Anytone 878 Travel Planning (local and not)

[wolfhound89]

I have a question regarding the setup and usage of my Anytone 868 and Anytone 878. I have both working right now on both repeaters and a hotspot. However, I am intrigued by possibility using the 878 for travel utilizing both Roaming and the hotspot.

I guess I am really wondering if the 878 as primary radio for in my vehicle for both repeater and hotspot connection makes sense. There will have to be some code plug work in order to get the 878 where I would like it.

 

[dickie757]

Sure, that will work. Do your antenna and feedline setup correctly, and you might be amazed at the performance of the little HT.

I have changed most of my coax connections to BNC, for quick connect/disconnect, and use a SMA-BNC adapter on the HT.

I have never taken a hotspot on the road, but in my codeplug, I have a Hotspot zone that has different talkgroups programmed, along with geographic zones, such as Richmond, D.C., Southern Tier NY, etc.

You will never stop working your codeplug. I think that is part of the fun. Be sure to save iterations with very discriptive names, or make a log file of the changes/ideas for next time.

 

[popnokick]

I have a question regarding the setup and usage of my Anytone 868 and Anytone 878. I have both working right now on both repeaters and a hotspot. However, I am intrigued by possibility using the 878 for travel utilizing both Roaming and the hotspot.

I guess I am really wondering if the 878 as primary radio for in my vehicle for both repeater and hotspot connection makes sense. There will have to be some code plug work in order to get the 878 where I would like it.

What makes the most sense as a “primary radio for in my vehicle” is a radio designed for use as a mobile radio. Larger, clearer display, controls, microphone, antenna connections, and power output appropriate for vehicle use. An HT will work in a temporary need, but is not as effective and safe as a mobile radio. Consider the AnyTone 578… or the Connect Systems CS800D that is easier to install due to a detachable control head.

 

[dickie757]

578 has same size screen as 878. 800D, even smaller screen. And if you have the BFD for 800D, maybe.

 

[popnokick]

578 has same size screen as 878. 800D, even smaller screen. And if you have the BFD for 800D, maybe.

Glad you caught that... hope the OP has noticed the other differences.

 

[wolfhound89]

Thank you for the responses. I am starting off with an HT as I am really trying to crawl before walking (running).

A friend built quite a nice code plug for Texas that he shared. It covers both digital and analog. While it is for the 868 I know that I can move it over to the 878. Then tweak it a bit for my region of the state.