 SCWolverine
Husband-Dad-South Carolinian
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Joined: Feb 2011  SC, USA
 Posts: 1689 Feedback: 100% (12) |
Posted: 3/31/2012 12:37:12 PM
THE IMAGE ABOVE IS A PAID ADVERTISEMENT So I just took the opportunity to order "Her" (me...ummmm Us) a new Kenwood TM 281 from Main Trading for the 'burb...best price ($149.95) with shipping to SC (Free)... R&L had for $10 less but shipping would have erased the savings, and they were also outta stock... hope I like it as much as Piccolo! Thanks AR-Jedi 
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Posted: 3/31/2012 12:41:30 PM
Sweet! I like MTC I've been down to Paris a couple times to the old store. I guess the new one is bigger and now they are a Kenwood dealer. Good people.
we need to try a qso next week sometime |
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Posted: 3/31/2012 10:37:30 PM
Originally Posted By SCWolverine:
Since watching a few episodes of "Doomsday Bunkers" at the in-laws a few weeks ago, my wife has again been asking questions.... one pertains to how she could contact me in case of an emergency (from town to the farm). Terrible show, but thankful it brought some discussion back up around the table. (and may lend to her getting the Tech?) So I just took the opportunity to order "Her" (me...ummmm Us) a new Kenwood TM 281 from Main Trading for the 'burb...best price ($149.95) with shipping to SC (Free)... R&L had for $10 less but shipping would have erased the savings, and they were also outta stock... hope I like it as much as Piccolo! Thanks AR-Jedi Well now, that depends on how much you like Piccolo! 
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SCWolverine
Husband-Dad-South Carolinian
Team Member
Joined: Feb 2011 SC, USA
Posts: 1693 Feedback: 100% (12) Link To This Post |
Posted: 3/31/2012 11:05:59 PM
Originally Posted By dewme5:
Originally Posted By SCWolverine:
Since watching a few episodes of "Doomsday Bunkers" at the in-laws a few weeks ago, my wife has again been asking questions.... one pertains to how she could contact me in case of an emergency (from town to the farm). Terrible show, but thankful it brought some discussion back up around the table. (and may lend to her getting the Tech?) So I just took the opportunity to order "Her" (me...ummmm Us) a new Kenwood TM 281 from Main Trading for the 'burb...best price ($149.95) with shipping to SC (Free)... R&L had for $10 less but shipping would have erased the savings, and they were also outta stock... hope I like it as much as Piccolo! Thanks AR-Jedi Well now, that depends on how much you like Piccolo!
well he was my first ARFCOM QSO :) Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 4/1/2012 7:15:10 AM
I have the TM271 and love that little radio. The TM281 looks like evolution not revolution so I think that it will be a great radio too.
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thederrick106
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Joined: Dec 2007 NY, USA
Posts: 765 Feedback: 100% (8) Link To This Post |
Posted: 4/1/2012 3:52:49 PM
I like my FT-1900
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SCWolverine
Husband-Dad-South Carolinian
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Joined: Feb 2011 SC, USA
Posts: 1702 Feedback: 100% (12) Link To This Post |
Posted: 4/4/2012 5:29:14 PM
I failed to mention that this action should ensure the release of the Wouxun Dual Band Mobile within 2 weeks..........
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Sparkvark
Team Member
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Joined: Nov 2008 SC, USA
Posts: 160 Feedback: 0% (0) Link To This Post |
Posted: 4/4/2012 7:02:04 PM
Originally Posted By SCWolverine:
Since watching a few episodes of "Doomsday Bunkers" at the in-laws a few weeks ago, my wife has again been asking questions.... one pertains to how she could contact me in case of an emergency (from town to the farm). Terrible show, but thankful it brought some discussion back up around the table. (and may lend to her getting the Tech?) So I just took the opportunity to order "Her" (me...ummmm Us) a new Kenwood TM 281 from Main Trading for the 'burb...best price ($149.95) with shipping to SC (Free)... R&L had for $10 less but shipping would have erased the savings, and they were also outta stock... hope I like it as much as Piccolo! Thanks AR-Jedi I have the 281 and like it. I bought it from HRO on Black Friday for $129. I built a programing cable myself for about $12. I have it in the shack right now but will be in one of the cars before the summer. |
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nihilsum
Not a nihilist
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Joined: Nov 2007 USA
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Posted: 4/4/2012 10:51:39 PM
Get the 281. I had an 1802 (now 1900). Garbage compared to the 271/281. They are built better, easier to use, and their front ends are much tighter.
