AndrewRLynch.com Why yes, that is my real name.

Amateur Radio

In 2009, I applied for an Amateur Radio license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). I successfully passed the test(s) and received the call sign "KDØIOE". This allows me to operate radios that can communicate all over the world. I personally prefer to talk on repeaters in local areas. These repeaters are used for general chit-chat, as well as in emergencies for coordinating information. I have always been interested in public safety radios and felt that this was a nice hobby to accompany that.

My Equipment

I own a few different radios, each of which I'll describe below.

My FT-60R

Yaesu FT-60R

This is my FT-60R, my first handheld radio. It has capacity for 1000 channels, and operates in both the 2 meter and 70 cm bands. I've attached an external magnetic-mount antenna, the MFJ 1722S (Dual Band Mobile MagMount) for use in my apartment. Definitely gets better reception than the rubber ducky antenna that comes stock. It is a great little radio that I got a very good deal on at Radio City in Minneapolis.

Yaesu FT-2600M

This is my primary mobile radio when I go on long trips. It has 170 channel capacity, and operates on the 2M band. This was my first major radio purchase in my ham radio career. It also forced me to buy an antenna (MFJ 1724B) and a power supply. The whole kit and kaboodle cost around $200 when all was said and done. I got the radio off eBay, also being my first eBay purchase. This radio has served me well, and I don't plan on selling it anytime soon.

My PRO-433

RadioShack PRO-433

While not a ham radio, this is just as useful. It is my 1000 channel police scanner. I use it to monitor the local repeaters, as well as listen to local public safety groups. Unfortunately, in my area, everything except the ambulance service has switched over to APCO Project 25, and I'm not ready to shell out $500 for a new scanner to just hear that so I have to have a different scanner for that purpose. This one basically serves for paging and ham radio. Also makes a nice addition to my desk, providing some mellow amber color.

RadioShack Pro-106

Another scanner, traded in the VX-7RB to fund it. It is a full digital scanner, with trunk tracking and lots of channels and all sorts of goodies. It is what I now use for monitoring while mobile instead of the FT-60R. I still use the above scanner, but this digital one provides a lot more listening. The drawbacks of a handheld scanner are the battery and the antenna. While I have an AC adapter, it charges the batteries at the same time, and tends to decrease the receive ability/sensitivity. The antenna is a little duck, which doesn't work the best, and adding an external so far hasn't worked well. I'm still experimenting with antenna designs.

Wouxun KG-UV3D

Still reviewing. Posted a preliminary review here that I will be updating.

This radio was purchased for the 2011 flood season. I volunteer with The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services team in Fargo, who has UHF business radios. This radio had the advantage of being able to transmit on both UHF business frequencies and dual-band amateur ones. I hope to make it my primary radio, once it proves its usefulness and battery life. 128 channels, "dual watch", 5w/4w on VHF/UHF respectively. So far it's been a good trip and we'll see how far this radio goes.

Be Sociable, Share!

•