[2m] how to make the most of 2 meters?

[KD7JYK DM09]

: I am looking for a 2 meter all mode rig.

I use an IC-706MKIIG.  You'll also need a horizontal antenna, I've tried the 
vertical while mobile, no luck.

: I would like to get set up for packet. all I need is a TNC

I've been in packet since '94, I highly recommend the Kantronics KPC-3.

"I am wondering whats out there for SSTV, RTTY, PSK31. So Im looking into a 
interface. Simpler is beetter an Im on disablity and like homebrewing. As I 
unstand just a TNC wont work, but I heard there was Multi mode TNCs. There 
is a couple  of guys that work 2 thats have I heard about SSTV and the like 
I am just not set up tp get in there."

I used to used dedicated black boxes for digital modes, but now you can do 
hundreds or modes using freee software and the soundcard in your computer. 
For receive, just plug your radios audio output into your soundcard input, 
start with the volume all the way down, then slowly increase it until 
whatever software you are using is happy.  For transmit, I use VOX if 
available, most software allows a PTT switch control through the computers 
parallel port to control the radio.

"I made a paddle im working on a keyer, I dont know what on 2 for CW but I 
am told its here, I just can never seems to hear it."

Do you have a CW 2m receiver with at least 10 Hz resolution?  1Hz would be 
better.

Kurt