I’m fortunate to have access to both DMR and Yaesu’s System Fusion and WiresX digital networks; and, I want to share my experiences with you regarding both digital networks. In this BLOG I will, at a 50,000-feet level, generally talk about the two digital networks I use for my HAM operations: DMR and System Fusion…
Alfonso Faustino: Motorola XPR 7550e Code-plug for Analog, DMR HAM networks, and a list of GMRS Frequencies I use (HAM: K6ASF and GMRS: WQZI967)
Several licensed GMRS operators asked the GMRS frequencies I use; hence, I created this BLOG. By the by, I don’t talk with GMRS people that do not possess a valid FCC GMRS license — unless the unlicensed person is in an emergency situation. Unfortunately, many people using GMRS do not possess licenses or use fake…
Alfonso Faustino: Motorola XPR 7550e versus Yaesu FT1XDR: GPS activities on APRS.fi (K6ASF)
21-22 July-2017: BLOG updated to reflect my Yaesu FT1XDR’s GPS activities with APRS.fi. It successfully tracked my travel activities only one time; hence, it still isn’t reliable nor accurate, whereas my Motorola XPR 7550e is 100% reliable and accurate in any environment and circumstances. In my testing, the FT1XDR’s GPS failed and didn’t meet my requirements. I’ve…
Alfonso Faustino: Reasons I use Commercial Hand-held Transceivers (Motorola XPR 7550e) versus Amateur Hand-held Transceivers (K6ASF)
Before I begin, I wanna thank HAM Operator, AKA: Boss, Tom (N6MVT), for introducing me to Motorola HAM operations: analog and DMR. Thanks, Tom, N6MVT, for helping me program my Motorola and for introducing me to the wonderful world of CARLA. Bottom Line Up Front: I use Motorola hand-held transceivers because I want the best in quality, durability, reliability,…
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: 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…
