 1/2 the weight, and smaller in size - much easier to clip to your PFD or jacket/belt while on the water.
Cobra is "splash resistant" while Uniden is "water proof - submersible" which means that you probably should carry the Uniden unit in a plastic baggie if you are using it on a kayak (where things tend to get wet frequently).
battery life is moderate - using AAA batteries, it lasts for a full day or so before needing fresh batteries. The MHS350 on the other hand, will last a week or more of all-day use with its NMh battery pack, and it includes a back-up battery and dual-slot charger.Feature-wise the Cobra does a good job of covering the basics - a full channel selection for all VHF channels, plus NOAA weather. The squelch is not infinitely adjustable, but has a couple of "steps" controlled by a single button. There is no scan feature (unlike the Uniden, which will scan as many channels as you choose in memory on a continuous basis).
Bottom line, if you want to add the safety of having a VHF radio with you while you kayak, I recommend the Cobra unit based on its price and its small size and weight. I would not recommend it for heavier usage (like daily on a boat) because it is definitely made from cheaper materials, and will also not go very long on a charge/set of batteries.
Update 9/29/09:
I just got another one of these for a friend, and after the second outing, it started acting up (it would operate fine for about 10 minutes, then "lock up" and would not respond to any commands or inputs from the buttons. The unit has been sent back to Cobra, and based on past experience, I am hopeful that they will replace the unit without any fuss. I'll update the review when I hear back from them.


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The Cobra MR HH125 is a fully featured VHF radio with a rugged compact design. It's perfect for recreational boaters or as a portable backup on larger vessels. It comes standard with a removable spring loaded belt clip, lanyard and DC cigarette lighter charger. Anyone who lives, works or plays on the water needs one of these VHF radios. It is packaged with long-lasting rechargeable NiMH batteries that won't develop a memory when charging. It can also be used with 5 standard AAA alkaline batteries in emergencies.

The backlit LCD and keypad allows it to be used in low light conditions and will turn off automatically to conserve battery power. The built-in NOAA Channels and NOAA weather alert give you 24-hour access to local weather information. It also acts as an All-Hazards Emergency receiver and will alert you to weather, natural disasters and other emergencies provided to the National Weather Service by local and state government officials.

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Icom M604 VHF Waterproof Two-Way Marine Radio Review

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(More customer reviews)These work for the average weekender. But money is better spent on a sailer.
Absolutely NO reason they can justify charging as much as they do. Life span is short and painful. SQL fades with life leaving you to so frustrated you will through this radio in the river!
BUY A SAILOR!
BTW: NOT "waterproof"

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VHF Marine radio grey in color

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TRAM 1600-HC 38- Inch VHF Marine Antenna Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this antenna for a base station but was concerned that I would need a ground plane as in most other transmitter antennas. I installed this atop my television antenna pole(yup, still use it) and had to run 54-feet of RG-58A/U coax to the radio. After installation I tested the antenna with a VHF VSWR meter and found a 1.5:1 ratio, which is awesome considering the length of coax and where the antenna is mounted. I didn't have to adjust anything on the antenna, just put the whip in with the provided allen wrench and mounted the pole... pretty simple and no hassle.
For the money, I don't think you can go wrong with this little guy and the 6dB gain equates to 100Watts effective transmitter power from a 25Watt radio.

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Covers ALL MARINE-BAND FREQUENCIES BASE-LOADING COIL 35" STAINLESS STEEL WHIP GAIN: 6 DBSTAINLESS-STEEL L-BRACKET FOR SIDE- OR MAST-MOUNTING 15-FT RG58 A/U COAXIAL CABLE WITH PL-259

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Winegard HD8200U Platinum Series High Definition VHF/UHF TV Antenna Review

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(More customer reviews)I have endured and suffered an ongoing struggle to receive local VHF channels Over the air (OTA) through an antenna. The past few months have been particularly bad especially for digital channel 12 on VHF which for most of that time was not receivable and when I could get it I was getting between one and two bars (out of ten) of signal strength. I would usually get two bars of signal strength on digital channel 7 VHF. I had been using a 30ish year old Radio Shack UHF/VHF combo 160 inch rooftop antenna that came with my house for VHF and a seperate UHF AD XG91 antenna combined through a CM 7777 preamp. UHF reception has been pretty good for the last year and a half or so, but it has been a struggle with VHF reception. I live in the northwestern Berkshire Mountain range, just to the east of Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. I sit about 49 miles east of the transmitters broadcasting the Albany, NY networks as I live in that DMA. I have done a lot of research into my problem and decided to replace my Radio Shack with a new antenna. I narrowed it down to a Channel Master 3671 or a Winegard HD8200U. I decided to go with the Winegard and ordered it from Amazon because it was supposed to be UPS shippable and there's no place around here to get one. I was suprised at how long the box was at seven feet and it arrived with all but one staple removed and the antenna suffered a bit of cosmetic damage in transit including a few slightly bent elements that I was able to straighten without much trouble. All of the parts were there however and it wasn't much trouble to assemble. It was a bit bigger than I expected, about three feet longer than the Radio Shack it replaced at a total of about 14 feet assembled, but it is reasonably light. So I got it installed and aimed and checked my TVs. Well to my surprise my signal strength on digital Channel 12 and digital Channel 7 went from one to two bars up to a solid ten bars (out of ten) on both channels! I was quite amazed and wish I had replaced this antenna long ago. Channels 6 and 10 ANALOG now also come in crystal clear and I'm even getting channel 2 analog out of Utica, NY (about 30 miles west of Albany, NY) sound and snowy picture. Simply an amazing antenna and I recommend it highly to anyone on the fringe. I should be set now for the analog shutoff when some other channels move back to VHF. Very satisfied with this antenna! Amazon as always beat everyone else on price and satisfaction. Delivery was a bit shaky, but that was UPS's fault, not Amazon


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Platinum HD antennas deliver powerful VHF performance and offer additional 1 dB to 2 dB higher gain on VHF and UHF, important for weak signal areas. Outstanding UHF reception achieved by precise director spacing and highly efficient corner reflectors.

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Uniden Atlantis VHF Waterproof Marine Radio Review

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(More customer reviews)I just got this VHF Radio. I have a fixed mount unit in my bigger boat and my test showed with line of sight transmission it goes about 5 miles very well and then starts to drop off because the antenna on this handheld radio will limit your distance. I set it up to connect to my long VHF antenna in the big boat and tested it out to 7 miles with a friends boat that had a fixed mount VHF radio. At that point it started to get a weak signal. This is a very good radio with good battery life, all during my testing at 5 watts (about 3 hours almost full time) the battery was still showing fully charged. This is a good product for the money. I plan on using it as a back up unit to hail nearby boats in case of emergency. You can spend a lot more on better radios, but this one fit my needs well.

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The Uniden® Atlantis 250 marine radio covers all US, International and Canadian marine channels, keeping you up-to-date with all the latest marine activity. The durable and reliable design includes all N.O.A.A. weather channels with weather alert, a backlit LCD display and keypad and a waterproof construction.

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