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Radio
08-26-2015, 06:49 PM
Every 8 to 10 years I get a new ARRL Repeater Directory, whether I really need one or not. Really, my last one I got in 2008. :bag:

I like 3 things:

1. It is ring bound and lies flat in your lap or on a table while you program your radio. The older books would always slam shut if you let go of them. I remember photocopying the pages and highlighting the repeaters I wanted just so the book slamming shut would not drive me nuts!

2. The print is big. Real big. I just can't see those little pocket sized ones anymore. I used to set the copier to 300% enlarge!

3. It comes with a mobile app that runs on Apple IOS and/or Android. Not sure what all it does as I haven't loaded it on the Kindle yet. I do not own a smart phone.

There's a lot of new stuff in there I need to catch up on. I think this fall I'll make a big push to get more involved in the local ARES like I used to be. First I need to blow the memories out of my dual band mobile and get that all updated.

But I got some stuff that needs attention before that... :whistle:

Anyway the directory is $15 on sale. Anybody using the app?

NN5I
08-26-2015, 08:01 PM
... just so the book slamming shut would not drive me nuts!

Alas, it's too late for me. My directory snapped shut one time too many.

coupevillefish
08-26-2015, 11:46 PM
I have the android app on my tablet. It was a free download but in order to see the 2m & 440 repeaters I had to pay a ~$10 license fee. I think it renews annually.

I like the app. You can search a location and see the towers on a map or on a list sorted by distance. The map locations are not 100% accurate but close enough to see how they are located relative to a specific location. As with most smart phone/tablet apps you can quickly zoom in and out on the map.

I am not sure how much data it stores versus needing Internet access since I virtually always have Internet access.

I am going to look into the book. I think I would like to have that too.

Radio
08-27-2015, 07:04 PM
I have the android app on my tablet.

<snip>

I am going to look into the book. I think I would like to have that too.

The book comes with an access code to turn all that on. If you time it right, you'll get the app for free for a year.

Radio
08-27-2015, 07:31 PM
Getting the new directory prompted me to go find my pair of Kenwood TH-G71 handy talkies. One has a keyboard issue and I found it right away.

The one that still performs flawlessly, of course, was MIA.

After several futile attempts to find it, finally, success! Hiding right there in plain sight in sort of an "in box" of manuals, QSL cards and other stuff, right up on top of the radio shelf there in the shack.

Hurrah!

I shall update that first, and then on to the rig in the truck. Assuming I can find the programming cable for the TM-V700.

electricflyer
08-27-2015, 10:15 PM
I usually get a new directory (small print) every year when I renew my ARRL membership at the Atlanta hamfest. This year I was out on my camping jaunt so instead I looked around on Google and got a free code for one and got it when I renewed online. They sent it to me with free shipping. here are other books or publications you can get for nothing when you renew if you look for ARRL renew membership coupon codes. But, what Wade mentioned, on the first inside page is a code for an app that can be used to locate repeaters in the area you are located, provide you've got the location turned on your android. By the way ARRL membership goes up $10 starting January 1, 2016. Like everything else the prices are going up. Increased fee to get in National Parks, I belong to the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) and it is going up $10, seems like $10 is the magic number.

W9CMG
08-28-2015, 01:33 PM
I use the free ReaterBook app

Radio
08-28-2015, 03:45 PM
Cool! Found a USB programming cable for the Kenwood TH-G71 on E-bay for $8.

Should be here in a day or two. I have the cables for the other rigs. Just a matter of finding them and figuring out how to adapt them to a laptop with no serial ports.