I am new to APRS. I have two computers--one running Windows XP and the other running Linux (RedHat 7.3). Both of them have soundcards and these systems work as they're supposed to.

I also have a Yaesu VX-5R and a RadioShack HTX-200. I use them on the local 2M repeaters with a homebrew J-Pole. Both these radios work fine.

Now, coming to the point of this post: How can I use APRS with my computers (either or both) and with my  radios to send short text-only, email messages on the internet through digipeaters? I would deeply appreciate it if you could help me with:

1) How to connect the computer/s and radio/s?
2) What software is needed?
3) Where to get the software?

Any other information I am missing? Please feel free to add.

Since I am not interested in reporting my position (and also because the desktop computers are always at QTH), I don't want to use a GPS device.

I would like to use as much as I can of what I currently have. (read: I can't afford to spend any more than what is absolutely necessary)

If there are any websites (or webpages) that provide answers to my questions, please just point to me to them.

If you're experienced in using APRS (preferably, with computers/soundcards/HTs, I mean without TNCs/GPS), I would like to hear your experiences. I have so much to learn!

Thanks in advance.

-desi

Richard (WR6J), I heard you  (on 5/9/02, ~0845 Hrs) loud and clear on 7.1724 MHz (that's what IC-718) talking to K6MA, N6KZ, K7RR, et al. It was interesting to know that N6KZ was aboard S.S. Lane Victory during the QSO.

73,

-svp

PS: Richard, if you don't mind me emailing you directly (with questions about IC-718), pls. email me at: v_rakasiREMOVE_NO_SPAM@yahoo.com. Thanks.

Richard (WR6J), it was you that I heard first in my first ever QSO listening on IC-718! What a coinicidence!!

Like you mentioned earlier, I tuned into 7.173 MHz this morning between 8.30 and 9.00 (PDT) and I heard you (I came to know that it was you only later when you identified yourself with your callsign). I could hear you and one other person (who was recommending the flea market at Foothill college this saturday) clearly. I think I heard at least two other hams in the QSO, but the signal wasn't clear. You folks were discussing some equipment ("key", "IM" something) and I didn't actually get it 'coz I tuned in in the middle of the QSO.

I am using a 10ft wire (hung vertically) in my home office and part of the QSO was loud and clear. I didn't fiddle around with SQUELCH, RIT, etc. Don't know if I should.

Since I knew the frequency, it was easy to listen to this QSO. If I didn't know the frequency, how can I use the "SCAN" function in IC-718 to automatically stop at a strong signal?

Thanks in advance.

-svp

Thanks to KC9AZL, WR6J and N8YV for your responses with helpful information. I will follow your "instructions" and will get back in a day or two if I need more help.

Yes, KC9AZL, I meant QSO. Sorry about that. I set out to type QSO, but I am still at loss as to how it came out as QSL. Probably my spending most of the afternoon yesterday looking at those beautiful QSL cards on the internet had something to do with this faux pas!

-svp

I am new to ham stuff. I have an Icom IC-718 which I primarily use for shortwave listening. Now, I would like to slowly check out the ham stuff. I would like to listen to USB/LSB frequencies. How do I go about doing that using IC-718? I mean, after turning the power on and switching to USB/LSB mode, what controls do I use (and how) and what frequencies do I tune into? What are the best times to be listening to USB/LSB. I live in San Jose, CA. All guidance will be deeply appreciated.
Thanks.

-svp

PS: Yes, IC-718 is connected to a random wire antenna. Will upgrade to a 'decent' antenna after I figure out how to use IC-718. I promise!

Thanks, NZ5L, for your comments.

-svp

Folks, thanks for your ideas/suggestions. They were all very uselful. I placed an order today (3/20/02) for Icom IC-718 and Astron SS-25M. I went with this 20A power supply 'coz it is more than enough to run IC-718 with my kinda usage.

Please continue posting your ideas/suggestions on antenna for IC-718.

Thanks.

svp

Thanks all, for all the information you've so generously offered. You've helped me decide to go with IC-718.

Now, I would like your advice on antenna for it. I  neither have a big house nor is it on a big lot. I have a small attic, I will try to get some measurements on it this weekend. I'm sure it is not 20m (60'+) long or wide. How can I fit in a G5RV of (102' wire and a 35' 300 ohm TV twinlead) in my small attic and house? I would like to go with a G5RV (looks economical and I hear performance is good, too), like Tom Howey (WB1FPA) explained and Richard (KD6ELB) says works well.

Also, if you folks remember the model of Astron power supply that you are using, please let me know.

Again, thanks everybody. I will email you once I am up and running.

svp

PS: Richard (KD6ELB) when I was looking for a house in San Jose, I was told by the real estate folks that the earth-quake prone area that San Jose is, doesn't have houses with basements. I believed them. Damn!

Sorry, I fogot to mention the free "Free UT-106 DSP from ICOM with 718 purchase" on universal-radio.com. Does this enhance SWLing/DXing experience with IC-718?

Also, anyone experienced (and, therefore, can compare Icom IC-718) with Yaesu-FT 840?

Thanks.

svp

Hello all!

I got my Amateur Radio (general class) licence a while ago, but I have not yet got a radio.  There are a few basic things I would like to know. I would appreciate your help.

I'm a SWLer and enjoying DXing on AM. That's going to be my primary activity for some time (at least 'til I get to know my way around on ham radio).

To get a rig, I will be selling my SW radio, Sony ICF-2010. Looking around on this site, I understand that ICOM IC-718 will be my kinda first rig (which fits my kinda budget). I may be wrong, please correct me. My questions:

1) When I buy this, do I have to buy a (separate) power supply? (Even when I plan to use it only at home? No basements in San Jose, CA!)
2) How good is this transceiver for SW listening and AM DXing?
3) What is the decent price you think I can get a new ICOM IC-718 for?
4) What do you recommend for a decently priced antenna I can start out with?

Any other comments/suggestions will be deeply appreciated by this newbit. Thanks in advance.

svp

Hello everyone!

I'm new to this site. I've tried to look around to see if the questions I have have been asked/answered before. I didn't find them. Pls. excuse me if I am repeating the questions.

I am thinking of getting an ICOM IC-718. I have a general class license. My questions:

1) When I buy this, do I have to buy a power supply? (Even when I plan to use it only at home?)
2) How good is this transceiver for SW listening and AM DXing?
3) What is the decent price you think I can get a new ICOM IC-718 for?

Any other comments/suggestions will be deeply appreciated by this newbit. Thanks in advance.

svp