No I don't. And I wasn't saying that the echo link was what I was going to use I was just using it for an example.One more wrinkleDo you know for a fact that the repeater you plan to use for linking uses Echolink or some other analog FM mode? Many linked systems today use digital modes such as DMR or D-STAR. The UV-5R isn't capable of accessing digital repeaters.
Just bought a Baofeng uv-5r
- Thread starter Wjbell
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nd5y
Member
You never know what you are getting when you buy Baofeng or other CCR. It might be 8 watts but probably less.
Assuming you use the same antenna the difference between 5 and 8 watts is negligible except higher power will drain the battery faster. The type of antenna is way more important than transmit power.
I'm using this site for looking up repeaters. (Repeaterbook.com) If there's something better let me know please. Here's a screenshot of one of the listings in my area.One more wrinkle
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nd5y
Member
Repeaterbook is hit or miss depending on your location. It's good in some places where repeater frequency coodinators or end users keep it up to date. In other places it lacks a lot and has a lot of listings from decades ago that no longer exist and were never removed.
Is there another one I can look at that you know of?
nd5y
Member
There is a list of online repeater databases in the wiki. Amateur Radio - The RadioReference Wiki. Your regional frequency coordinator might have better information, but that also varies with location. There are two links to lists of them right below the repeater database list. Some frequency coordinators don't even have web sites.
Also each county and state in the RadioReference database has amateur radio repeaters if anybody bothered to submit them. That is also hit or miss depending on location.
The best source is compiling your own list from local tribal knowledge.
Also each county and state in the RadioReference database has amateur radio repeaters if anybody bothered to submit them. That is also hit or miss depending on location.
The best source is compiling your own list from local tribal knowledge.
Try this, but note, if there are stations or repeaters not in the FCC registry, they won't be here.
maprad.io
MAPRAD.IO | Radiocomms Register Search Tool
Online app for searching the ACMA Register of Radiocommunications Licences (RRL)
maprad.io
For the most part, amateurs talking to other countries are using 30 MHz or less. Not many intercontinental VHF and + links.
Some repeaters do have a 10 meter link.
nd5y
Member
maprad.io and similar web sites like antennasearch.com don't have amateur radio repeaters.Try this, but note, if there are stations or repeaters not in the FCC registry, they won't be here.
MAPRAD.IO | Radiocomms Register Search Tool
Online app for searching the ACMA Register of Radiocommunications Licences (RRL)
ecps92
Member
English to Chinese (CCR) make lots of claims. 8 watts is someones dream
Don't expect a portable to be more than 5 watts
Even if the Baofeng really was 8w, there's very little functional difference between 5w and 8w. With handheld radios, there are a multitude of variables to consider:
- The antenna system isn't very efficient and efficiency will change depending on how, and where, the radio is held
- Electromagnetic waves behave according to the "inverse square law", so to double the range you'd need to quadruple the power.
Also, look at the Yaesu FT-60. Yes, it's an older design, but it's still an excellent radio.
You have three choices in the Yaesu HT lineup when trying to stay under $200.
1. Yaesu FT-60R 5W VHF/UHF FM Dual Band Handheld Transceiver
$154.95
2. Yaesu FT-65R 5W VHF/UHF FM Dual Band Handheld Transceiver
$109.95
3. Yaesu FT-70DR 5W C4FM/144/430MHz Dual Band Digital Handheld Transceiver
$174.95
First, Yaesu is an excellent brand with an excellent track record. This is the brand that you want if you ever plan to get into digital radio on the proprietary Yaesu System Fusion / WIRES-X bandwagon.
Second, of the three model choices, number 2 is your best bet IF you never plan to get on digital radio with the Yaesu protocol OR you can afford to buy another HT in the future if you should decide to go digital.
Third, I would STRONGLY suggest that you check with your local ham club’s members to see what their “digital group of members” is currently using. You will probably want to be eventually compatible with them. If they are using DMR, then none of the Yaesu HTs will function in that mode of operation. If they are using D-STAR; same comment. And so on with the other various digital formats.
Finally, stick with ICOM, Kenwood or Yaesu if at all possible. The AnyTone DMR radios are decent if you go the DMR route and many hams have them even though it is a Chinese brand.
Let us know what you find out about local digital radio usage.
73, Dave K4EET
Repeaterbook is a good starting point. You might also try the frequency coordinator, NARCC (NARCC - Northern Amateur Relay Council of California). In the amateur radio world, there's a lot of what are called "paper repeaters" These are systems that are coordinated but either never actually exist, or if they do, aren't used (or have very minimal use).
One of the best sources in real-time user data. Use Repeaterbook and other sources, then monitor the selected repeaters for activity. Also check with HRO or any local clubs about repeater lists or suggestions.
And just because there's repeater activity doesn't mean that particular repeater is welcoming to newcomers.
Actually, I was wrong above…
I forgot about the
Yaesu FT-4XR 5W VHF/UHF Dual Band FM Handheld Transceiver
that sells for $89.95 which is a bare-bones, analog only, entry-level radio. I just wanted to be correct for anyone following this thread and needed the right information.
doc62
Member
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2013
- Messages
- 126
My bad. You are absolutely correct. Unfortunately, I cannot change it now. The second conclusion should read:Did you mean Number 3 vice Number 2?
“Second, of the three model choices, number 3 is your best bet IF you never plan to get on digital radio with the Yaesu protocol OR you can afford to buy another HT in the future if you should decide to go digital.”
I hope that nobody buys the wrong radio based on my mistake. Maybe a moderator will change it for me.
I need some moderator help here. Now that I’ve had my first cup of coffee, my Post #32 above is correct after all. Look closely at the word “never” which is key to the sentence. Number 2 would be my choice IF… “you never plan to get on digital radio with the Yaesu protocol OR you can afford to buy another HT in the future if you should decide to go digital.”
Moral to this fiasco, NEVER make a post correction when you first wake up! 🤣🤣🤣
rf_patriot200
Member
The FT-65R is a great little talkie, sometimes touted as the Baofeng killer, because of the features and quality, and Much easier to program. I have a Ft-65R and a FT-4x. Both are Great little starter talkies. R&L Electronics has the best price on them too.
If they are licensed by the FCC, they are there.
nd5y
Member
Amateur radio repeaters don't require their own licenses. There is no site-based licensing.
A licensee can put repeaters anywhere and the only thing the FCC knows is the licensee's mailing address. They have no idea how many amateur repeaters exist or where they are located. The same is true for GMRS.
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