[amsat-bb] 2nd/backup FM HT recommendations

[Robert Bankston]

Phil,

I have an external powered speaker I clip on my belt, center of my back. 

Your right about the rats nest of wires. I’m going to put together a “demo only harness, using some form of wiring loom to keep everything neat and tidy. 

Alinco HT is fine for TX side, with added bonus of L-band capability. 

Robert Bankston | KE4AL
Vice-President, User Services
Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT)

Website: www.ke4al.wordpress.com
Twitter:  @KE4ALabama

> On Jun 20, 2019, at 16:51, Philip Jenkins via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote:
> 
> I'm considering buying another FM HT for the birds, mainly to use as a
> backup - for demos. (I already have a D72, which is my main unit for
> personal use and demos right now,  and a VX7R, but the latter has seen
> better days.)
> 
> For those of you who have attempted to use just a D72 for a demo - with an
> external speaker as well as the  headset/mic - this results in a rat's nest
> of adapters/connectors/wires. I have the adapter sold on eBay, but
> unfortunately it attenuates the audio signal (for digital voice recorders),
> instead of amplifying it for an external speaker , which is what I need. (I
> guess I could use a powered speaker on that output, but that's one more
> thing to carry - and power-up! :-) )
> 
> So I think *two* radios might work better - wiring wise - for demos. If I
> buy a Baofeng (or similar), I won't use it for the receive part due to the
> desense problems on some models (looking at  the section in 2019's "Getting
> Started with Amateur Satellites").  I'm considering the Alinco, since it
> does have 1.2 Ghz, and using the D72 for receive in that set up (but that
> still doesn't easily solve the wiring/connector mess for an external
> speaker/headphones for that radio).
> 
> Are there other radios which are more "external speaker" friendly which I
> should consider? I'm open to almost any combination of manufacturers
> (except for the Baofeng types for receive, as noted above).  I'm even open
> to buying another D72 (but probably hoarding it except for special
> occasions.)
> 
> In short, what are your recommendations for a second, spare, radio for the
> FM birds?
> 
> I'm also curious how others have wired their single HTs - or two HTs - for
> demos using an external speaker. So if you could explain - with or without
> pictures - how you accomplish this, I'd appreciate it.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Philip N4HF
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