I've really gotten into APRS since getting my Kenwood. Th D72, and I also enjoy hiking. So,what I'd like to be able to go hiking and still send out a beacon. The problem is that most places I go have no cell phone coverage and an HT is not powerful enough to reach another operater or igate.
I currently use my d72 mobile with a mirage amp to boost my signal while traveling. What I'd like to do is set up a digi-Peter in my truck to repeat my aprs beacon out stronger. The only radios I know that do that are the d72, Tmd710, and maybe the ft350ar. I don't really want to sink money into the Tmd710 being that it's a number of years old and doesn't have built in GPS. Although I like the possibility of skycommand. The ft350ar is nice, but I don't know if it will work as a digi-Peter, and I don't like how yaesu nickels and dimes you for everything, so it would be a costly purchase.
So, I was thinking about using my D72 as a digi in my truck with my amp, and a protection circuit to keep from killing my battery. Then, buy one of the following: Byonics Micro Trak which offers an 8 watt transmitter for $260, or a Yaesu VX-8GR with programming software for $400, or buy another D72 for $469.
The byonics offers themost power at 8 watts, but it is only usable as an APRS beacon. I like the 8GR for its size and I had a 5R before getting my Kenwood, but I think the Kenwood would be the best purchase. As I already know how it works, and I'd be getting an extra battery and charger for the $70 more.
What do you all think? Any recommendations?
Chris
I currently use my d72 mobile with a mirage amp to boost my signal while traveling. What I'd like to do is set up a digi-Peter in my truck to repeat my aprs beacon out stronger. The only radios I know that do that are the d72, Tmd710, and maybe the ft350ar. I don't really want to sink money into the Tmd710 being that it's a number of years old and doesn't have built in GPS. Although I like the possibility of skycommand. The ft350ar is nice, but I don't know if it will work as a digi-Peter, and I don't like how yaesu nickels and dimes you for everything, so it would be a costly purchase.
So, I was thinking about using my D72 as a digi in my truck with my amp, and a protection circuit to keep from killing my battery. Then, buy one of the following: Byonics Micro Trak which offers an 8 watt transmitter for $260, or a Yaesu VX-8GR with programming software for $400, or buy another D72 for $469.
The byonics offers themost power at 8 watts, but it is only usable as an APRS beacon. I like the 8GR for its size and I had a 5R before getting my Kenwood, but I think the Kenwood would be the best purchase. As I already know how it works, and I'd be getting an extra battery and charger for the $70 more.
What do you all think? Any recommendations?
Chris