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

[John Brier]

I can't remember if this was on Twitter or the bb, but a lot of people
didn't realize for demos you can split AFTER the audio recorder. Put
your splitter on the headphone out of the recorder, your headset goes
in port one and the external speaker goes in the other. This might
work around the attenuation issue as the attenuation is generally to
bring it down to line or even mic level which is obviously very low
compared to what an external speaker wants.

With that said, I'm not sure if the ebay special supports that
configuration. I use my own custom cable with some resistors in line.

https://spacecomms.wordpress.com/audio-cable-for-kenwood-th-d72/

73, John Brier KG4AKV

On Thu, Jun 20, 2019 at 6:19 PM 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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