Perhaps a rumor only, but received information that Kenwood's only current multi-band HT, the TH-F6A, was being discontinued as soon as current stock is depleted. I know it has been around a while, but Kenwood currently only has two HTs, the F6a and the K2AT. Seems like they are either about to launch some fresh models or get out of  the HT market altogether. Anyone heard anything about Kenwood's plans for the TH-F6A?

The MVT7100 is a classic. Originally broght to market about ten years ago, it has such a following, and was so advanced for its day that it still is in production. There never was a US version. I would suggest you check out www.javiation.com. They are the UK distributor of the Yupi brand and I am sure they can fix you up.

There is no real simple answer to that question. The number of ground rods needed to be effective is totally dependant on the conductivity of the soil they are being driving into.  

Generally, nothing shorter than 6' should be used. I can recall a situation here in Washington State where a radio facility was being built, and it took 328 8' copper-clad ground rods driven at 45 degree angles 4' apart to meet design criteria.

Deltas are fine... but to be useful a spacing of at least 8' between rods should be one of the criteria you take into consideration.

I have a Windows CE based PDA. Are there any
programs that will allow use of the PDA on packet with a Kantronics TNC? Any help would be appreciated!

Yes...you missed something. It is not 4-7 days for delivery. It is 4-7 days before they even process your order and pack it for delivery. No shipper has control over the shipping times. They do have all control over when they actually process your order, pack it and ship it. Most major ham suppliers pack and ship your order the same day received, next business day at the latest. Not so with Universal.  They do state that "delay" (in processing) on their website. They question here is .... WHY? Does an internet order take longer to process than a phone order? Being in business myself, I know that is not the case. So the question remains.... why a 4-7 day delay for "processing"?

I must agree. Ham Radio Outlet - Portland is an out-standing store to deal with. Even when they are clearly being pressed by in-store customers, they take the time to talk with you on the telephone about your concerns with a prospective purchase.

Here in Seattle, we no longer have a "candy store". If we want to actually touch the merchandise and push the buttons, we have to drive three hours South to do it. HRO is worth the trip.  

While Universal Radio has an excellent web page, I must agree with the previous post about shipping time. Why have a website at all if you are going to take "4-7 days" (the posted time on the site)  to ship out orders? If you order from them knowing this time-lag, you really have no grounds to gripe. But I am asking the broader question here, why such a long delay? Does that not defeat the entire reason for a website in the first place; fast, convenient ordering and shipping?  

Universal Radio REALLY needs to re-think their rationale on this one. No other on-line ham dealer that I am aware of permits such a delay between ordering and shipping. Time to join the 21st century guys. As the addage goes.... if I wanted it tomorrow, I would have ordered it tomorrow!

Al - WV7R

While Universal Radio has an excellent web page, I must agree with the previous post about shipping time. Why have a website at all if you are going to take "4-7 days" (the posted time on the site)  to ship out orders? If you order from them knowing this time-lag, you really have no grounds to gripe. But I am asking the broader question here, why such a long delay? Does that not defeat the entire reason for a website in the first place; fast, convenient ordering and shipping?  

Universal Radio REALLY needs to re-think their rationale on this one. No other on-line ham dealer that I am aware of permits such a delay between ordering and shipping. Time to join the 21st century guys. As the addage goes.... if I wanted it tomorrow, I would have ordered it tomorrow!

Al - WV7R

Howdy,

I recently purchased a Dell Axim Pocket PC and was wondering if anyone has had any practical experience interfacing a Pocket PC to an amateur Handheld such as the Kenwood TH D7A for APRS and/or packet use. Anyone with any ideas of a way to do this? Not a computer guru here, so learning as I go. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Allan - WV7R

Cute Story there....

I think all of us have had occasion to mess up a brand new radio...although one minute out of the box may be something to ask Guiness about <Grin>

While I have only had two occasions to send a piece of Kenwood gear into their service department, both times the repair was accomplished quickly and professionally. I really do not think you can go wrong by utilizing factory service for any of the major ham radio manufacturers. I think your chances of a "first fix" are far better coming from the people who "made" the thing in the first place.

Allan

There is a basic premise in retail...that for every complaint you receive, there are ten satisfied customers you will never hear from. Yaesu service has done fine by me. I once purchased an FT 51R on eBay from a "ham" that was anything but honest. After getting eBay's insurance to pay off due to misrepresentation by the seller, I sent the radio in to Yaesu. They called me back with a few days of receiving the radio with a quote. Upon giving the go-ahead to repair, the turn-around time was about a week from phone call to return shipping. And they came in significantly UNDER their estimate.  I recently had to send my FT 90R in for a warranty repair. Yaesu received the radio on a Thursday and shipped it back to me one week later. It works flawlessly.

The bottom-line, Yaesu service is an up-front organization that does the best job they can to satisfy a very demanding segment of the buying public... ham radio ops, most of whom think they know more than the techs they are sending their rigs in to get repaired by! <grin>

Face it people, no store or company is perfect. But they all know you do not endear yourself to the buying public by displaying gross incompetance. I read these horror stories of six-month repair debacles, but I have to wonder... what is the "other side of the story"...the one that is never included in the write-up.  

Personally, I think that Yaesu runs a top-flight service organization. Not perfect...but dang close.

Allan