Wife and I were talking tonight about the state of things currently. We used to be very active in our local EmComm group for years. I was the leader for 11 years and we are still on the board for the 501C3 group we formed to accept donation. But since I resigned as EC a few years ago we backed away to let new folks run things as they saw fit. And we have mostly not been on the air much at all. Anyway, we're thinking it's time to get back at it to some degree. I need to replace some HT batteries, mount some mobile rigs in our vehicles, install some new antennas at the house, and set up a battery system for power the radios in the house, solar powered of course.
I have my general class ticket, but never got into HF other than at some Field Day events. I'd like to gain that capability, but I want to go with a mobile rig for now so I could take it when we travel, go camping, or if we needed to bug out for some reason. I've been looking at a Yeasu FT-891 so far. Small 100W rig that will run 6M as well. I found one for $609. Not a bad price for a HF rig IMO.
My question is what model rigs do you folks run? Other question, what modes do you operate on? Any digital modes? A buddy of mine was big into Winlink 2000 when I was active. I used it on 2M, and could link into HF with the proper path. But never used it straight HF. I have no idea about other digital modes.
Any hints, tips, thoughts are greatly apprecieated.
I have my general class ticket, but never got into HF other than at some Field Day events. I'd like to gain that capability, but I want to go with a mobile rig for now so I could take it when we travel, go camping, or if we needed to bug out for some reason. I've been looking at a Yeasu FT-891 so far. Small 100W rig that will run 6M as well. I found one for $609. Not a bad price for a HF rig IMO.
My question is what model rigs do you folks run? Other question, what modes do you operate on? Any digital modes? A buddy of mine was big into Winlink 2000 when I was active. I used it on 2M, and could link into HF with the proper path. But never used it straight HF. I have no idea about other digital modes.
Any hints, tips, thoughts are greatly apprecieated.