I was previously a member of ARC and it went silent due to some issues. I’m very happy to see that it is back, now as the World Radio League. I hope it sticks around this time!
I’m living in the town of Oak Harbor, WA located on the north end of Whidbey Island just off the coast of Seattle, WA.
I have had my Technician license for only about 19 months. I have 2 HT radios and 3 mobile radios. The radios I use most are my Yaesu FT-70D (HT) and my Anytone AT-779UV mobile in a “Go-Box”
Love the go-box - I’m currently using my ICOM 7300 more than anything else. How do you like the Anytone? I’ve been thinking of getting one for my truck.
HI James, thank you for the welcome back. I truly missed the forums.
I like the AT-779 because it seems to do the job. It has a claimed 20 watt output and I am looking for a better antenna to make the most out of that output. The included antenna is a 6 inch magnet mount antenna. I use a metal cookie sheet for a backplane and I once made a simplex contact with another Ham that was participating in the SotA (Summits on the Air) program. He was transmitting from the summit of Mt Rainier (about 100 miles away) and I was in my backyard getting acquainted with my go-box.
He reported a strong and clear signal from me and he sounded like he was sitting next to me! So, I am thinking that radio (AT-779) does a pretty good job!
I haven’t really used my AT-578DUVIII yet. I installed it but made only a few contacts using the local repeaters. I just recently sent it to BrideCom to have them program my new BT-01 bluetooth microphone/remote display control because I just could not get it to work. I’m waiting to get it back and hoping it will make my use a lot easier!
I forgot to update my status regarding my Anytone 578 UV III radio in my truck. I got it back with the bluetooth remote microphone (BT-01) and they are both working great! I like that I can have the radio under my passenger seat, out of the way, and the bluetooth microphone acting as a remote display. Granted the microphone display is a little smaller than a dedicated remote display, but it still works great!
I’ve made a few more local contacts with my new setup. I don’t really use the radio much because I’m not a talker. I got my license and equipment more for emergency use than daily chatting.
Yeah that makes sense. I mostly am using the repeaters locally. I ended up going with the ICOM 5100 for my truck. But since I work in ham radio I was able to justify it lol.
I think the Anytone is a great choice. Pretty nice that the Bridgecomm folks were able to get it programmed for you - let me know how that goes!
I’m really glad you’re back into the WRL now that we worked out those name issues we had with American Radio Club. Thanks for sticking with us.
PS You should give the logbook a shot when you get a chance!
Just thought I would check in and post a personal update.
I’m headed to Seaside, Oregon in a little bit to attend SEAPAC 2024.
I was there last year and picked up my AT-779 gobox radio. I’m hoping to get an HF capable radio this year.
I’ve been considering the ICOM IC-705 because of how portable it is. I understand it is a QRP radio, but I’m primarily interested in EMCOM and the ability to communicate from almost anywhere.
