Finally Made That Trip to HRO...

I spent several hours today at the Portland HRO looking at gear for my first mobile purchases. One thing I had on my mind was comparing the iCOM IC-7300 vs the Yaesu FT-991A. Honestly both are excellent transceivers, well made, and have excellent switch craft and performance. The IC-7300 IMO being newer has slightly better technology, but is better suited to a desktop, where the FT-991A is better suited to the field being a more portable size/weight and felt more rugged.

So, which one did iI get? Neither. I went with the Kenwood TS-480SAT. The Kenwood is older and doesn't have a fancy display, but it's far better suited to my needs in a mobile solution. I'm likely going to follow @BTPost in mounting under my passenger seat and placing the head unit and mike in easy reach. For a while, though it's going to spend a fair amount of time on my bench until I'm very familiar with it's operation.

Still looking over vehicle mounted antenna options, but did get the excellent Chameleon MPAS along with the "Military Extension".


I also looked at mobile VHF/UHF APRS solutions and had narrowed it down to the Yaesu FTM-400XDR and the Kenwood TM-D710G. This was a difficult choice until I removed digital communications from the mix. The truth is that the industry hasn't decided if it's going to support D-Star, C4FM, or a couple of others so I'm going to wait and see before I invest. That done, APRS mapping was a high priority and Kenwood has the edge in APRS with it's built in TNC, so Kenwood wins again.

Next steps are integrating the Kenwood to APRSDroid on a tablet. Lots to keep me busy for the near future.

 

I too think that you'll be pleased with the TS480sat...it does more than I need

 

Good choices. You do know that Kenwood has free software on their website?

AMATEUR RADIO PRODUCTS SOFTWARE DOWNLOADS / KENWOOD

 

The "Military Extension" you reference is the Chameleon Mil Whip (10.8foot vertical antenna)?
BTW Excellent video and I am sold. I will be buying one of these, it's on the list...

You truly threw me a curve buying the TS-480SAT. LOL! I kind of figure you would go with the FT-991A. I still don't know what radio I am buying yet... BTW Congrats!

EDIT: Ah! I see. The "Military Extension" actually is an extension that goes on the Mil Whip! I see. Maybe I should watch all the video before I start asking question, eh? LOL!

EDIT: What did you pay for the Chameleon MPAS with the Mil Extension?

 

It threw me a curve, too, but when I focused on what I needed in a mobile application it seemed the best fit. I'll likely be looking at a field/base station at some point and then it will likely be trade offs between the two all over again.One thing that really helped sell theTS-480 was the detachable head unit.

 

It's not cheap - The MPAS was $315 and the extension was $130 totaling $445. These meet the best on line prices I could find. I don't mind going the "buy once cry once" route for a lifetime purchase if the quality and performance are there.

 

Those AvMaps seem to be as rare as hen's teeth - I can't even find used ones on eBay. I'm going to attempt to use APRSDroid on an Android tablet to see if I can get the same results. My nirvana would be completely self contained so I can locate the beacon (possibly Mrs 3M's car stuck in a snow bank after we bail to snow country) even if cell service was down. I'm hoping I can receive her position and send it to the tablet, but don't know if it's technically possible.

Thanks - I hadn't considered that, yet one more reason that detachable control head is a good thing.

I've read pros and cons regarding voice quality with the SSB filter - what is your experience? Do you use them in both your TS-480's?

I'm all ears on the MARS/CAP mods. IIRC these are removing jumper(s) and/or resistors? I will get that TXCO for the TS-480 ordered as soon as the bleeding stops on my debit card.

 

I'm up for the 1.8 if 3M does not want it. Always wanted to try one.

 

I've already taken advantage of @BTPost 's kind offer. If it doesn't work out for me like I expect I'll PM you.

 

Let me know! I'll buy new if it works good! Thanks!