The only problem is that minimum output is set from the factory at 25w. Very long winded QSOs will overheat the radio (as with any non fan cooled radio). |
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SCWolverine
Husband-Dad-South Carolinian
Team Member
Joined: Feb 2011 SC, USA
Posts: 1709 Feedback: 100% (12) Link To This Post |
Posted: 4/6/2012 4:00:53 PM
just arrived, heavy little sucker....install asap. pics then
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piccolo
Grand Poobah
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Joined: Aug 2002 PA, USA
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Posted: 4/6/2012 5:05:22 PM
I'm glad somebody loves me.
I picked my second one up on the way to work and had Nuc program it for me and installed a few days later when we put in for repairs. I promptly QSO'd a guy on a bridge beaucoup miles away. One of the things it WILL do is shut itself off if you forget to. Mine will run 30 minutes and shut itself off if I don't touch it for 30 minutes. That is a good thing is you ever have a lapse of memory. Especially if you are in the habit of leaving your vehicle unattended for days or even weeks at a time. |
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CJan_NH
Blissfully ignorant Colt KoolAid drinker...
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Joined: Jul 2003 NH, USA
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Posted: 4/6/2012 8:04:54 PM
Originally Posted By SCWolverine:
I failed to mention that this action should ensure the release of the Wouxun Dual Band Mobile within 2 weeks.......... Isn't that always the way it works?
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nihilsum
Not a nihilist
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Joined: Nov 2007 USA
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Posted: 4/7/2012 1:45:57 AM
[Last Edit: 4/7/2012 1:46:32 AM by nihilsum]
Originally Posted By piccolo:
I'm glad somebody loves me.
I picked my second one up on the way to work and had Nuc program it for me and installed a few days later when we put in for repairs. I promptly QSO'd a guy on a bridge beaucoup miles away. One of the things it WILL do is shut itself off if you forget to. Mine will run 30 minutes and shut itself off if I don't touch it for 30 minutes. That is a good thing is you ever have a lapse of memory. Especially if you are in the habit of leaving your vehicle unattended for days or even weeks at a time. Nuc must have programmed auto shutoff into the radio. Neither of mine had that enabled out of the box. I did leave my 281 on in the truck for two days once with no ill effects. They are not too bad on current. With the radio squelched and backlight off, they pull just under 170ma. |
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Posted: 4/20/2012 8:52:01 AM
Originally Posted By nihilsum:
The only problem is that minimum output is set from the factory at 25w. Srsly? Full Of Fail Kenwood 
95% of the time I used more than 5 watts while driving it was on a /\/\ Maxtrac which I could not adjust the power that low
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SCWolverine
Husband-Dad-South Carolinian
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Joined: Feb 2011 SC, USA
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Posted: 5/7/2012 2:34:32 PM
[Last Edit: 5/7/2012 2:35:00 PM by SCWolverine]
 Nice little rig! actually had enough wire to Almost get to the battery
anyways, I can see more of these in our future, esp at a sub $150 price point. |
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Posted: 5/8/2012 2:54:55 PM
I am in the process of installing my 281. Took me a while to figure out where I wanted to mount the radio. This week end I plan to pull the head liner and install the NMO mount for the antenna and hook up the power wires.
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SCWolverine
Husband-Dad-South Carolinian
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Joined: Feb 2011 SC, USA
Posts: 1807 Feedback: 100% (12) Link To This Post |
Posted: 5/8/2012 3:22:54 PM
[Last Edit: 5/8/2012 3:23:16 PM by SCWolverine]
been putting off install in need of hook up wire-attended local hamfest this weekend and picked up 20' to use and have some left for other projects.
as mentioned above, I was only about 4" short from rig to battery to install in the 'Burb....I was like 
This is my first NIB mobile purchase so I didn't expect so much lead compared to my 11m days both wires fused as well from factory  |
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Posted: 5/8/2012 8:38:04 PM
[Last Edit: 5/8/2012 8:44:38 PM by cavegeo]
This will be my first mobile install so I am taking my time so as to not make any mistake in putting in the antenna an power wires. I was surprised by the length of wire they included but feel the wire gauge is too small to run the radio on high for very long. I will make my own wiring harness later using a 10 ga wire to reduce the voltage drop. Since I will be using this around town to hit the local repeater I suspect the factory wires will work ok as long as I stay on low power.
