lddave
0
KC5LSP here
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I think youll find APRS connectivity to be lacking. Ive found i rarely get APRS hits if im in a rual area. Basically i typically have cell service in the areas where i have APRS connectivity.WB3FYV Dave here
I've been a Ham since 1976, and since I was already knee deep into motorcycles, it seemed natural to combine the two hobbies. Over the years I've owned many types and different brands of radios. (including Baofeng, I had to see what all the buzz was about, especially since I could buy one for less money than the cost of a battery for my Yaesu VX-7R)
I have yet to find the perfect radio that does it all, but the new FT3DR with built in GPS and APRS tracking comes real close, especially since I want to get off the beaten path but don't want to spend the money on a Spot Tracker subscription!
The tricky part of operating a radio on a motorcycle is getting the antenna to work effectively. Learned that when setting up to operate HF on my old Goldwing during my loop around the country in 2007.
Anyway
Can't wait to see where this thread goes, it should be interesting! Ham Radio operators are almost as brand-fanatical as KTM/BMW riders so there might be some name callin' and finger pointin' ....
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
If you don't want to deal with spot or inreach do the one time cost of a PLB/EPIRB. A PLB costs about as much as a new spot or in reach device but doesnt require any extra fees past the initial purchase. You cant send messages with it but its the most reliable way to get help coming to you in an emergency.
I recently picked up a Garmin Zumo 396 and can Bluetooth it to my phone. I'll turn on tracking and as long as there's cell signal you can go to a Garmin webpage and view the route I'm taking/riding. I did that so my wife knows where I'm at because I often ride alone around where we live but she can also see when I go to Arkansas where I am. We also share locations through Google Maps but that's not often very accurate.+1
I'm a belts and suspenders kind of guy. I run a Garmin inReach on the bike tied to SpotWalla, and I have a PLB in my jacket pocket in the event that I'm separated from the bike and can't reach the SOS on the inReach.
as long as there's cell signal
Two days ago I put APRSdroid on my phone and it shows up. I have a Pixel 3 with Android 10 and the build says it was for an older version but it seems to work, it showed up on aprs.fi where I live. Not connected to a radio, it had -10 after my call sign. My mobile is a Yaesu FTM-350 and it has GPS/APRS built in. I have a roof mounted NMO antenna. It does fairly well.What HT are you using? The only thing I have with APRS right now is my Jeep that I have a 40 dollar burner phone with APRSDROID on it which I hook to a HT then run to an external 1/4 wave antenna on the roof. That's a lot of extra crap on the bike but in the Jeep it's no big deal. I've been having issues with showing up on APRS.FI even though I show up on APRSDROID fine.