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Author Topic: VHF for Dummies?  (Read 348 times)

KD0VE

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VHF for Dummies?
« on: April 26, 2022, 06:19:56 AM »

is there a book that covers all the various considerations for a VHF/UHF station.  In particular one that covers digital aspects with comparisons of the various proprietary digital modes including their market penetration.  Also some issues I don't even know enough to ask about.

thx in advance to anyone offering advice or links.
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KV1P

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Re: VHF for Dummies?
« Reply #1 on: April 26, 2022, 06:35:59 AM »

Go to the ARRL website store they should have what you are looking for!
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WA9AFM

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Re: VHF for Dummies?
« Reply #2 on: April 26, 2022, 06:41:39 AM »

Start with the ARRL Operating Manual.  They also have books on the various digital modes.
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AB6RF

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Re: VHF for Dummies?
« Reply #3 on: April 26, 2022, 12:35:44 PM »

Regarding the digital modes, the digital voice modes (D-STAR, DMR, C4FM, P25 etc.) are almost a "hobby within a hobby".
In other words, the field is so wide and there is so much to know, that it's just not feasible to gain all that info in one sitting.

You just need to do the normal thing, start simple, get something going, and learn more as you try new things.
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AB4KA

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Re: VHF for Dummies?
« Reply #4 on: April 26, 2022, 04:31:34 PM »

I'd check out https://www.dmrfordummies.com/ and https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eiaYNR65RJanxnVbXdrWBs4cNG50mqn1/view

I know, they are just about DMR but IMO that's really the only viable solution.  Fusion is great if you like Yaesu radios and your club got a good deal on a Fusion repeater (ours has one and no one uses it), and no one is on D-Star.  DMR is the way to go.  Radios are plentiful and prices range from <$100 to as much as you want to spend.
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AA4Q

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Re: VHF for Dummies?
« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2022, 10:15:49 AM »

Regarding the digital modes, the digital voice modes (D-STAR, DMR, C4FM, P25 etc.) are almost a "hobby within a hobby"....

I would assert that VHF/UHF FM & repeaters, to which the the digital modes mentioned above are included, is really a completely separate (sub-)hobby from VHF/UHF weak signal (SSB/CW, contesting, EME, microwave etc). And the weak signal digital text modes such as FT8, MSK144, JT65 or whatever is used for EME fall into the weak signal V/UHF sub-hobby. Then I further suggest that 6m FT8 is really just another band on HF FT8.

AA4Q
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KT4WO

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Re: VHF for Dummies?
« Reply #6 on: April 29, 2022, 01:29:07 AM »

"DMR but IMO that's really the only viable solution"

I'm not a big fan of digi-voice modes, think most sound
like crap. I have DMR,DSTAR,C4FM and NEXDEN. Of all
those I think the C4FM has the best audio quality.
( I know, all use same CODEC)
BUT--- DMR is, by far, the most used.
Heck, I think CODEC2 700D sounds as good as all
the above!
Anyway, No book will be as up-to-date as what can
be found on the net. Just keep searching/reading.
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G4AON

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Re: VHF for Dummies?
« Reply #7 on: April 30, 2022, 06:37:48 AM »

Modes and usage of various modes depends on where you live, there is a tendency for “FOMO” (fear of missing out), where one ham starts using a band, or mode, then their friends join in… only to find the original ham has moved onto something else.

A local repeater will often encourage users for that mode, although in some cases the use drops to near zero, as is the case with a DMR repeater near me.

I have DMR, D-Star, FM and SSB. Believe it or not, I use 2m SSB more than any other band or mode.

73 Dave
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