Comms Setup/PTT

[n00b1982]

Hi all,

So I’m looking to get some help/advice/assistance around my setup as I’m tying to “level up” the kit I’m using.

I have a set of FCS AMPs that I’m currently using. I have been using the Baofeng PRC replica, but found that I’m getting issues with range so have just purchased the Falcon 3/Harris AN/PRC152 Walkie.

Im trying to see which cables I need and a good PTT recommendation to use also. I was using an Earmor PTT which has lasted me 4 years with no problems, but this is not bviously incompatible with the 6 pin connection required for the Harris Radio.

What leads do I need to get, and which PTT would you advise? I’ve seen the FCS V20 6 pin, but unsure where to go from there. I will only ever be running the one radio.

Thanks (hopefully) for the insight.

 

[Jez_Armstrong]

Just to check, you are under yours or your teams ofcom business licence, correct? As both the radios you mentioned are 2m/70cm

Both these radios operate on the same bands, the issue will be your antenna if you're having issues with range, not the radio 

 

[n00b1982]

Hiya,

Yes the team has a license that gives a “frequency” to use from my understanding.

in terms of what I mean by range I may not be using the correct term, but Incan be less than 100m from my team and they can’t hear me. I’ve tried several different antennas with the Baofeng, but just though either way if I’m upgrading stuff then I may as well with the radio too.

Any advice on what to use in terms of PTT/download for the setup?

 

[The_Lord_Poncho]

That baofeng should never have a range that short - it's either defective, or (more likely) the frequencies aren't programmed in correctly. If that is the case, then you will be getting very short range comms still with bleed through. I've had clear as a bell comms with identical spec baofeng at 6km in undulating woodland. Even dense urban, on uhf, should give you a reliable 500m or so. Got to say, when I used the real harris radios, the range wasn't really any better (but obviously so much better in terms of quality and feature set).

 

[n00b1982]

Appreciate the honesty - however I’ve already bit the bullet so to speak and spent on the radio anyway.

Ive just been upgrading my gear rather than my guns for a change ??

 

[Tommikka]

Ignore the PTT for now

Use the handset alone with no ancillaries fitted and test transmit / receive 

Check that the frequency is correctly programmed into the handset and that you are able to both transmit and receive before doing anything else

 

[n00b1982]

Hi again,

In the nicest possible way is there someone that can actually help me with my ACTUAL question.

I made clear in the original post my previous setup was run for 4 years. Could it be equipment for range loss? Yes. But that’s also not the question I’m asking.

Ive already bought the other radio and I’m asking for recommendations about what PTT and downlead combo would be best to use around the setup.

I know how to setup the frequency already, I just want recommendations on what I’ve asked lol.

 

[Jez_Armstrong]

Sorry, some of us are amateur ham radio users so when a question about range gets thrown in we have to solve it ?

Show us the radio, is it an TRI or a TCA 152?

I run the TCA with an FCS 20 but had to modify the cable 

 

[The_Lord_Poncho]

In the nicest possible way is there someone that can actually help me with my ACTUAL question.

yep, fair enough!

 

[n00b1982]

Sorry, some of us are amateur ham radio users so when a question about range gets thrown in we have to solve it ?

Show us the radio, is it an TRI or a TCA 152?

I run the TCA with an FCS 20 but had to modify the cable 

I appreciate it buddy, and didn’t want to come across as being a dick lol - hopefully I haven’t. I do also understand the clarity on the license question as I know that many don’t and quantifying it can be important.

Im just frustrated myself, as I’ve gone from the Baofeng which was OK - until it wasn’t. Then trying to upgrade the equipment to something better, and I’ve thrown myself in to a different world in real terms to what I’m used to.

Its then difficult to try and get the clarity because retailers only relay certain information, so I guess I’m looking for some real world experience rather than buying something that simply won’t work lol.

yep, fair enough!

Hahahaha,

Please see previous.

Genuinely not trying to be a dick - just trying to get an answer so I can buy what I need ??

And forgive me, I missed your question - it is the TCA

 

[Chev Chelios]

I have tried both FCS offerings and are OKish and will work but the UH94 (modal in image) I have for the NATO down lead works best. JCI coms is a good dude and will sort you out. You can find him here https://www.facebook.com/groups/1687000848242078 also a goldmine for this sort of stuff. 

View attachment 148980

 

[n00b1982]

I have tried both FCS offerings and are OKish and will work but the UH94 (modal in image) I have for the NATO down lead works best. JCI coms is a good dude and will sort you out. You can find him here https://www.facebook.com/groups/1687000848242078 also a goldmine for this sort of stuff. 

View attachment 148980

Appreciate the guidance buddy - thank you!

 

[n00b1982]

Do you happen to have a link to that PTT in the interim?

May just order that knowing I then just need the right downlead, or was it modified?

Cheers

 

[Chev Chelios]

PTT https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005795960736.html?  and the downlead https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006922921754.html? (should of come with the FCS Amps).  

 

[n00b1982]

PTT https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005795960736.html?  and the downlead https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006922921754.html? (should of come with the FCS Amps).  

thank you buddy,

Ive ordered the PTT and I will test with the downlead once it gets here, from memory it’s a different lead but I may well be wrong lol