Many people, including HAM operators, ask me about my experiences with two digital HAM networks: Yaesu’s System Fusion and Europe’s DMR. Here is a 50,000-foot-level view of the two digital systems. Analogy Of Digital Networks My analogy of digital networks is an office building. The repeater is the door; the digital network is a big…
Alfonso Faustino: Two Way Digital Radio: Ken Bryant: Motorola XPR 7550e: UHF: 403 – 512 MHz (K6ASF)
When I get involved with a project, I jump in with both feet in and immerse my mind into the project, so I can fully understand the ins and outs of the project of which I am involved. My goal is always to be the subject-matter-expert; so, I can be effective, efficient, and useful to…
Alfonso Faustino: I’m hooked on Yaesu’s System Fusion WiresX (K6ASF/AG)
One of the things I really dig about the HAM network is a lot of long-time users have shaped the modern technology we have today — such as, packet radio digital transmissions. HAM operators experimented with the transfer of voluminous information at a fast and efficient rate over the frequency bands and spurred on many…
Alfonso Faustino: Yaesu FT1XDR GPS Analog and Digital Transceiver & APRS (K6ASF)
On 30-May-2017, I dropped by HAM Radio Outlet on my way to Los Angeles and picked up the Yaesu FT1XDR. I purchased this GPS analog and digital transceiver to learn and participate in APRS. You can check out APRS at APRS.fi. I got rid of the stock antenna and bought a BNC adapter and replaced…
Alfonso Faustino: Baofeng GT3TP (K6ASF)
(UPDATE: 31-May-2016, @ 2330 Hours PDT: On a simplex frequency, my acting classmate, Matthew, call-sign: Crazy Canook, used my girlfriend’s Baofeng GT3TP hand-held transceiver, and he spoke to me from Linden Street in Oakland, California, while I was at Eagle’s Nest — that’s over 9 miles away on a simplex frequency — no repeaters at…
Alfonso Faustino: My first contact with South Yorkshire, England, using my Yaesu FT-857D (K6ASF)
Tonight, 24-May-2017, @ 2330 Hours PDT, I spoke to Ian (G3ZHI) on my Yaesu FT-857D. Ian, like I, is a history buff; and, when I was in England, I enjoyed all the history of his country — from Jack The Ripper to Oliver Cromwell. I’m always amazed by HAM transceivers, especially my Yaesu FT-857D — it’s…
Alfonso Faustino: Bugging out to Los Angeles (K6ASF)
I have to hit Los Angeles for a production meeting; so, I have my Maxpedtion Mongo Versipack all packed and ready to go for my short hop to Los Angeles. I’m bringing my PCC to set up at the studio to see if I can make some contact with the Los Angeles HAM folks. Normally, I…
Alfonso Faustino: CARLA Repeater Network — a must! (K6ASF)
I strongly believe, as an emergency-trained personnel using the HAM transceivers as one of my many tools, it is important to be part of a working, functional, reliable communications network; hence, CARLA System is my go-to primary repeater network. Why? Because, the CARLA network consists of hundreds of repeaters, countless volunteer personnel, all working 24/7…
Alfonso Faustino: A wonderful repeater, Napa’s WA7G (K6ASF)
I found a wonderful repeater in Napa, which is part of the WIN System, called, WA7G. It is an active repeater; and, the repeater works so well that all the HAM operators sound like they are all talking in one room. HAM operators from all over the US seem to migrate to this repeater and…
Alfonso Faustino: FCC Grants New Call-sign: K6ASF
Many thanks to Wayne (K6WSA). He and other HAM operators have been very supportive of me and provided me with lots of great information and guidance. Wayne came up with my new call-sign, K6ASF; and, today, 23-May-2017, @ 2401 hours PDT, the FCC granted K6ASF to me. This will be my final call-sign.
Alfonso Faustino: “Why so many transceivers?” (K6ASF)
I once asked Wayne (K6WSA), “Why would you have 10 transceivers?” I could not comprehend, at the time, the reason that so many HAM operators have more than two transceivers. Now, the reason for two is usually because a HAM operator would have one handheld and one base station. As it turns out, most HAM…
Alfonso Faustino: Motorola CP200 UHF 16-channel Transceiver: 438-470 MHz (K6ASF)
A brand new, right out of the box, virgin Motorola CP200 UHF Transceiver. I couldn’t resist getting this classic bullet-proof transceiver. It’s a rare find to get a brand new CP200 because Motorola discontinued making them several years ago. As I mentioned in my previous BLOG, I really enjoyed my CP200 VHF; and, now, I…
