HAM 201 - Programming & Practice Sessions

This is the second event in a three-part series spanning the winter season. The goal is to get as many club members set up for ham radio communications as possible. You need to have your radio physically installed and have the programming software and cable/SD Card for programming.

Sign up now for the SNARS HAMCRAM event on Feb 18 to do a study cram session right before taking the technician's exam. It is inexpensive and fairly easy to pass. Sign-up at https://snars.org/oneday

Recommended Radios

The following radios were recommended for our 101 class in November. The first three radios in this section have detachable control units. This means the bulky "body" of the radio can be mounted just about anywhere in your vehicle. In contrast, the control unit can be mounted on a RAM mount, surface mounted with velcro, or other creative means just about anywhere. This is handy in vehicles that have limited space available around the driver area. The ideal mounting position is key for ease of use, easy access, and visibility while driving. You'll note that all of the recommended radios are Yaesu brand. You are welcome to get another brand, but most of us own and run Yaesu radios and prefer them over other brands. The 300DR is the oldest radio while the 500DR is the newest.

• Yaesu FTM-300DR. You can purchase the programming accessories here.
• Yaesu FTM-200DR. You can purchase the programming accessories here. 
• Yaesu FTM-500DR. You can purchase the programming accessories here.

Properly installed, these radios will allow you to achieve crystal-clear voice communication for miles. It also has GPS functions that will allow you to see other club members while on the trail, send/receive text and email messages, and set up private group monitor (GM) coms. Note the 200DR does not have GM features. The 200 and the 500 have snappier interfaces and a more intuitive and easy-to-read layout.

Other Radios

• The Yaesu FT-2980R is a full-body radio (no detachable control panel). It is built into a giant heat sync and transmits at 80 watts. Several of us have used this radio and it works great. This is a very powerful "one trick pony" radio that will give you strong voice communications on the trail. There are very few bells and whistles. The upside is that it is cheap. the downside is that it is HUGE and has limited functions. If all you care about is voice communications while on the trail and you have the room to install this, it is the one we would recommend. This is a single-band radio so you only need a single 2-meter (2M) antenna. You can get the programming accessories here.
• The Yaesu FTM-6000R is slightly cheaper than the three recommended radios and has many of the same features. The control panel is the smallest of the bunch. Like the 200DR it lacks the GM features. This is a good radio if you have extremely limited space and every mm matters. You can get the programming accessories here.