Installed a Yaesu FTM-0350 in My Car

A month or so ago I installed a Yaesu FTM-350 in my car and I really like it. Here are a few of the features:

FTM-350R -   A Totally New Advanced Dual Band Mobile Radio
Two Separate Receivers with Individual Volume Control
GPS / APRS® / Bluetooth® Features
144/(220)* /430 MHz 50 W FM Dual Band Transceiver
DTMF Microphone Included

So far so good.

Uniden's New Scanner Launches Soon!

The new scanner from Uniden should start shipping in a few weeks I understand. It's pretty remarkable for those of us that travel a lot and like to listen or to those non-technically-inclined who would like to monitor the emergency services in their area. It comes programmed with a whole database for North America, which can be updated, and you simply tell it where you are by either entering a postal code or attaching an inexpensive GPS.

Check out the demo video at their page linked above.

Having Fun on Digital Modes

I have really been enjoying the digital amateur radio modes this week. I am using Ham Radio Deluxe and Digital Master 780, both version 5 Beta. You can find a good overview of PSK-31 here.


There is a Blog on how to get started located here

Satellite QSO by Handheld on Satellite SO-50

 MP3 Audio File of Satellite QSO on SO-50 Today

I needed a break at lunch time from email and phones at my office so I shot over to Waveny Park near my home where there is a good view of the horizon to the North and East. Above is the audio from a series of Satellite QSOs made using the  Yaesu VX-8DR Handheld Radio and the Arrow 2 Meter and 440 Handheld Antenna.

Radio Reference- The Place to Start for Listening to Emergency Communications

The definitive source for police, fire and other communications frequencies and systems in your area is RadioReference.com
Here you'll find forums for discussion, an extensive Wiki to learn from and a comprehensive database of frequencies you can listen to with various scanners and amateur radio transceivers.

Handheld Radios and Amateur Radio Satellites!

I have recently taken an interest in satellite communications by handheld radio. This is basically using a handheld radio transceiver, a walkie talkie if you will, and a handheld antenna to send your signal up to a passing satellite and converse with someone else doing the same thing in real time.
This excellent video shows just how it's done and is part of what encouraged me to try this:

How to work amateur radio satellites with your handheld (HT) radio from moleculo on Vimeo.