Ham radio for mil com monitoring?

kc8rak · #1 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 07:26 PM

I am hoping to get a Yaesu FT-7800R dual bander in 3 weeks for my birth day (lord know's i have been hinting enough i want a dual bander). Specs say it will pick up in the milcom band. Anyone use one for this? I know it wont be the same as a good receiver. Just something to put in and out of my work car when i am driving around all evening.

John

ka3jjz · #2 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 07:44 PM

The problem is that while they may say the radio covers these bands, does it do so in AM mode? Some don't, and have no way of changing it, making it useless. Make sure of this before you proceed. 73 Mike

txzeke · #3 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 08:01 PM

YAESU FT-7800R
http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd...5&isArchived=0

RECEIVING MODE SELECTION
The FT-7800R provides for automatic mode change when the radio is tuned to different
operating frequencies. However, should an unusual receiving situation arise in which you
need to change to other receiving mode, the procedure to do so is very easy.
1. Press and hold in the [BAND(SET)] key for 1/2 second to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Menu #35 (RX MOD).
3. Press the [BAND(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate
the DIAL knob to select the desired receiving mode.
AUTO: Automatic mode setting per default values
for the selected frequency range
FM: Frequency Modulation (Narrow FM)
AM: Amplitude Modulation
4. Press the [BAND(SET)] key momentarily to save the new setting, then press and hold in
the [BAND(SET)] key for 1/2 second to exit to normal operation.
Unless you have a compelling reason to do so, leave the Automatic Mode Selection
feature on so as to save time and trouble when changing bands. If you make
a mode change for a particular channel or station, you can always store that one channel
into memory, as the mode setting will be memorized along with the frequency information.

FT-7800R Operating Manual ( 2.70 MB )

http://www.yaesu.com/downloadFile.cf...lication%2Fpdf

scansomd · #4 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 08:05 PM

It does a good job of picking up the MILAIR (225-400 MHZ) band. I have first hand experience using it in this manner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kc8rak

I am hoping to get a Yaesu FT-7800R dual bander in 3 weeks for my birth day (lord know's i have been hinting enough i want a dual bander). Specs say it will pick up in the milcom band. Anyone use one for this? I know it wont be the same as a good receiver. Just something to put in and out of my work car when i am driving around all evening.

John

ka3jjz · #5 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 08:08 PM

Interesting - then the only other thing is that it's rather hard to hold .2uv sensitivity (as listed on the Universal website) across such a wide bandwidth. I would wager that it could, and likely does, vary from band to band. I would suggest doing a bit of homework to find reviews - on EHam and likely many other ham related sites, as well as finding out about the radio via a Yahoo group (I'm willing to bet it has at least one). No doubt a good wideband antenna will help. And it seems from the post below you're going to like this radio....I'm jealous.

Doing your homework now will save you disappointment later 73 Mike

kc8rak · #6 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 09:20 PM

Thank's for the reply's and info. Hope everyone has a good week end.

burner50 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 09:35 PM

FWIW My Icom 208h does excellent on the milair band

N9JCQ · #8 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 09:50 AM

I can also vouch for the FT-7800 as an excellent MIlair receiver. It is one of the main reasons I bought the radio. dont forget to check the 138mhz-143 mhz range too. The radio does excellent there too. A wideband antenna helps as well.