Does my radio have a mars cap?

[KD7ZFH]

Hello to all,
I have an IC-V8000 Does it have a mars cap ? If not How can I tell wich radio's have the cap and wich don't .I would like to join But I dont have an Hf rig yet!
Thanks for any help
73
Tom

[WTF52]

You can mod the IC-V8000 for MARS.  I've done it.  Most of the MARS VHF frequencies in the 2M range are just outside of the amateur allocation.  Most MARS work is done on HF, however, so if you want to really get involved, you need to get a HF rig.  For the mods, go to http://www.mods.dk/

Good luck and 73

Dwight NNN0TPR

[KD7ZFH]

Thanks alot I will check that out

[KB9WQJ]

I believe you are asking about a mod for MARS and/or CAP.  It's not just a capacitor that gets chaged to modify these.  CAP stands for Civil Air Patrol.
 73

[N3ZKP]

Just for everyone's information, modified ham gear is no longer allowed in the Civil Air Patrol unless it is NTIA compliant. There is vietually no ham HTs that qualify.

[N3ZKP]

<< There is vietually no ham HTs that qualify. >>

Geez, the fingers are tired today.

That should be "there are virtually no ham HTs that qualify."

[N3ZKP]

Tom,

Just looked at where you are. There are very few MARS members in Idaho (Only one Navy MARS) and even less MARS activity on VHF. VHF MARS activity is pretty much limited to a few major metropolitan areas, such as NYC. MARS activity is going to require an HF rig, no matter which of the three MARS branches you join. Even in the Baltimore/Washington area there is virtually no VHF activity on regular basis, even though we have two repeaters in the area.

There are training and particiption requirements that simply cannot be met with a converted 2m rig.

I am not trying to discourage you, but simply pointing out the realities.

Lon NNN0OOR / NNN0GAW THREE

[KD7ZFH]

Thanks to all.Looks like I'll have to get an hf rig.I need to up grade my ticket anyway.
thanks again
73
Tom

[N3ZKP]

Although upgrading is always a good idea, it is NOT necessary in order for you to join MARS. Your MARS license will authorise you to work on MARS HF frequencies.

Lon NNN0OOR / NNN0GAW ONE

[N9KWW]

There is a fair amount of VHF activity in MARS, at least on the Navy side of things here in the Milwaukee WI. Area we have 2 repeaters and in Great Lakes IL there is another. Also in the Ohio Area there are 4 more, there is more going up every day it seems. The main reason for VHF is to support the local end of things and to provide an HF link outside the disaster scene

[N3ZKP]

KKW:

Do you run your state nets on VHF?

Lon

[AA4PB]

Does Navy MARS no longer require minimum participation on HF nets? At one time VHF activity didn't count towards your minimum participation requirement.

[N3ZKP]

<< Does Navy MARS no longer require minimum participation on HF nets? At one time VHF activity didn't count towards your minimum participation requirement. >>

Yes, there is still a minimum amount of participation and it must be on HF. VHF time doesn't count.

Lon - NNN0OOR / NNN0GAW ONE

[KG4RUL]

I checked all my radios for MARS Caps.  Unfortunately, none of them is so equipped.

Not to despair!  My Wife has taken up knitting and is making custom MARS caps for each radio.

Dennis
NNN0FAE
NNN0GBS FIFTEEN
KG4RUL

[YEPSURE]

Here's a direct link to the IC-V800 modofocation page:

http://www.mods.dk/view.php?ArticleId=2356