I have been trying some data modes for a while now as the Echolink interface was been compatible but now use the following.

When using WSPR I am using the following equipment:

• Yaesu FT-817ND with Tigertronics Signalink USB or Icom IC-7100 with PC USB audio
• Home brew Octagonal Magnetic Loop Antenna for 30m to 10m or a 20m End Fed Long Wire at 6m
• AMD Athlon II X2 255 Processor 3.1GHz, 2GB RAM running Windows 7 Ultimate
• EE Smart Hub (Fibre to cabinet)

I did have problems with the Signalink (unwanted noise) but since rearranging the layout of the radios the problem has gone. I have seen it documented on the web and believe this is a issue with them which can be resolved with a few mods. Search the web and you will find various modifications for them.

I have so far tried WSPR on 30m through to 10m using the home brew magnetic loop antenna and have had some very pleasing results. You can find more information and reports on WSPRnet web site.

HF Data modes

When wanting to run a bit more power, although no more than 20w, for the data modes such as PSK31 and FT8 I am using the following equipment:

• Icom IC-7100 with PC USB audio
• Home brew Octagonal Magnetic Loop Antenna for 30m to 10m or 20m End Fed Long Wire at 6m
• AMD Athlon II X2 255 Processor 3.1GHz, 2GB RAM running Windows 7 Ultimate
• EE Smart Hub (Fibre to cabinet)

I have downloaded HRD for data modes and have been active on 40m through to 10m on PSK31, PSK63 and PSK125. I use WSJT-X for FT8.

D-Star

As of December 2014 I decided to venture on to D-Star as I had lost my local Echolink node used during commuting. I am now on D-Star using an Icom IC-5100E in the car with a Comet SBB4 antenna (1/2 wave on 2m, double 5/8th wave on 70cm) mounted on the hatch back. I usually access the system through GB7BM in central Birmingham or my gateway and can be found on there between 07:30 to 08:00 and 16:00 to 17:00 local time. If not chatting to locals I can be found on REF001C, REF030 or DCS005B. Unfortunately coverage has fallen short of my home town by a couple of miles when it becomes very patchy so I decided to build up my own gateway to slightly overlap the repeater coverage nearer home and give me coverage around town. Around the house and when out and about I use the Icom ID-51E.

Personal D-Star Gateway for wider coverage

• Yaesu FT-7800 on 2m
• Comet CX-725 @ 8m a.g.l.
• DV-Mega GMSK Modem
• Raspberry Pi 3 B+ with WiFi connection running Pi-Star

DMR

I decided to see what everyone was raving about with DMR and looking around could see a number of relatively cheap radios. I managed to get a bargain on Ebay and won a B-grade TYT MD-uv380 from one of the main U.K. retailers for £40! Getting to grips with the code plug was relatively easy.

Unfortunately there were no repeaters or gateways within range of the home location so I upgraded the DV-Mega firmware and enabled DMR on Pi-Star.

Personal Dual Mode Hot Spot

• DV-Mega UHF shield
• Raspberry Pi 2 B running Pi-Star

This page updated 30/11/19