Ham Radio help!

[Ken in AZ]

I have a Yaesu FT7800 that just got repaired and is ready to use. Also got a brand new mic.
I just received the RT Systems programming software and computer to radio cable.
Now all I need is someone to show me how to use it LOL!
Can someone give me a hand getting started?

 

[Cruiserhiggs]

@LongDuck is your man

 

[msahr]

Its a spreadsheet. If you know how to enter data into a spreadsheet your 90% there.

I'm assuming you want all the local repeaters plus anywhere your likely to go (Tucson, Payson, Flagstaff, etc).

There's several online resources for repeater names and frequencies. ARRL.org, repeatermap.us, etc.

Enter the data into the spreadsheet. You'll have to abbreviate the names as the radio display only holds 6 characters (?) But its enough.

There's more, but that's the start.

Do you have the manual for the radio? If not, they're available online.

 

[LongDuck]

Thanks for the callout @Cruiserhiggs ! First question would be - what do you want to do with this radio? What's your intended use? Secondly, what type of antenna do you have hooked up to it, and is it well-matched to your intended purpose?

That said, I looked up your radio specs just now andand a general use dual-band 2m/70cm HAM radio in the LandCruiser is a great way to be able to communicate on the trail with other vehicles close by, and with longer range stations using repeaters that may be available in your area. When programming your radio, you'll want to put some thought into how you want to use it, as the scan feature will help you connect with other stations in simplex, and if you need to talk over longer distances, then having a short list of local repeaters can let you select a specific one easily to reach a network that you know someone will be monitoring.

I use RepeaterBook.com: Quick Search - https://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/index.php to search for your local stations likely to be in use, and then monitoring them will help you identify the ones that are active. Many clubs operate repeaters for club use, and most don't mind you using them apart from their meetings, and some of them are Linked across vast distances. Scanning on VFO frequencies is mostly a waste of time, as it scans frequencies in steps, and will probably miss most transmissions.

Another easy approach is to dial your radio to 146.460mHz and you'll be on the common use frequency for CSC on the trail. No need to ever change it if all you do is ride trails with club members! Give it some thought, and reply back and I can give more tips,

 

[Ken in AZ]

Thanks for the callout @Cruiserhiggs ! First question would be - what do you want to do with this radio? What's your intended use? Secondly, what type of antenna do you have hooked up to it, and is it well-matched to your intended purpose?

That said, I looked up your radio specs just now andand a general use dual-band 2m/70cm HAM radio in the LandCruiser is a great way to be able to communicate on the trail with other vehicles close by, and with longer range stations using repeaters that may be available in your area. When programming your radio, you'll want to put some thought into how you want to use it, as the scan feature will help you connect with other stations in simplex, and if you need to talk over longer distances, then having a short list of local repeaters can let you select a specific one easily to reach a network that you know someone will be monitoring.

I use RepeaterBook.com: Quick Search - https://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/index.php to search for your local stations likely to be in use, and then monitoring them will help you identify the ones that are active. Many clubs operate repeaters for club use, and most don't mind you using them apart from their meetings, and some of them are Linked across vast distances. Scanning on VFO frequencies is mostly a waste of time, as it scans frequencies in steps, and will probably miss most transmissions.

Another easy approach is to dial your radio to 146.460mHz and you'll be on the common use frequency for CSC on the trail. No need to ever change it if all you do is ride trails with club members! Give it some thought, and reply back and I can give more tips,

Great questions let me do my best to answer them. First and foremost I want to use the radio for trail runs but that’s not a simple answer. Half my friends use GMRS and some HAM - mostly our club. I had a radio shop do something called the MARS Mod - they said that will allow me to monitor GMRS stations, so I think that solves that challenge. Second my wife and I love road trips and back country exploring so I want to be able to connect in case of an emergency. Third I want to have fun learning to use the radio so I can see myself wanting to join a club to learn more. As far as antenna, I purchased a

Thanks for the callout @Cruiserhiggs ! First question would be - what do you want to do with this radio? What's your intended use? Secondly, what type of antenna do you have hooked up to it, and is it well-matched to your intended purpose?

That said, I looked up your radio specs just now andand a general use dual-band 2m/70cm HAM radio in the LandCruiser is a great way to be able to communicate on the trail with other vehicles close by, and with longer range stations using repeaters that may be available in your area. When programming your radio, you'll want to put some thought into how you want to use it, as the scan feature will help you connect with other stations in simplex, and if you need to talk over longer distances, then having a short list of local repeaters can let you select a specific one easily to reach a network that you know someone will be monitoring.

