What is HAM? HAM is a global communications network using radio frequencies (RF) to send and receive voice and digital communications over the airwaves. HAM is similar to your AM/FM radio except your AM/FM radio is one-way communications. In an emergency situation, HAM is a global communications network that assists society in a catastrophe (man-made (e.g.,…
Alfonso Faustino: D-STAR, DMR, & System Fusion — Oh my! Which one? (K6ASF)
This BLOG is for relatively new HAM operators interested in getting into the HAM digital network. HAM Digital Network Requirements: – DMR ID: You need to get a DMR ID to get on DMR. HAM license required. – D-STAR Database: You need to register your call-sign into the D-STAR database to get on D-STAR. HAM…
Alfonso Faustino: SharkRF openSpot2: Dream Come True! (K6ASF)
Three major digital HAM networks exist: DMR, System Fusion, and D-STAR. Other digital networks exists, such as, but not limited to P25, but they are not as popular-used as the three aforementioned digital networks, supra. I prefer hand-held transceivers; hence, I will be restricting the scope of the BLOG to my preferred hand-held transceivers. When…
Alfonso Faustino: Kenwood TH-D74A — Awesome! (K6ASF)
BLUF: The Kenwood TH-D74A is a D-STAR-based super heterodyne tri-band transceiver that has an effective front-end filter to eliminate desensitization and cross-modulation from other frequencies when in close proximity of other HAM operators. It is a functional transceiver for social HAM operations as well as mission-critical ICS-based emergency communications (comms). It is durable and reliable,…
Alfonso Faustino: INRICO T320: Mobile Phone AND Network Radio
My good friend and fellow HAM Operator, Ben, he gave me a gift — the INRICO T320 Network Radio integrated with a mobile phone. I absolutely dig this transceiver/phone. In summary, this is a network walk-talkie that can be used for all types of purposes: family and friends communications, mission-critical ICS-based communications, law enforcement, and…
Alfonso Faustino: DMR & Yaesu System Fusion
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: G1098 (NATO) Watch Straps
G1098 (hereinafter, NATO) straps have been around for a long time. You can search the NATO strap history on the internet and learn about them. I recently found out about these cool, fun, sporty, tactical, and sophisticated watch straps several weeks ago. One night, while being up late due to a bout of insomnia, I…
Alfonso Faustino: Dedication To My Acting: Arrested by SFPD — that’s dedication to my craft as an actor!
I got arrested by the San Francisco Police Department; and, surprisingly, I found it useful and a great experience for me as an actor and as an individual. My arrest, like my other past life-experiences, is part of who I am; and, I’m a better person because of it; and, as an actor, it is…
Alfonso Faustino: Audition Coach: Dana Salah
Since November 2018, my agent and manager have been frequently sending me out to auditions for film and television in Los Angeles. In order for me to prepare for my auditions, I hired Dana Salah of SidesandLines.com, as my audition coach. She is awesome. I decided to work with Dana for the following reasons: –…
Alfonso Faustino (K6ASF): Maxpedition Falcon III
I dig bags — I have so many of them — yeah, it’s a fetish of mine, and I’ve put them all to the test — from EDC to bug-out survival bags, I’ve deployed them on land, sea, and air excursions. Based upon my experiences thus far, I must say, unequivocally, the Maxpedition Falcon III…
Alfonso Faustino: Used Motorola Transceivers: eBay: SnarlingRabidDog5150: TalkWave Communications
Generally speaking, I don’t trust sellers on eBay; hence, I seldom make purchases on eBay — I prefer Amazon. In my opinion, eBay is a cesspool and a petrie dish of scammers and products of questionable origin, make, and quality –ESPECIALLY, sellers that write, “No refunds due to people swapping out parts” in their product…
Alfonso Faustino: Yaesu FT1XDR: Analog and Digital Transceiver: Super Heterodyne and Front-end Filter
I really dig my Yaesu FT1XDR — it is a Yaesu discontinued item, but I still dig it; and I have no interest in purchasing its successor, the FT2XD. In my recent BLOG, I spoke about the importance of getting a transceiver that is Super Heterodyne and has front-end filters for emergency operations. I mentioned,…
