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: Motorola XTS 5000 Programming Cable: Mark V. Dunkle
I’m a big fan of the Motorola XTS 5000 series. Although discontinued by Motorola in December 2019, the Motorola XTS 5000 is still relevant and in use by many first responder agencies and government agencies. For HAM operators, the Motorola XTS 5000 is an excellent choice for HAM operators wanting to get into P25 Phase…
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…
Alfonso Faustino: HAM P25
BLUF: The following are P25 repeaters and P25 talk-groups/reflectors. This list will keep you entertained with your P25 activities. Enjoy! P25 Talk-groups — at times, talk-groups are also called reflectors: PAPA P25 Chat: 31077 PAPA P25xDMR: 31078 (This is a P25 bridge that connects to PAPA’s DMR system; and, the DMR system is linked to…
Alfonso Faustino: Garmin inReach EXPLORER+
I do a lot of activities in areas that do not have mobile signals for my iPhone 11 Pro; hence, when I’m out in these areas, I carry and rely upon two significant tools: Motorola APX 8000HXE and Garmin inReach EXPLORER+. I’ve already written a BLOG on my Motorola APX 8000HXE; hence, this BLOG is…
Alfonso Faustino: What’s in your Portable Communications (Comms) Case (AKA: Go-box)?
I think the word, go-box, is a lousy identifier of a case that contains communications devices — it sounds stupid to me; hence, I use the term, PCC-Portable Communications Case. I also find the term Communications-case or Comms-case as acceptable identifiers. If I used a bag, then I would call it a Comms-bag, and so…
Alfonso Faustino: Volunteer Emergency Auxiliary Comms Credentials
I became a HAM operator to meet one goal…volunteer my skills, talent, and experiences as an emergency auxiliary communications specialist to first-responder agencies. If you’re interested in volunteering your skills, talents, and experiences to a first-responder’s agency, here are the three of which I’m involved: USCG Auxiliary San Francisco Fire Department: NERT (I am considering…
