[Kenwood] Why To Go With The TS-480HX

[WD8ARZ]

In general HF radios that Do Not have vhf and uhf bands have better
performing HF receivers due to front end designs. HF radios, even those that
include six meters, can have tighter filter front ends that have to be given
up to support the higher bands.
(http://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/software_download.html
download the TS-480HX/SAT In Depth Manual )

TS-480HX, Six Meters through 160 Meters, 200 Watts, remotable head, stand
alone package for base, mobile or portable operations to cover voice and cw
needs. Sky Command Compatible, meaning no computer required to interface to
other compatible gear. Unique power requirement of this radio easily met by
a power supply package (detailed in part II email). Additional applications
of this radio include the ability to access / use it over remotable control
head from a few feet to several hundred feet by cable. Computer accessible
locally or remotely for full operation of the radio for voice and digital
modes, using local area lan, the internet or direct plug in of computer /
laptop. Access and control of the radio over radio links using compatible
dual band mobile and dual band walkie talkie. Excellent cooling package for
hot mobile and summer environments when air conditioning is not available.
TS-480HX 200 watt radio can be operated at 100 watts or less at near full
duty cycle for long periods of time (hours, not minutes) due to extra
cooling fan and design not available in most 100 watt radios.

TM-D700 / D710 Two meter and 440 FM mobile. 50 Watts with APRS and Sky
Command Compatible. Easy interface to the AvMap G5 for GPS and Navigation
Displays that includes APRS display / tracking. No Computer required to
interface these two items.

TH-D7AG Two meter and 440 FM Walkie Talkie. Data communicator is equipped
with a built-in TNC and APRS. Sky Command Compatible.

AvMap G5 Navigator has built-in highly sensitive 20 channel Sirf 3 GPS
engine, has a ultra bright, non-glaring, 5 inch, TFT Touch Screen, and comes
with cable to interface to the Kenwood D700 / D710.
========================

End result is a selection of individual gear that operate totally as
separate units, Base, Mobile or Portable. However they can be configured to
give the HT remote control access to the dual band mobile leaving the HF rig
alone, or using the dual band mobile as an interface to the HF radio, the HT
has remote control and transmit / receive access. Due to Katrina, the FCC
granted legality for using Sky Command for such HT to HF operation.

As a bonus, APRS is supported in this system, and in combination with the
AvMap G5 Navigator, GPS information can be fed to the D700 / D710 or the HT
as needed. APRS info is sent to and from the G5 making for a seamless
interface that doesnt require a computer. Under the right interfacing and
some limitations, packet radio can be supported. Using digital protocols,
digital modes on a computer provide emergency texting / email until local
systems improve. The navigation / gps functions of the G5 are a must in
emergency situations where knowing where you are and how to get to where you
need to go can other wise be a challenge.

Universal flexible powering of he above equipment, with some antenna / atu
suggestions are in part II.

Links:
====
TS-480HX
 http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/hamhf/0480.html

TM-D700 / D710
 http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/fm_txvrs/0710.html

TH-D7AG
 http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/ht/4211.html

Sky Command System:
  http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/ht/4211sky2.html

AvMap G5 Navigator
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/fm_txvrs/50630710.html

To get maximum capability from your equipment, know how to use it throughly
and have copies of your manuals with the gear!

73 from Bill - WD8ARZ
http://hflink.net/qso/