[Milsurplus] 2 meter mil rigs in a ham world

[W2HX]

Hi all,

I've been playing with a PRC-128 with the high-band option (covers 2 meters)
and in my area I can't really use it with amateur repeaters because of the
CTCSS requirement. I've also been thinking about looking for a URC-110 for
my car for 2 meter ops (also looking at a yaesu).

Several folks on the list have suggested using an outboard CTCSS tone
generator/tone squelch board.  This would seem to be my only option and
there seemed to be several available on the market.  The one thing that
always stuck in the back of my mind was the fact that I would have to
remember what tone to use when switching repeaters.  Also, when traveling, I
might not want to pull out a repeater directory at 60 mph!

Well, I found two very interesting products and I thought others might be
interested (hence the post here these are also applicable for pre-CTCSS
amateur rigs).  Both products are from PIEXX.com (not affiliated with them).

The first is a standard encoder/decoder but also has a small LCD display
that will read the CTCSS tone and display it for you. But the neat part is
it will also automatically set the transmit tone for you too. So by simply
listening on the frequency and hearing the repeater, your tone will be set,
no fumbling while driving.  VERY interesting!

Here is the product and the manual to it:

http://www.piexx.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=47
http://www.piexx.com/tonelcd/tonelcd.pdf

The second product is even smarter (and thus more expensive). Not only will
it decode and set the tone based on what it hears, but it will also remember
the frequency it heard the tone on.  This means that by changing the
frequency on your rig, it will remember which tone to use and you can key up
immediately and not have to wait to capture the tone from the repeater.
VERY NEAT!

http://www.piexx.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=27
http://www.piexx.com/uncoder/uncoderV101.htm

Just a note, I have NOT used either product yet (haven't even ordered one
yet) but it was such a neat idea I had to share it.  It will be interesting
to see if the Rx and Tx audio is wide enough on the PRC-128 to allow me to
connect to the headset port, or if it needs to be injected further down the
chain.

Anyway, thought I'd share it!

73 Eugene W2HX