I use RepeaterBook.com: Quick Search - https://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/index.php to search for your local stations likely to be in use, and then monitoring them will help you identify the ones that are active. Many clubs operate repeaters for club use, and most don't mind you using them apart from their meetings, and some of them are Linked across vast distances. Scanning on VFO frequencies is mostly a waste of time, as it scans frequencies in steps, and will probably miss most transmissions.

Another easy approach is to dial your radio to 146.460mHz and you'll be on the common use frequency for CSC on the trail. No need to ever change it if all you do is ride trails with club members! Give it some thought, and reply back and I can give more

I purchased a Model CA-2x4SR NMO wide-band Gain VHF 3.8dBi and UHF 6.2dBi manufactured by C*MET. Overall length is 40” tall.

 

[Ken in AZ]

Great questions let me do my best to answer them. First and foremost I want to use the radio for trail runs but that’s not a simple answer. Half my friends use GMRS and some HAM - mostly our club. I had a radio shop do something called the MARS Mod - they said that will allow me to monitor GMRS stations, so I think that solves that challenge. Second my wife and I love road trips and back country exploring so I want to be able to connect in case of an emergency. Third I want to have fun learning to use the radio so I can see myself wanting to join a club to learn more. As far as antenna, I purchased a


Let’s start with the antenna question. I purchased a Model CA-2x4SR NMO wide-band Gain VHF 3.8dBi and UHF 6.2dBi manufactured by C*MET. Overall length is 40” tall.

So my first question is about the programming process. I want the club frequency first, then GMRS, then?? I was thinking I should just use the channels for Rugged Radio that I found on-line - thinking those are geared towards 4x4 users.
Next question how many can I load in the radio?
Someone told me since it’s a used radio I need to read it first - what’s that mean?
As far as repeaters- just pick some from Mexico to Utah and call it good?
Can I copy and paste them on the spreadsheet or do I enter them one at a time? I don’t know what all the columns mean LOL or what to pick from the drop down options in each one.
As you can see from my responses I am as green as it gets

 

[GeoEng]

Hi Ken - I still have your old '93 FZJ80 - it runs good but I don't take it out too far.... What year 80 did you get?

The MARS Mod on a Ham radio only allow you to listen (monitor) GMRS stations not transmit on GRMS. So most people that need both Ham and GRMS run two radios . Ham can be 2m or 70cm or both. Looks like you have a Ham radio that does both. As far as I know, the FCC frowns on a single radio that can transmit both Ham and GRMS. So you're probably looking at two radios if you want to transmit on both Ham and GRMS. For Ham comms use on a trail with other trucks on 146.460mHz, repeaters are not really needed.

To be legal, Ham needs a license from the FCC with a test, GRMS is $35 registration with the FCC, no testing. Most people use GRMS these days. Some people don't bother with a GRMS license but you'll likely need a FCC call sign to get access codes for permission required repeaters.

I run a GRMS 5w handi that can hit repeaters with an external antenna that works ok for trail runs (Wouxun 916, on sale for $60 at bettersaferadio.com) and its a superheterodyne (good selectivity) not a radio on a chip like the Baofangs (much cheaper). My GRMS is programed with a USB cable for the PC, most work that way although some are using Bluetooth these days.

For GRMS repeaters in AZ, go to myGRMS.com where they list repeaters by state. Some are free, others need permission to use.

FYI - around Southeastern AZ, GRMS repeaters in AZ/NM are listed on the the SWCRS.org (Southwest Community Radio System) you need to join to see the Repeater details but its free or very low cost. These guys link their repeaters from Tucson to Abq which is pretty cool. SWCRS does not cover North of Phoenix.

Again if you're just looking for point to point communications with the trail group, a repeater is not really needed for GRMS either.

T

An entertaining video on how to use GRMS repeater is here:
and GRMS basics:
Good luck
GeoEng

 

[LongDuck]

Those are all good links and information above. As to your specific needs Ken, a few points to ponder;

1) "Reading" a radio only means downloading what's already been programmed into your program system of choice, and then either modifying that programming, or deleting it and starting over. When you attach the programming cable, most systems will copy what's there - called a clone - and then when you save your program, it clones the radio to what your system program has saved on your computer. Its easier than it sounds.

