Posted: 3/24/2008 4:52:08 AM EDT
| With a radio like the Yaesu 897 or Icom 746 is there any reason to include a dedicated 2m/70Cm radio in your box? Those multiband rigs would seem to free up space and weight, always an issue with "go boxes". You can only talk on one radio at a time.....Thoughts? |
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I guess it depends on what you intend to use the comm box for. If you are only operating on one freq (and are ok with not having a backup rig) then one multiband radio would be fine. I use mine for storm spotting operations so I use two radios. ICOM 706MKIIG for voice and Kenwood 2m for APRS |
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By way of disclaimer, I do not have a comm box (yet) and have not operated in the field for ARES. However, I have participated in a few on-the-air simulations and having a dedicated 2m/70cm radio was very helpful, almost necessary. There's a lot of value in being able to monitor both sides at the same time, or being able to relay information back and forth without losing your ears. From a non-emergency standpoint, a local group and I often use 2m to coordinate our HF activities. Usually this is just testing out new modes or antennas or whatever - your basic "goofing around". It's not strictly necessary, you're only ever transmitting on one band, but it sure saves a lot of flipping back and forth. The ideal situation, IMHO, would be 2 all-band rigs. That way you're able to monitor two bands regardless of frequency. Plus, you've got a backup if one radio takes a dive. LG. |
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I'd disagree with the 2 all-band rigs. I think you'd still be missing some important (imho) features. See my response (2nd post) in this thread. |
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I am not involved in ARES/RACES or any other civil defense/disaster organizations. I don't have alot of interest in that type of activity in all honesty. My primary use for a portable coms box would be to keep myself informed and communicate with a select few people. Some of those contacts would be over great distances and of course I would assume without repeaters-so HF is necessary. Some will be fairly close, communicating with HT users.... so 2m is necessary. For my purposes though I dunno that I would need both HF and 2M at the same time. I read an article somewhere about post Katrina 2 meter use and they said that simplex was all that was available- all the repeaters were dead within a very short period of time. That left HF as the preferred (only) mode of communications at anything beyond simplex range. |
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Thanks, I think I'll make a start on it. I already have a green MTM Spud 7....now I just have to fill the space! Going to use a Samlex 1223 power supply I bought during the last Gigaparts sale. Haven't decided on what rig to use yet though.....I have some batteries that I salvaged out of several UPS units that I plan to use as well....Pieces and parts... Looking at different ways of "hanging/shelving" all the gear- alum. channel, Lexan etc...Fortunately I have a very well equipped shop and I just need to settle on something and get cracking on it. |