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

[Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)]

Philip,

I often use my TH-D72 for demonstrations, and have gone
with a simpler setup than in the past. I use an unpowered
external speaker with a long patch cable, and put it a
few feet away from me. I also make sure the speaker isn't
firing back at me, to avoid audio feedback when I am
transmitting. I use this short cable with right-angle plug
to go into the TH-D72's 2.5mm speaker jack:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KOJAJKW/

I find the TH-D72 has enough audio output to drive an
unpowered external speaker to a reasonable audio level.
I sometimes plug a splitter into this short cable with
adapter plug, if I want to directly record the downlink
audio, but usually skip the splitter and put an audio
recorder in my pocket - or hold it in the same hand as
the TH-D72. Then I make sure to say the call sign of
each station I work, so the recorder at least picks that
up.

I also have a no-name Bluetooth speaker, which also has
a jack for a patch cable on the back side. This is an
amplified speaker with a built-in battery (which can also
be used to power or charge devices through a USB
connection), so there are no extra cables needed when I
use this speaker instead of the unpowered speaker I
normally use.

If you would like to see pictures of my setup, please let
me know. I will e-mail you some pictures directly.

73!





Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/
Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK








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
>
>