2) I run 2 radios when I know I'll need GMRS access. As stated above, the frequencies are different enough that it's just more efficient to have a radio setup for each band. Also, I run scanners on back country trails, which helps me be aware of ANYTHING going on using radio. Sometimes I'm setup to talk with them... Sometimes not... but you get more info from listening than talking anyway.

3) Take the time and effort to get licensed. I replied to your PM about some options there, and the Family Radio Service license is cheap and covers anyone in your "family" (*yeah, officer, that's my 2nd cousin, twice-removed!). Its worth it and you'll get a good grounding in the legalities of amateur radio.

4) Drive around your neighborhood and look for ungainly (*pun, you HAMs!) antennas mounted to roofs of houses, or better yet, towers in back yards. I'll bet if you knock and ask nicely if there's a HAM in the house, you might meet a new friend, or someone else who likes HAM sammiches.

5) Your chosen radio isn't exactly a starter radio - it's pretty complex with advanced features, making it a but more cumbersome to learn as your first radio. Regardless, it's what you've got, go grow into it. Start small with test programming a few local stations from repeaterbook, or just program and clone 146.520mHz which is like an open Mic frequency where many people start conversations. Listen in on 146.520mHz at the drive times, and Ill bet you pick up some radio traffic.

6) Be patient with yourself. Nobody was born knowing this stuff and there's a learning curve involved.

Good luck, and post back with the decisions you're trying to make,

 

[Ken in AZ]

Hi Ken - I still have your old '93 FZJ80 - it runs good but I don't take it out too far.... What year 80 did you get?

The MARS Mod on a Ham radio only allow you to listen (monitor) GMRS stations not transmit on GRMS. So most people that need both Ham and GRMS run two radios . Ham can be 2m or 70cm or both. Looks like you have a Ham radio that does both. As far as I know, the FCC frowns on a single radio that can transmit both Ham and GRMS. So you're probably looking at two radios if you want to transmit on both Ham and GRMS. For Ham comms use on a trail with other trucks on 146.460mHz, repeaters are not really needed.

To be legal, Ham needs a license from the FCC with a test, GRMS is $35 registration with the FCC, no testing. Most people use GRMS these days. Some people don't bother with a GRMS license but you'll likely need a FCC call sign to get access codes for permission required repeaters.

I run a GRMS 5w handi that can hit repeaters with an external antenna that works ok for trail runs (Wouxun 916, on sale for $60 at bettersaferadio.com) and its a superheterodyne (good selectivity) not a radio on a chip like the Baofangs (much cheaper). My GRMS is programed with a USB cable for the PC, most work that way although some are using Bluetooth these days.

For GRMS repeaters in AZ, go to myGRMS.com where they list repeaters by state. Some are free, others need permission to use.

FYI - around Southeastern AZ, GRMS repeaters in AZ/NM are listed on the the SWCRS.org (Southwest Community Radio System) you need to join to see the Repeater details but its free or very low cost. These guys link their repeaters from Tucson to Abq which is pretty cool. SWCRS does not cover North of Phoenix.

Again if you're just looking for point to point communications with the trail group, a repeater is not really needed for GRMS either.
View attachment 4076824T

An entertaining video on how to use GRMS repeater is here:
and GRMS basics:
Good luck
GeoEng

It is so good to hear from you and I am glad she is still running good, I really loved that 80! I picked up a 96 that use to belong to a guy that owned a shop in Phoenix. Poor thing sat for almost 7 years in a dirt lot with no shade, needless to say it is taking a lot of work to get it back in shape but it’s a good rig. Well it will be LOL! Really appreciate the info on the radio set ups!!
Hope to see you on the trail!!

 

[Stepmurr]

the Family Radio Service license is cheap

Small technical detail, the FRS does not need a license. The GMRS license is cheap . . . and requires no test. FRS are the low power devices such as most hand helds, GMRS is higher power and requires the no-test license.

https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/family-radio-service-frs

• Licensing

FRS is licensed by rule. This means an individual license is not required to operate an FRS radio provided you comply with the rules. You may operate an FRS radio regardless of your age, and for personal or for business use if you are not a representative of a foreign government.

 

[LongDuck]

Can't get any "cheaper" than FREE! (*thanks for clarifying...)