Thank you for viewing my BLOGS and QRZ page; and, most importantly, thank you for all your kind emails and purchases. I’m happy to read and hear that I’m a useful resource to you. I created my BLOGs to answer a lot of repeated-emails I received regarding HAM recommendations on transceivers, talk-groups, net-controls, accessories, and…
Alfonso Faustino: Retevis RT97 Portable Repeater
UPDATE: 9-January-2021, at 1900 Hours PST: I dig the Retevis RT97 Portable Repeater, so much, I purchase another one: Retevis RT97 Portable Repeater: GMRS version. I will do a write-up to see if any performance differences take place between the GMRS version and the HAM version. I should be getting it next week. BLUF: The…
Alfonso Faustino: Blessings in 2020
The Trinity has given me a blessed life — 2020 is a perfect example of His presence in my life. CoVid-19 demanded changes in the way my family and I had to do to successfully make it through 2020. Notwithstanding these changes, we all had the blessing of health. Fortunately, no one in our family…
Alfonso Faustino: Royal Motors: Sergey Chulikanov
For Christmas 2020, my mum decided she wanted to buy a new family vehicle to add to the paddock — really, it was a new vehicle for my sister; my mum don’t drive anymore; my sister is the real driver in the family; and, I enjoy being a passenger in the back seat playing with…
Alfonso Faustino: Recall London Breed “Mayor” of San Francisco
To recall London Breed, please sign this petition: https://www.change.org/p/people-of-san-francisco-recall-mayor-london-breed?source_location=topic_page DICTA “It’s not a crime to be homeless,” San Francisco Police Chief, Scott, told the New Yorker. I agree; but, homeless people don’t have the right to do crime and malfeasant behaviors while being homeless nor do they have the right to create a legally-defined nuisance…
Alfonso Faustino: TGIF Spot: Dual Band: 3.5-inch Nextion (Touch-screen) Hot-spot
If you’re looking for a digital-mode hot-spot (e.g., P25, DMR, Fusion, D-STAR, and NXDN), check out Robert Bretzman’s (K4WZV) TGIF Spot. What do I like about Robert Bretzman’s TGIF Spot? 3.5-inch Nextion Color Touch-screen, FPP: Front Panel Programming, Wi-Fi Scan, Adjustable BER Settings, Looks cool via the C4 Labs Clear Casing, Pre-programmed and ready to…
Alfonso Faustino: Gerry Filby (W6WNG): AllStar ClearNode
UPDATE: 5-January-2021, at 1453: Gerry Filby made a major software update: DMR functions. Yes — ClearNode can access DMR and talk-groups associated to Brandmeister and TGIF. I am hoping Gerry Filby will give an update for P25 functions. Now, I can finally use my Motorola XTS 5000R to access DMR talk-groups…and, I can finally use…
Alfonso Faustino: HAM Nets: Digital & Analog
I received emails from some new HAM operators regarding nets that I attend. By way of background, I’m am a member of two different two-way radio (transceiver) clubs: PAPA System Cathay Radio Club PAPA System is a full service one-stop radio club. Members can RX and TX on DMR, DSTAR, P25, and analog repeaters. Analog…
Alfonso Faustino: SMA BNC Adapter for Motorola XTS 5000(R) & Motorola APX 8000HXE
A HAM operator that just purchased a Motorola XTS 5000 UHF R-1 asked me about an SMA-BNC antenna adapter for his Motorola XTS 5000 UHF R-1. I use this 50 ohm SMA-BNC antenna adapter for all my my Motorola XTS 5000(R) and my Motorola APX 8000HXE. I like this adapter; because, it’s the newest one…
Alfonso Faustino: PAPA System: New P25 Network
4-October-2020, @ 0248 Hours PDT, I received information from Cecil that he and his team completed the installation and testing of the new P25 repeaters in the PAPA System network in Southern California. This is truly an amazing accomplishment by Cecil and his team. Members of the PAPA System now has access to all HAM…
Alfonso Faustino: HAM Satellite Repeaters
Before I begin, I’d like to thank Wade for introducing me to HAM Satellite Repeaters (hereinafter, in this BLOG, HSR). I was on P25 North America 10200; and, I connected with Wade; and, through our conversation, he told me about his recent adventure: HAM Satellite Repeaters. Several satellites in space have HAM analog duplex repeaters…
Alfonso Faustino: Lumen “Glowing” Modular SGT Radio Strap & Carabiner Keeper Set
When I purchased my Motorola APX 8000HXE, I had to find a way to carry it while doing my volunteer work with CARLA, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, San Francisco Fire Department, and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. My Maxpedition Falcon III Wolf Gray Back-pack is a perfect bug-out and EDC back-pack; and, I’m able to…