Thrifty Amateur Radio

My Original Reasons for Amateur Radio

• Communications when cellular service is unavailable (e.g., camping in Shenandoah).
• Operating on a thrifty budget.
• Maximizing range.
• Acquiring as many features as possible.

Off-Grid Communications Options and Amazon Prices

• GMRS/FRS: $60 per pair
• MURS: $100 each
• CB Radio: $77 each
• GoTenna: $150 per pair

Prices are approximate and sourced from amazon.com.

Visuals show examples of Motorola GMRS/FRS radios, a Midland CB transceiver with a car adapter, a GoTenna device, and an iPhone displaying the GoTenna app.

My Discovery: The BaoFeng/PoFung UV-82

• Price: $32 on Amazon.
• Frequency Range: 136-174 MHz and 400-520 MHz.
• Features: FM Radio, Flashlight.
• Requirement: A Technician License is needed to operate legally on certain frequencies.

A visual shows the BaoFeng UV-82 dual-band FM transceiver with an earpiece microphone and programming cable.

Next Steps for Getting Started

• ARRL Ham Radio License Manual: $27
• Amateur Radio Technician License Exam Fee: $15
• BaoFeng/Pofung UV-82 Radio: $32
• Baofeng Programming Cable: $6
• Total Estimated Cost: $80

A visual shows the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual.

Downloading Prolific Drivers

To program the Baofeng UV-82, you may need specific drivers. The document references downloading drivers, potentially from Prolific Technology, Inc. The website shown is prolific.com.tw, with a login portal for "Guest Sign In" or account creation.

Visuals show a screenshot of the Prolific website and a computer screen with the website open.

Chirp Software for Radio Programming

• Cost: Free.
• Compatibility: Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Functionality: Programs radios, manages local repeaters, stock configurations, Marine, NOAA, Calling Frequencies, and FRS/GMRS/MURS channels.

The document includes a table that appears to be a template for radio memory channels, showing columns for Metriples, Memory Range, D-STAR, Location, Frequency, Name, Tone Mode, Tone, ToneSqI, DTCS Code, DTCS Pol, Duplex, Offset, Mode, Tune Step, Skip, Comment, URCALL, and RPT1CALL. The provided data shows an example entry for a D-STAR channel at 146.010000 MHz.

A visual shows a screenshot of the CHIRP software interface, possibly displaying a CSV file for memory configuration.

Echolink Integration

Echolink is an application that allows amateur radio users to communicate globally via the internet. The document shows a screenshot of an iOS app displaying a world map with numerous radio nodes marked, indicating online stations and repeaters. It also shows station information for W4BRM-R, including its callsign, location, and linked systems.

APRS (Automated Packet Reporting System)

To use APRS, you will need:

• Baofeng UV-82: $32
• Mobilinkd (Bluetooth KISS TNC device): $65
• Mobilink Baofeng Cable: $10
• APRSdroid (Android app): $5
• An Android phone/tablet.

Total Estimated Cost for APRS setup: $112

Visuals show the Baofeng UV-82 connected to a Mobilinkd device via a cable, and a separate Mobilinkd device.

APRSdroid Software and Station Information

The APRSdroid app displays station information, including callsigns, distances, and locations. Examples provided include:

• Station Info: DBOLE B
• Station SSIDs: IDB0LEN (268.9 km SW), Abr 10 (268.9 km SW), PHG2500 Digipeater/APRS/IGATE, Lennestadt (268.9 km SW), DBOLEN-2 (268.9 km SW), Apr 10 (268.9 km SW), IDB0LEB (102.6 km SE), IDB0LEB (12:43 PM), IDB0LE (439.5750), ENG0006 (440 Voice 439.5750MHz - 7.6000MHz).

Station History entries show received data with timestamps and callsign information, indicating communication events.

Map services like aprs.fi and QRZ.com are mentioned for tracking APRS activity.

A visual shows the APRSdroid map interface displaying various radio callsigns and locations across a geographical area.

The document also shows an interface for sending messages, with fields for recipient, message content, and options to send or cancel. A keyboard layout labeled "SlideIT" is also displayed.

Choosing an Antenna for the UV-82

The Baofeng UV-82 requires an antenna with an SMA-F connector and a 50 Ohm impedance. The website miklor.com is recommended for information on choosing antennas. The author chose the 15" Nagoya 771 antenna. A VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) greater than 3 is mentioned as a consideration.

Another recommended option is the Diamond SRJ77CA Ground Plane Antenna.

DIY Ground Plane Antenna components and instructions:

• UHF Connector SO 239 Female 4 Corner Panel Mount: $1.50
• Solder: Less than $1
• 12 gauge electrical bus wire: Less than $3 (requires 1 vertical and 4 radials)

Instructions for preparing the wire include stripping with a razor and straightening with a power drill.

Formulas for calculating wire length:

• Vertical Length (Inches) = 2808 / MHz
• Radial Length (Inches) = 3088 / MHz

A visual shows a completed DIY ground plane antenna with four radial elements connected to a central UHF connector.

Favorite Learning Resources

• YouTube Channels: SurvivalTech Nord, GuerrillaComm, TheUrbanPrepper.
• Links provided: https://www.youtube.com/user/SurvivalTechEU/videos

Conclusion

The Baofeng UV-82 is presented as a highly compatible UHF/VHF radio suitable for various communication needs, including FRS/GMRS/MURS/Marine/NOAA frequencies.

The guide highlights the ability to communicate globally via Echolink and track GPS locations using APRS.

It also emphasizes the improvement of the stock antenna and the overall affordability of the setup, with a total cost under $125.