I guess my biggest fear is this is my first time installing an NMO mount, and when I asked the local's about installing it most of them tried to talk me into using a mag mount instead. I even had one guy tell me to just wire the power wires into the cig lighter socket. So I am on my own for installing my mobile as I would not trust the locals to be of much help. |
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Posted: 5/8/2012 8:58:22 PM
Originally Posted By cavegeo:
This will be my first mobile install so I am taking my time so as to not make any mistake in putting in the antenna an power wires. I was surprised by the length of wire they included but feel the wire gauge is too small to run the radio on high for very long. I will make my own wiring harness later using a 10 ga wire to reduce the voltage drop. Since I will be using this around town to hit the local repeater I suspect the factory wires will work ok as long as I stay on low power. I guess my biggest fear is this is my first time installing an NMO mount, and when I asked the local's about installing it most of them tried to talk me into using a mag mount instead. I even had one guy tell me to just wire the power wires into the cig lighter socket. So I am on my own for installing my mobile as I would not trust the locals to be of much help. unlike most industries which use the smallest wire they can get away with radio makers are not one of those. the supplies wire is just fine for a permanent install and for using the radio at full power. |
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SCWolverine
Husband-Dad-South Carolinian
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Joined: Feb 2011 SC, USA
Posts: 1808 Feedback: 100% (12) Link To This Post |
Posted: 5/8/2012 9:37:31 PM
who needs locals when u have ARFCOM? only kiddin' the group local to me are a great bunch of folks! invaluable to a newb (just like ARfcom :)
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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SCWolverine
Husband-Dad-South Carolinian
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Joined: Feb 2011 SC, USA
Posts: 1809 Feedback: 100% (12) Link To This Post |
Posted: 5/8/2012 9:42:14 PM
[Last Edit: 6/6/2012 9:07:49 AM by SCWolverine]
DBLTAP
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 5/9/2012 2:08:34 PM
Originally Posted By mylt1:
unlike most industries which use the smallest wire they can get away with radio makers are not one of those. the supplies wire is just fine for a permanent install and for using the radio at full power. Your probably are correct that the wires are fine I just feel that a larger gauge wire would lower any voltage drop that will occur. While the majority of use will be around town the biggest reason I wanted the mobile for was the occasional deer hunt that I go on where I might need all the power the radio has to reach a repeater back in Orlando if there was an emergency. |
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SCWolverine
Husband-Dad-South Carolinian
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Joined: Feb 2011 SC, USA
Posts: 1856 Feedback: 100% (12) Link To This Post |
Posted: 6/6/2012 9:10:16 AM
Found an ARRL Video "mini" review of the rig.
It's been a pleasure to use...when I get the chance-it's installed in the wife's car. The microphone feels really nice in-hand and all signal reports have been positive. a well spent $149. |
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Posted: 6/6/2012 12:04:18 PM
Originally Posted By SCWolverine:
Found an ARRL Video "mini" review of the rig.  http://youtu.be/SlEVQNFg4FU
It's been a pleasure to use...when I get the chance-it's installed in the wife's car. The microphone feels really nice in-hand and all signal reports have been positive. a well spent $149. My radio has been installed a few weeks now and I get compliments on the sound of my radio. |
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Posted: 7/17/2012 5:37:03 PM
Originally Posted By Sparkvark:
Originally Posted By SCWolverine:
Since watching a few episodes of "Doomsday Bunkers" at the in-laws a few weeks ago, my wife has again been asking questions.... one pertains to how she could contact me in case of an emergency (from town to the farm). Terrible show, but thankful it brought some discussion back up around the table. (and may lend to her getting the Tech?) So I just took the opportunity to order "Her" (me...ummmm Us) a new Kenwood TM 281 from Main Trading for the 'burb...best price ($149.95) with shipping to SC (Free)... R&L had for $10 less but shipping would have erased the savings, and they were also outta stock... hope I like it as much as Piccolo! Thanks AR-Jedi I have the 281 and like it. I bought it from HRO on Black Friday for $129. I built a programing cable myself for about $12. I have it in the shack right now but will be in one of the cars before the summer. Do tell on how to make the programming cable. |
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